Top speed: 54 knots. The new product from the Italian shipyard AB Yachts in Massa already looks as if it could reach 54 knots off Cannes. The designers of the new AB 100 construction, employees of the shipyard halfway between La Spezia and Viareggio, have already wrapped the exterior of this fast glider in dangerous-looking metallic grey tones. The hull and superstructure shimmer in the port of Cannes as if they were about to take off. Even in the box, the AB 100 makes a good 30 knots. I wonder what will happen when we let this masculine grey panther off the line outside?
The AB 100 is certainly on the move. The promise of a good 50 knots is based on a package of three MAN twelve-cylinder engines, whose combined output of exactly 4191 kilowatts bubbles into the water through two jets and a jet booster, providing foaming propulsion. The practical side of jets: they are ideal for shallow water. Using reverse thrust, they reliably stop the moving masses at a boat length (!).
Architecture modelled on aircraft and automobile construction
The fact that the hull can withstand the enormous pressure of the water resistance is guaranteed firstly by the fast shape and secondly by the GRP construction reinforced with carbon fibres. According to AB, the architecture is based on findings from aircraft and lightweight contemporary automobile construction. The minimalist metropolitan interior in lounge style fits in with this. This combined package of construction, styling and interior comes entirely from Massa in the province of Massa-Carrara. Carrara? Apart from the dining table, we don't see any important marble elements on board. The in-house AB 100 concept appears to be perfectly harmonised. This AB 100 bears the name "Spectre", which means ghost or spectre. Will it turn the coast off Cannes into a ghost train?
On our first inspection of the main deck, we discover a U-shaped sofa with a table on the foredeck and a sunbathing area in front of it. The open stern hatch to the garage transforms the spacious bathing platform into a beach club with a few quick moves and two armchairs, which is not so common on a 30-metre format. On the sundeck, a complete flybridge equipment allows control of all manoeuvres.
"Spectre" has unusual and dynamic flooring
A few months ago we sailed the AB 145, a good 44 metres long. The shipyard covered its open decks with a diagonal pattern in the style of a parquet floor. It has done the same on the AB 100. The effect is unusual and dynamic. Unfortunately, the observers and amateurs around the harbour are unable to share in this. However, we catch their glances from a greater distance. Thanks to the lean manoeuvrability of the jets, we reach the open sea faster than expected.
Speeds are difficult to estimate at sea, but they can be measured. The direct perception of acceleration has long since left us here at the sheltered steering position on the main deck. However, 20, 25 and 30 knots change at lightning speed on the speed display. The jets rumble remarkably quietly. The grey Panther's booster bites hard, but doesn't roar.
Layout on board the AB 100
This section for the helmsman is located at the front of the large room on the main deck. AB's interior designers have divided it into the helm station, dining area and seating area. To starboard, next to the monitors, a companionway leads down to the lower deck with cabins for the owner, VIPs and guests. Directly in front of the first step, a door opens into the galley, not too far from the dining table. The crew of four spend the night in two cabins in front of it.
The sense of speed returns in a flash on the flybridge. 49.5 knots at 30 metres feels almost breathtaking. That's the best we can do today. Sales Manager Rudolf Berglehner explains the difference to the possible 54 knots:
This yacht reacts extremely well to weight and fouling. We guarantee the 54 knots up to 78 tonnes, but only with a completely smooth hull."
Now, at the end of the season, the hull is overgrown, and perhaps the 78 tonnes have just been exceeded. "An extra tonne," says Berglehner, "costs two knots of speed."
In any case, the owners seem extremely satisfied with "Spectre". In July and August 2016, the engines ran for a total of 280 hours. From the shipyard, they travelled throughout Italy, then Croatia and Montenegro, followed by Sardinia.
With a yacht like "Spectre", holidays can take on a whole new dimension. In cruising mode, however, the MANs thirst for 700 litres/hour.
Technical data
- Length over everything:30,00 m
- Depth: 1,30 m
- Displacement (empty): 70 t
- Displacement (100 %):90 t
- Material: GRP/Carbon
- Motor:3 x MAN V12-1900
- Engine power: 3 x 1397 kW
- Drive: 2 x MJP 500 CSU, 1 x MJP 500 Booster
- Speed (max.): 54 kn
- Speed (travelling): 43 kn
- Fuel:11 500 l
- Water: 2000 l
- Range: 550 nm @ 12 kn
- Construction:AB
- Styling: AB
- Interior design:AB, owner
- Classification: RINA+, CE Cat. "A"
- Shipyard: AB Yachts/FIPA, 2016
This article appeared in BOOTE EXCLUSIV issue 02/2017 and was revised by the editorial team in May 2023.
