Sporting a silhouette appearing more concept than reality, the exotic lines of Palmer Johnson's first creation in the SuperSport yacht series are, in a word, dramatic. Intriguing from every angle, the 48m Motor Yacht Khalilah presents a signature profile that owns innovation in the luxury yachting world. You simply cannot stop looking.
Berkeley March's confident hand designed Khalilah to be fast, efficient, and stable. Three main lines fluidly define the hull without a single straight line in sight. Built by Brødrene Aa in Norway, the broad shouldered design nips into a narrow waist, then again flares toward the haunches, breathing architectural energy into the form.
Palmer Johnson's history, soon to mark 100 years, embraced historic brand values of vision, evolution, and innovation to set the bar high for Khalilah. The end result is a craft so stunning, so different, and so imaginative, that even quick glances inspire fantasy in epic proportion.
From the bold, golden exterior, topped with black superstructure, to the sweeping saloon windows, Khalilah's aggressive stance gives the appearance of a ready-for-anything departure. Strong and sleek, the look is indicative of muscular brawn. The wave-piercing displacement trimaran hull and superstructure stealthily gain advantages through featherweight carbon fiber that slices through waves, even at high speeds and heavy seas.
At 48 meters long and 11 wide, Khalilah weighs in at 490 GRT, earning a 30 percent weight reduction that enables her to slip efficiently through the water at 32 kts, burning 50 percent less fuel with her dual MTU 2000 series diesel engines. Employing the technology of a CPP, controllable pitch propeller, Khalilah brilliantly maneuvers in tight moorings as well as in wide open ocean. Slim and smart, a central main hull helps reduce slamming and pitching and innovative sponsons increase stability by a factor of three while reducing roll angle, assisting with roll damping, speed, and power.
Khalilah's anchors, agreeably, are in stealth mode. Retracting into the bottom of the hull, the aft design eliminates disruption of exterior line anchor pockets, and a big-ship style, enclosed mooring room offers protection and privacy for crew while working. A 4.7 m wide sun tunnel provides much appreciated daylighting for crew areas. The garage holds a sleek, 7m tender, the largest in its class, and a fold-down mast assists with clearances.
Khalilah's sun deck features a 31 sm Sky Lounge, with large foredeck Jacuzzi, and seating curves hugging a circular table mid deck. A generous 67 sm sun deck aft provides expansive views and comfortable seating. Port and starboard telescopic wing stations accessed fore of the Jacuzzi assist with docking and maneuvering.
The interior of the yacht continues the refined, simplified design scheme, graciously accommodating 10 guests and 8 crew. The main deck honors the master suite forward, with full height windows both port and starboard, a centrally positioned king bed, separate his and hers bathrooms and shower rooms, and a folding balcony. Aft of the owner's suite, separated by the communications room and technical space, is the main salon and casual dining space for ten, with curved bar. Full height windows provide exceptional ocean views and abundant natural light. The aft main deck is pure joy with al fresco dining for ten, backed by a large, rectangular seating space additional unimpeded views.
