Marlow Avalon 65

In a sometimes grey world punctuated by the commitments and pressures of our everyday lives, there comes a colorful splash, a yacht design that you know will leave a lasting mark and a new reason to feel alright with the world.

It exemplifies a strategic shift perhaps, showing the build prowess of a yacht brand that can design out of the box. With the fanfare that’s already been generated, it’s evident that this latest offer from Marlow Yachts may need its own, new classification. Of course, I’m talking about the impressive Marlow Avalon 65.

This is an exciting new entry into the yachting world. A departure from the norm save for its signature lapstrake hull design, this Avalon 65 sports a unique hull finish of metallic Glacier Blue Awlgrip that gives off varying depths and tones based on its surrounding environment. With the superstructure finished in a lightly tinted Ice Blue Awlgrip with teal cap rails and boot stripe, the color scheme is what you make it.

If enamored by what Marlow can do with the color scheme, then you’ll be blown away by the design and layout of the rest of the yacht. Keep in mind, all of this comes in a 65-foot package that feels much bigger than its posted size.

All aboard

It all starts with an incredible main deck arrangement that makes single-handed or cruising couple operation utterly effortless. A true departure from previous Marlow models, the Avalon 65 features double doors leading to a glass-enclosed atrium lounge. This fabulous area will certainly be a favorite for guests with cozy L-shaped settees, teak tables and large, custom-curved windows that offer panoramic views from any seat.

With copious amounts of indoor and outdoor entertaining space, opening doors and windows blend these areas nicely when socializing while maintaining the option of keeping them separate for privacy as desired.

Expanding the open feel when entertaining or on those perfect weather days, the two aft windows flip up and dual doors open to expand the main deck. Inclement weather? Close it all up to keep the raw elements out while you continue to enjoy the atrium feel. It’s a huge enhancement in maximizing usable space at any time.

Stepping into the salon, it’s evident that a lot of thought went into making the most of this critically important space. An aft galley to the port side offers under-counter appliances, making it unobtrusive yet fully functional. Drawer-style fridges and freezers, a wine cooler, a three-burner gas stove, an undercounter oven and ample counterspace represent a step beyond what one typically sees in yachts of this size.

Smartly located to serve indoor and outdoor spaces with equal ease, the galley really is in the center of the floor plan. Situated right across from an inviting, L-shaped settee, it keeps owners and guests in close proximity, while the drop-down limo window aft allows plates and food to be easily passed to the atrium lounge. Adding to the sense of openness is the Avalon’s full six feet, six inches of headroom. Combined with the full windows all around and port and starboard side Dutch doors, the salon space is uniquely open and spacious, with exceptional ventilation and visibility.

Elegant interior woodwork is constructed of Sapele, a reddish hardwood sourced from Asia, which it utilized throughout the yacht. A day head is located in the starboard aft corner of the salon, reducing traffic to the lower accommodations. The centerline helm station is elegantly styled with intricate curves, twin 22-inch Garmin multi-function displays and 7-inch MAN displays with critical engine data. Missing is the typical overhead row of switches and controllers which now reside in a side cabinet to give the helm a much cleaner and fresher look.

Contributing to that fresh appearance is the massive, panoramic windshield stretching 12 feet wide and five feet high, delivering expansive and unobstructed views for the captain and guests alike. Triple wipers for those rainy days are a thoughtful touch.

Access to the flybridge is via a port staircase with floating steps that blend in nicely to the overall appearance. A large teak table flanked by dual L-shaped settees aft of the console offers commanding views in an open air deck.

Slumber time

As one would expect on a Marlow, the staterooms below are elegant, room, and accessed by a magnificent, curved staircase that really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Forward in the peak is the VIP, including a large mattress with wings for sleeping comfort. Overhead, the raised ceiling has three forward oval windows framed by a large wood liner, adding to the yacht’s welcoming feel. A starboard guest stateroom has two single berths and convenient sink.

The full beam, mid-ship master with king berth also has large nightstands with fiddled edges, port side sofa and plenty of drawers and lockers. That means grab your clothes, because this yacht wants to cruise.

Flooring throughout consists of satin bamboo and ebony woods that emphasize residential comfort.

One particularly versatile area is the aft beach club/tender storage/crew quarters. With a large garage door that hinges up to protect from sun or rain, there’s plenty of room for chairs and water toys. A moveable deck extends across the swim platform for loading of the tender. And the couch and berth can provide a suitable crew quarters, or just a nice place for the kids to hang out.

A class of its own

So the Avalon 65 is beautiful. Befitting its name plate, it’s also a performer. The Avalon’s elegant hull delivers the expected smooth stable ride one expects from a Marlow. Not only is there minimal bow rise during acceleration, but the Avalon sits flat and responds immediately to wheel commands, displaying impressive tracking and a stable, balanced attitude even when swinging the wheel at 30 knots. With its sharp entry and wide, flared bow, the Avalon 65 really slices the water and stays true thanks to the hull design and strut keels.

I’m told that David Marlow invested about five years into the design and build of the Avalon 65, making sure every aspect was perfect. And why not? This yacht was built for he and his wife to enjoy. David didn’t skimp or build just another Marlow. This is a special yacht, and so much so that it really does deserve a new classification.

During my sea trial time with the Avalon, Eric Gervais, sales director at Marlow Marine, agreed this yacht is so much more than just an elegant, long-range cruiser. After many ideas, we decided the Avalon 65 should be classified as Grand Cru, a French term from the wine world meaning the best of the best. Because, really, that’s what this yacht is all about.

David Marlow is always about being the best, and his masterpiece Marlow Avalon 65 exceeds that measure in every way.