FJORD 53 XL ATTRACTS ACCOLADES AFTER ITS GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
The extremely impressive new flagship of the Fjord range is eminently set-up to enjoy sublime summer boating. It effortlessly fulfills the function of a floating day party platform with unmistakable Scandi style. But that doesn’t do the 53 XL justice.
It’s more than capable of spiriting two couples or a family away for a weekend getaway at a deserted beach or secluded anchorage, complete with luxury appointments, then swiftly returning to port courtesy of 30 plus knot performance.
The 53 XL also offers the luxury of space – the largest T-top and deck area the acclaimed Nordic brand has ever designed, while the engines are set further back to create more volume below. Wide steps lead from the expansive swim platform to the chic cockpit that offers relaxed dining and entertaining courtesy of two height adjustable foldable tables, a U-shaped bench with reversible backrest and two separate galley units with fridge and cooking grill.
An integrated sun awning can be extended from the T-top to cover the sun pad at the rear that opens hydraulically to store a tender.
The 53 XL’s level of customisation is exceptional; you can configure it to your own personal preference. Hull, deck mouldings and fabric colours are individual choices but there are also dozens of layout combinations on the main deck.
Down below the accommodations are flexible. The standard two-cabin, one-head layout can instead be specified with a fully-furnished second head for guests and even an additional third cabin, for crew or kids.
The Fjord 53 XL delivers plenty of down-the-line speed from either the standard twin Volvo Penta IPS700’s, or IPS 800’s that are projected to push maximum speed out to 34 knots. Windcraft’s Managing Director Anthony Bishop who was in Cannes for the flagship’s launch was particularly impressed by the T-top’s standard of engineering.
“If you have spent time on day boats you often find that the sunshades or hard tops have been designed more for aesthetics than any practical protection from the elements,” he points out. “The new design from Fjord ensures that you have good protection from the sun (or rain), when you need it, and even at speeds over 30 – 40kts there is no movement in them,” Bishop reports.
Windcraft also commissioned the first Fjord 41 XL hull to be delivered to Australia in December 2022, in time for its owner to enjoy the benefits of its distinctive open deck design. The 41 XL, like its larger sibling the 53 XL represent the next generation of Fjord designs with bigger T-tops, along with clever modular seating layouts for the cockpit and cabin layouts that maximise space and comfort.
Fjords are easily recognisable, a nearly vertical plumb bow, high freeboard, bold, horizontal sheer line, frameless windshield, a spacious flat deck layout and an open transom. They combine spectacular one-level boating lifestyle amenities with high-quality Scandinavian influenced interiors and are certain to impress.
The Fjord 41 XL was voted 2021 European Power Boat of the Year in its class and praised for its pioneering modular deck options and the ability to configure nine different deck layouts. There’s a spacious master cabin in the bow with a double berth, two wardrobes and head with separate shower. A second cabin can be configured with another double berth or as a utility room with the option of an extra sofa and wardrobes.
The 41 XL has either Volvo or Yanmar sterndrive power, which affords shallow water operation and enables the boat to be nudged up to a beach. The model destined for a Sydney owner is matched to a pair of Yanmar 370hp V8 sterndrives capable of reaching 33 knots.
The Fjord 41 XL is the second stunning Fjord handed over to an Australian owner in 2022. Soon after its debut at last year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, a Fjord 38 Xpress was delivered to Perth.
No doubt day trips to Rottnest Island will be on the cards this summer with the 38 Xpress’s speed, comfort and versatility making it the perfect platform for accessing the island’s beaches thanks to a maximum draft of just under one metre (0.94 metres).
The standard set-up of two outboard 300hp Mercury Verados delivers 38 knots, while twin 350hp Verados sees the 38 Xpress achieve an exhilarating 43 knots.
In entertainer mode the 38’s aft cockpit lounge with a height-adjustable table for eight that converts to a sun lounger and creates a sea terrace with unbeatable views. An outdoor galley with wet bar, grill and fridge located behind the steering console furnishes all catering requirements. Biminis stretching forward over the bow lounge and over the aft deck can be unfurled from the T-Top, shading the entire length of the boat, a necessity in Australian conditions.
At 11.63 metres the Fjord 38 Xpress is nimble enough to utilise as a fast, fun family day boat or superyacht tender. The Fjord badge guarantees its sea-handling credentials and a commitment to excellence.
Fjord’s six model range all share similar admirable aesthetic traits plus an emphasis on quietness and elegant surroundings. Chief Designer Patrick Banfield is well-known for his classic Wallytender and one-off superyacht tenders for Feadship.
For more information including pricing go to www.teamwindcraft.com/fjord/
Published in print January-March 2023
