The latest addition to the bespoke Belize Motoryachts fleet – the distinctive 54 Daybridge – will make her European debut at the 2014 Cannes Yachting Festival from 9-14 September.

Already proving popular in Australia and the Americas, the Belize line of luxury motor yachts is inspired by timeless panache and incorporates Australian practicality and superior sea-keeping with the latest in technological innovation from around the globe.

Riviera and Belize international sales director Chris McCafferty said sophisticated styling, an opulent interior, savvy storage concepts and the high-performance hull design are key attributes that set this Belize apart.
“The Australian-owned and designed 54 Daybridge has the ability to transfix an entire bay of modern craft when she glides in,” Mr McCafferty said.

“The Belize was designed to cater for the growing affection for high-end luxury power boats that boast an original design blending traditional charm with the latest in marine technology.

“The 54 Daybridge has already proven very popular in Australia and the Americas where boating aficionados appreciate her sleek lines, sweet sheer, shippy bulwark, shapely hatches and portholes … and of course the substance to her stainless steel rails and cleats. Already 18 hulls have been purchased of this new timeless design.”

Long before you step on-board you get the impression that the 54 Daybridge is in a class all of its own. Belize designers have purposed every inch of available space through smart storage compartments and additional living space.

A large double sunpad sprawls the centreline of the forward deck, with stainless steel drink holders and music controls conveniently placed within easy reach. Located inside the anchor locker are fresh and salt water wash-down points, as well as a deep storage space for additional ground tackle and fenders, while a reliable Muir anchor retrieval system is located under a protective hatch at the bow of the boat, creating more deck space and a very clean appearance.

Mr McCafferty said the centre section of the 54 Daybridge’s large teak-deck swim platform raises and lowers hydraulically to grant easy access to the transom’s electric door garage where there is space for a three-metre tender and outboard that can be easily launched or retrieved without getting your feet wet using the built-in electric winch.

“Above the garage, there’s another hatch that lifts to reveal an electric BBQ centre with grill, sink and solid surface bench top, with helpful LED lighting and stainless steel splashback in the open hatch cover that will impress the most discerning chef,” he said.

“The solid fibreglass hardtop extends over an expansive cockpit to ensure shade and shelter from extremities but at the same time enrich the indoor/outdoor characteristic for which Belize Motoryachts are renowned. There’s a cockpit joystick to port for easy and precise docking while, aft, is a large lounge with great storage under as well as a folding hi-lo table that can convert to a daybed. There’s even more storage at the cockpit bar with fridge and ice-maker console starboard, and swing-out stools at the breakfast bar to port … with a large glass awning window that, when open, connects the bar and galley as one – this is the place to enjoy a lazy breakfast or to drink in a sunset.”

Indeed, the opened glass awning window affirms the port galley as the key entertainment hub of the boat, where the innovative C-Zone central digital switching controls for all on-board lighting and electrics is also located.

Heading into the saloon from the cockpit, the 54 Daybridge’s rear bulkhead is toughened, curved glass, enriching the sense of light, space and liveability in the luxuriously appointed saloon, where panels of rich walnut, plush carpet and soft-touch leather are used in a contemporary palette to create a warm and inviting ambiance, with an added bonus of contributing to excellent acoustics throughout the main living areas and main helm.

Two-pack polyurethane finishes accent and protect key surfaces throughout the boat, including the galley where no less than Miele badges the induction cooktop, combination oven and microwave, and Vitrifrigo the two capacious chiller drawers and separate freezer drawer.

“To starboard is the heart of the saloon, a large L-shaped lounge and dinette where opening side windows allow natural ventilation,” said Mr McCafferty. “When the temperature calls for it, the saloon, galley and helm – as well as the below-deck staterooms – are all air-conditioned.”

The command centre of the 54 Daybridge is inspiring in its design and maintains the elegant sophistication of this boat – all key critical navigation electronics, engine instrumentation and vessel controls are within easy reach of the central high-backed Treban Italian leather electric helm seat fronting a high quality sports electric steering wheel, and providing excellent visibility of two 15-inch multifunction display screens. Alongside the helm seat is a forward-facing three-seater lounge starboard, and a two-seater lounge facing aft. At anchor or underway, fresh air can be introduced to the helm and saloon via a central overhead hatch.

Mr McCafferty said the sense of light and space flows through to the below-deck atrium and generous accommodation, which includes a full-beam master stateroom with queen-sized island bed, quality carpets, a fixed 24-inch TV/DVD and opening portlights within large portlight windows for cross ventilation. The master ensuite has satin-varnished teak floors and elegant German Grohe tapware and showerhead, adding an extra touch of opulence.

“The VIP stateroom is every bit as elegant as the master and occupies the entire forward bow section,” he said. “There are fixed portlights to port and starboard, a central round deck hatch overhead, make-up bureau with fold-out seat and mirror, hanging lockers as well as another 24-inch TV/DVD. The VIP ensuite, which doubles as the dayhead, also boasts luxurious bathroom appointments, large frameless glass shower stall, non-slip satin-varnished teak floors as well as its own round deck hatch and opening porthole, as well as more savvy storage concepts.

“The plushly carpeted guest cabin to starboard has full-sized upper and lower berths, hanging locker, bedside table and drawers as well as its own opening porthole and circular deck hatch. It’s another great example of the Belize belief system of going first-class.”

The inviting Daybridge of the 54 can be accessed via an elegantly curving, teak-tread staircase from the cockpit. Every bit as sociable as the main saloon, the Daybridge has a large L-shaped lounge to port with hi-lo table that can drop to create a second sunpad. Opposite is a wet bar with sink and fridge, as well as a second-station helm with all essential navigation aids.

Mr McCafferty said the hull of the 54 Daybridge was created with twin Cummins Zeus 600 pod drives with aft-facing propellers specifically in mind, resulting in a shape beautifully matched to her power source that slices through the water and ensures a silky and stable ride offshore.

“The highly evolved pod propulsion system not only delivers superior handling and manoeuvring in tight situations but also creates additional space to assist servicing and reduce maintenance costs.

“The pod drives deliver low noise levels, impressive fuel efficiency and high top-end speed and, in the case of the 54 Daybridge, a cruising range of 304NM at 21 knots.

“The Belize 54 Daybridge has now arrived at French Belize dealer Villanova Ship at Port Cogolin, France, where she is available for private inspection in the lead-up to the 2014 Cannes Yachting Festival from 9-14 September.”

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