The Med48 CJV, an Ultra-Chic French Yacht
The latest creation from the Marseille-based manufacturer, the Med 48 CJV edition, is a contemporary sporty open motorboat. It materializes Alexandre-Jacques Vernazza's ambition, the young head of Med Yacht, to establish a foothold in the high-end yachting market.
The first step was taken in 2007 with the establishment of Mediaco Yachts in Marseille, a subsidiary specializing in the sale, services, and rental of motorboats. This was a year before the Lehman Brothers hurricane devastated the boating industry.
In 2009, the relocation of the company to Saint-Tropez - in direct contact with a clientele somewhat sheltered from the ravages of the crisis - allowed for an unexpected growth boost. Mediaco Yachts distributed prestigious brands such as Al Dhaen Craft, Sea Water, expanded its rental fleet, and increased its boat storage facilities. Concurrently, father and son wanted to materialize a project close to their hearts: creating their own brand and designing a boat according to their vision. "We believed there was something different to be done", emphasized Alexandre-Jacques Vernazza. In 2010, Med Yacht was established, and by 2011, the first boat was unveiled at the Cannes Boat Show. Perfectly aligned with the trend of chic sporting yachts at that time, the Med 45 quickly captivated enthusiasts with its sleek design. Both the public and specialized press praised the sharp and dynamic design of the silhouette, as well as the comfortable layout of this maritime lounge.
Onboard, the flow between the aft salon, the spacious foredeck with a sunbathing area, the two double cabins with ensuite bathrooms, and the salon with a kitchen is perfectly seamless. It's the ideal setup for short cruises! Designed by Marseille-based architect Gilles Vaton, the sharply V-shaped hull performs splendidly. Inspired by working boats like pilot boats, it guarantees impeccable maritime behavior for the Med 45. Built in Bahrain by Al Dhaen Craft, the Med 45 has seen a certain level of success: ten units have been sold. A commendable number in this segment of the 15-meter open yacht, where competition is fierce and highly innovative.
To enhance Med Yacht, Alexandre-Jacques Vernazza revamped the concept in 2013, along with the manufacturing process. For the new boat, he retained the overall modern, elegant spirit while enhancing the onboard livability, comfort level, quality of services, equipment, and finishes. Wider and longer, the deck plan integrates a 2.3-meter tender garage. A new windshield, topped with a hardtop featuring an electric bimini, provides optimal protection. The interior designs receive a stylistic boost, offering a wide range of color options for leather, linings, and woodwork - all as standard! Powered by 2 x 600 horsepower IPS 800 Volvo engines, the ensemble should reach 40 knots, whereas the previous model was limited to 33 knots with 2 x 435 horsepower IPS 600. Marketed from 600,000 euros before tax, the new Med 48 is called the CJV edition, named after Christian-Jacques Vernazza.
An homage from the son to his father, who passed away in 2013. « It's a joint project that we accomplished together out of passion, but not only... MedYacht is a real business. It's an industrial project. » In this regard, the boats are constructed in Poland, at the Galeon shipyard. 'Relocating' to Europe offers many advantages, including better oversight and shorter distances. « At Galeon, there's a significant improvement in the quality of finishes. » To praise the merits of its latest creation, the President of the powerful Mediaco group knows how to be the best advocate for the young Med Yacht shipyard. « It's a magnificent boat. More refined, better conceived than those of the competition. We're in a different league... » With four units already sold from plans, slated for delivery during the summer season, the CJV edition seems destined for a bright future. Let's meet in September, either in Cannes or Monaco.
The Good Life – June 2016
