WHEN I WAS A KID, ENTERTAINING ON BOARD MEANT breaking out folding deck chairs with sweat-inducing vinyl seats and sailfish logos on the backrests. A few more people would sit on the engine boxes, and the kids would head up the side decks to lie out on the trunk cabin. Perhaps we had an inkling about how the front of the boat would evolve as a social space. During the past few months, I spent time aboard several yachts with very different missions, but they all had something in common when it came to social zones: They were built to let owners maximize their favorite type of fun. On the Absolute Yachts Navetta 75 (see story on page 96), the boatbuilder left the cockpit a blank slate that is open to owner interpretation for living the best possible life on board. Like dining alfresco with the family? Then go the traditional route with a table and opposing seating arrangement. Prefer the ability to adjust the layout to the evening's entertainment scenario? Try adding loose furniture that can be arranged in any number of settings. This same thinking can be applied to the yacht's upper deck. And no kids on trunk cabins here-the foredeck has a U-shaped lounge for ocean vistas and sundowners, along with a family-size sun pad. It's a have-it-your-way setup. With the Ocean Alexander 28E (E for explorer), there is a 332-square-foot open aft-deck area that can be geared for watersports enthusiasts, accommodating an array of personal watercraft as well as a 16-foot tender. It can also be laid out as a private beach club-or almost any other idea an owner may have for this real estate. Did someone say dance floor? Inside, the salon is ready for elegant evenings, with an open floor plan, sole-to-ceiling glass and Poltrona Frau furniture. In the midsize market, I spent a day aboard the Galeon 375 GTO (see story on page 48). This vessel has myriad seating configurations. There is seating abaft the helm that can be raised or lowered. Flip the backrests, and the seating becomes part of an L-shaped seat with views aft. Quarter cheeks fold out to increase cockpit and waterfront real estate. A foldout window/door leads to a bow lounge for four or more. It's a true transformer party boat. We've come a long way from hot folding seats and limited at-sea entertainment options. With all the increased fun, function and comfort that yachtbuilders are putting into their designs these days, it makes you wonder why you'd ever want to leave the boat.
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