Avion Luxury International Airport Magazine
A line of open yachts with the name of Bugatti
Only two years ago the motor yacht Khalilah, a gem some 49 metres long with carbon fibre hull, stunned the world. A gamble deemed foolish by many, or however particularly risky, which chose to go against the grain with a whole series of choices: reverse bow, large windows, enormous cut-out sections on the first bridge to give visibility to the interior and an incomprehensibly designed deckhouse, which appears to be oriented to amaze rather than be practical and useable. But we are talking about a brand that is allowed some excesses, in fact, it actively looks to include them in order to satisfy its valuable international clientele - with its historic shipyard in the United States in business for a century, it has literally received every type of request. Against this background, the Bugatti Niniette 66 series, a new dynasty of radically different yachts, is destined to amaze. No longer enormous, super multi-bridge or displacement, no longer giant opens, but three extremely beautiful, practical and sporty boats from 50 to 88 feet, which can be sailed directly by the owners and will entertain and amaze, beginning with the name they bear. The Niniette 66 is the middle model, which will probably be the one most in demand. It has an enjoyable length and is stable on the sea without being too showy or complicated to handle, because we all know that weight leads to slowness, even on the sea. These enormous toys with speeds of 40/45 knots were designed to be the perfect complement to the Chiron - and the price is in fact very similar. In line with the tradition of the marque, the yacht is all blue and decorated with details in titanium and carbon like the superb sports cars with which it shares its name. But the space available is another story, as is the rich
quota of accessories. In this yacht there’s no anxiety or fear when the engine is started. The number of cylinders and the power available are almost comparable, but this isn’t what matters to those who chose this exclusive product. The best thing is enjoying the experience aboard the yacht as if you were in your own hypercar. This nautical “twin” of the Chiron, at first glance, appears very similar to the car - the enormous 270 degrees curve that embraces both yacht and car, beginning at the front and extending almost to the waterline in the first case and forming the side skirts in the other, channels the air and gives a unique depth to the shape, and can be seen and appreciated even at a distance, even if car and yacht are not side by side. In the cockpit, the two very sporty leather seats are immediately noticeable, but it is the steering wheel with the initials EB in plain sight that adds the perfect finishing touch to the digital console, which seems to have come out of a science fiction film. This technological gem will delight any sailor, but the jewels in the crown are the optionals, such as the hide-away Jacuzzi which disappears under the central sun lounger, and the fire pit, also “hide-away” (it emerges from a small table), designed to illuminate and warm up evenings outdoors on
board - another incredible gamble, since fire, in the world of sailing, is the number one enemy of any sailing craft, regardless of its size. Certainly the carbon Jacuzzi is something truly new in the sector, but that’s not all, because going down to the lower bridge, you can better appreciate the French influence in the design, shapes and use of luxurious materials. Below deck, every square inch is made from exquisite materials, from light leather to brushed carbon and beautiful panelling on the walls and ceiling, unique and sophisticated to the sight and touch. Just like every square inch of the interior of a road-going Bugatti.