Boot Düsseldorf 2020 became a record for Fairline Yachts in all the years of its participation in it, bringing orders worth over £ 13 million. Among the yachts at the stand was the world premiere – the sports Targa 45 GT.
The British shipyard has accompanied this model with the sonorous characteristics of Star of the show and Gamechanger. I agree with the “star”: it’s still a world premiere, and this is serious. But I am ready to object with regard to changing the rules of the game. It is not the first year that the shipyard has strictly followed the rule introduced by it to produce yachts of the Targa line in pairs: models Open and GT (Grand Turismo). Therefore, it is not surprising that the Targa 45 GT coupe has now been added to the already well-known Targa 45 Open: a holy place is never empty. In this situation, the novelty should be perceived not as a competitor to the open model, but as an “equal partner” with a focus on its customers and expanding their general circle.
How does the boat work?
Fairline Targa 45 GT is very similar to the Open model: both were designed by designer Alberto Mancini and are endowed with streamlined shapes, characteristic superstructure and hull glazing – now fashionable “scalpel” (it looks like glass in the side). These and other architectural details have already become the dynastic hallmarks of the Fairline Targa family of the “Mancini period”. But, perhaps, the main external difference will be the superstructure roof with a transparent hatch on an electric drive (GT) instead of the “accordion” of the fabric closing of the opening (Open).
What was pleasantly surprised was the design of the stern with a “solarium” sunbed and a tender garage under it (like the Targa 45 Open): this was not the case on the older Targa 48 GT! Here, the garage lid rises to reveal ample space for a Williams 280 MiniJet, and the tender floor serves as the engine compartment hood. At the same time, the transom (“solarium”) cannot be lifted just like that, although there is an electric drive: first you need to release the latches from the sides – such is the “protection from the fool”.
Dossier Targa 45 GT
Length:
14.20 m
Width:
4.32 m
Draft:
1.20 m
Displacement:
12.8 t
Fuel supply:
1300 l
Water supply:
400 l
Power:
880/960 HP
Sleeping places:
4 – 6
Capacity:
12 people
RCD category:
“B” (Offshore)
The teak stern platform is hydraulically lowered and the raising / lowering of the tender is straightforward
Having looked around in this quite cozy cockpit with a large sofa, folding table and vetbar (there is a grill), we will go through the sliding doors into the salon. Its layout is quite familiar: on the port side there is a dinette on the podium, in front of it is a nice sofa; on the starboard side “sideboard” with a pop-up TV screen and a control post. But the quality of the interior workmanship is premium! This also applies to woodwork with elements of complex shapes, and to their combination with a filigree selection of patterns …
The helm with two seats, finished in plastic and metal, looks decent. There are not many devices, which pleases: the main place on the dashboard is occupied by the Garmin 12 ″ MFD, the Volvo Penta 7 ″ diagnostic display in front of your eyes, the steering wheel and the IPS joystick are at your fingertips … A familiar picture when the pilot sits on the left, and this is a plus: in steep circulation on the port side the view from here is better. And on the course, the visibility is simply magnificent through the high tempered glass windshield without a mullion.
Cabins, as expected, were “found” below: VIP – in the bow, “master” – in the middle, between them – a second salon (sofa, table) with a sensible kitchen module opposite. The master cabin is high (2 m), with a mirror on the front of the wardrobe and a mosaic aft bulkhead, already dubbed the “Mancini wall”. In the finish, walnut under a glossy varnish and leather elements look advantageous. The bow cabin is also not crowded, there is enough light and mirrors.
But this arrangement is not a dogma: you can swap the VIP and the “master”, and then there is a double bed in the bow instead of the “scissors”, and in the midship – two single beds. Or, instead of a dinette in the lower saloon, equip a Pullman guest cabin … In short, options are possible, and there are many of them. In any case, there will be two toilets, with showers: this is quite enough.
A solid galley module with a marble or avonite worktop includes a large refrigerator, stove, microwave oven (cleverly hidden), cupboards and storage cupboards
Master cabin bathroom. The abundance of mirrors in interiors is an unmistakable and Fairline design technique widely used on the brand’s boats
The interior of the bow cabin. Interior finishes: Amalfi, St Tropez, Capri or Hamptons offer different colors and styles, including retro style
Spacious and bright owner’s cabin amidships with a transverse berth arrangement
How will she go?
It is expected that the Targa 45 GT will not be inferior to competitors in driving performance, and will leave someone in the wake. According to the specification, two Volvo Penta diesel propulsion units D6-IPS600 (440 hp) or D6-IPS650 (480 hp) are planned for the boat. The first option, as stated in the same specification, will give 32 knots, the second 33 knots. The figures look reliable, since with the same Volvo Penta D6-IPS600 the heavier Targa 48 GT (13.5 t displacement) developed a similar speed. And the cruising range at a cruising speed of 25 knots (3000 rpm), which exceeds 250 miles, can also be taken into account.
The Targa 45 GT body, developed by Vripack, is made of fiberglass by vacuum infusion of a binder according to the monocoque principle (a structure in which the shell is the main load-bearing element). This speaks of strength, but, returning to seaworthiness, again turn our attention to the Targa 48 GT model, which easily went to planing, perfectly controlled at any speed, softly passed a meter wave. And the RCD category “B” (Offshore) is, in fact, a tolerance in the water area with a wave height of up to 4 m and a wind force of up to 25 m / s.
And a specific feature of the new Targa 45 GT for the Russian market will be a variant of the transmission with the same engines, but coupled with transom columns – the Volvo Penta D6-440 / DPI propulsion units.
Konstantin Pribytkov, Sales Director Fairline Russia, West Nautical yacht group
Last season we delivered Targa 43 Open to our client in St. Petersburg. After a while, we can safely talk about a positive operating experience. The boat fits perfectly into our realities. Along the way, we saw genuine interest from yacht owners from other regions of Russia, who talked about the fact that they would be interested in a version with a closing saloon and corner columns. Less than a year has passed, and we have such a model – Targa 45 GT, which fully meets these expectations. It is really good, and no other manufacturer has a similar one.
This is how the cruiser turned out: a closed saloon, a garage, sunbathing areas in the bow and stern, two or three very decent cabins and the speed in any case is above 30 knots – the psychological milestone has been overcome. The Targa 45 GT played a significant role in Fairline’s financial success during boot Düsseldorf, judging by the influx of people eager to board. Which, however, is not surprising at all.
Text
Olga Selezneva
Chief Editor
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