YachtCharterFleet finds out what makes the 46m/150ft superyacht AVALON a modern classic after undertaking an exclusive tour at the Miami International Boat Show.
An all-composite build from Delta Marine, AVALON was designed to celebrate the timeless values of classic style and, the fact that she continues to be an extremely popular charter choice nearly a decade after her launch, is proof of her enduring appeal.
Superyacht AVALON was the fifth model to be constructed using Delta’s proven full-displacement hull design, which is renowned for its generous interior volume as demonstrated in predecessors such as the 50m/164ft superyacht ‘Victoria del Mar’.
Exuding an elegant, timeless beauty, AVALON’s softly curved form is distinguished by modern lines as well as the play of shadows on her white surfaces and the hint of a red boot stripe. She’s also recognised by a long, raised sheer line that gently slopes aft, mirrored by a sweep of windows.
Delta Marine had a part to play in her interior too, which saw the in-house Delta Design Group join forces with Jean Claude Canestrelli, a designer commissioned by the original Owners after heading up the design of their residential projects.
The brief was that AVALON ‘have the style of a classic yacht, but with timeless class, and above all with a sumptuous, warm atmosphere’ and, to realise this request, the designers brought together excellently crafted woodwork, polished stone, and accents of brushed nickel and gold.
In line with tradition, the motor yacht embraces a standard layout, with curved glass doors on her aft deck leading forward into a main entryway. Two mirrored bars flank the area and the hand-laid floor is crafted in Breccia Oniciata marble with a Rosso Damasco border – a style replicated in all the hallways across the yacht.
Moving forward, the space opens up into the main salon where Cinamora burl panels, African Khaya veneers and crotch mahogany furniture create a warm welcome. Carefully selected, these woods reappear throughout all of the guest areas on board.
Taking centre stage in the main salon is an inviting lounge formed of two sofas upholstered in cream regency stripes and armchairs in burgundy plaid silks. Off-white carpet is underfoot and large square windows complete the scene.
A dividing wall in which a widescreen television is set separates the lounge from a custom-made mahogany dining table and matching counters topped in Breccia Vendome marble. Free of excessive ornamentation, the space favours a stately hominess.
A rectangular strip of hallway stretches forward to starboard and, here, a staircase with a brushed stainless steel balustrade and curved handrail of khaya wood seamlessly connects the upper and lower decks. Tucked in the corner is a day head with a beautiful countertop and sole of galaxy black granite, setting a precedent for the other bathrooms on board.
Glossy woodwork and an expanse of windows heighten the sense of spaciousness while maintaining AVALON’s timeless styling
Spread across the forward section of the main deck is an expansive, full-beam master suite defined by handsome glossy woodwork and an expanse of windows, both of which serve to heighten the sense of spaciousness while maintaining AVALON’s timeless styling.
A large bed with crisp white linen sits on the centreline facing aft towards a widescreen television. The principal charterer can catch up on business at a port-side desk or take some time out on a sumptuous settee to starboard. There is also ample storage, including two large closets.
In the aft section of the suite, there is a large bathroom with his and hers sinks, a shower, bathtub and dayhead. Guests will love the heated marble floor, and the beautiful white onyx with red onyx details will likewise impress.
Situated on the lower deck, all four guest cabins boast their own mellow colour palette and matching onyx en suite. Soft upholstered wall panels and satin finishes enhance the soothing yet elegant setting and ensure each guest has a comforting space of their own in which to rest.
The cabin located forward to port is designed especially with children in mind and, with a double, single and Pullman, it can comfortably accommodate a nanny. The en suite is the only one on the lower deck to feature a bathtub, and its rare pink onyx and iris mosaic mirrors the colours of the soft furnishings.
Opposite the children’s stateroom is a double cabin featuring a white onyx en suite with honey onyx detail. The two remaining cabins to port and starboard aft are both doubles, and their en suites are decorated in white and red onyx, and green and red onyx respectively. These latter three bathrooms all have his and hers sinks.
Ascending the stairs from the main deck leads to the upper deck foyer area and, to enter the skylounge forward, guests pass a painting of Portofino as well as a rainforest green marble dayhead.
The skylounge itself is made up of three separate zones, and sees the continuation of the rich cinamore burl and mahogany woodwork. The space, however, is much more relaxed in tone than the main salon below and ideal for entertainment as well as taking some time out by yourself.
Stretching across the starboard side of the salon is a lounge area, with a tan leather sofa and two armchairs upholstered in a blue-striped fabric, while a games table with sumptuous high-back armchairs provides another seating area opposite.
In the forward starboard corner is a curved bar lined with tall bar stools upholstered in burgundy leather and with stainless steel bases. After being served a drink here, guests can retreat through the curved glass doors onto the upper deck aft.
At its centre is a rectangular, custom-teak dining table capable of seating up to 10 guests for both formal dinners and casual lunches
Extremely spacious, the deck area is shaded by the overhang of the deck above and offers panoramic vistas across the ocean. At its centre is a rectangular, custom-teak dining table capable of seating up to 10 guests for both formal dinners and casual lunches.
This setup is seen on the main deck aft too, ensuring guests have multiple dining options. And, with built-in settees upholstered in pink and orange stripes bordering the far-aft section of the two decks, both areas offer a meeting place for drinks before or after a sit-down dinner.
A staircase to starboard on the main deck aft ascends up two levels, passing the upper deck aft, to the open-plan sundeck, ensuring all three prime deck areas are easily accessible to charter guests.
On the sundeck forward, guests can unwind in a raised Jacuzzi while taking in unobstructed vistas, even in windy conditions thanks to a transparent protective screen.
Built-in seating surrounds the spa pool, increasing the lounging options available, and free-standing chaise loungers make this spot perfect for sun worshippers.
Amidships is a circular bar lined with bar stools similar to those in the skylounge. Shade is provided by the sleek carbon-fibre radar arch above, which also houses movable gym equipment and a day head - a rare feature for a yacht of AVALON’s length.
Other highlights of the charter yacht include a a small, secluded seating area on the Portuguese bow and a hydraulic articulated trailer system for hauling the main tender out of the garage.
The latter of which points to an example of AVALON's state-of-the-art engineering, which was widely celebrated alongside her advanced composite construction when she first hit the water.
Successfully fulfilling her brief, AVALON is a warm, welcoming and timeless luxury charter yacht. To achieve this, proven platforms such as her Delta Marine hull design and a standard layout have been brought together with classic styling and a functional mind-set.
There are, however, a number of distinct touches. The quality, range and craftmanship of her wood and stonework is exceptional and, although incredibly elegant, she still exudes a cosiness that enables guests to relax and make the most of their private yacht charter.
She has certainly met with much success on the charter market, being a particular favourite among young families, and with her timeless appeal her popularity is sure to endure for the next 10 years.
For further information on M/Y AVALON, speak to your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
Avalon
Builder
Delta Marine
Interior Designer
Delta Design Group, Jean Claude Canestrelli
Exterior Designer
Delta Design Group
Length46m / 150'11 |
Beam9.7m / 31'10 |
Draft2.9m / 9'6 |
Gross Tonnage472 GT |
Built| Refit2009 | 2014 |
Hull MaterialComposite |
SuperstructureGRP |
ClassificationLloyd's |
Charter Guests12 |
Cabins5 |
Crew9 |
Max Speed15.5 knots |
Cruising Speed12 knots |
Fuel Consumption60 LPH |
Range 5,000 nm |
Range at 12 Knots |