On the forward side of the galley sits a wide helm set-up, which, on balance, I like. I say this because the seating arrangement is not really adequate in terms of sitting down. It lacks depth to sit on properly and serves as a luxury ‘leaning bench’. With the sea conditions in which I drove, this was not really ideal. I would have preferred something that kept me in check a bit more. This is, of course, totally subjective and easily corrected in a boat that is so bespoke.
The dash arrangement is spot on – everything in its place and there’s a place for everything. The wheel is adjustable, and the throttles, like the wheel, fall easily to hand. This boat had the optional £22,000 Axius joystick system – ouch! Like all joystick systems it is expensive, especially as the hardware is a joystick and a wiring harness, and the rest of the cost is down to software – and a technician to set it up and calibrate it. I will say, though, that with such a large joystick it is easier to use than some, and less likely to produce an overreaction from overtwisting it. I like the Raymarine Axiom chartplotter, which, with the remote control panel, can be easily controlled in rough weather – no need to stretch out and fruitlessly dab away at a touch screen, or buttons you can’t reach. Visibility over the tall bow is good, as it is over both beams thanks to the central helm location. You get a distinct feeling of security thanks to its tall bulwarks, high windscreen and abundance of conveniently located grab handles.