Fairline Targa 50GT

Exclusive & Elite
When a boating veteran gets excited about a boat he’d like to own – you’d do well to sit up and take notice. Derrick Levy of Boating World certainly knows his big boats – and takes us for a walkthrough of the stunning new Fairline Targa 50GT.

She’s absolutely stunning, and if I were looking for a sport cruiser boat of my own, without question the Fairline Targa 50 Gran Turismo would be my first choice”. That’s quite a statement from this veteran in the industry. Derrick is adamant that few cruisers have grabbed his attention to the same degree as the 50GT.

Comforting the creatures

Fairline have truly outdone themselves with this beautiful 50-footer which went on show in France earlier this year. Not only does she have the looks to please, but her spaciousness belies her size and you could easily be forgiven for thinking you’re on a 60-footer. She is available as a Targa 50 or in a Flybridge Squadron version.. Natural lighting floods the interior right through to the galley and everything that moves magically folds away or disappears completely – from the sleek sliding roof to the optional sliding panoramic side windows – further adding to the impression of expansiveness. A quick manoeuvre of the top-hinged window opens up the galley and saloon into the cockpit area, and voila – Al Fresco dining on-the-water becomes a reality. In a flash, Fairline’s Targa 50 is transformed from a luxuriously beautiful boat into a truly open air experience.

The most is made
Even the space on the foredeck has been cleverly utilised to include conveniently-placed drinks holders, lockers and stowage for a secondary life raft. Add a couple of comfortable coach roof cushions and you have the perfect spot for some “alone time” and catching a few rays. Forward of the saloon, behind the massive windows, you’ll find the helm station, with independent helm and co-pilot seats nestling behind an adjustable/tilt steering wheel. A dash filled with state-of-the-art engine instrumentation leaves you in no doubt about the adequate control centre – this one beams an endless list of electronics equipment and gadgets.

When it comes to socialising, the Fairline Targa 50 is the ultimate entertainer. Bringing the outside in with her retractable roof and open-plan layout, the relaxed, open atmosphere allows the host and his guests the pleasure of being together on the water in style.

A mouth-watering stream of meals and cocktail snacks can easily be prepared and served from the up galley – which boasts a stunning microwave combi oven, electric ceramic/halogen hob with extractor fan and twin-drawer refrigerator. And arguably best of all, the chefs will still feel part of the action in this airy, light-filled area adjoining the saloon which flows into the cockpit. Facing the galley is the deck saloon dining seating area with a width and height adjustable table which is great for meal times, or even setting up board games. And when the kids need their techno-fix there’s even a pop-up 22” LCD TV and DVD/CD/MP3 audio system.

If you have a crowd of people to entertain, guests can relax under the open roof in the saloon – sinking into plush seating while taking in the beautiful Oak satin timber appointments. If by chance the fresh air becomes too crisp, the guests can choose to close the roof and enjoy the air conditioning. Incidentally, if you want to create even greater ambience for a special romantic evening – white mood lighting to the main saloon, galley and cabins is available as an option. Another six passengers can be accommodated in the teak-laid, self-draining, aft cockpit, where the seating has a specially adjustable, rotating backrest. This is great for changing position to face forward when talking to those in the saloon or to face the rear for spectacular water wildlife displays – when whales come out to play or observe dolphins jumping in the waves.

Living the life
When the warm sunshine beckons and getting horizontal becomes a priority, the cockpit table can easily be converted to a sunbed and includes a number of comfortable cushions. When it gets too hot – a powered aft sunshade glides into place to provide shady protection for the seating area. And should the weather close in, there’s an aft cockpit hood with clear panels and zipped doorway included. The cockpit area could even handle an aspiring angler casting out a line or two.

Even those thirsty moments are provided for with the inclusion of a nifty bar unit which is positioned opposite and portside of the patio door. And in the horrible event of a miscalculation and refreshments run low, requiring a trip to shore, the Fairline Targa 50 has you covered. A simple walk through the twin transom gates leads to the swim platform which houses a revolutionary system, called the Fairline Tender Launch System – for watercraft up to the size and weight of a Williams 325 Jet RIB. With minimum effort and stress, owners can launch and retrieve their tender in and out of the water. And to wash off after a stint in the salty sea, the aft deck also includes a bathing platform ladder for sea access and a hot and cold water transom shower.

Showing your power
The Targa 50 is an absolute powerhouse. Fitted with twin Volvo Penta D9 575 HP motors, she cuts through the water effortlessly to reach her comfortable cruising speed of around 27 knots. Moving through rougher water poses no obstacle as the chop melts away beneath her solid hull – and passengers barely feel a change in tempo as she glides along. Even at speed she’s safe and sure – holding the water through the tightest cornering and easily cutting through the wake in the process. The only thing left to do is enjoy the thrill of keeping up with the birds as they skim the waves as if you are running in sync with nature. Night time’s a dream

When all the fun is over and it’s time to retire, six to seven people can overnight in comfort by making their way through the central stairwell atrium with a handy handrail, which leads to the three cabin, two en-suite accommodation. Here you’ll find another highlight of the 50 – a huge master cabin. This large cabin is placed forward with the well thought-out interior layout providing expansive, full-width accommodation. With only the foredeck above, natural daylight floods through the skylight and panoramic hull windows add to the light environment.

The tallest of guests will feel comfortable with the 6ft 6in headroom throughout the master cabin, and a step provides easy access to a ‘semi-floating’ bed with two large, built-in storage drawers underneath. In fact, there’s clever storage available in the most unexpected of places all over the boat.

The comfortable port guest cabin includes two full length berths and features windows which have opening portholes. Two beds in the starboard cabin convert into a double bed and boasts an en-suite bathroom.

There’s enough space for a fourth cabin (optional) in an area that includes an electric, silent-flush toilet and sink, as well as a shaving point and mirror. A transom feature window with a blind allows light to fill the cabin. There is an access hatch to the cockpit from the fourth-crew cabin. Alternatively the space can be used as an aft utility room or lazerette. When all’s said and done, it’s no surprise that Derrick feels that this gracious craft is the one for him.

For more information and pricing, contact Boating World on (021) 418 0840 or 082 881 2607.