Hopefully the incense will bring her luck. At the launching of the Italian, a clergyman also gave a speech and reverently walked along the hull of the ship, which was still suspended in the air. After the christening, the 43-metre yacht was launched into the water. Why "Frette"? The name was chosen in honour of the renowned Frette brand, which is known for its Italian craftsmanship. And so the cabins are also furnished with the bed linen brand of the same name. The Columbus Atlantique 43 stands for refined materials and, according to the shipyard, should guarantee "maximum joie de vivre on board".
Aluminium superstructures sit atop the 43-metre-long steel hull, with a maximum width of 9.05 metres. Both the exterior lines and the interior of the Columbus Atlantique 43 m bear the signature of the Hot Lab studio, in keeping with the motto "travelling by sea". The design was largely supplied by Studio Hydro Tec.
Streamlined like a sailing yacht
The outer profile of the 43 is reminiscent of a nutshell or a smooth, skilfully carved stone. Just one shape, soft and aggressive at the same time, which combines the lines of a motor yacht and a classic sailing boat - pure elegance. "Frette" was created according to the wishes of her owner and pleases with XL outdoor areas that merge seamlessly with the generous interior spaces. Everywhere on board, the surroundings are close enough to touch.
The stern of the Columbus Atlantique 43 is perhaps its most striking area, with the five-metre-long swimming pool at its centre. The area is very low on the water, as the aft section has been "lowered" to 50 centimetres above sea level. And the two folding side wings further emphasise the feeling of direct contact with the water.
Five double suites with private bathrooms are available for guests on the lower deck: three twin cabins and two VIPs, which can be combined into one large suite. The crew spend the night in the forward area, where they use three double cabins, all with bathrooms, the crew mess and the laundry.
Columbus Atlantique 43 manages a good 15 knots
The 5.5 metre long tender is parked at the stern in a garage on the starboard side. The second tender, which functions as a lifeboat, and two jet skis are stored in the forward part of the main deck. The Signora is powered by two 970-kilowatt Cat C32 Acert engines, giving it a top speed of 15.5 knots and a cruising speed of 14.5 knots.
The owner did not manage the project alone, he relied on Camper & Nicholsons New Build Division, which represented the owner from the pre-contract phase throughout the entire construction period and acted as project manager and technical expert. "Frette" up close: The yacht will be on display at the yacht and boat shows in Cannes and Monaco in autumn 2024.
The Columbus shipyard has only been around since 2011 and its first yacht was the 54-metre "Prima". Other models in the portfolio mostly float around 40 to 60 metres.
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
