The yacht industry has actually only ever known one direction: upwards. Owners - allegedly - needed bigger and bigger yachts, and so the portfolios of the major semi-custom providers grew: The 72 became a 76 the following year, the 112 a 118. Princess founded the M-Class division to build formats over 30 metres, Sanlorenzo has already reached over 60 metres, and Sunseeker has to work with Icon from the Netherlands for its largest yachts. Some of these major brands missed out a little on the counter-trend of downsizing; those interested in weekenders bought from Wajer, Vanquish, Frauscher or Wally, for example.
With the success of these manufacturers, the policy changed, especially on the British Isles, one of the most productive regions in international yacht building. Princess presented the R35 two years ago (issue 2/19), Sunseeker then the Hawk 38 (5/19). However, both are very special and radically different: the R35 has a foiling system, while the Hawk 38 is more of a racing boat with its Buzzi design and 62 knots top speed. Nevertheless, they demonstrated that they occupy a length segment whose customer base is (theoretically) much larger than that of 100-foot yachts. Now a third dayboat from England has reached the market, from the third major British shipyard with triple-digit delivery figures in motor yacht construction. Fairline, a traditional brand from Oundle that was resurrected a few years ago, came with the F33.
It has a much more conservative design than the smaller models from the competition, but it certainly fits in with the brand's image. Unlike many of its competitors, Fairline did not enter the race for ever larger formats and limited its portfolio. For the F33, the British company engaged Alberto Mancini, a designer from Trieste who is currently in high demand. The Italian has already developed the successful and award-winning Fairline 63 GTO and has now once again utilised his automotive experience for the F33. "The 'F33'," says Mancini, "is a reminiscence of the automotive design of the 1960s. The proportions are - in my opinion - perfect; and the fact that you can spend the night on the F33 also makes it a versatile boat." Anyone looking at the F-33 profile can only agree with Mancini. The 1960s were a decade of liberation. And the styling of the cars from that period reflects these changes. Just think of the flowing lines and curves of the Ferrari 250 SWB and the Jaguar E-Type, the Aston Martins, Maseratis and Lamborghinis of the time.
The use of glass on the F33, which is available in five colours, is particularly characteristic. The all-round cockpit window has a clear automotive feel, while the window integrated into the hull gives the ten-metre cruiser a sporty look and provides the interior with natural light. Below deck, the F33 has a double bed, a bathroom with shower and a small lounge. Two lockers can also accommodate a change of clothes, so that tours with overnight stays or an alternating programme of bathing fun and exclusive dining are also possible. Al fresco, the helm station has two comfortable seats; a sideboard separates it from the dining area in the stern, which can be converted into a sunpad with an optional adjustable cockpit table. There are two further berths in the bow area, meaning that the F33, which displaces seven tonnes when fully fuelled, is also ideally equipped for six passengers.
And what does the fun cost? Fairline charges slightly different prices depending on the engine configuration. With two Volvo petrol engines of type V6-240/DPS and 360 kilowatts of power, the price tag is 312,000 euros, for the V8 configuration with a total of 640 kilowatts or the diesel version with 330 kilowatts 325,000 euros each and for an F33 with V8 engines from Mercruiser (640 kilowatts) 338,000 euros. With the large engines, the Daycruiser reaches a top speed of 48 knots, with the smaller engines 32 knots.
While the equipment of the F33 is extensive, the options list still contains numerous extras. Beginners might choose a bow thruster and joystick steering, for which they will have to pay an additional 6000 euros. We also think the height-adjustable cockpit table for 5800 euros and the outdoor wine fridge for 2620 euros are worthwhile. Pleasure is a must! By the way: Fairline currently also offers the F33 with an outboard drive and 450 to 600 kilowatts of power. The additional bathing platform, which frames the powerful engine package, lowers into the water, but can also be raised when mooring to make it easier for the owner and guests to disembark. Sensible innovation in yachting - this is what it looks like!
