London-based design firm Claydon Reeves’ Aeroboat S6 takes a fresh approach to day-boating, borrowing elements from iconic British warbirds like the Supermarine Spitfire. While the 65-foot concept yacht has many noteworthy features, its coolest by far is the stern “tail” area. A retractable passerelle, hidden in a compartment, deploys upward and outward for safe entry into the cockpit.
“Pop-up handrails on both sides of the passerelle form a level ‘catwalk’ that is wider than usual,” notes Andrew Johansson, sales and business development manager for Claydon Reeves.
She has a LOA 65′ and a cruise speed 40 knots.
The passerelle also combines with the S6’s Aerostairs, arguably the most convertible swim platform I’ve seen on a day yacht. The Aerostairs transforms from a traditional swim platform into tiered steps that descend a foot under the water and, finally, into a six-step staircase that raises and connects with the passerelle for full-beam entry from the dock into the cockpit.
“The Aerostairs and passerelle can extend another 10 feet aft of the transom,” says Johansson. “Also, when the Aerostairs is in ‘sea terrace,’ or its horizontal position, the usable deck space increases by 70 square feet.”
Both the Aerostairs and passerelle would operate on hydraulics, and each step would detect pressure and angle, and adjust accordingly. “This unique design,” Johansson says, “allows anyone to arrive to and from the yacht in style.”
