Friendship 75

The Friendship 75 is the largest of the Friendship fleet, yet she continues the simplicity in handling that is indicative of the Friendship designs. She is the largest size boat confidently handled by two, yet sacrifices nothing towards interior volume and finish which are unmistakably the essence of luxury living.

As the Friendship 40 and the Friendship 53 did before her, the Friendship 75 introduces a new concept, the idea that a larger boat be sailed by the owner without the necessity of a crew; for the owner to get on his boat and drive it out of the marina or mooring. This idea of owner handling is a departure from the norm in the opulent world of yachting where the boat is largely controlled by the crew and the owner is a guest.

With owner handling in mind, control of the 75 is centrally located in the sculpted varnished teak helm pedestal that houses the mainsail furling buttons, boom vang control, as well as two 10” pop up display screens that can function with the radar and GPS. The primary and secondary winch controls are mounted where the helmsman’s hands would be while at the wheel. The small flush mounted buttons will control the genoa sheeting; foot buttons will control the furling, leaving one hand for steering. Everything is perfectly arranged for maximum control with the minimum amount of effort.

Being a practical sailor, the owner paid particular attention to his intended use of his new boat and took that into consideration when designing not only sail handling, but also the interior layout. Having closely studied the lifestyle requirements of yachts in the 90 to 100’ range and discussing lifestyles onboard, it was resolved to design a 75’ boat with two luxury VIP cabins, expanding on the idea that “bigger does not always mean better.” There is also a well appointed third twin cabin amidships for a third couple or children, or for the switch to “yachting mode” when the service of a captain and stewardess is preferred. The pilothouse is outfitted not only with navigation station, but also features a wet bar and cold wine storage to entertain up to six around the u-shaped settee and custom teak table. This makes for an ideal entertainment area when experiencing cooler weather.

Despite the smaller number of cabins, the 75 has forfeited nothing with respect to luxurious appointments and comfort. The interior joinery in every area, from the cabins to the galley to the salon and pilothouse, features ornate Edwardian-style glossy varnished teak with additional interior appointments that are as functionally perfect as they are exquisitely constructed. The talent and experience of Ted Fontaine set the Friendship 75 apart from other yachts, regardless of size.