CRUISING FAIRLINE SQUADRON 65 OFF ANGOLA
16 Sep 2014
A jam-packed business visit to Angola recently saw Boating World’s Derrick and Suzanne taking some time out to enjoy themselves on a luxurious Fairline Squadron 65.
Having spent five very busy days in back-to-back meetings with different clients, they looked forward to spending the weekend with the proud new owner and his family on their gorgeous new cruiser.
Nestling on her moorings at the new Marina with its sophisticated, plush amenities - the impressively large Fairline 65 stood out among her peers in this upmarket haven - which has recently become “home”.
The new marina is the perfect dwelling for a craft of this ilk, filled with the latest boating facilities including state-of-the-art jetties and an amazing travel lift (boat crane) with a 200-ton capacity! The brand new hotel is the perfect destination for tourists and watersport lovers.
Quite at home in these luxurious surroundings, the Fairline 65 gleamed in the bright sunshine which heralded Derrick and Suzanne’s arrival at around 10am that Saturday. Their first impression when stepping on board? “It’s like being on a floating hotel!”according to Suzanne.
They were warmly greeted by the Skipper, First Mate and hostess who showed them around and took them to their plush en-suite accommodation below decks. While very familiar with this boat which they imported, Derrick and Suzanne never fail to be impressed with the Fairline 65’s excellent overnight facilities.
Easily able to accommodate up to nine overnight passengers in total comfort, the cabins are amazingly spacious and beautifully appointed. Panoramic full length overhead windows maximize natural lighting and elegant ‘floating’ beds, massive wardrobes and loads of storage space make one forget that you’re on a boat.
Back on deck the party of six adults and three children took a quick “recce” of the many social areas available, soon settling for the most popular spot of all upstairs – the al fresco-style flybridge. Everyone could enjoy the spectacular views together from this perfect vantage point. As soon as the powerful twin Caterpillar C18’s surged into life they were off – heading south into open waters for Mussolo Island some 45-minutes away.
Relaxing in style while sipping Moet champagne and other refreshing drinks accompanied by delicious pre-made hot snacks and meals, was the perfect icebreaker in this idyllic setting.
Something that really struck them was the ongoing sense of freedom thanks to the amazing spaciousness of this craft. Considering nine guests and three crew members were to spend two days and a night together, there was never a restricted claustrophobic feeling. They could easily move around from one area to another.
There are just so many other places in which to chill from the seclusion of the cabins to the huge, roomy cockpit and luxurious saloon. Guests can comfortably enjoy being outdoors and closer to the water but not in it! The hydraulic ‘hi-lo’ bathing platform was the perfect spot for indulging in some light fishing while at anchor and allowed easy sea access for those wishing to swim. This is also a really intimate spot for evening cocktails.
Several games of Ludo were played with the children in the plush lounge area which boasts a U-shaped settee around a coffee table. The World Cup soccer games were also closely followed on TV. Needless to say, animated conversation, peppered with much laughter accompanied copious amounts of food and refreshments which bolstered the mood.
While the Fairline 65 is capable of extremely long distance travelling (fuel capacity of 3 542-litres) and thoughts of simply cruising into infinity did cross several minds - all too soon they were making their way back to Luanda.
The weekend may have been over but memories of this fantastic Fairline Squadron 65 interlude will linger on well into the future.
For more information about the whole Fairline range and other boats, contact Boating World.