PHOTOS: Carlo Borlenghi
What do you do when you don’t find what you want in a yacht tender? You hire the design studio you favor to tailor one to your taste, and then have it built accordingly. Nauta Design created this sporty boat for a sailing-superyacht owner, for a variety of roles. The 48-footer (14.62-meter), which the studio calls the Nauta Tender 48, is as adept at letting guests get a good night’s sleep as she is shuttling the crew to shore for provisioning.
Nauta Design is responsible for not just the general design, but also exterior and interior design, plus preliminary system arrangement. The owner wanted the Nauta Tender 48 to accompany his larger craft while he was enjoying long trips throughout the Mediterranean. Specifically, he envisioned the tender serving the usual guest-transport role. He also planned for the crew to put her to use in bringing fresh foods and related items aboard for the day. But, he also wanted to use her himself, for occasional fun trips exploring nearby areas. In addition, he even foresaw the Nauta Tender 48 serving a bunkering role, for times when his sailing superyacht’s draft was too deep for the port.
Nauta Design, together with naval architect Francesco Rogantine, combined the practical with the pretty. For instance, a long rubbing strake means the Nauta Tender 48 won’t detrimentally impact the sailing superyacht when she’s alongside. Twin 600-hp Cummins engines provide a reported 37-knot thrill ride for the owner. That, too, is enough speed to make quick trips of taking guests ashore. Maxi Dolphin, a custom Italian builder specializing in fiberglass construction, employed composite throughout, with some carbon fiber reinforcements, particularly in her hardtop. Corecell coring keeps her lightweight, too.
More practical-meets-pretty occurs below decks. The Nauta Tender 48 has an owner’s cabin, as well as an aft cabin for crew or extra guests. A galley, along with a handy washer/dryer as well as a wine chiller, separates the two. For low maintenance and uncommon appeal, the soles, overheads, and countertops all feature laminated linen fiber. Beam is a comfortable 14 feet (4.37 meters).
Of course, the best part of being aboard a yacht tender/chase boat is being outside. To that end, the Nauta Tender 48 welcomes everyone into the cockpit. Sunpads invite stretching out to catch rays, whereas the hardtop provides shade when wanted. Seating sits beneath it, too, grouped around tables comprised of mahogany and laminated raw linen, for eye-catching appeal. The tables can extend for dining, or for serving as further sunpads. That is, when the crew isn’t using every available corner for loading the evening’s dinner delights.
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