At the Palm Beach International Boast Show this month, Vicem Yachts will introduce their new Vicem 65 Classic to the American market. The Turkish builder of semi-custom, traditional cruisers is celebrating 27 years in business and should be considered one of the early leaders of the country’s now famous boat building industry.
The new 65 Classic is a four-cabin coupe design and is the ninth model in the Classic series that runs from 46 to 82 feet. The 65 has the full-figured hull design of the Classic line with high topsides, full sections forward and a stylish amount of tumblehome in the transom.
The design emphasizes open spaces and ample headroom throughout that gives the 65 the feel of a much larger yacht. Compared to the 62 Classic, the new 65 has a larger deck house and thus a much larger salon.
The cockpit has a sizable L-shape lounge with a beautifully varnished teak table that will sit six for al fresco meals with the addition of three folding chairs. A door in the transom leads to the swim platform. On the foredeck, Vicem has created a wide lounging or sunning bed on the cabin top that is somewhat unique in the Cruiser line.
The salon has a sofa on one side and a bank of beautifully finished cabinets on the other with two portable easy chairs to provide extra seating. The galley is forward where is it integral to the salon. The helm has a bench seat for two and is raised so the helmsperson will have excellent visibility forward and to both sides which will make maneuvering in a marina easy. The salon has huge windows so it will be bathed in natural light.
Down below, there are four cabins. The master suite is in the forepeak and benefits from the generous beam. It has a centerline double berth, a spacious head with a separate shower stall and two small built-in seats. The cabin has five hanging lockers for couples who cruise with extensive wardrobes.
The VIP guest cabin amidships is almost as large as the master cabin and has a large head and shower. But, it only has two hanging lockers. Between the two cabins is the twin berth third guest cabin and across from that is a single-berth cabin that might be for a professional crew.
In the engine room, Vicem has gone with twin Volvo IPS-drive 1050s that each rate at 800 horsepower. These will give the 65 Classic a cruising speed of about 23 knots and a top end in the high 20s. Plus, the IPS drives with Volvo’s Auto Docking feature will make mooring and unmooring child’s play.
Vicem builds most of its boats using the classic cold-molded technique and chooses to use light but strong mahogany that is saturated with epoxy. This creates a light, stiff hull that has great heat and noise insulation properties.
The 65 Classic that will be at the Palm Beach show is sure to turn heads and attract a crowd.
