Columbus Yachts, the “creative” rib of Palumbo Group, has unveiled its new 80-metre superyacht these days.
Managed by the founding Palumbo family, the group is a leading name in the construction, repair and refit of large yachts, ships and ferries. In just three generations, since late ’70s, the Palumbo family has become one among the most important names of boat industry in the central Mediterranean and, like any internationally-oriented company, in 2008, it decided to diversify his business.
The result was Columbus Yachts, a shipyard building large innovative yachts for private individuals that can be classified as “young” only in chronological terms. Its creations, like the recent 40S Hybrid for example, result in fact from a considerable know-how acquired by the group over half a century of research and development in the field of ship repairs. The transition to megayachts manufacturing was therefore something natural and has now led to the creation of this wonderful 80-metre model.
Just a few pictures of the new Columbus 80m have been unveiled at this stage. However, the first renderings immediately suggest the idea of a boat with classic lines, totally free from fashion trends and consequently meant to last.
The bow lines are significantly streamlined and the sequence of decks, which harmoniously get smaller and smaller as they approach to the top, outlines an elegant unexpected boat. Lacquered white structures are perfectly combined with large glazing surfaces that envelop every deck. The flared shape of the decks above the main one gives the whole a cozy intimate appearance. However, the open-air areas devoted to conviviality and relaxing moments are generously spacious and available at any level. Huge and mainly located in the rear section of the decks, these areas extend over the lateral passages which lead to the more intimate spaces in the bow, thus allowing a 360-degree approach to the surrounding panorama.
The aft section on the lower deck offers three extraordinary areas: the transom and two side elements rotate and become a large-sized swimming platform and two lateral terraces positioned just a few centimetres from the water (in other words, a real “beach club“) respectively. Two lateral stepladders lead to the open-air area of the main deck which is equipped with a comfortable saloon while a glass lift links the five deck together. An additional cabin is located on the lower deck but the real sleeping quarters are on the main deck, where guests are accommodated in six large suites.
The upper deck is, on the contrary, specifically reserved for the owner, who can benefit from a bow-oriented bed and a breath-taking 180-degree view. A large private studio, an exclusive guest area along with an aft terrace and a fore balcony complete this zone. 
The sun deck is probably the most exclusive area of the Columbus 80m. Very intimate and far from all the other environments, it offers a 7-metre-long swimming pool fitted with a counter current swimming system. It is fed from above by an eye-catching waterfall, which also acts as a virtual partition, separating the pool from the hydromassage tub.
Located inside the mast structure, the tub is closed on three sides, conjuring up the magical sensation of a grotto hidden behind a blade of water.
In the fore section and next to the swimming pool, a series of sofas complete the furniture of this deck. The deck is totally encumbered and exclusively reserved for crew members. When necessary, it can be even converted into a helipad.
Equally reserved for the crew, which can count up to 19 members, is the whole front section, equipped with a large galley/living room and 8 cabins. A private gym, situated on the under lower deck, allows off-duty staff to enjoy relax and play sports.
Moreover, the Columbus 80m offers a steam room in the beach club, a guest gym on the fly deck, a cinema and multimedia room on the upper deck, and two garages where to accommodate a tender/rescue boat and three jet-skis.
No details about interior design and furniture have been unveiled yet but Columbus Yachts discloses the use of high-quality materials merged together in a simple elegant contemporary style. Neutral colours, plain decorative elements and valuable materials will certainly create a modern sophisticated atmosphere.
The Columbus 80m will feature a traditional layout even in terms of technical sections. The two shaft-transmission 3044 hp engines will deliver a top speed of 16.5 knots and a range of 6,000 nm at an economical speed of 12 knots. Everything is intended to provide the yacht with extreme range thanks to three 300 Kw generators (and an auxiliary 125 Kw one), capacious water tanks (with a total capacity of 34,500 litres), a powerful water-maker, a huge pantry and generous stowage volumes. Four stabilizing fins will optimize comfort when at anchor. Thanks to the organization and long esperience of Palumbo Group, the Columbus 80m will be built in different production sites simultaneously. More specifically, the imposing steel hull is currently taking shape in the yard’s Naples facility; at the end of June, it will be transferred to the Ancona-based facility, where all the aluminium superstyructures are currently under construction. The simultaneous contruction of the two sections will result into a considerable reduction in lead times. The new Columbus 80m is scheduled for delivery in 2019.
