yachting magazine

Entirely built at one of the modern Gulf Craft facilities in the United Arab Emirates, the 26.83m Majesty 88 is the culmination of many years of experience in creating top of the range luxury motor yachts. Gulf Craft has been building in GRP since 1982, and has perfected the use of handlaid unidirectional fiberglass with a balsa-filled core and vacuum-infused honeycomb bulkheads. This allows the production of extremely light, durable and easily driven hulls with stunning good looks and bright, high volume interiors. As virtually everything is designed and made on site, from the top-quality joinery and luxurious furnishings right through to the majority of the stylish stainless steel fittings, the Majesty 88

offers her owner a genuine semi-custom fit out, with the ability to cater for all tastes in décor. The most popular accommodation choice is for 8 guests in four cabins, with up to four crew in two cabins aft. The magnificent owner's stateroom runs across the full 6.4m (21ft) beam amidships, and features a forward facing king-sized double berth. A VIP guest stateroom, also full width and with a double island berth, is located near the bow. Each stateroom is generously appointed with ensuite toilet and shower facilities. The main saloon deck is fully geared for entertainment, dining and comfortable lounging when on passage or at rest. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the use of large windows on each side of the superstructure,

allowing panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. There are two distinct layout choices for the saloon – one with the galley on the main deck, and the other with it in the crew quarters, freeing up the space for a stylishly curved bar area instead. A luxurious day toilet is fitted as standard, so guests don't need to walk far when cruising. As you would expect from a top class luxury yacht, the saloon is awash with the very latest audio-visual entertainment systems. The lower helm station, with excellent visibility from the driving position, also has a large seating area opposite so guests can enjoy a forward view when underway in poor weather.

The top deck, always a favourite haven for sunbathing and socializing, is home to the upper helm station, as well as to large sun loungers, a semi-circular seating area, and a bar. There is dedicated storage for a large tender and a jet ski on the overhang, keeping them out of the way of the social space but easily accessible by the optional deck crane. Moving around the Majesty 88 is easy and safe, thanks to the large areas of teak laid deck, high bulwarks and plenty of stainless steel handholds.

Power comes from a choice of twin Caterpillar C30 1,550hp, C32 1,800hp, or MTU 16V TE91 2,000hp diesels spinning five-blade Alum Bronze 1000mm propellers via ZF gearboxes. The middle range engines can push the 70-ton hull along at a maximum speed of about 28 knots. The integral fuel tanks, finished in fire retardant resin, hold 13,350 liters (3,000 imp galls). The Majesty 88 spares nothing in terms of luxury, with the builders keen to supply every modern convenience based on 29 years of customer feedback. At the heart of the electrical system are two fully sound-proofed Kohler generators, providing 40kW at 50Hz. The low power circuits for engine start and electric deck gear run at 24 volts, whilst the 25hp bow thruster is hydraulically powered for unrestricted use during tricky manoeuvers. Gulf Craft has always been keen to produce GRP yachts that not only compete directly with the very top European yards, but do so with a far greater opportunity for customization without having to pay a premium for the privilege. Throughout the yacht, the beautifully constructed hardwood joinery is complimented by leather and marble accents and wide expanses of solid teak decks, giving the Majesty 88 a truly royal feel. This is a headturning vessel that fully understands its pedigree, and is built to last.