CLB65 brings all-weather cruising to those who love real boating.
![](https://powerboatmagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MIG.gif)
Having wowed boaters with her Asia-Pacific debut in Hong Kong last year, CLB65 from CL Yachts arrived in Australia earlier this year in March, her Australian premiere was at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and she is due to showcase next up at the Sydney International Boat Show.
At 19.7 metres in length, with one of the most comfortable beams in her class of 6.05 metres, the Howard Apollonio-designed hull builds upon the success of the bestselling CLB72– this contemporary cruiser has been tailor-made for Australian adventures, with acres of shaded deck space, a seamless inside/outside experience, proven Volvo Penta performance and construction engineered by Gurit that ensures she can take whatever the Aussie coastlines and seas can throw at her.
![](https://powerboatmagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/4a-1.png)
“CLB65 is a really interesting addition to the Australian market, and it offers so many features that are key to cruising this region,” enthuses Andrew Withers, managing director of Sydney Marine Brokerage, CL Yachts’ dealer for Australia. “It encapsulates the essence of waterside living and delivers an incredible onboard experience, but it is equally capable of taking you anywhere you want to go thanks to a carbon-reinforced, resin-infused hull and a 27-knot top end.”
That waterside living manifests through carefully considered decks that include a single-level main deck from aft terrace to forward saloon, a lower-deck with full-beam master, luxurious VIP and a further ensuite twin, and a superb flybridge that extends all the way aft which also provides shade and shelter to the cockpit below.
![](https://powerboatmagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/4b-1.png)
At main deck level, the aft cockpit and alfresco dining area rolls forward into an aft galley – a first for CL Yachts, and a hugely popular feature for Australian boaters – which features a lift-up aft window and opening door to connect outside and in. As with all CL Yachts models, the fit and finish is sublime, with quality components and leading brand appliances – an element that is carried forward to the saloon area with its wraparound lounge to port, and interior helm to starboard. Organic shapes and sinuous curves in the asymmetric tables and other interior elements deliver a delicious nod to sensuous contemporary styling. Large windows that wrap around the main deck confer natural light to the inside and frame expansive views to the outside.
The Howard Apollonio-designed hull has been optimised for fast, rugged cruising, with twin 800hp Volvo Penta IPS 1050s offering a cruise of 21 knots and a sticks-down 27-knot max. The IPS system makes CLB65 not only a dream to cruise but also a dream to manoeuvre in harbours or in tighter spaces. That performance is also combined with a hull that was expertly engineered by the famous New Zealand structural specialist Gurit, lending confidence that CLB65 will take you anywhere you want to go both in style and in safety.
![](https://powerboatmagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/4c-1.png)
“As well as offering the very best fit and finish and contemporary classic styling in a variety of materials to suit each client’s taste, we also consider the cruising areas and cruising style for our key territories,” explains Martin Lo, CL Yachts Director.
“This means that for each of our models – including CLB65 – we can develop different layouts that match the culture, cruising grounds, climate and customer trends of those individual territories. Australia is an exciting market for us, and we think the CLB65 is an exciting model for Australians, offering the perfect platform for the Australian boating lifestyle. We can’t wait to see the response to CLB65 at the regional boat shows this year!”