Lagoon Seventy8

Discovering the SEVENTY 8, you’d think the first impression would be that you’re boarding a boat you know, in this case the Lagoon SEVENTY 7, but just one with the mast unstepped. But as soon as you get aboard, you discover a very different high-end unit. First off, the traditional trampoline found forward on the sailboat version has disappeared and is replaced by a removable deck covered with teak. The platform offers 250 m² on the main deck, with fore and aft cockpits, 15 and 35 m² respectively, and a 70 m² panoramic saloon. Add a flybridge of 35 m² and you have an area where a jacuzzi can be installed. Then in the hulls, a 20 m² galley with adjoining crew quarters, a 25 m² owner’s suite with retractable terrace (the “must-have” of this boat) and two VIP cabins at 20 m² each. In all, more than 350 m² of this boat can be used as living space, and it seems to be doing away with many of the heavy regulatory constraints, and therefore also the financial ones, associated with models over 24 m. Well played!

The decor and finish are comparable to the most prominent superyachts on the market. But that's not all. This yacht is capable of a speed of 20 knots thanks to a semi planing hull conceived by the architects, but with a pair of 580 hp engines only, where you would expect to need at least twice that on a traditional super yacht of this size. At this speed, consumption will reach just 100 l per engine! But at cruising speed (8.5 knots) an appetite of only 20 liters per hour could take you across the Atlantic, with some to spare. Another advantage of this catamaran is that when signing the order form, you’ll be surprised to learn that you can receive your yacht in only 9 months! Amazing in the superyacht world. And all this, for the "modest" amount of just over 4.4 million euros ex-tax. Spot the mistake…

A long process

No, there’s no mistake.  But rather an incredible mix of experience and excellence that achieves what we would have thought impossible 10 years ago. Check out this list:   A firm of naval architects (VPLP) has developed not only the entire Lagoon range since its inception in 1987, but also the first large catamaran superyachts, "Douce France" and "Hemisphere" (not mentioning any names of course);  An exterior designer who participated in the success of the world's leading car manufacturer, Patrick Le Quément; an interior design firm (Nauta) having designed both production yachts and "Azzam", the largest yacht in the world; a shipyard (CNB / Lagoon) which has built more than 4,300 catamarans, but also those who are among the most beautiful custom and semi-custom sailboats of the last thirty years; and finally, the group power of the world's leading builder of pleasure craft - Bénéteau. This amazing array of talent, brought together by the determination of the project manager, Bruno Belmont, who was at the origin of the brand in 1984, is an amazing cocktail of ingredients. But that wasn’t enough. In order to produce both the SEVENTY 7 and 8 rationally, the Bordeaux-based shipyard inaugurated a new workshop called "Building 6" whose construction began in January 2016 and which has been operational since the beginning of 2017. At 13 meters in height and 35 meters in width, (so that the boat can be returned to the shed), what is now the largest workshop on the Quai de Brazza has all the modern facilities for molding, trimming and assembling luxury boats. They anticipate a rise in production rates and already today, no less than four SEVENTYs can be produced simultaneously. Seven to eight weeks to build the hull and seven to eight months to complete the finishing.  Hey, that rhymes with their numbering...

Semi-custom in a production boat

But what would be point of all this talent and experience, spanning more than thirty years, without a precise strategy. The methodology already developed for CNB's semi-custom monohulls is again being used here. After studying the desires of Lagoon customers over the past thirty years, a common denominator of equipment and aesthetic choice emerged. In this case, for the SEVENTY 8, this represents very extensive standard equipment, particularly the technical equipment, where everything is designed to meet the (significant) energy demands.  Another customer requirement is for different décor options. On the 8, you have the choice between three different interior atmospheres, Alpi dark oak, clear or gray for furniture and bulkheads and a choice of furniture.  And 96 pages of options!  For the layout, several solutions are proposed, ranging from three to five cabins, and can integrate a conference room, a cinema or even a spa. But all these options are carefully thought out, selected, parameterized and integrated into the production process. The combination of all these assumptions is a huge choice for the customer, almost infinite, but not unexpected on the production line, where every eventuality has already been thought of. In fact, the result is the possibility of creating a practically custom-built and made to measure unit with standard elements and equipment.  So that explains it. 

Made for large spaces and relaxation

Just after its first presentation to the public, we had an appointment to test the merits of the formula. While boarding, we took stock of the immense space and the comfort felt everywhere on board. But the most interesting thing is the ergonomics. Every aspect of life on board has been anticipated, so as to offer the best possible circulation, whether it’s time for relaxing, or handling the boat or work for the crew.

In the saloon, multiple spaces have been designed to promote interaction or areas to allow privacy or relaxation. These different areas are not compartmentalized and you enjoy a 360° view of the surroundings (which for this occasion is the beautiful Iles de Lérins in the South of France), even comfortably seated on the sofas. Ventilation outlets are placed on the floor and under the ceiling to promote the circulation of hot or cool air as required. Each cabin has its own companionway, private bathroom and separate toilet. The king-size Victoria beds are aligned athwartships and are at the same height as those you would find in the most beautiful hotels in the world... To quibble, we can only say that the absence of day toilets is to be noted, compared to the level of luxury services otherwise achieved. On the flybridge, the helm station is ideally complemented on each side by two joysticks, allowing for serene docking maneuvers. The residual chop in the Baie de Cannes allowed us to check the excellent passage through the water of the semi-planing hulls which have been optimized for engine propulsion. Between 15 and 20 knots, the slightly bows-up trim deserves a possibility of adjustment, perhaps with the aid of trim-tabs. The John Deere motors are quite quiet and their rounded noise is acceptable to the ear. Going into the owner’s cabin, we can hear that the goal of not exceeding 54 decibels is confirmed by motoring at 8-10 knots. It is also a good cruising speed. At this pace, life flows peacefully on board. Everyone can go about their business or meet here and there, for a discussion or a drink. Having arrived at the anchorage between the islands, the Williams dinghy was launched in the blink of an eye and this then clears the large bathing platform. The champagne-color paint on the hulls emphasizes the elegance of design that does not lose its family appeal, something dear to Patrick Le Quément. Unique but recognizable. Exclusive but also recalling a strong and much-loved pedigree. Returning to the dock, everyone is busy sending out invitations for the evening. The party can start on the beach beforehand. This is just like a dream...

Conclusion

The design, the development and the uniformity of the Lagoon SEVENTY 8 is allowing it to make a remarkable entrance into the world of big boats: an entrance straight through the front door! However, the lucky owners of this proper superyacht won’t be having to pay for their entry ticket at a high price. The livability and the comfort of the 8 are worthy of much larger and much more expensive boats. Its sea-keeping qualities allow it to switch from the Mediterranean islands to across the Atlantic, or even further, without any concerns on a technical or budgetary level.

Pluses

- Tight and very elegant lines that hide an exceptional livability

- A concept combining exceptional experience and know-how

- Unparalleled ergonomics and comfort for a model under 5 million

Minuses

- The absence of day heads for on-board functions

- Delivery times are likely to increase, given the success so far

TECHNICAL SPEICIFCATIONS

Builder:                       Lagoon

Construction:                         Glass fiber / foam composite

Length:                                 23.80 m

Max beam:                  11.00 m

Draft:                         1.27 m

Air draft:                     8.95 m

Motors:                       2 x 510 hp / 580 hp

Diesel capacity:          8500 l

Fresh water capacity:           2 x 800 l

Light displacement:    62.10 t

Guests:                                 up to 12 people

Crew:                         up to 5 people

Naval Architects:       VPLP

Exterior design:                      Patrick Le Quément

Interior design:                       Nauta Design