Hargrave’s new 101 epitomizes the company’s mantra of class, timelessness and larger than life.
Here’s the quickest way to really understand the new Hargrave 101 or, rather, to understand Hargrave Yachts. In general, builders of luxury yachts are faceless entities.
But when you stop by the Hargrave dock at a boat show, you’ll see a smiling guy with a badge that says “Mike Joyce.” Joyce is Hargrave. Oh, sure, there was a Jack Hargrave that designed great yachts, but he’s long gone and Joyce had the business acumen and, ahem, the large “huevos” to turn that name into one of the most recognizable builders in the marine industry.
Saying that Joyce is the driving force behind every Hargrave is like saying that Niagara is a waterfall. Standing on a Hargrave yacht talking to a potential customer, Joyce suddenly whips out a notepad and scribbles something. “Sorry,” he says to the client, “I just saw something I think we can do better and wanted to remember it.” Every new Hargrave benefits from everything Joyce and his dedicated team have learned from every past Hargrave.
More than 50 percent of Joyce’s Hargrave owners are on their second Hargrave, and some are on their fourth. Buying a Hargrave is like joining a family—owners stay in touch even when they live thousands of miles apart. And that’s because of Joyce, who believes in treating his clients right. As a two-time Hargrave owner said, “There’s one reason I keep buying Hargraves and that’s because Mike never says ‘no.’ His answer to everything I wanted, including some difficult changes, was always, ‘Sure, we can do that.’”
Which brings us to Cutting Edge, the perfectly named and newest 101′ Hargrave. She draws on Jack Hargrave’s sensibilities for elegantly classic lines that, unlike many trendy designs, will remain timeless and in vogue for many years.
Cutting Edge has a raised pilothouse, a layout that makes sense to allow the crew to run the yacht in privacy while the guests enjoy the living areas of the yacht—and what living areas! Everyone’s initial impression of Cutting Edge is of immense space and room. Start with the aft deck that seems too large to be on a 101-footer, with its curved settee, dining table that easily seats all guests, and full bar with stools. All of this is shaded by the boat deck overhang making this perfect for alfresco meals or leisurely sundowners.
Step through an electric sliding door to access a spacious salon that includes a formal dining area for eight. Much of the impact is because Hargrave took advantage of the full 21′ beam by eliminating side decks—the result is striking. The other part of the equation is the 7′ headroom, which, as Joyce notes, “is the most important dimension to give a sense of openness.”
The interior is by Shelley DiCondina of Interiors by Shelley in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She specified a striking glossy walnut interior with zebrawood inlays that is both subtle and traditional. Some of the loose chairs and tables pick up that zebrawood theme and, with a full bar in an aft corner, this is the yacht’s “living room.”
A passageway to starboard leads past an opulently finished dayhead and the steps up to the pilothouse, ending in the forward country galley that has become a hallmark of Hargrave designs. It’s a very American, very democratic arrangement that provides a superb galley for the chef and a comfortable U-shaped dinette. This is where guests are likely to gather for casual breakfasts and lunches, and the area is flooded with light from the windshield.
The galley is a delight, from the marble center island to every possible GE and Sub-Zero appliance to the mother-of-pearl mosaic backsplash. What most visitors miss is the huge pantry in the passage opposite the outside door. This easily handles the supplies for extended stays aboard, and the door allows groceries to be loaded without having to pass through the living areas.
Stairs from the salon lead to an elegant foyer, with the double-door master cabin just aft. Once again, the full 21-foot beam has been used to deliver a suite, not just a cabin, with a centerline king berth and twin walk-in closets. The full-beam his-and-hers head is aft, divided by a spacious shower, again with marble and walnut accents. I had to admire the two seats with a table tucked under the windows in the master suite, thinking they would be lovely for croissants and coffee in the morning or a last snifter of brandy in the evening.
Two additional cabins open off the foyer, and both are similarly sized with king-sized berths and ensuite heads. The one difference, and a clever one, is that the starboard cabin is easily converted to twins by removing the nightstand, sliding the berth apart, and then replacing the nightstand between the two berths. It’s the perfect solution to have three couples as guests, or provide room for kids.
The VIP cabin is separate, with access from the galley to a private cabin in the forepeak and, like the others, it has a king berth, large ensuite head and excellent storage. The crew has exceptionally pleasant accommodations aft, which are finished to the level of guest areas, with a captain’s cabin, a double crew cabin, and a lounge with mini galley. Happy crews equal happy owners.
The pièce de résistance aboard Cutting Edge is the upper deck, which combines the flybridge with an expansive area for entertaining and lounging. The helm is forward to starboard, with a double companion seat opposite for guests who want to see where they’re going. Most, however, are likely to gather around the two L-shaped settees that are shaded under the fiberglass hardtop and served by a full wet bar with four stools. Something most visitors won’t notice is that the tables are on sliders so, even if you’re the innermost guest, you can get up without making everyone move—a thoughtful touch. The large whirlpool spa has one side wrapped by a varnished teak counter with stools for guests who choose to stay dry. Opposite is an outdoor galley with a Firemagic grill for alfresco dining.
Aft is the 17-foot AB tender, launched via a Quicklift davit. Once the tender is in the water, this huge area is more ballroom than boat deck. Set out an array of sun loungers, or have a cocktail party for 25 of your friends. The bridge is air-conditioned and, with a soft enclosure around the hardtop, is suitable for all-weather enjoyment.
Power for Cutting Edge is a pair of Caterpillar C32A diesels of 1800-hp each. A pair of 32kW Northern Light gensets provides plenty of power, and the yacht has a long list of equipment including HPS bow and stern thrusters, and Naiad zero-speed stabilizers.
It’s no surprise that Hargrave owners are repeat customers, because Mike Joyce and his team are creating beautiful yachts that are custom tailored to each owner. Well-built, beautifully designed and outfitted, each Hargrave is unique because, well, Joyce just can’t say no.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 101′
Beam: 21′
Draft: 5′ 8″
Weight: 105 tons
Fuel/Water: 3000/600 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x 1600-hp Caterpillar C32A diesels
Cruise/Top speed: 16/24 knots
Range: 550 nm @13 knots
MSRP: call for price
CONTACT
Hargrave Custom Yachts
1887 W. State Rd. 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 463-0555
hargravecustomyachts.com
— By Chris Caswell , Southern Boating January 2016
