Fairline Squadron 42

New Squadron impresses as a flybridge for the North Sea, sun or any weather

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The east coast and its rivers, Lowestoft, its club and marinas plus the Broads and particularly Brundall, are home to many different types of cruising motor boats.

Of those destined for sea, and speeds above 10 knots, they will inevitably fall into three categories aft bridge and aft cabin designs; sports boats with one-level saloon and driving accommodation, and finally the open flybridge drive boats with a second helm position down below for rainy days.

I have always favoured the aft bridge boats with windscreens, spray hood and full canopy, down if its sunny and up to keep you warm and dry in worst conditions.

Flybridges are fabulous for the sunny and hot Med. But in the east coasts North Sea climate we accumulate not only rainy days but really chilly ordinary ones too, remarkably frequently.

So I have been contemplating one of the latest, and indisputably beautiful flybridge boats with some change of heart.

The Fairline Squadron 42 is remarkably spacious at flybridge level, then at deck level its huge aft cockpit and bathing platform then going forrard to the second helm position and galley; plus two double cabins and sets of extravagantly roomy heads down below.

While the concept is much as in the past. Fairline really has put tons of space into this boat including a near 14 foot beam.

The smallest in the Fairline Squadron range, the new model is still every inch a Squadron and carries many of the design and technology advances pioneered in the larger models to offer a practical, user-friendly motor yacht for owners to relax and entertain guests all within a remarkably compact hull length.

There are two power options.

When powered by two Volvo Penta D6-370 EVC Shaft Diesel engines, the claimed top speed is 28 knots. Or twin D6-435 EVC Shaft Diesel engines, to give up to 31 knots.

In East Anglia, Essex Boatyards and the Bark family are the people to talk Fairline with. One of the largest boat sales organisations in Britain with about 20 million of boats stocked at their Wallasea Island 500-boat site, plus Hamble river boatyard in the Solent.

Essex Boatyards attract numerous experienced boaters out from London and the Home Counties, plus, of course, Essex, Suffolk, Cambs, Herts and further afield. They sold a cool 7-8 million of stock at Southampton last year and hope London this month will be very successful too.

While Fairline is up for sale from its 3i investment scene, and still belt-tightening, certainly this Fairline and two other new models being unveiled at LIBS this month speak well for its future.

Their first Anglian Squadron 42 has gone to an Essex couple, Stuart and Sharon, who took delivery in the snow and frost-packed last month or two of 2010 but were still delighted.

They talked me through the Mad Moment (as they have called the ship) and how they came to it see panel in this feature.

They went for, as do I, the excellent mix of cool styling and expansive space, plus modern features which make this boat very 2011 a great boat for entertaining, sleeping two, even three couples and heading for sea and abroad for cruises.

Handling-wise this boat, like its brand brothers, is a good, tough, long-range achiever and, weather aside, ideal for cruising the east coast and across to Holland, Ostend and French favourites.

When you step aboard, theres a good bathing platform where there can be the optional Fairline tender launch mechanism which allows for an increased waterline length so that the weight distribution can be optimised.

This patent-pending, concealed option is available for a Williams 285 Jet RIB, a thrilling tender in itself and all the easier to handle thanks to this option, though it does come at a price.

The 42s aft cockpit is teak-laid throughout and features a versatile seat with an adjustable backrest, enabling guests to sit facing forward or aft. There is ample storage space beneath for shoreline cables, gas bottle and four fenders. Foredeck and warp lockers are also provided. Blue LED lighting is available as an option, another cool extra.

Separate access hatches lead to the engine room and lazerette.

With its open layout, twin transom gates provide easy access on either side of the cockpit.

The stern platform includes a swim ladder and hot and cold shower. An optional passerelle is also available if required.

Teak-laid steps with handrail take you up to the flybridge, which offers significantly more usable space than the outgoing Phantom 40. There are two helm seats and a lengthy run of seating to way aft where there is a table for four and one dreams of weather good enough to dine there in the sun, not an option at this time of year however.

The table converts to a sunbed in the aft position. An optional flybridge bar accommodates a sink, griddle, icemaker and refrigerator.

The Squadron style wraparound foredeck adds to the big boat feel and includes a recessed self-draining area for coachroof sun cushions. Back aft, a sliding patio door leads to the saloon.

This has classic design and co-ordinated carpets, upholstery and curtain fabrics can be chosen according to individual tastes. The joinery is finished in satin oak and espresso gloss as standard.

The light and spacious saloon features full-length upper windows and sumptuous furniture. A sofa and adjustableheight dining table are located starboard behind the main helm position. The sofa also has an optional two fold bed built inside.

Opposite, a freestanding sideboard with cocktail cabinet can accommodate a 32 inch television.

There are two helm position seats always a must for me with a companion or two able to view our passage with me and while most flybridge boats have a relatively shallow windscreen, the Squadrons is reasonable with an opening window to starboard so you can talk to crew when mooring.

The full engine instrumentation includes tachometers, temperature gauges, battery condition indicators, audible alarms and engine hour meters.

A Garmin GMI 10 digital multifunction instrument system with colour display and Garmin VHF 300i marine radio is included at the helm. There is also night lighting and a hinged opening side window.

From this position, a handrail with glass partition connects the saloon with the galley. In recognition of the needs of onboard entertaining, the galley is one of the largest yet seen on a flybridge boat of this size as it utilises space under the saloon floor, and will accommodate an under counter refrigerator and optional freezer.

The galley is thoughtfully equipped to cater to the needs of guests, with a twin-burner gas hob, oven and grill, as well as a host of storage options and extra larder space built into the bulkhead. Lights are located above the work surfaces.

Continuing the Fairline design trend towards light-filled spaces, a large panoramic window includes a porthole within for natural light over the sink and food preparation area.

Down below, there is two cabin accommodation with ensuite design providing luxury and space.

The large master stateroom with full headroom is positioned forward. Two steps lead up to a central semi-floating double bed, which adds to the feeling of spaciousness. Comprehensive storage space includes a bedside table, drawers under bed, overhead lockers and wardrobe.

An entertainment unit is fitted flush into the bulkhead. Feature skylights and opening hull windows allow light to fill the cabin. The master en-suite includes a full-height shower cubicle with seat and vanity style sink, locker and mirror.

The introduction of a unique, open-plan guest cabin and ensuite heads creates spacious guest accommodation. The double doors open up the starboard en-suite to the cabin, concealing the toilet and creating extra cabin space.

Guests also benefit from a fullheight shower cubicle with seat, basin, vanity unit locker and mirror.

The flexibility of the layout also enables the single, fulllength beds to be converted to a double.

The bedside stowage and wardrobe provide plentiful storage space. A long panoramic window with opening port is located in the hull.

Technology and communications rate high with Fairline and both cabins have TV and DVD players plus I Boat docks where you can plug your mobile or I Phone in and get all your favourites plus charge your phone of course.

This boat is 2011 and as progressive as you can get for a very sensible starting price, though you will need to explore the extras too for even more exciting progress like carrying the great tender and not having to struggle with its launch or recovery. Stuart and Sharon apparently love the boat, as witnessed by their considerable use since November. I believe they are at St Katherines Dock as this issue publishes certainly they told me they aimed to celebrate New Years Eve aboard there. I can see more Anglians having Mad Moments.