Sweet 66
The Skinny On Sabre’s Largest Model Yet
The longest and most luxurious Sabre motoryacht to date made her debut in the winter of 2016 at the Yachts Miami Beach Show on Collins Avenue. The Sabre 66 Dirigo is the first American built, downeast style motor yacht of this size to be introduced to the market. This stunning new Sabre model, while big in size, gives up nothing in performance thanks to her Volvo Penta IPS3-1200 pod drives which carry this composite-rich motoryacht to a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots. From day one, the Sabre Yachts design team knew they had to carefully monitor weight to keep the 66 both light and strong.
Each of the designs for new Sabre models receive several sets of eyes before committing to a final hull form. In the case of the 66, Vectorworks software was used to build a model and check all of the weights and balances of the design. This CAD modeling confirmed Sabre’s expectations that the 66 would be able to get a top end speed of 30 knots and a cruise of 25 knots—right in line with the typical Sabre numbers. The next level of verification came from Volvo Penta, ensuring that the IPS 1200s would give Sabre the same performance parameters. In fact, upon her initial sea trial, these original cruise and WOT speed estimates were bested by 2 knots each.
To achieve this, the weight of each part of the Sabre 66 was strictly analyzed and controlled throughout production. As a first step in the process, hull #1 weighed in at 17,775 pounds, which fell below the target of 18,000. Two more examples of this strength-to-weight program are the main cabin soles for the forward arrangement and the master stateroom. The forward accommodation sole is cored with balsa to keep it light and strong, and also keep the sound of water running across the hull out of the interior. The full-beam master stateroom requires a level of structural stability which led to using carbon fiber in the layup; saving considerable weight over wood or steel alternatives.
It’s clear that Sabre Yachts has gone to great lengths for weight reduction in this newest model including the use of a special material to construct most of the interior joinery of the 66. This new material is a fiberglass reinforced polyurethane core material with a cherry overlay. The main reason for this change is weight; one cubic foot of regular marine-grade plywood weighs 35 pounds whereas one cubic foot of the new composite weighs just 13 pounds. The weight savings on a vessel this large plays a key factor in the exceptional fuel economy and performance on the Sabre 66.
Step on-board the Sabre 66 and your breath is nearly taken away by the amazing artistry, design and luxury that is built into every single aspect of this new flagship model. Every single surface is beaming with high-end woods, veneers, leathers and plush fabrics. Every detail was considered in the layout and production of this boat, from the impressive accommodations to the galley that includes a wall oven, fullsized refrigerator/freezer and stunning wood cabinetry. The interior is flooded with natural light through port holes and hatches, but doesn’t disappoint when the sun goes down, with plenty of recessed lighting throughout the headliners which are artfully segmented by satin-finished wooden beams.
While the excitement of the all-new Sabre 66 hasn’t dwindled as they work diligently on the construction of hull #2, there are other models in the Sabre line up catching the eyes of enthusiasts. The first ever Sabre 48 Flybridge was recently completed, adding to the sedan lineup that already includes the acclaimed 54 and 42.
Exemplary craftsmanship has been ever present throughout Sabre’s history— including their former Sabreline sailing yachts. The new 66 Dirigo takes this to the next level, not only with fit and finish, but by technology. The high-strength cored materials and finished panels that provide immense weight savings for this new flagship model, are sure to trickle down to all the models in the Sabre family, further benefitting performance and economy for every model Sabre builds.