The CLB65 Serves Up Unrivalled Style
So what exactly is luxury anyway?
Most of us think of comfort, for sure. Opulent comfort. The kind where everything feels exactly as it should.
Space is certainly luxurious. Having room to spread out. Enjoying uninterrupted vistas from horizon to horizon, with no annoying encroachments.
Convenience is obviously a part of luxury. In a state of luxury, everything comes easily, if not already right at hand.
And style is definitely part of luxury. It’s not enough to be supremely comfortable and well looked after. One should look the part too.
If we measure luxury by those definitions, then the new CLB65 from CL Yachts in Fort Lauderdale doesn’t just meet the bar but soars far above it, with its thoughtful appointments, spacious accommodation with expansive views, modern conveniences, and the finest finishes inside and out.
The CLB65 sits in an appealing size range, big enough to cradle owners and their guests in luxury with plenty of space to get away from it all, yet it is compact enough to allow easy self-crewing for total privacy on the water. Stretching a generous 19.7 metres in length and riding on a comfy six-metre beam, the CLB65 is based on the hull of the marque’s longer CLB72, including its three-deck layout. Thanks to some imaginative engineering, interior space on the new boat comes very close to that of the older model, aided in no small part by its free-flowing open decor and massive panoramic windows that draw the outside in, bathing interior spaces in natural light while delivering magnificent views.
If you board from the stern via the enormous hydraulic swim platform, a wide set of stairs to starboard beckons you into the open cockpit, which is shielded from the midday sun or intermittent showers with a full-length hardtop. A near full-beam, forward-facing settee shares a lovely wooden table with freestanding chairs to create an irresistible outdoor space for morning coffee, lunch al fresco, or evening meals in the open air.
CL’s brilliant engineering in the form of two large swing-open salon doors allow owners to create a continuous outdoor-indoor main-deck living space, with the cockpit flowing seamlessly to the interior galley and beyond. This makes the most of the yacht’s aft galley layout—a first for CL— allowing the space to serve both inside and outside areas with equal ease. It also takes full advantage of the CLB65’s expansive glazing to provide a bright and appealing workspace, with abundant counters and premium appliances.
Opposite the galley is a convenient indoor dining space that also makes a perfect perch for supervising the chef’s progress. And offering all manner of helpful suggestions, of course.
Forward of the dining area, a raised salon features a magnificent C-shaped settee that surrounds a large coffee table and faces the starboard-side helm. Oversized windows provide commanding views, while the use of light fabrics, textures, and natural woods creates a fresh and contemporary space that stands apart from the traditional heavily varnished dark woods found in so many other yachts in this size range. The overall look, feel, and style are fresh and engaging yet cozy and warm. Kudos to CL for nailing the interior decor, which feels completely at one with the CLB65’s perky and neat exterior form.
Far forward in the salon, a wide staircase leads below to the overnight accommodations. The sensational midships master stateroom makes full use of the yacht’s giant beam, offering extensive wardrobe space, abundant natural light through the side privacy glazing, and a spacious ensuite with walk-in rain shower.
In the bow, an almost equally luxurious VIP cabin includes its own roomy ensuite head, abundant clothing and gear storage, and plenty of natural light.
To port, a day head includes ensuite access from the adjacent twin cabin. This is more than just a spot to sleep the kids—it’s a surprisingly roomy stateroom that, like the others, is flooded with natural light and fresh air thanks to generous privacy glazing.
The overnight accommodations continue CL’s use of light fabrics, attractive textures, and light woods to deliver elegance and style. Sensual curves and organic shapes throughout give the lower deck a decidedly gentle, calming feel that guarantees a refreshing night’s sleep for all.
Outside in the cockpit, generous side promenades lead forward to the bow where extensive sun pads and a huge forward-facing settee provide an ideal space for soaking up some rays, drying off after a swim, or simply enjoying a refreshing glass of limoncello with a good book.
From the cockpit, you can also head up a wide staircase to starboard to access the brilliant upper terrace. There, you can flake out in the sun or escape the rays under the hardtop upon one of multiple inviting settees. Of course there’s a barbecue and a wet bar, so there’s no need to return below for a snack or a top-up.
The flybridge also accommodates the upper helm for a more open-air driving experience and greater visibility entering or leaving port.
While designed as a self-crewed yacht, the CLB65 can accommodate a crew if desired, with a designated aft crew cabin. But for those who self-crew, the space represents unbeatable storage space for extended cruising.
And cruising is exactly what this lovely yacht was designed to do. Powered by twin Volvo Penta 800 horsepower diesels and IPS pod drives, the CLB65 can achieve top speeds of 27 knots when there’s a need to get there fast or cruise economically and very comfortably at 21 knots with exceptional fuel economy and ultralow emissions.
With outrageous levels of comfort, space, convenience, and style, the CLB65 qualifies as a top-flight luxury yacht by every measure. Is it any wonder it has quickly established itself among the most desirable yachts in its class for 2024? Have a closer look at one of this winter’s boat shows, and you’ll agree, this is one gem that sits in a class of its own.
