As a warm-up and to see the family, the journey begins with a voyage from the Gold Coast to Auckland, New Zealand. Then, the Maritimo fleet’s newest flagship will travel to Southeast Asia. Central and wing tanks carry over 10,000 litres of petroleum, which, in conjunction with the Rolls Royce MTU 1625 HP engines and Maritimo’s renowned shallow shaft drives, allows for a safe passage to New Zealand.
Before entering Indonesian waters, the M75 can island-hop to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, or Papua New Guinea, which is the same distance as San Francisco to New York.
This is the scenario foreseen by Maritimo’s chief executive officer, Tom Barry-Cotter, who enjoys sea-trialing new models he constructs as if they were his own. It is a legacy instilled by his father, Bill Barry-Cotter, who founded Australia’s two preeminent production yards, Riviera and Maritimo, the latter of which is now in its third decade of operation.
For this review, we slipped out of Runaway Bay Marina into The Broadwater as light rain squalls swept in from the southeast, with yard veteran Ross ‘Rossco’ Willaton at the helm and marketing executive Leanne St George also on board, but the weather didn’t matter as a motor yacht of this size is relatively snug in most conditions.
In fact, in addition to traversing Asia’s exotic seas and straits, these semi-custom vessels can genuinely consider trans-Pacific passages between islands.
In the 1990s, Showboats magazine in the United States originally defined small superyachts as being 80 feet or longer. Current design, construction, power, and technologies are all considerably superior to the superyachts of the past; however, the LOA of 75 feet is virtually identical to that of the superyachts of the past.
First impressions are of a large, robust flybridge model with three sporty-appearing hull windows that provide light and views below deck. In reality, the LOA is 75 feet 8 inches and the beam is 19 feet 8 inches.
According to her designers, the variable deadrise hull with deep keel, abrupt bow entry, and flattened progression aft is optimized for offshore cruising efficiency and range, as well as cruising comfort and stability.
Wind-driven winter swells were accumulating offshore of the Gold Coast Seaway, so I opted for a flatter water run north towards Jumpinin Bar, inside South Stradbroke Island. At the flybridge helm station, simple controls soon had us cruising at 27 knots with ease. Noise and vibration were almost inaudible.
This proprietor chose Simrad instruments, and according to Rossco, Simrad and Garmin are the most popular brands, although Furuno and Raymarine are also popular.
Hull design and engineering are centered on straight shaft drive technology, with standard Scania Di16 1150 HP engines transferring power to the water via an ultra-efficient, shallow straight shaft angle connected to the five-blade Nibral propellers. This vessel is equipped with MTU 1625 HP, in addition to the MTU 1380 HP available as an option.
Such configurations, a characteristic of the Maritimo philosophy, result in a relatively low draft, in this case 1.5m, allowing anchoring closer inshore or inside reefs that would otherwise be inaccessible, although it was a little unnerving, passing the old Couran Cove echo resort and in a charted channel, to observe the depth sounder hovering just above 2m. Where was the instrument mounted, we inquired politely?
It is always intriguing to see what orders other boat owners have made. This particular owner previously owned three Maritimos, so his custom selections are evidently founded on his experience and the vessel’s intended use.
Incidentally, the basic price is also subject to variables such as inflation, shipping if desired, insurance, etc., but US$4.5-5m is an approximate figure, and one should not skimp on the fixtures and fittings to obtain full value.
The specifications and options for this semi-custom Maritimo serve as a useful guide. The next two M75 proprietors are also New Zealanders, followed by an Australian, and Asian orders are currently being accepted.
Notable standard features for me included the potentially multipurpose adventure deck, one of the largest and best-equipped galleys I’ve ever seen, the impressive full-beam master stateroom and en-suite, interior stairway to the fully enclosed flybridge, and last but not least, the weather-protected aft flybridge deck with its bar, three barstools, and lounge.
The archetypal image of an ideal lifestyle afloat floats before one’s eyes when a bottle of champagne and a setting sun are opened.
Returning to the adventure deck after a closer examination of the vessel, the aft cockpit module contains a refrigerator, a basin with drainage, food preparation areas, and an electric cooktop.
In addition, there are three flush-deck hatches with deep stowage that are large enough to accommodate inflatables and an assortment of watersports equipment, in addition to the usual fenders and sun lounges. A few steps on each side lead to a well-appointed aft lounge and dining table that, like its counterpart inside, accommodates eight guests.
Rossco speculated that the first Maritimo M75 flagship owner would store jetskis in this area, but it was not immediately obvious how he would utilize this space. I would have opted for sportfishing capability with discrete rod holders in the hull mold port and starboard, two lines streamed aft and two more on outriggers to establish a lure pattern, and a custom fighting chair that was secured to the deck but stowed below when not in use.
Intending anglers could sit aft at lounge level, perhaps enjoying a drink or meal while waiting for the reels to scream into action. No difficulty catching gamefish such as mahi mahi, wahoo, or yellowfin tuna, and the fishing gear can be completely stowed when the M75 resumes normal cruising mode.
The teak deck extends into a large swim platform that lowers at the stroke of a button, providing launch and retrieval facilities for jetskis, tenders, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports.
Deep protected passages to the foredeck sun lounges span both sides of the vessel, and once there, the largest tender, equipped with its own crane, is fitted into twin grooves that keep it away from the central sunpad.
Muir of Tasmania manufactures the deck hardware, while Maxwell of New Zealand may also be an option. Both brands are internationally recognized. At one point, we effortlessly anchored and picked up using push-button controls, with a single crew member observing but not required.
Tom Barry-Cotter and Simon Stewart, his marketing director, characterize the M75 galley as “Maritimo’s largest and most customized to date.” I would go so far as to say it has one of the finest designs and finishes I’ve ever encountered.
It centers on an island benchtop, surrounded by galley fittings and fixtures in a U-shaped configuration across the beam from starboard, with more integral facilities ensconced to port beyond the central walkway.
Despite the fact that we are not discussing gimbals, the island benchtop will provide bracing support in a storm or surge. It is extremely functional. For instance, the base of a very large dish drainer is discreetly integrated.
The kitchen is outfitted with high-quality Miele appliances, and after scouring for the refrigerator and freezer, I located them behind wood-covered doors that I initially mistook for more cabinet space. A wine cabinet is similarly disguised, and the solid Bianco stone countertops used in the galley are replicated in the en-suites for a further thematic effect.
Across the corridor is a charming custom pantry, and the overall impression is conveyed by the extensive wooden paneling, which soothes more frequently-used materials.
galleys with metallic aluminum-silver finishes. Complete marks.
As expected, the principal M75 salon and indoor dining area resembles a first-class lounge, with wide entertainment displays that pop up both here and on the flybridge. Sliding vista windows are positioned at a height that enables seated visitors to see the view while the window is being moved, a perennial issue for some builders.
Carpets here and in the staterooms are made of 100 percent New Zealand wool from Cavalier Bremworth in the color Lisburn Venise. Leather-like vinyls used in strategic locations include Taupe, Tusk, Ocean, and Dark Pebbles. Upholstery fabrics include Lopi Pumice, Interweave, and Dumont Barley, with Ramie Mesh wallpaper as an accent.
Four staterooms and three en-suites are located on the slightly lower amidships and bow decks of the flagship, in addition to an auxiliary crew berth and en-suite accessible from the expedition deck in the stern.
Tom Barry-Cotter has a great deal of input on the interior design, and Maritimo has just released four new color and finish packages, dubbed Dune, Cove, Oyster, and Haven. This proprietor selected Dune, which is a tribute to the sand dunes that line our coastline. These colors complement the natural scenery of the sea and sky, evoking feelings of tranquility, beauty, and serenity.
Offering support Maritimo is Textile and Design Studio, also known as TT l DS, an interior design firm. 3Beaches Textiles, Santa Barbara Umbrellas, Sunbrella, Maeve Oliver, and Heirloom linens are among their products and brands. In addition, they assist with the selection of soft furnishings and offer clients of Maritimo a vast selection of luxurious bed linens and accessories.
The full-beam master stateroom with its king-size bed and standard accoutrements is reminiscent of a superyacht, while the en-suite features two sinks, a toilet, a shower, and ample closet and dressing room space.
The VIP stateroom with a queen bed in the bow is also walk-around, facilitating access and bedding changes, and there are two additional twin staterooms, one of whose ensuites doubles as a day toilet.
The enclosed flybridge, which can be gained via an internal staircase that is simple to navigate, is perhaps the vessel’s crowning achievement. Also known as the Sky Lounge, it continues the Fusion sound system and exemplifies the M75’s theme elsewhere.
Two custom helm seats face a complete array of tried-and-true Simrad instruments and are the business end of the boat, although Rossco also pointed out recessed mini-controls for mooring, and another set could be added aft if backing down on a larger-than-anticipated fish.
The flybridge is a likely gathering spot for family and friends, and it is divided into two sections: one adjacent to the helm for forward cruising, and a second, larger lounge for a variety of other activities, such as watching a large-screen television, while remaining within speaking distance of the helm and forward lounge.
This entire deck can be closed off by a glass partition at the stairway for child safety or privacy if, for example, the flybridge is also being temporarily used as additional accommodation and there are additional shutters. The flybridge hardtop shades and protects its occupants, or electric sunroofs can be folded back for fresh air and sunlight in fine weather.
The aft “extension” of flybridges has long been a source of consternation for designers, who have developed a variety of strategies for optimally utilizing this space. With a separate lounge, complete bar, and bar stools, Maritimo’s solution for the M75 is more of a statement. This area is also capable of being enclosed or left exposed during pleasant weather.
In conclusion, this vessel is capable of traversing the exotic waters and straits of Southeast Asia and East Asia in a manner that was previously unimaginable for anything other than superyachts.
Recently, Maritimo has appointed The Yacht Sales Company as its agent in the region. The latter has established offices in Phuket and Singapore, with additional locations opening soon.
CEO Mark Elkington has an impressive track record on the China Coast, and he is also well-known in Australasia and Europe, where he advises major shipyards on client-driven, practical enhancements to their builds, similar to the relationships that Bill Barry-Cotter pioneered.
Realistically, an Asian purchaser could take delivery in Australia and cruise Australian and New Zealand waters before returning home, exploring the Pacific, or both.
When this was written, the M75 was still undergoing sea trials, and definitive performance data was not available by our deadline. Please visit the Maritimo website for any updates.
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