Vicem Yachts 65 Classic: A down east-inspired yacht
by Elisa Corti 8 Nov 2019 05:51 PST
Vicem is a boatbuilder that knows how to make the most of wood, and nowhere is this more apparent than the interior of the Vicem 65 Classic. The yacht starts with generous interior volume within its cold-molded hull, creating comfortable spaces that welcome the owners' family and guests to enjoy their time aboard in luxury. The yacht has been well received and won the People's Choice Award at the Newport International Boat Show in September.
At the forward end of the saloon, the helm station is placed to starboard, where a mahogany helm console allows for an easy command position and with a bench seat for helm and companion. A step-through door leads from the helm to the side deck. A portside, forward-facing seat ensures that more friends can enjoy the view as the 65 Classic makes way, and a large chart table assists with navigation. Abaft the helm area, the saloon is roomy and welcoming, with facing settees encouraging groups of friends to socialize while they enjoy the views offered by large windows.
There's a table serving the L-shaped, starboard settee where the crew will gather for drinks or meals. The overhead is finished in white with mahogany trim, reminiscent of the Herreshoff style so admired among knowing yachtsmen.
"The interior spaces are inviting, thanks to their dimensions and volume," says Mine Aktuna, an architect that designs the interior spaces on Vicem Yachts. "The joinery has an unmistakable warmth, thanks to the craftsmanship. It's a combination that is really appreciated by knowledgeable yachting enthusiasts."
Double sliding doors open the aft bulkhead of the saloon wide for easy flow with the cockpit. The aft-deck area centers on a mahogany dining table inlaid with a compass rose and is edged by an L-shaped settee. More seats are located forward to port and starboard, while steps to either side to facilitate access to the side decks leading to the foredeck. Built-in coolers add to the cold stowage, and the cockpit has a wet bar with sink, refrigerator, and a locker, making it easy to host alfresco parties. A transom door grants easy access to the wide swim platform.
A delightful lower deck
The lower deck on the Vicem 65 Classic has high overheads finished in white planking, and a light, airy feel without the oppressive, cave-like atmosphere of some yachts. Vicem pays attention to the details, crafting the shape of the cold-molded mahogany hull to provide useful interior volume, commendable performance, and an excellent ride.
The noteworthy headroom is a striking trait throughout the accommodations, and it is carried through to the rounded tops of the doors throughout, further brightening the space and lightening the feel. The master stateroom is forward in the bow and offers the yacht owners a forward-facing island berth. Hanging lockers are positioned to either side, offering ample stowage for extended cruises. The master is brightened by both hull-side windows and trunk-cabin portlights, which add natural light. Vicem craftsman have created joinery with built-in seating and additional lockers.
The master's private head is located forward, with a centerline shower meticulously finished in a mosaic of tiny Mediterranean blue tile with pristine white grout. The vanity is topped with a vessel sink and is creatively angled to optimize the usable space.
The first of two guest double staterooms is abaft the master to starboard, positioned opposite the port-side galley, and the second abaft the galley. Twin berths with blue-and-white bedding set off the mahogany veneers and jointery. As is expected, rounded corners confer beauty as well as safety throughout. A hanging locker and stowage drawers are built in and, in the tradition of yachtbuilding, very little space goes unused, with lockers and shelves placed throughout.
A hullside window and portlights in the trunk cabin offer natural light. The private guest head has a separate shower that is finished in the same striking blue tile as the master head.will be en suite and benefit from hull-side windows, and each will have a TV and a hanging locker.
Opposite the stateroom, the galley benefits from a hullside window. Equipped with Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer drawers, a four-burner cooktop and dishwasher, this food-prep area offers the comforts of home, while spacious counters ensure the chef has room to create meals and snacks from provisions stowed in lockers throughout.
The third stateroom is positioned abaft the galley, accessed from a passageway to starboard of the companionway stairs. This en suite also features twin berths and plenty of stowage, and finishes are consistent with the other accommodations.
Brief Specification of the Vicem 65 Classic
LOA: 66'8" 20.32 m
Hull Length: 61'0" 18.59 m
LWL: 57'2" 17.42 m
Beam: 18'8" 5.69 m
Draft: 5'3" 1.6 m
Displacement: 81,600 lb. 37,013 kg
Fuel: 900 gal. 3,407 liters
Water: 340 gal. 1,287 liters
Engines: 2 x 900-hp Volvo Penta D13
Cruising Speed: 23 knots
Maximum Speed: 26 knots