Iceberg: SYT gets a closer look at an outstanding ocean cruiser
Written by Francesca Webster
SuperYacht Times takes a look at one of the most unusual yachts currently on the market, the 33.83-metre functional power boat (FPB) Iceberg, designed by Dashew Offshore and built by Circa Marine. Designed for serious passage making in any condition, Iceberg was created to be handled by a family crew of as few as two and has proven herself to be a fantastically seaworthy vessel completing multiple trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific passages. As of this writing the yacht, which was launched in 2014, had completed nearly 56,000 nautical miles. The New Zealand-built yacht cuts a sharp figure, with an unpainted aluminium hull and angular design, featuring the FPB trademark matrix deck – a covered upper helm position with a teak deck and entertaining area. The FPB series was coined by Steve Dashew of Dashew Offshore and designed for himself and his wife Linda, both avid sailors as the perfect vessels for hardy sailors dipping their toes into motor yachting for the first time. With a history behind him of iconic circumnavigation sailing yachts, the first motor yacht Dashew turned his hand to was the 83-foot FPB prototype, Wind Horse, which was followed shortly by a 64-footer. Today there are 18 FPB’s in the international fleet, 11 64-footers, two 70-footers, three 78-footers, one 83-footer and Iceberg which is the largest at 97 feet, and the culmination of the unique design features synthesised through the series.
This yacht is an impressively capable vessel, a proven explorer and with the performance to back it up. At a cruising speed of 12-14 knots, Iceberg averages 312 nautical miles per day, giving her a range of 3,926 nautical miles, quite beyond that of comparable vessels in her size category.Not only does she come equipped for even the most adventurous and challenging passages, but her rugged exterior belies an elegant and luxurious superyacht interior, likewise from the board of Dashew Offshore. Her saloon, known as the Great Room, features a 360 degree view with the galley to port and a large Kauri dining table amidships. Opposite the galley is a wine and cocktail bar with an icemaker and washing machine below.The hand crafted table was designed by Maro Marinkovch and made from a 3,000 year old Kauri tree. This organic and sculptural structure is a central feature to the design of the Great Room and the table comfortably seats as many as eight guests. Opposite the table on the starboard side is a long sofa which can double as a daybed, and is the ideal location for relaxing during long passages or for enjoying some comfortable time reading while at sea. To the fore of this long room is the helm station for rough weather sailing, fully enclosed and protected from the elements with a clear 360 degree view around the yacht.With accommodations for as many as nine guests (or seven guests and two crew), Iceberg features a spacious full-beam master suite to the fore with large double bed, office space, dressing room and ensuite. Her additional staterooms consist of a VIP with a queen sized bed to port, a comfortable ensuite and plenty of storage. There is also a triple berth stateroom to starboard, ideal for families with young children.While the interior certainly brings the goods, her exterior spaces likewise do not disappoint. There is the aft cockpit with an eight seater table, barbecue and overhead bimini as well as a day head, a particular benefit when on rough or wet passages. From this area steps lead up to the flybridge or matrix deck, which for her owners is the true heart of the vessel.Finished with teak decks and trim, this large and spacious area is split into two sections, first is the helm station to aft, secondly is a large and comfortable entertaining area to the fore. At the centre of this space is another eight man table, which can be hydraulically lowered to create an expansive lounging area. The sides of this deck can be removed and the area is fully heat controlled in cooler climes.In addition to this impressive semi-alfresco deck space, Iceberg’s foredeck is the perfect place to relax in the evenings with a trampoline seating area and a fully covered awning.In short, Iceberg is truly a yacht made for any ocean no matter where you are looking to cruise, and her solid track record in more than 16 different countries stands by as proof.
