“He’s fun to talk to and has great energy,” enthuses Michael Joyce, CEO of Hargrave Custom Yachts. “He” is Patrizio Facheris, the owner of Facheris Design, and Joyce was eager to collaborate with him on some new superyacht projects. Yacht owners may be accustomed to Hargrave having an in-house design studio, but it does welcome outside designers, too. It’s especially true when clients seek a particular aesthetic. With the Hargrave 120 raised pilothouse yacht, Hargrave is that client, in a way. Specifically, it sought Facheris Design to jumpstart a design direction for a customer to embrace and commission.
Patrizio Facheris, the owner of Facheris Design, has more than two decades of yacht design to his credit. Eleven years ago, he hung his own shingle, after working with the well-known Michael Peters Yacht Design and Donzi prior to that. “This design marks a fresh direction for Hargrave,” Facheris says, “contemporary and elegant, yet still carrying the brand’s timeless sophistication.” To that end, the Hargrave 120 raised pilothouse yacht is sportier and even a bit bolder in profile. Yet, the boldness stops short of being aggressive and therefore too much of a departure for Hargrave. She’s also lower in profile compared to most megayachts in the 120-foot (36.5-meter) size range, Facheris points out. This in turn lends sleekness and more modern appeal.
“We envisioned a younger, more dynamic client profile,” Facheris continues, “someone who values experiences above possessions.” The aftermath of the pandemic led many people to prioritize spending more quality time with family and friends. Facheris notes that this attitude hasn’t waned, either. “That philosophy guided our approach: creating a yacht that is not only sporty and sophisticated, but also a platform for unforgettable shared moments,” he says.
Taking just one look at the upper deck, and you understand the idea. The majority of the real estate is for multiple generations of family or big gatherings of friends. A raised hot tub/pool is close enough to the lounging/dining areas beneath the hardtop to keep conversations flowing, yet separate enough for small groups to feel they have their own space. Nearly all 12 passengers who can stay onboard can grab a barstool as well.
Speaking of space, one of the nicest aspects of the design is the stateroom arrangement. Both a VIP below decks and the master suite on the main deck are full beam. In fact, the side decks rise up and over the master, preserving privacy.
The RINA-classed Hargrave 120 raised pilothouse yacht will start construction on contract. Owners can expect a maximum speed of 21½ knots with Caterpillar power and space for just as swift watertoys on the upper deck. The performance profile matches Facheris’ get-up-and-go personality, which has Joyce impressed the most. “People just want to work designers that have that gift,” he says.
Facheris Design facherisdesign.com
Hargrave Custom Yachts hargravecustomyachts.com
More About the Hargrave 120 Raised Pilothouse Yacht
LOA: 119’9” (36.5 meters)
Beam: 25’0” (7.62 meters)
Draft: 6’0” (1.85 meters)
Guests: 12 in 6 staterooms
Engines: 2/1,900-hp Caterpillars
Range: 945 nautical miles at 12 knots
Builder: Hargrave Custom Yachts
Stylist: Facheris Design
Naval Architect: Hargrave Custom Yachts
Interior Designer: Facheris Design (layout)