Clipper launches 36-foot classic cruiser

by Denby Browning on 28 Oct 2009 Clipper Motor Yachts has launched the first of its new Heritage 36 models in Australia.

A classic displacement cruiser, the Clipper Heritage 36 is a single cabin model featuring a glowing teak interior, covered walk-around decks and twin helm stations.

The name Clipper has been well known in Australia since the 1970s and was revived by Queensland boat builder Darren Berry in 2002.

Today, the boats are built in a specialist shipyard in China and exported to Europe and Asia as well as Australasia.

'The Clipper 36 comes standard with a fully equipped galley, navigation electronics and entertainment systems,' said Brett Thurley, Managing Director of Clipper Motor Yachts Australia, the local distributor for Clipper.

'She is a perfect design for a couple who want to experience the joys of traditional cruising as well as the capacity to entertain friends and family.'

Powered by a single Cummins turbo diesel engine rated to 230hp, the boat is capable of cruising at up to 10 knots, with a range of more than 450 nautical miles.

A spacious cockpit with full sun protection from the flybridge overhang leads into the saloon with aft galley to port and lounge to starboard. Forward on the port side is a dinette that comfortably seats four.

The galley includes a two-burner gas cooktop and oven, and underbench refrigerator. An electric cooktop and microwave oven are included when a genset is specified. The benchtop is stylish Corian and incorporates a stainless steel sink with mixer tap. Later boats will feature a Staron stone-look galley benchtop.

The dinette table can be lowered to create a double bed and a slide-out under the aft lounge converts to another bed.

The companionway forward leads to the accommodation space of the stateroom with a walk-around double bed as well as enclosed split bathroom with toilet and sink to port and the shower to starboard. An alternative accommodation layout offers a second guest cabin to port with a wet head to starboard.

The boat combines traditional craftsmanship and modern boat building technology, creating one of the most comfortable 36-foot flybridge cruisers in the world.

'My philosophy is simple,' says Darren Berry. 'Use the best facets of Asian ship building, the world’s best motor yacht components wherever they are from, state of the art hull designs for each model and give each design a distinctly Australian layout for our market.

'Renowned Canadian Naval Architect Trevor Bolt develops the hull shape and running surface of our boats and we tank test each one before it goes into production. Our hull designs are a classic double chine in the style developed by the great naval architect Ed Monk.

'I never want Clipper to be a high volume boat builder,' said Darren. 'Our future lies in a boutique style of business, offering a range of classic boats for a discerning market.'

Today Clipper offers two lines, the classic Heritage series of 36 and 40-foot boats and the modern semi-displacement Cordova 45, 48, 52 and 60-foot series.

More information at www.clippermotoryachts.com.au