November '02
The Ultimate in Luxury
by Richard Crockett
It's not often your first look at a new boat simply takes your breath away.
But the luxurious Moorings 6200 cat did just that to me. It's absolutely stunning; and is something South Africans should really be proud of.
It oozes luxury wherever one looks. Every fitting, each fixture, and all the finishes are of the highest standard. It is quite obvious that no expense has been spared, with the result that it is seemingly without blemish; and that is all the more remarkable since it is the first boat off the production line Built by Robertson & Caine and designed by Alex Simonis, the 62-footer has set new standards in local boat building - and those standards must now be their benchmark for the future, not that their standards have ever been in question.
Robertson & Caine are, of course, no newcomers to the industry. They have been making waves here and internationally for some years now. The quality and calibre of their work is well-known worldwide, especially in the USA where they are now considered to be the biggest supplier of catamarans to The Moorings.
But back to the magnificent Mooring 6200. It really does take comfort and style to a new level - on all three of its levels. It has four luxurious private staterooms, a spacious cockpit, a large saloon area with cocktail bar and separate dining area, a galley that the most fastidious chef would be happy in, and a flybridge from which the boat is piloted, or which can be used as an additional outdoor entertainment area.
The private staterooms have personal heads, showers and vanity areas. The grand saloon provides for completely separate lounging and dining areas with full entertainment centre which includes stereo, TV and DVD. The entire enclosed area of the boat is air-conditioned too.
Since it was newly launched and not available for media reviews, it was difficult to do a full evaluation, particularly in such a short time with so many people around. But, talking to the spar and sail manufacturers who sailed it to set up the mast and fine-tune the rig, it sails well, and speeds along at about 16 knots under twin motors.
Me? I'm still blown away by the boat, and look forward to a more relaxed opportunity in which to evaluate it properly.
On the night that the 62 was unveiled, the builders also unveiled their 46-foot powercat.
At the launch, the new boats slipped into their moorings against the backdrop of the night sky, a firework display and the Navy band. The guests, who were enthralled at the sight, were then permitted aboard - but only if wearing the natty slippers with an embroidered Robertson & Caine logo.
The powercat, known locally as the Lion 46, and in the Moorings stable as the NauticBlue 464, is on a completely different scale.
It, too, has three different levels - an accommodation level, a living and entertainment level, and an upper level for the flybridge into which seating for eight is incorporated. The upper deck houses a spacious saloon and galley area aft, and a pilot house with inside steering. The lower deck has four double cabins each with en-suite head and shower.
Under power - it's powered by twin 315hp engines - it can cruise at 18 knots.
Like the 62-foot cat, its finishes are exceptional, making it a luxurious vessel on which one could quite easily live for extended periods without feeling hemmed in.
For those who prefer power to sails, it is sure to be an absolute winner.