BILLY JOEL’S COMMUTER VENDETTA BY ZURN YACHT DESIGN
M/Y Vendetta is the big sister to “The Runabout”. She keeps with Zurn’s blend of classic styling in a 45 knot package, while offering a much larger platform from which to enjoy Long Island Sound and quick jaunts to other coastal destinations. This Zurn Yacht Design No. 0164 debuted at last Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2015.
In the wake of his highly successful 38’ Runabout with 50+ hulls built to date, Grammy-award winning musician Billy Joel again consulted with Zurn on creating an upscale 57’ Commuter Style Yacht. The end result boasts ample cockpit space and interior appointments, yet is lean enough to roar down Long Island Sound leaving other yachts in her wake. All is styled in the classic manner of the commuter yachts of the 1920s.
Billy Joel’s completion of his Oyster Bay, Long Island real estate and his frequent trips to NYC was the driving force in deciding to proceed with the design and construction of a commuter style yacht. “Her appearance harks back to a bygone era of Long Island Sound commuter boats, combined with the performance and speed of The Shelter Island Runabout,” Zurn said. “She will provide a quick, smooth ride in the often short chop of Long Island Sound and the menacing Hell Gate”.
Weighing only 40,000 pounds, VENDETTA glides atop the open ocean with speeds in excess of forty knots, while twin 1300 horsepower MAN diesels coupled to POWER-VENT ® Marine Drive System quietly drone under a wellinsulated engine room. A relatively narrow, modified-V hull, with plumb bow, slight rocker forward and straight sections aft, makes for an admirable performer, whether ambling in the calm of a secluded cove or piercing windwhipped swells on an open sea.
Vendetta was launched in the summer of 2005, but it’s still almost unknown out of US. The hull was built using advanced resin infusion technique, incorporating vinylester resin infused into a Dupont Kevlar hybrid cloth with Core Cell foam core. The goal was to keep the boat’s strength to weight ratio as high as possible. The hull, deck and small parts were assembled and finished at both Coecles Harbor Marine and Derecktors Mamaroneck Yard.
The enclosed cockpit easily accommodates a group of six, in four individual Stidd 500 Series Low Back Chairs and a twin bench seat. She is equipped with a custom Raymarine electronics package. Down below is decidedly open, with only one personal door providing privacy to the head compartment. There is a raised galley area aft with small dining table. Forward are two settee/bunks with day bag storage just above and outboard. Overhead hatches, portlights and dorade vents offer excellent natural illumination and ventilation while air-conditioning and 24vdc lighting provide additional creature comforts.
