Yachting USA – August 2019

AUGUST 2019 YACHTING4 1

REVIEWED> MONTE CARLO YACHTS 66

says this build process optimizes the

fiberglass-to-resin ratio and reduces

overall weight. Internal aluminum sup-

ports further enhance strength. The yacht

displaces 72,000 pounds (dry weight).

¶ Fiberglass parts are post-cured in a

three-stage process inside the builder’s

10,760-square-foot painting shed, which

also functions as an oven. The room

heats up to about 149 degrees Fahren-

heit, and the stabilization process takes

about 14 hours. The temperature then

drops during the next 10-plus hours. This

method reduces emissions while allowing

for polymerization, which strengthens

the fi berglass’s physical properties and

should ensure long life for the hull paint.

¶ MCY uses a modular build system to

enhance construction effi ciency. The

hull, interior and superstructure are

built in parallel. A one-piece interior

module is completed in a jig, where

workers can run wiring and glove-fi t

internal bulkheads, furnishings and

the like. This setup allows staff to work

both above and below the deck simulta-

neously, further expediting construction

time. The process also helps keep build

tolerances to within about 1 millimeter.

Build time for an MCY 66, from the in-

fusion to launch, is about four months.

¶ The same level of organization applied

to the MCY 66’s construction process is

found in the yacht’s main-deck layout.

Glass cockpit doors open to an unimpeded

walkway on centerline from the cockpit

to the helm forward. The galley is aft

with Miele appliances, including a

four-burner electric cooktop and

microwave/ convection oven. There’s also

a full-height refrigerator. ¶ It’s one step

up into the salon, which has an L-shaped

settee to port and benches across. Light-

tone f u r n ish ings, g lossy wh ite-a nd-g ray

marble, a gray oak sole, and lacquered

Tanganyika wood work in concert,

creating a modern yet inviting space. The

clean look could be defi ned as simple, but

as designer Dan Lenard says, “Minimal-

ism requires more work than opulence.”

¶ The evolutionary design plan seems

to work well for the Monte Carlo Yachts

66, and I’m sure that many yachtsmen

will be giving her the thumbs-up as she

passes by on the water.Maybe even two.

Take the next step: montecarloyachts.it

CRUISING PORTOPICCOLO

Our sea trial took place in the North Adriatic Sea on the rich, blue waters off Portopiccolo, Italy. The marina and resort were carved out of the mountain-

side in what was once a quarry. In fact, the stone that was used to build this cozy seaside hamlet was taken from the former quarry.

There are spa services, restaurants and hotels along the quay. If you find yourself cruising in this part of the world, Portopiccolo is worth a stop.

Peak Performance

The Monte Carlo Yachts 66’s optional twin 1,200 hp MAN diesels (1,000 hp MANs are

standard) quickly spooled up to 2,000 rpm, and my test vessel hit a 23.8-knot

cruise speed. The motors burned 86.7 gallons per hour, resulting in a 229-nautical-mile

range with a 10 percent reserve on her 925-gallon fuel tank. Pushing the throttles to

the pins, the 66 jumped to an average top hop of 30.6 knots while the engines consumed

122 gph, reducing range to 208 nautical miles. At 1,750 rpm, the 66 jogged along

at 19 knots with a 63-gph fuel burn, providing a cruising range of 251 nautical miles.