CLAYDON REEVES AEROBOAT

If you’re considering purchasing a private yacht which brings together stylish design and high-performance components, you should definitely check out the Aeroboat by Claydon Reeves. Fitted with a supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engine, the Aeroboat draws on the design of the iconic Spitfire WWII fighter plane to present a waterborne vehicle of unique contemporary elegance, high performance and outstanding durability.

“The Aeroboat is Claydon Reeves’ answer to anyone seeking a boat combining speed and contemporary elegance,” Claydon Reeves team says, “a heady combination of old-school romance and modern-day technology.” And indeed, the Aeroboat is a magnificent superboat: built from high-end super-yacht materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar and lightweight wood veneers, the vessel houses a fully reconditioned and fuel-injected 27-litre RR Merlin V12 engine with the fabled gearbox and final drive with documented provenance, which has been detuned to approximately 1,100bhp to allow for speeds of 75-95 knots (86-110mph).

Inspired by the sleek outline of the British Supermarine Spitfire World War II fighter, the 14.64 meters long Aeroboat with 2.98 meter beam features a luxurious cabin and smooth shock-mounted forward seats, as well as double berth and a small bathroom below deck to accommodate up to seven passengers. The helmsman will be able to navigate the boat by means of a combination of analog gauges for basic functions, touch-screen navigation controls and a joystick throttle. The Aeroboat will be able to achieve 1,600 – 2,500 horse-power (equivalent to 21 Ford Fiestas) with max draft of 1.14 meters and it will weigh as few as 7,700 kilograms.

Adequately termed as the ‘combination of speed and sophisticated elegance’, the Aeroboat was recently presented in London’s flagship HR Owen Rolls-Royce showroom by the team of UK-based Claydon Reeves yacht designers. Founded two years ago and sharing over 30 years’ experience in super-yacht building, the team’s main goal is – in their own words – ‘to breathe new life into the yacht design industry’. Inspired by the substantial British heritage and designed in Britain, the Aeroboat will also be built at a yard on The Solent. As the Claydon Reeves spokesman said, this vessel is perfect for all those wishing to ‘breakfast in St. Tropez, lunch in Antibes and dine at night in Monaco.’ Reportedly based on innovative modern materials, fresh design ideas and increasing demand for attractive shapes and the spirit of waterborne individuality, the Aeroboat interior is inspired by a sports car design and fitted with a wooden dashboard and leather stitching.

Billed as ‘one of the fastest and most elegant small yachts ever produced’, the Aeroboat will be customized to the client’s personal requirements, all from the interior trim and cockpit layout down to the exterior finishes and engine specifications. And if you’re planning to get yourself a piece of this fine-looking, high-speed super-yacht, you’d better hurry – the Claydon Reeves team announced that Aeroboat will be a limited series vessel and only ten yachts will be produced, so make sure you order yours before it’s too late.