Pardo Yachts at FLIBS with the GT52 and 50 Missoni Edition
Mentioning the words – GT and Missoni – in the same mouthful of air is an attention-getter in its own right, but doing so at the 63rd edition of FLIBS elevates the level of allure, whereby making you become the “Epicenter of Attention!” Such was the case with Pardo Yachts and the phenomenal amounts of praise flowing in from all directions for the USA inaugural launching its glowing crown jewel GT52, and her sidekick Pardo 50 Pegasus Missoni Edition.
Pardo Yachts GT52 at FLIBS
Positioned between the Walkaround and Endurance lines – the GT52 diversifies the Cantiere del Pardo portfolio by introducing a new ambassador of speed and style to the sea. The 52-footer harbors its own personality attracting endless accolades in favor of its most prolific element: the continuity between the interior and exterior. Examples of this achievement are many, and start with the opening of the stern door, upward rising side aft windows and semi-open roof; all of which complement the stern’s delivery of a dining table that converts into a sundeck, and an extended swim platform courtesy of the two feet of added rear real estate.
Granting owners and guests greater functionality by revamping cockpit space has been another hit. Seeing that folks across the pond are fond of big feasts and big fridges, galley configurations can be accomplished in two ways to accommodate personal tastes (in furnishings not food).
The main deck galley-up option places it in close proximity to any company congregating in the cockpit, and comes accompanied by a lower tier lounge with TV; with the second layout, the galley-down format features a fully equipped kitchen below deck and a very large square dinette on the main deck. Either way, indoor livability takes on a fresh look according to owners’ individual on-water (and at the dock) objectives.
Moving forward is where the fun starts on the immense, futuristic-looking bow with a flush deck so wide it can fit the whole party. Not only is the natural teak detailing smooth to the eye, it feels oh-so-smooth on the soles of your feet. And in true Pardo spirit, a three-person sun lounger has been placed in reverse by the windshield.
Now let’s get down to “GT” business. Ever since our road-side cousins coined the gran turismo beginning with the Alpha Romeo 6C 1750 GT (before Ferrari and Ford followed suit making them an integral part of auto-maker DNA), Americans have always loved to see the glorious, raw-power epitomizing emblem on anything with an engine that can be turned on. The two letters typifying high-performance “under the hatch or hood” and opulent exterior detailing, mentally move them; I should know, because I am one of them!
Perhaps our borderline obsession helps explain the exceptional reception Pardo’s signature performance hull received all five late October show days, and of course at its personal GT52 welcoming party that came alive with live musical performances and free-flowing libations on Friday evening until the sun went down.
High Fashion Meets the High Seas on the 50 Missoni Edition
A Missoni tag evokes as much emotion as a GT badge; admittedly, the latter is more adored by those absorbed in the speed-orientated world, and fashionistas are sure to prefer the Made in Italy label. Regardless of who fancies what… interior designer Cristina Pizzuto captured the essence of the “wearable works of art” haute couture clothing and home collection brand by introducing the instantaneously distinguishing Missoni zig zag motif to the marine world via Pardo Yachts; her magic touch even extended beyond the fabric-covered ottomans to the matching Missoni Seabob water toys.
Owned by Pardo’s global brand ambassador Heigo Paartalu, a fashion and lifestyle icon himself, the 50 Missoni Edition is the ultimate expression in Italian luxury blending a pair of distinct brands together, effortlessly letting the avant-garde designer’s soul shine through all the way to the sea.
And like Pizzuto, the popular yacht builder also holds the magic touch. Pardo Yachts started the show in a middle spot on Dock G in the heart of the Fort Lauderdale show, and ended with a spot in the hearts of the showgoers!
