KEY POINTS:
It might look like your average Kiwi luxury launch, but only until you get close enough to realise just how big it really is.
The thing is, it's not every day one gets the chance to see a 33m (103ft) Sportsfisher strut its stuff around the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. And Al Duhail has certainly been making an impressive sight as it undergoes extensive sea trials prior to being shipped to the owner in Qatar.
Designed by Warwick Yacht Design and built by Hobsonville-based Sovereign Yachts NZ, this sleek and elegant fishing machine boasts a proven and simple-looking hull form that masks a well-appointed luxury interior, the envy of many larger motoryachts.
It is perhaps this unusual combination of out-and-out fishing boat and luxurious motoryacht that makes Al Duhail so appealing.
Of composite construction from full moulds, this stunning new Sportsfisher features a twin-chair fighting cockpit with open main deck and an upper deck set up for tournament fishing right alongside the accommodation and appointments of a world-class motoryacht.
The hull's traditional sheer comes accompanied by a fully air-conditioned Sky Lounge and steering station, and an additional open flybridge with optional tower.
The cockpit and platform are certainly very fishing-oriented. The large teak boarding platform contains live fish or bait tanks and there is more than adequate width for landing those big marlin. (There is also plenty of room for bathing and diving when the fishing is over).
Double transom doors restrict the stern wave when "backing up" vigorously on a large fish.
The double-chair fighting cockpit has perimeter-glazed fish tanks and dual docking and helm stations on both port and starboard. Out of the way, on the for'ard bulkhead, there is tackle, rod and gaff storage, refrigeration and engine room access.
There are cockpit stairs on both port and starboard sides, giving direct access to the side decks and to the main aft deck observation and seating area. From there, sliding doors open to the saloon and external stairs lead up to the Sky Lounge upper deck.
Once on the main deck, the focus switches from sportsfishing to luxurious relaxing and entertaining. The main deck has a large open saloon, bar and dining area. The enclosed galley is also close at hand.
With a length of 9.2m and a beam of 5.7m, the main saloon's spacious interior has large upholstered seating and armchairs from which unobstructed side glazing runs continuously through to an open dining area for eight.
A card table, icemaker and large flat-screen TV are all close at hand.
The large, full-beam owner's cabin is on the lower deck. Cedar-lined and complete with walk-in wardrobe, it also features adjacent heads and large shower with double wash-hand basins.
Forward of the stunning circular staircase are two double cabins and, further forward, two bunk-over-bunk cabins, all with personal heads.
Out on the flush foredeck, a 5m inflatable sits snugly in its chocks and there is additional stowage for another dinghy and dive gear in a foredeck locker.
Despite its impressive size, Al Duhail is no slug. Twin 2000hp MTU diesel engines are capable of propelling this 105-tonne beauty to a top speed of more than 26 knots. At a more sedate 12 knots, she boasts a range of 1700 nautical miles.
