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In Real
November-December 2010
Majesty 125
QUEEN FOR A DAY
In taking the unprecedented step of debuting a new model outside
of the UAE, Majesty Yachts demonstrated their brand has global appeal.
We caught up with their largest launch to date, the all-new Majesty 125,
at her unveiling on the French Riviera. By Alain Brousse and Craig Barnett Photos Matthieu Carlin
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As a shipyard, Gulf Craft need no introduction to any yachting or boating enthusiast
in the Middle East. The region’s most prolific builder for almost three decades, their craft
are not only omnipresent in every marina within the Gulf, but three-quarters of their production
is exported and sold in over 40 countries around the world. Growing into a company
with such far-reaching international sales has enabled Gulf Craft to widen its horizons, especially
with its flagship marque – Majesty Yachts. The expansion of the Majesty brand is
not purely geographical however, it is very much a physical process too. No sooner had the
company unveiled the Majesty 125 - the largest ever built - than they were also announcing
the sale of a 135-ft project that is currently under construction.
AAt the launch of the Majesty 125 on the opening of Festival International de la Plaisance de
Cannes 2010, Notis Menelaou, Gulf Craft’s Sales Director, commented; “We are so proud to
have the Majesty 125 superyacht cruising in European waters, and the sale of this vessel really
solidifies Gulf Craft’s new presence in this market.” They may have cemented their presence
in the Mediterranean, and in the most advantageous of situations, as the Majesty 125 will enjoy
a busy charter career, but the yacht was lucky to be at the show. Having been delivered a couple
of weeks earlier, the French owner told us how he’d had such a great time on a ten day family
cruise around Corsica and Sardinia, it took some persuading for him to relinquish the yacht
for a moment… let alone two weeks for the Cannes and Monaco shows.
Between these two events, we were allowed onboard for sea trials and a photoshoot, getting
the time to really get to know this new tri-decker. For first impressions, the Majesty 125 is easy
to spot in a crowded marina. Her vanilla-tone hull and four large portlights on the forward
section are very distinctive. Constructed entirely using the latest composite sandwich and vacuum
infusion techniques, this wide-bodied yacht offers a pleasing profile penned by Massimo
Gregory, which, if not wildly innovative, is certainly distinct enough to be recognisable.
Welcomed aboard by the captain, who pronounced himself extremely pleased with the choice
of yacht the owner had made after an incident free shake-down cruise, we were led to the
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November-December 2010
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DOMINATING THE MAIN DECK, THE DINING ROOM AND LARGE
SALON BOTH FEATURE INTRICATE PARQUETRY ON THE SOLE
pilothouse. Situated forward on the main deck, once inside it is apparent from the imposing
instrument panel that practicality and functionality take precedence. While a companion
sofa and raised leather chair are supplied for comfort, there is little else to distract the skipper
from his work. For close manoeuvring in port, a series of closed circuit video units are available
to the captain who is provided with visual feeds to compliment radio communications
with his crew – for which accommodation is provided for seven. In terms of decoration, a
dark wenge dominates the pilothouse but is lightened by the bamboo floor.
When asked for his personal highlights of the new 125, Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft Executive
Manager answered simply and without hesitating, “The number of features onboard.” One of
the features he went on to list was the Arcturus Marine ‘Zero Speed’ Trac stabilisers, the benefits
of which we felt while waiting for the helicopter and cameraman to arrive. The system monitors
the heel and angle of the vessel constantly, adjusting the stabilizing fin over 200 times per second
to stop any rolling action before it happens. While the sea was calm during our sea trial, it’s remarkably
effective, even against other vessel’s wakes, and along with the almost ‘religious’ silence
that pervades the interior, makes one almost feel like you’re still in the marina. The hand-tufted
carpets enhance the quietness aboard, they’re 100 percent Japanese acrylic yarns and feature a
soundproofing double underlay. Once underway, the twin 2,000hp MTU engines effortlessly
maintain a 17-knot cruising speed, granting the yacht a 1,600 mile range. This range climbs to
2,100 miles by dropping the speed to 15-knots, though when miles and fiscal wellbeing are less
important considerations, the Majesty can reach a top speed of 23 knots.
Other features worth pointing out at this juncture are; the hydraulically operated transom
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In Real
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As seen in the master
stateroom and en-suite,
in selecting high quality
materials Majesty have
left no stone unturned.
garage, which houses the tender and two personal watercraft, the foredeck solarium, the
bespoke audio visual system that stores music and video files in an extensive library, an ambiance
management system that controls the lighting and moderates the temperature, two
alfresco grilles and wet bars, and a Jacuzzi on the flybridge. The flybridge itself is well appointed,
with the Jacuzzi and sunpads aft, two separate lounge areas, a wet bar and dining
area under the shade of the hardtop and a helm station.
Moving down, on the upper deck guests come across an exterior space large enough to offer
an al fresco dining area for ten people, and a huge sofa that can also be used as a solarium.
Inside, a salon bar with television, or majilis area if designed so, can accommodate at least
ten guests. Further forward of this is the pilothouse and Captain’s cabin. Descent to the main
deck can be achieved by either an exterior staircase to starboard, or by the interior staircase
located amidships. There’s no doubt that Majesty have reserved the largest interior volume
for the interior salon and a dining room that houses an oval table that seats ten guests. The
salon is well lit by a series of floor-to-ceiling picture windows and, although customisable according
to the owner’s desires, on hull #1 is decorated in a classically modern design. Dark
wenge cabinetry offsets the ivory headliner, while light oak boards make a parquetry feature
of the sole. Vanilla-hued freestanding sofas ensure continuation and a central pedestal containing
the LCD TV partitions the salon from the dining room. Overall it’s of an above average
volume for this size of yacht and the quality of workmanship is to a very high standard. Accessible
through the tinted concave picture windows aft, the cockpit offers a welcoming aspect,
with a large table, sofas and chairs upon which to receive guests.
In order to grant the owners privacy, their stateroom has been fitted out on the forward part
of the main deck. The generous suite features a bathroom, dressing-room, foyer and office.
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November-December 2010
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Majesty
125
LOA: 38.40M
HULL’S LENGTH: 32.91M
BEAM: 7.55M
DRAFT: 2.0M
LIGHT WEIGHT: 205 T
ENGINES:
2 X MTU 16V 2000 M91
POWER: 2,000HP (1492 KW)
MAXIMUM SPEED: 23 KNOTS
ECONOMIC
ARCHITECT:
GULF CRAFT DESIGN TEAM
DESIGNER: CDB YACHT DESIGN
BUILDER: MAJESTY YACHTS
(GULF CRAFT INC.)
FUEL CAPACITY: 28,750 L
CRUISING SPEED: 15 KNOTS
WWW.MAJESTY-YACHTS.COM
WATER CAPACITY: 5,600 L
BLACK WATER: 5,715 L
GREY WATER: 5,715 L
RANGE: 2,100 MILES
BUILD: GRP
PRICE: $15,000,000 (USD)
THE FIVE CABIN CONFIGURATION,
ALLIED TO AN ATTRACTIVE PRICE TAG, MAKES THE 125
A GREAT PROPOSITION FOR THE CHARTER MARKET
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Four disctinct social areas
allows for guest privacy
aboard, while the captain
busies himself in the
functional wheelhouse
Although the four oval-shaped portholes do not open like those in the two VIP cabins located
in the hull, they do flood the entire area with natural light. In ensuring the luxury aspect of
their flagship, Majesty have left no stone unturned in their quest for exotic natural leathers,
woods and… stones. Throughout the yacht, the variety of unique masonry used is fascinating;
white and yellow Onyx marble, Navona Travertine, Cream Marfil, Shivakashi Granite Black,
Absolute Granite, and Black Portoro are all either used as full panels, or mixed into inlays
and margins. The master en-suite is a typical example, exuding the feel of a five-star hotel’s
facilities rather than that of a yacht.
On the lower deck, two symmetrical VIP cabins offer the same level of comfort and finish.
Both offer a generous double berth in luxurious surroundings, a leather-topped writing
desk/vanity space and plenty of light through an elliptical portlight. Set in the portlight is a
circular porthole, which opens to allow guests fresh air and the sound of the sea gently lapping
against the hull. The two twin cabins are understandably more compact, but enjoy an
equally high quality of finish and, of course, en-suite facilities. This ten-guest layout and all
cabins with en-suite, allied with a competitive price tag, means the Majesty 125 is perfectly
suited to the charter market, as well as a private yacht for larger families. Located in the
bow, the crew accommodation is completely independent thanks to a crewmember’s area
with square, galley, four cabins that can accommodate six people and three shower rooms.
As far as decoration is concerned, the Majesty blends Art deco and modernism with classic
touches. There is a contrast between the pale burr walnut, wenge, bamboo floorboards, Zebrano
and the white carpets. As a private yacht intended for charter use, the owner’s choice
on this unit works well, and while everything is subjective, we would question the choice
and durability of the fabric used for outdoor furnishing.
This Majesty 125, built ‘on spec’, is a custom yacht. In addition to the different choices available
in term of wood species and fabrics, the owner can express his/her wishes as far as
fittings are concerned and there is some scope for flexibility in the layout. As each craft
that Gulf Craft build, whether a 20-foot fishing boat or 125-foot superyacht, is built for a
customer, the yard is well-versed in listening to their clients and satisfying their requests.
As you read this work is underway at Majesty’s yard in Umm Al Quwain, UAE on a new
135ft flagship, so, the 125’s reign as queen of the fleet will be shortlived, however it can be
said it truly deserves her title as a majestic yacht.
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November-December 2010
In Real
The 125 Project
Erwin Bamps:
Executive Manager,
Gulf Craft
What does the launch of the 125 tell
us about Majesty’s future ambitions?
The new Majesty 125 makes a statement
on three levels. Firstly, the decision
to unveil the yacht at the Cannes Boat
Show, and show it subsequently
at Monaco and Genoa, demonstrated
we view ourselves as a player
on the global stage. These top European
shows are an international shop window,
and to be considered a global player
you must be there. It’s like fashion,
what makes it to the catwalks of Paris
will sell in the Arabian Gulf, but
not necessarily the other way round.
Secondly, the 125 shows the ambition
of Majesty as a superyacht shipyard.
We are a company that can produce
custom yachts up to 50m in a reasonable
volume, like Sanlorenzo for example.
We will use the superyacht division to
demonstrate the levels of craftsmanship,
innovation and technology we can
achieve and how this is consistent
throughout our range of smaller yachts
and boats. The Majesty superyacht
division is almost like the Lexus brand
launched by Toyota – it epitomises
the ‘best of the brand’, though the other
brands and models share the same
quality and technology. Finally, we now
want to build our name as a superyacht
builder. With the 125 we were
confident we could take on the major
brands in their own backyard
and compare favourably.
How long did the project
take once building began?
Remarkably, the 125 was completed
in just 14 months – which is astounding
for a custom yacht and the first in the
line. What makes it extra special is we
began building in the darkest days of the
recession, without a client, and selffinanced
the build – such is the strength
of the company financially. This actually
worked to our advantage, as there
was no changes or intervention from
an owner or their representative, so the
engineering work progressed quickly and
smoothly. Once we got to the interiors
we slowed down, until the yacht was
sold, and then as the client was very
specific on the interior and finishing,
were able to complete in good time.
What kind of response did you
get to the 125 on the Riviera?
We received exactly the kind of feedback
we were looking for. Many have watched
(and some have criticised) the yard
over the last three decades, but when
they saw the finish, the design and
workmanship most declared it the yard’s
best work to date. The recognition
the brand received was remarkable,
people could see how far we’ve
progressed and it certainly helped when
showing our smaller models at the show.
In terms of clients, we’ve received great
interest from the international market –
USA, China, Asia, Middle East and
Europe – which vindicates our reason
for attending these shows.
What are the yacht’s highlights
for you personally?
It’s easiest for me to summarise this
in five categories. Firstly, the features
and technology – it’s a full-feature boat
with fully integrated systems and
a specification that shows exactly what
we can achieve. Secondly, the space and
layout is a highlight for me. During the
exhibitions I showed many owners and
skippers of 40m+ yachts around the 125.
I’d wait until the end and then ask
what length they thought the boat was,
despite it’s 38m length, nobody
estimated less than 40m. Thirdly, the
private circulation of crew and guests,
and the four exterior dining spaces also
make it ideal for multi-family charters.
Next choice and selection of natural
materials used within the interior always
impresses. And finally, the rugged
build quality and sea keeping ability –
at Gulf Craft we always build seagoing
vessels, not floating apartments.
Which brands do you see the Majesty
125 competing against primarily?
What is important for me here
is the brands the customer compares
us to, not what I’d like to be compared
to. At the recent shows I saw many
people walking between Sanlorenzo’s
stand and us. We are both high-volume
yards, which provides the client with
confidence. At Majesty, we offer custom
yachts in a quicker time and often
for a similar or lower cost than
production yachts, and this impressed
the international brokers. The Majesty
reputation is certainly on the rise against
European and household brands.
No.2 is already in build,
is this on spec or sold?
We are without a confirmed client
on hull #2 at present, but are confident
we’ll have a deal signed shortly –
the list of interested parties is extensive.
Some have been waiting out the
recession and now want to purchase
a custom yacht that can be delivered
quickly. So, we’ve progressed quickly
again with the engineering works to cut
lead-time, and will be in a position
to allow the client to select interiors
and finish for a very fast delivery. •
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