UK: Front Street Shipyard Unveils Initial Plans for Two New Yachts

Front Street Shipyard is unveiling initial plans for the Sparkman & Stephens​​ -designed Front Street 118 and Front Street 130 sloops. The yachts have traditional hull lines and trademark S&S sheers, invoking a classic aesthetic from yachting’s golden era.

The construction will be of advanced composite materials using the most modern processes available, making the 118 and 130 powerful and pleasing vessels to sail.

This collaboration between Front Street Shipyard and Sparkman & Stephens will be actively marketed to prospective buyers beginning this fall so that construction can commence as early as 2012.

“Once we identify an owner for a Front Street 118 or 130, we’ll begin the exciting construction process using the most innovative methods available to us,” says JB Turner, president of Front Street Shipyard. “The hull will be infused E-glass and Core Cell core with Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcements in critical areas.”

The yachts’ long, graceful lines are paired with large, powerful sail plans on both the 118 and 130. The elegant deckhouse with generous windows dominates the profile. There is both an ample lounging cockpit and a separate working cockpit with an innovative layout, which is maximized for both sailing and driving under power. Wrap-around seats give complete access to the wheel at all points of sail, while the raised centerline helm seat offers excellent visibility due to the expansive, clutter-free main decks and low-profile deckhouses.

An open arrangement in the raised salon with expansive windows acts as a natural continuation of the outdoor living areas. Large dining settees provide additional lounging areas with shelter from the sun or weather, which on the 130 are serviced by a wetbar. A navigation table and second helm station provide an enclosed area from which to operate the vessel. An open banister and half-butterfly hatches adorn the entire front of the deckhouse.

The living areas of the yachts are equally spacious and comfort-driven. On the 130, a generous full-beam main salon provides indoor living and dining space for six to eight guests. The 118 utilizes the raised salon as the main living area, complemented by a comfortable half-beam dining room in the lower level. Aft of the raised salon, large master staterooms include settee, desk, and walk-in closet, while two ensuite cabins provide additional sleeping quarters. Forward of the open living spaces on each yacht are service areas comprised of a generous u-shaped galley, crew mess, captain’s stateroom, and accommodations. Below the raised salon is a large engine room compartment, with generous headroom. Ample space has been allowed for all the machinery and equipment that is expected aboard modern, state-of-the-art superyachts.

“We have very high expectations for the Front Street 118 and 130,” says Bruce Johnson, president of Sparkman & Stephens. “The modern facility they have quickly developed in Belfast is becoming New England’s premier yacht construction and service yard. Sparkman & Stephens is delighted to work with the Front Street Shipyard crew and we expect great things to come from this promising partnership.”

The Front Street 118 and 130 are ready to be customized by interested buyers. Full specs are as follows:

FS 130                                         FS 118

LOA 131’-2” (40.0 m)              118’-6” (36.1 m)

LWL 96’-10” (29.5 m) .           88’-2” (26.9 m)

Beam 27’-7” (8.4 m)                24’-11” (7.6 m)

Draft 14’-0” (4.25 m)               13’-2” (4.00 m)

Power 660 hp (490 kW)         500 hp (375 kW)

Front Street Shipyard is a premier boatbuilding, repair and service facility that offers dockage and winter storage for boats up to 145 feet and hauling capacity for vessels up to 165 tons. The yard has deep-water access for a range of power and sailing vessels from small boats to superyachts. With services from engine and systems maintenance to carpentry and advanced composite repair work, Front Street Shipyard is a full-service facility with exceptionally high quality standards.

Sparkman & Stephens has been designing and brokering yachts since 1929, with offices in Greenwich, CT, Newport, RI, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Over 2,700 design have been completed since the company’s inception, spanning the range of sailing and motor yachts – racers and cruisers, custom and production yachts, from small dinghies to megayachts. The philosophy of tirelessly balancing form and function is evident in yachts around the world built to S&S designs.