July/August 2018 passagemaker.com 43is entirely separate from the engine, which greatly reduces the
seawater piping in the ship and therefore reduces the risk of
flooding from leaks. The fuel system is also similar to those found
on big ships: The Livingstone makes use of a day tank that is
gravity-fed and thereby reduces the risk of contaminated fuel.
Engineering Considerations
The lazarette located abaft the engine compartment has ample
storage space for bicycles, deck chairs, and other equipment so
that nothing has to be stowed on deck during passages. Also
located aft of the engine compartment is the steering gear, another
component that mimics big ship design. The Livingstone is fitted
with a Becker rudder, which features a flap behind the main blade.
When the rudder is turned, the flap turns even more to create a
deflector, allowing the rudder to work even when turned to 60
degrees instead of the normal 35 degrees. This means that the
propeller thrust is directed almost sideways, so it can act like a
stern thruster to give excellent maneuverability in close quarters.
Complemented by the usual bow thruster, this setup allows the
Livingstone to be easily parked in most tight spaces.
Underwater, the yacht is fitted with Naiad fin stabilizers, and
although the conditions on the sea trial did not require any sort
of stabilization, their effectiveness was demonstrated by making
the yacht rock in calm water.
The technical side of the Livingstone is impressive in its own
right, but the real appeal comes from the beauty of its design.
The exterior combines practical considerations in a stylish
package, ensuring that what looks great also performs well. The
forecastle is raised both to create excellent headroom below and
to improve the seaworthiness. The upright styling continues with
the windows, creating a timeless grace that allows this yacht to
fit comfortably into any environment—as well as cause heads to
turn when entering harbors.
Behind the raised pilothouse is a large open space that on
many yachts would be the flybridge. Here it can be the location
of a hot tub and sun pads, or simply used as a large lounging area.
On the aft section of the upper deck there is a dedicated crane
for launch and recovery of a dinghy or shoreside toys. A wide
stairway aft provides easy access and leads to the cockpit, which,
once more, is an open space large enough to accommodate a
dining table for the owners and multiple guests. A gas barbecue
is fitted into the lockers on the port side by the saloon doors.Inside
As one would expect on a nearly 80-foot yacht, the saloon features
additional dining space, a lounge, and an open-plan galley with
a countertop reserved just for serving guests. The fully equipped
galley emphasizes the serious cruising nature of the yacht. There
are even fiddles around the electric stove (although those who
have cruised on the yacht assured me these aren’t necessary,
even in rough seas).
Inside you get the same aura of dignity and timeless style that
comes from using high-quality materials and superb craftsmanship.
At the forward end of the saloon, one set of stairs leads up to the
pilothouse and another leads down to the accommodations level,
with a day head tucked into the starboard corner.
The current layout of the cabins is designed for a single
family, but the entire space that occupies the forward two-
thirds of the hull can be customized with a layout to suit any
owner. In the current layout, the master suite is forward with an
ensuite bathroom. The three additional cabins, which comprise
a twin-bunk cabin, a double, and a twin, all share one bathroom.
This layout affords space for a large family, but other owners
might prefer to have a large master suite amidships with the
guest cabins forward.
It was remarkable just how quiet it was in these accommodations
even when the Livingstone was running at full speed. Though the
engine is directly below the saloon deck, you can hear only a faint
hum and it was possible to hold conversation at a normal volume.
It was even quieter in the pilothouse where I found myself looking
at the engine dials to convince myself that the engine was actually
running.
Guests are well provided for in the pilothouse as well, with a
corner settee and table on the port side and a desk and matching
chair in the starboard aft corner. Visibility from the helm is
excellent, with windows that surround the captain and guests,