Squadron 53
The Fairline Targa 30 is a 31-foot express cruiser built by iconic British yacht-building firm Fairline Yachts between the years of 1999 and 2001. A classic vintage style with sharp lines, a rounded transom and a Bernard Olesinski-designed hull made this one of the most popular yachts of its era, while a robust finish and rugged seagoing engines have stood the rest of time to make this an enduring option on the used market.
There is space for a double sunpad surrounded by steel grabrails out on the foredeck, where you will also find cup-holders and spectacular marina-facing views. The open-air character of the main-deck cockpit, however, proves to be the social heart of this vessel, turning a stern water-level area with a beach-club feel, the salon and the helm station into one, free-flowing al-fresco space. To stern there is a huge, full-beam, teak-lined bathing platform large enough to be used as a beach-club as well as a transom shower, while curved side-steps lead up to a double-width elevated and cushioned sunpad in weatherproof upholstery where you will idle for hours in unimpeded sunshine. The sunpad sits directly above a large garage door with locker space for an inflatable dinghy or a pair of Seabobs.
Moving into the open-air cockpit, where nothing but an artfully swept-back radar arch stands between you and the sun, you will discover an L-shaped sofa with backrests in piped leather to port and room for a pop-up table, while directly across from this is a mini wet bar with chilled storage and a sink. The L-shaped sofa directly connects to a forward loveseat with the forward backrest able to flip down to turn this into one large seating area for the whole family. Opposite this sits a starboard helm station in an unmistakably vintage style with a rounded dashboard in bright blue. Superb visibility through a wrap-around windscreen is joined by bow thruster controls, trim tab switches, space for multi-function display screens from Raymarine, a high-speed magnetic compass, VHF radio and a steering wheel for a thrilling piloting experience.
High-gloss maple surrounds, refined carpeting, skylights, portholes, knife-insert glazing and a timeless appeal will greet guests who make their way through a companionway door to the lower deck. There is an open galley in here with a combination oven, a sink and an under-counter fridge, while a V-shaped seating lounge in plush upholstery sits towards the bow and boasts an extending timber-lined table with cup holders. This lounge can also be easily turned into a huge bed, while another twin or double cabin with side seating and integrated storage brings the total overnight occupancy to four. This level’s main head features a fiberglass sink, a mirrored cabinet and an open shower fixture ideal for freshening up.
The Fairline Targa 30 is powered by a twin set of 170hp Volvo Penta KAD32P diesel shaft-drive engines for adrenalin-pumping top speeds of around 38 knots. A Category B hull ideal for coastal cruising is joined by a 418-liter fuel tank that will have you out on the water all week.
