Fairline Targa 53 Open
Though we won’t see the work of newly appointed designer Alberto Mancini until 2017, the 53 Open marked the first new Fairline since the yard was plucked from administration earlier this year. It’s based on the deck saloon version of the 53 that was launched at the 2014 show but it gives an encouraging insight as to the direction the ‘new’ Fairline is going.
The quality of the interior is something that really stood out for me. The lustre and finish of the woodwork and cabinetry reminded me of how Fairlines used to be. The décor is tasteful and inviting, beset with sparkle but not over the top, and there’s precision and tactility in the way that everything fits together.
The layout of the show boat included three cabins but for me, if you spec the open version you will want the lower dinette – in lieu of the third cabin – just in case the weather is truly grim. But this still leaves you with two spacious ensuite cabins.
The thorny issue of master cabin headroom over the bed hasn’t been addressed – just too much cost to amend in this instance – but it doesn’t seem to grate as much on an open sports-cruiser and we’re assured it will be sorted on next year’s Squadron 53.
In good weather, the cockpit will be superb. It’s spacious, well designed and has plenty of room for guests to loaf around and enjoy themselves, and glass panels in the sunroof mean it’s lovely and bright, even when closed.