Enthusiasm of the team from Strazhin, where the shipyard is located. Galeonfounded in 1982, has paid off in full: Raptor 700 Skydeck was awarded the World Yacht Trophy for best design and innovation in the category of sports yachts under 24 metres.
The space of this 22-meter yacht has been used not only rationally, but also quite wittily. Above all, the design-transformers, which not only save space, but are also a fascinating attraction, attract attention. Guests are brought to the yacht through a retractable platform, which on command can launch the tender. The tender itself hides next to each other: the sunbathing area with its white leather sofa opens up like a shell.
This is followed by a recreation area combined with an outdoor dining area. The rest area is responsible for the left side of the room, where the narrow leather sofa attached to the bulwark is flush with the coffee table. If desired, the table can be easily transformed into a full bed by combining it with the sofa. On the starboard side there is a zone with a dining table adjacent to the second sofa.
If the space we describe is only covered by the roof, but still outdoors, it is followed by the bar area and the captain's cabin, which can be isolated with another transformer. At the push of a button behind the bar, a glass wall with a sliding door on the photocells rises in seconds. And the area adjacent to the wheelhouse is completely closed. If this function is not used, the deck is a single space where the rooms are multifunctional, one flowing into another, and each corner has its own purpose.
But at high speed, and the Raptor, with its two MAN 1550 HP engines each, is capable of speeds up to 34 knots, it's better to close with the noise glass. The yacht has been able to accommodate three cabins. The layout of the master suite is unusual. It takes up all the space from side to side, but the bed... is not positioned as usual in the middle, but adjacent to one of them.
This layout not only left room for a spacious passage to the bathroom, there is even room to place on the other side of the chair, couch and table. At the touch of another button, the LCD monitor is lowered from the ceiling - it's easy to watch while lying on the bed. The VIP cabin is located in the bow of the yacht, another cabin with two beds is on the starboard side. All levels of the yacht are equipped with LED lamps that adjust to a futuristic mood, complementing the strict graphic design and discreet color scheme.
This is not the end of the Raptor's attractions. The last one, the most striking, is connected with the roof, which instantly turns into a viewing platform. A staircase descends from above, and it is easy to climb the roof, which has several comfortable places to relax and another wheelhouse. This is the most spectacular spot on the whole boat as it offers the best views.
On the whole, Raptor has turned out to be fast in its lines, but not aggressive at all. The Galeon yard, which created it together with designer Tony Castro, has a clever boat, where excellent sailing characteristics and confident behaviour at high speed are combined with functional design.
Published in YACHTS magazine #35.
