Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, New England, has unveiled initial plans for Sparkman & Stephens-designed 36.1m Front Street 118 and 40m Front Street 130 sailing yachts. These sloop-rigged yachts have traditional hull lines and trademark S&S sheers, invoking a classic aesthetic from yachting’s Golden Era.
The construction will be of advanced composite materials using the most modern processes available, making the 118 and 130 powerful and pleasing vessels to sail. This collaboration between Front Street Shipyard and Sparkman & Stephens will be actively marketed to prospective buyers beginning this autumn so that construction can commence as early as 2012.
‘Once we identify an owner for a Front Street 118 or 130, we’ll begin the exciting construction process using the most innovative methods available to us, says JB Turner, president of Front Street Shipyard. 'The hull will be infused E-glass with Kevlar and carbon fibre reinforcements in critical areas.'
The yachts’ long, graceful lines are paired with large, powerful sail plans on both the 118 and 130. The elegant deckhouse with generous windows dominates the profile. There is both an ample lounging cockpit and a separate working cockpit with an innovative layout, which is maximised for both sailing and driving under power. Wrap-around seats give complete access to the wheel at all points of sail, while the raised centreline helm seat offers excellent visibility due to the expansive, clutter-free main decks and low-profile deckhouses.
The living areas of the yachts are equally spacious and comfort-driven. On the 130, a generous full-beam main saloon provides indoor living and dining space for six to eight guests. The 118 utilises the raised saloon as the main living area, complemented by a comfortable half-beam dining room in the lower level. Aft of the raised saloon, a large master suite include a sofa, desk, and walk-in wardrobe, while two en-suite guest cabins provide additional sleeping quarters.