Squadron 53
The Fairline Targa 40 is a 41-foot sports cruiser yacht by the iconic British yacht brand Fairline Yachts between the years of 2001 and 2007. Something of a classic among boat-owners, this yacht is all about speed and the thrill of open water coastal cruising, with a super-sharp profile that enhances aerodynamic movement and a Bernard Olesinski-designed variable V-hull that cuts through waves with ease. This model pioneered many of the features that would later become must-haves aboard this class of yacht, like an internal tender garage and a sprawling main-deck lounge that benefits from open-air sun.
While there is room to relax out on the foredeck’s marina-facing sunpad the very best spot for soaking up the rays is to the stern, where a double-width sunpad in striped upholstery extends out over a full-beam, teak-lined swimming platform and sits directly above a tender garage that remains one of the largest in its class more than 20 years after launch. Take a couple of steps up and you will be greeted by a sociable u-shaped sofa in waterproof leather that hugs a fiberglass extending dining table and sits across from a starboard wet bar with an outdoor grill, chilled storage and a sink. An L-shaped sofa sits deftly behind a wrap-around windscreen at the front of the cockpit, where you will also discover a single helm seat facing a still-modern ergonomic dashboard with hydraulic steering, bow thruster controls, trim tab switches, autopilot, VHF radio, analogue instrumentation and room for a 10-inch multi-function display screen of your choice. Though the main-deck is envisaged as an open-air lounge it can be covered by a Bimini wrap-around screen to give this yacht genuine all-weather appeal.
The surprisingly large lower-deck benefits from oval portholes throughout, honey maple surrounds, mood lighting and plush carpeting. There is a C-shaped dining sofa in plush upholstery that hugs a teak-topped adjustable dining table that can be used for informal drinks or lavish meals, as well as an open galley with uniquely rounded blue granite work surfaces, a hidden sink, a multi-zone hob, a convection oven, under-counter fridge-freezer units and a wine-cooler. There is a double master cabin to the bow with a queen-sized island bed, hanging lockers and a closet, while a twin cabin with plentiful storage sits amidship and comes with a side sofa. The vessel’s main-head is also on this level and features a navy-blue surrounds and timber-clad semi-open circular shower stall.
Originally powered by a pair of 343hp Volvo Penta D6 diesel stern-drive engines for top speeds of around 39 knots, some Targa 40 models have been retrofitted with newer engines in the subsequent years. With the original engines you can expect a cruising range of around 260 nautical miles, more than enough for a decadent weekend spent exploring the hidden coves of the Amalfi coast.
