Thinking outside the box is what has propelled CL Yachts onto the global stage. When the shipyard took a leap and selected Milan-based Jozeph Forakis of forakis…design to sketch its yachts, the collaboration blossomed into a long-term partnership, merging the shipyard’s 150-year legacy with Forakis’ cross-industry design expertise.
The newly presented 30-metre CLX99 succeeds the much-loved 29-metre CLX96, which debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022. The result is a superyacht that combines style and function, offering increased interior volume, expanded outdoor spaces and refined design elements tailored to the tastes of European and Asian markets. BOAT takes an in-depth look…
Style and function
The CLX99 embodies a "workboat-chic" design philosophy, combining long-range cruising capabilities with much attention to guest comfort.
"The hull is the same great hull as CLX96, with its excellent design ensuring performance, stability, handling and seaworthiness," says Martin Lo, director of CL Yachts. "However, the beach club area has been extended and the new yacht reaches an overall length of 30 metres. Indeed, there are substantial differences in terms of naval architecture, layout and choice of materials and finishes. The desire to create this new model stems from an analysis of market and owner needs, combined with the aim of having a version that can satisfy all markets, including Asia and Europe, as well as the secondary charter market."
Forakis designed a bold exterior profile, characterised by raked glazing on both the forward and aft ends of the superstructure. This angular styling evokes the practicality of workboats while delivering the luxury of panoramic interior views. Enhanced seaworthiness and reliability are also achieved through technical upgrades. "We have also redesigned the hull windows on the lower deck with cleaner, continuous lines, so the profile – while unmistakably the lineage of the CLX range – flows even better," Forakis highlights. "The engine room has also been optimised with aft generators, making the engines more accessible for maintenance."
A design ready to customise
The main deck benefits from a two-metre extension, creating a spacious dining room at the bow, with the galley conveniently adjacent and portside crew access. The deck also features a versatile relaxation area with an expanded sofa, which, as Forakis points out, can serve as a sanctuary, dining space or observation lounge. "The multifunctional space highlights the diverse operational roles the yacht is capable of," he adds.
The lower deck has been thoughtfully reimagined, with the standard layout offering five cabins, including a full-beam master suite, two VIP doubles forward and two cabins amidships that can be configured as doubles or twins, all with ensuite bathrooms. The crew area, housing a team of five, is strategically positioned between the engine room and the master suite’s aft bulkhead, providing extra sound insulation to ensure a quieter experience for the owner.
For those seeking further customisation, clients can opt for a master suite on the main deck, replacing the forward dining and observation lounge while maintaining five cabins on the lower deck, accommodating up to 12 guests.
Skylounge splendour
The CLX99 carries forward the signature "Terrazza Portoghese" from the CLX96 - a distinctive, spacious seating and sunbathing area located forward of the bridge, serving as an elevated bow terrace and offering a unique retreat.
Another highlight is the extended upper saloon. "The skylounge has been extended by over three metres, with the helm – on the same level – separated from the guest saloon, allowing the captain to work freely without interfering with the guests," Forakis says. The forward bulkhead of the skylounge is mostly glass, preserving the yacht’s hallmark 360-degree views while still allowing guests to observe the yacht’s operations. A sliding door connects the two spaces.
The skylounge retains its up-down windows on both the port and starboard sides, along with the aft-bulkhead service bar, another signature feature, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor living. The redesigned aft sundeck provides a perfect setting for al fresco dining and relaxation.
At the stern, significant updates include a larger water-level beach and swim platform with drop-down bulwarks that transform into spacious terraces on either side. "There’s also much more storage space available everywhere, including exterior storage under the external sofas," Forakis adds.
Inspired by nature
Beyond the extended hull, refined styling and enhanced layout, Forakis has infused the CLX99’s interior with natural influences, blending organic curves and elemental shapes inspired by coastlines. "The leitmotif of the CLX99’s interior is the rounded and smooth lines that characterise all the furnishings, evoking pebble beaches with their smooth stones, both in shape and in the choice of materials," Forakis explains.
"With the CLX96, I was given free rein to think beyond the boundaries of conventional yacht design, and I was able to meld my passions for intelligent design and sailing with the imagination and dreams of an ‘outsider’," Forakis says. "The CLX99 takes all those elements along with the double-reverse-angle workboat-chic of CLX96 and carries them forward into new dimensions of style, function and practicality to meet the varied demands of differing global yachting markets."
For more information about the CLX99, contact the team at CL Yachts today.
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