On-Board MONDANGO 3

The story behind the 56m/185ft sailing yacht Mondango 3 can be traced back to 2006 when her Owners commissioned her predecessor, Mondango 2, a 52m/170ft ketch that now goes by the name of sailing yacht Q.

After voyaging across the globe, her Owners naturally envisioned ways in which Q could better suit their life at sea and decided to undertake a second new build project to make these adaptations a reality.

Once again, Alloy Yachts in New Zealand, Dubois Naval Architects and British design studio Reymond Langton were assembled to create the vessel of choice - a sailing ketch - and thus Mondango 3 was ready to launch in early 2014.

One of the main differences between Q and Mondango 3 has become one of the latter’s most valuable assets. Instead of a fixed keel and bulb, she boasts a swing keel and variable draught which, at its shortest, is just four metres in length.

Such a reduction enables Mondango 3 to reach anchorages and harbours inaccessible to most other sailing yachts of her size but, at the other end of the spectrum, her swing keel can increase to a similarly impressive 11 metres to ensure a much smoother ride in open waters.

Increased stability for comfortable cruising is also provided by her rig and sails, which are the result of a collaboration between Southern Spars and North Sails.

Another key change combines both practicality and aesthetics. On Q, one tender was stored in the pickle fork up on the foredeck while the other was held in the lazarette. Mondango 3, however, houses both tenders under her deck, making it less hassle to launch the vessels and leaving the foredeck clutter free.   

A clear expanse of teak, the foredeck is interrupted by the mast, followed by the sweeping curve of the white superstructure and its tinted wraparound window. Hidden below the aft deck is a recessed whirlpool and a retractable swim platform enables guests to get even closer to the water.

Demountable awnings and portable chaise loungers transform the foredeck into an alfresco lounging area during the day, while permanent seating and sun pads decked out in vibrant yellow upholstery are located up on the flybridge aft of the helm. 

Indeed, at sea, the whole operation of luxury yacht Mondango 3 is controlled from here and, accordingly, a hydraulic dodger unfurls to protect the apparatus from the elements and awnings can be assembled to provide shade from the sun.

The optional semi-alfresco setup ensures the cockpit is still a favourite spot among charter guests

The sunken aft cockpit forms a spacious entertainment area, bordered by casual seating and with an oblong dining table for 10 at its centre. Of particular use when underway, the side windows and curved aft glass panel electronically slide down, barricading against wind and sea spray. Yet, the optional semi-alfresco setup ensures the cockpit is still a favourite spot among charter guests when Mondango 3 is at anchor.

Curved, glass doors slide open to reveal the bright and airy main salon. Natural light streams through the multitude of windows, illuminating the bleached oak wall panels and pale wool carpets. Two pale Tutsi couches and two grey Fendi leather arm chairs form the lounge, and sapphire and orange scatter cushions inject colour into the surrounds. 

A variety of reoccurring motifs are introduced here too. Stripped ziricote makes up the side cabinets and large, square coffee table in which a glass blue flower is engraved. The same design is found on the hand-carved bar top and the handsome wood is used extensively throughout the yacht.

Likewise, on the ceiling stylised palm wood inlays form a large lighting fixture, with similar etchings found in places such as the oak wall panels in the hallway.

Also of note is Mondango 3’s embodiment of the ancient Chinese feng shui philosophy and her total abandonment of sharp edges, which create a continuous, curved aesthetic.

Dividing the main salon is a walk-around wall, housing a 106-inch TV. On the forward side, the structure is inlaid with dark brown, carved leather inserts and forms part of the formal dining area, which is equipped with a rectangular ziricote table.

In the main hallway, leather-wrapped floating stairs descend to the lower deck, where the cabin layout deviates from the norm. Rather than taking up the aft section of the deck, the master suite spans across the widest point of the hull amidships, leaving two double cabins and two twin cabins to fill the leftover space aft.

In line with the deck above, the staterooms all offset bleached oak and light-coloured carpets with dark palm inlays and ziricote furniture. Textured leather and recessed lighting feature too as well as souvenirs from the Owner’s adventures such as tribal masks from South Africa.

Vintage travel chests, pointing to the yacht’s expansive voyaging, are scattered throughout the sleeping quarters too, adding interest and extra storage.

Bright colours are added through the use of throws and cushions. For example, the master suite features hues of amber, gold and sapphire while the VIP cabin combines lime green and vivid blue.

All four guest cabins boast pale marble en suites with showers and Esthec flooring, whereas the larger master suite bathroom is made of white onyx. 

Of note is Mondango 3’s embodiment of the ancient Chinese feng shui philosophy and her total abandonment of sharp edges

The result of a collaboration between three greats in yachting design and construction, Mondango 3 is a fine example of a modern sailing yacht. After adventuring across the world's oceans, she has proven her adeptness at blue water voyaging yet still exudes unrivalled style and flair.

For further information on M/Y Mondango 3, please get in touch with your preferred contact broker.