A responsive sailing yacht with a split-level salon and a beach club at her stern
BLACK LION is a yacht made to be sailed. She is light on the helm and quick to answer a shift in the breeze, whether it fills in hard or barely stirs. Her refit gave her a carbon composite mast, a teak deck and repainted topsides, so she looks as sharp as she sails. She is also sparing with fuel, which makes the stretches under engine easier on the conscience. Guests who want to feel her heel and gather pace can take part, and those who would rather watch from a cushion are free to do just that.
Inside, a Milan studio chose pale wood and natural textures, and the effect is quiet rather than showy. The salon is split-level. Its raised upper part draws in light and sea from every side, with a formal dining table and a sitting corner, while a few steps down a second lounge serves for films, cards or a book. The master cabin runs the full beam and has a queen bed. The other cabins have separate beds, the forward and port ones each with an en suite, and the starboard one adds a Pullman berth that suits children. Good linens, ample storage and audio-visual systems are found throughout.
Outdoors, the cockpit has a dining table of its own and an open view all round, so lunch under way feels part of the sail. A broad sunbathing area lies further along the deck. At anchor, the transom folds down to make a beach club, with a ladder straight into the water. From there come water skis for adults and for kids, a wakeboard, a kneeboard, a windsurfing board, an inflatable kayak, an inflatable SUP, inflatable tubes for towing and snorkelling gear. A BSC tender with a Yamaha outboard runs guests ashore or tows the skiers.
Her crew have worked together for many years, and it shows in the ease with which she is handled and the attention guests receive without having to ask. Sail changes happen smoothly, meals arrive when they are wanted, and the day bends to the guests rather than to a schedule. Wherever she cruises, Greece among her waters, that steadiness lets guests settle in quickly and spend their time sailing, swimming and resting rather than arranging. It is a calm, capable way to travel by sea.
On board
01Split-level salon with sea views from its raised upper part
02Fold-down transom forming a beach club and swim ladder
03Carbon composite mast, teak deck and paintwork from her refit
04Master cabin running the full beam, with a queen bed
05Cockpit dining with views all round
06Adult and kids' water skis, wakeboard and windsurfing board
