Menorquin Yachts Blend Old-World Tradition With Sophistication and Technology by BiUParlatore photography by the author !1N mE
UNITED
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l1nd traditions brought by immigrants from iaround the world. Our diversity is our strength. Even so, many Americans are fascinated by traveling the world, visiting countries where there's a wealth of history and heritage. One such place is the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. With settlements dating back to 3,500 B.C., the islands are a virtual time capsule of European evolution. United during the time of the Romans, the five major islands that make up the Mediterranean archipelago have been home to Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths, Arabs, Spaniards, Catalans, English
and French. All have left their mark on the group of islands. Menorca is the most easterly of the Balearics, situated at 40 degrees Nand 4 degrees E. Its position in the Mediterranean ensures a lovely climate with predominantly northern winds, which characteristically blow with gusto. The island is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide and, for the most part, is relatively flat, with rolling hills. The high point on the island is Monte Toro at 1,100 feet, and it offers a marvelous view of the island's 216 kilometers of coastline. Today Menorca is a tourism magnet, with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and more than its share of excellent restaurants. Best
A view of Mahon Harbor from my hotel. The natural haven has protected fleets for centuries. The group of boats in the foreground is mostly Menorquin yachts.
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of all is that the type of tourist attracted to Menorca is one who enjoys relaxed hours at a sidewalk cafe rather than the parasailing and casino life of Theme Park Caribbean. For the population of Menorca, life is good. In addition to tourism, which accounts for half the local income, there is cattle farming and agriculture. And, no surprise here, fishing has its place in the local economy. The design of Menorca's boats dates back centuries, and the small, double-ended displacement hulls are known as llauds. For hundreds of years, these lateen rigged boats worked out in the choppy seas that are the norm in the north Balearics. Efficient, stable and safe, the llaud also proved a good choice for motorboat conversion when gasoline and diesel engines eventually replaced sail. In 1978, local businessman D. Juan Sastre started Astilleros Menorca Shipyard. His family company set off to build traditional boats, always keeping an eye open for new technology that could be integrated. Hard work and clear vision prevailed, and the family operation has flourished for the past 25 years. His classic boats are found throughout the Balearics. Today his sons join him in the business. Five years ago, to mark its growth and interest in expanding into international markets, the company changed its name to Menorquin Yachts.
Opportunity Beckons To celebrate the anniversary of the company, as well as show off its new 326,OOO-square-foot facility, Menorquin Yachts threw a large party of international proportions. They invited us aboard, and the crowd of press and dealers was impressive-from Spain, Mallorca, Germany, Croatia, France, Italy, the United States and Greece. All came to see the facility of a builder that now exports more than 60 percent of its yearly production of 120 boats. I made the long trip to Menorca via Madrid with the U.S. representative, Ed Kurowski of Gratitude Yachting Center of Rock Hall,
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Maryland. (Ed is one of those guys you can't help but instantly like. He is calm, competent and knowledgeable without being boorish. And he rides an old Harley, so we had plenty to talk about besides boats.) Ed's partner, Jack Heffner, would meet us later on the island. For the people of Gratitude, which included manager Ken Overton, this official event also was a great opportunity to inspect several boats under construction for the new U.S. market. After arriving at the capital city of Mahon, we soon found ourselves in the heart of town. Richly European, but with a decidedly British influence (from the last British occupation during the 1700s, many buildings show off green shutters and brass door hardware), the city rings a natural harbor. Mahon is home for fishing boats, navy ships and pleasure craft. We saw llauds of all sizes everywhere. My room at the Catalonia Mirador Des Port had me staying atop a cliff overlooking the harbor. This vantage point offered both a lovely marine view and a charming glimpse of splendid old-world architecture. It is a city that begs for long walks along the waterfront, with stops for cappuccino, pastry or simply an ice cream. The sport of "people-watching" is world class in Mahon. Another influence left by the British is a taste for gin, which is a local specialty. Often served with lemonade, this drink is called "pomada" and was a quickly acquired favorite.
Over the next few days we traveled to the nearby Menorquin yard. There we were given plant tours and boat rides on the latest fleet of models, and we got a chance to discuss all aspects of the company and boats with the owners, naval architect and dealers. Clearly, Menorquin Yachts is a modem European organization making a big effort to go global. The average age of the workforce is 35, although the typical carpenter is somewhat older and a true craftsman. It was a most impressive and well-organized affair, hosted by Juan Sastre and his three sons, Juan Francisco, Jose Luis and Basilio. Juan and Jose are responsible for production and financial and business operations. Their influence keeps the facility contemporary and vibrant Basilio owns Nautic Center, a large yacht dealer in Menorca that sells the Menorquin. (Nautic Center also offers charters and commissioning services for all Menorquins in Menorca.)
Shape Of Things To Come The Menorquin line currently includes six models, from 34 to 60 feet LOA.The boats are in some ways unusual, at least from a traditional American perspective. A top-down
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view of the accommodations plan may give one the impression that these boats are full bodied and ungainly, but that is an illusion. The underwater hull shape is a careful study in efficiency. It is an example of Menorquin Yachts blending modem yacht design and centuries-old evolution. According to Xavier Cardell, the Barcelonabased naval architect whose firm, Hilla & Cardell Yacht Design, is responsible for developing these boats, the hull shape did indeed begin as sailing craft. Cardell, a native of Menorca, is a big-time sailboat racer and was the world champion of Optimist racing in 1982. His company today designs high-tech racing sailboats, as well as other projects that push the envelope of traditional thinking. He explained that as engines began to replace the lateen sail rig on the working boats, the desire for higher speed motivated owners to modify the traditional double-ender, What developed were wood and metal "lifts" fitted to the canoe stem, which added lift to the stern at speed through the water. The lifts were a successful development, but Cardell said that when they put a molded fiberglass box under the stern on one of the Menorquins five years ago, they effectively changed the hull shape and realized the performance benefits of semidisplacement. The changes continued, and soon PASSAGEMAKER
â&#x20AC;˘ Nov/Dec 2002
hull molds were altered to incorporate permanent stem extensions. Despite its unusual appearance, the extended swim platform adds practical space to the otherwise traditional boats and is great for diving, swimming, using a dinghy or simply enjoying the view at water level. On the bigger boats, especially, the size and execution of the extension adds what amounts to a back porch off the covered aft cockpit, yet without sacrificing a traditional canoe stern. Cardell went on to explain that the Menorquin hull shape is immensely seaworthy, which is important for running a boat in the seas around the north Balearic Islands. Short, steep waves quickly develop in this part of the Mediterranean, and conditions can get downright ugly without warning. The plumb bow's fine entry makes a quick transition into massive reserve buoyancy. Combined with a long keel and canoe stern, this shape has proven very resistant to broaching. He commented that Grand Banks-style hulls are at a disadvantage when these steep seas develop, which perhaps explains why I saw not one of them during my stay on the island. As if anticipating my question, the enthusiastic architect added that the swim platform did not compromise this seaworthy shape, as following seas easily wash over the low structure.
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Designed For Outdoor Living It is the stem that draws the most comments, but Ed Kurowski finds it makes people question what is "normal." "One of the things that attracts couples to this boat is the swim platform," Ed said. "It is easy to see how it can be used down in the islands, on Chesapeake Bay or in the Northwest. People who enjoy diving or water sports, or cruise with pets and children, think this makes sense. "It is a boat designed for outdoor living as well as great year-round usage for a family. Its looks are unusual but very practical." The Menorquins are twin-engine boats, and each model will approach 20 knots. This is certainly within the desired performance envelope of today's cruising machines, in boats that have luxurious accommodations. The smaller 100 and 110 models, 34 feet and 37 feet, respectively, have comfortable accommodations for a couple or a small family, with V-berth forward, roomy saloon, compact galley, enclosed helm and plenty of outdoor living space under a covered aft deck. Moving about on even the smaller Menorquins gives one the feeling of heft and robust construction, yet the boats cruise in the upper teens. The larger Menorquins, especially the 160 and 180 (50 feet and 60 feet LOA),have wonderfully Nov/Oec 2002- PASSAGEMAKER
Menorquin Yachts
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LOA LWL Beam Draft Displ. Engines Fuel Water Price
100 34'3" 32'6" 12'1" 3'2" 18,000 2x2OOhp 180 gal 76 gal $245K
110 3T3" 35'2" 12'5" 3'6" 22,930 2x23Ohp 206 gal 132 gal $280K
For More Information: Gratitude Yachting Center 5990 lawton Ave., Rock Hall, MD 21661 410.639.7111 gratyacht@dmv.com www.gratitudeyachting.com
120 40'11" 38'11" 12'9" 3'7" 30,280 2x285hp 236 gal 171 gal $335K
130 43' 40'10" 16'5" 4'3" 38,180 2x385hp 238 gal 264 gal $lOOK
160 50'3" 48'5" 16'5" 4'3" 56,844 2x370hp 450 gal 264 gal $SOOK
180 59'6" 57'5" 18'1" 5' 70,055 2x675hp 925 gal 264 gal S880K
crafted interiors fit for royalty. Unlike some boats, where multiple staterooms get squeezed into small spaces, the Menorquin approach is in the other direction, with fewer cabins and open living areas that maximize space. Menorquin boats are richly finished in iroko, teak and mahogany hardwoods. These interiors seem to reflect the Spanish way of life: simple, sophisticated, rich. These people know how to live, and it's no surprise that their boats reflect this. As one of the visiting Frenchmen put it, the Menorquin is a new kind of boat that carries on a tradition-but in a totally new way. As Gratitude Yachting Center brings these Menorquins in country, expect to see the boats draw crowds wherever they go. And new owners should get used to giving tours and answering questions. It will no doubt be part of the ownership experience. If the idea of blending tradition, modern technology and quality materials speaks to you, I suggest a little trip to Menorca to see for yourself. It's a land worth visiting-and be sure to have a tall pomada for me! ~ Reprinted with pennission.
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