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Gulf Craft Oryx 40 Fly

T

he 40 Fly is actually not the first foray into a flybridge

model for the Oryx, but the last one didn’t live up to

the popularity of its open sibling, so had a revamp.

Happily, with this new 2014 model, a lot more

aesthetic attention has been taken to her exterior lines, and

the result takes the exceptionally popular base of the Oryx

42, and almost doubles its leisure deck space. Despite the

increasing popularity of Silvercraft, the Oryx as a range has been

exceptionally successful for Gulf Craft. There was even a time

last year when pre-owned models were changing hands over

new boat prices, due to inflated demand. While most Westerners

are still amazed at the signature orange hull colour, and is a hull

colour that is actually often requested by choice, the sell-out

range is now snapping at the heels of its bigger relative, the

Majesty 48, with this new flybridge option.

Stepping aboard via the transom gate, from the aft cockpit,

the saloon opens out to a large built-in sofa to starboard,

served by a slimline coffee table, while to port a further bench

for two is sited next to the compact galley, maximizing the

useable area for socializing, yet without sacrificing any of the

gastronomic needs of the cruising yachtsman. Set above the

teak and holly-striped sole, the port galley has fiddle storage

and microwave, with undercounter fridge built-in, while the

flush-mounted counter-top stove can double up as a serving

area when entertaining. To starboard, the raised lower helm

position combines a white leather oversized helm bench with

a burr walnut dash festooned with dials, rocker switches and

navigational aids surrounding the central placed chartplotter

display. Offering a one-stop control centre for the boat’s

systems, the elevated seating and high-angled windows give a

great driving position, extending the cruising season beyond the

cool season, courtesy of Gulf Craft’s legendary air-conditioning

ducting – built by the Middle East, for the Middle East.

Accommodation on the lower deck is provided by a queen-

size double in the forepeak and a twin guest cabin, both

sharing the marble-floored bathroom. Utilising storage space

48

Fancy Flybridge Head-to-head 40-footers