Open up the Aicon

Launched in the middle of last year, the Aicon 62 is the smaller of Aicon's two open models, introduced along the same lines of its older 72 sibling and following its exterior profile.

Sitting stern-to underneath the austere shadow of the Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah Beach Hotel Marina, the Aicon 62 certainly held her own against the parade of yachts almost twice her size, in part due to her high, slab-sided freeboard and bulbous superstructure. A decisive dark band stretches above the waterline to add the perception of length to the hull, ending at the thick teak bathing platform, set at a suitable height for stepping onto from the dock.

Aicon has set up an outside dining-cum-sunpad area, which benefits from its own bimini that springs out of the built-in backrest surround to provide shade for up to eight diners, folding down again when the teak table is lowered so that loungers can catch the sun.

To port of the lounging area, access to the single en-suite crew cabin drops down through a hatch, while a further piston-assisted hatch set into the teak sole lifts to allow access to the huge engine room. Unlike some open models that squeeze engines into an almost unserviceable area, the twin V-drive MAN V12s have room to spare in this arrangement.

Returning to deck level, the superstructure deckhead curves fractionally over the cockpit space, just enough to fit a number of downlights into the wooden fascia, allowing the wet bar and fridge to be serviced in failing light conditions.

Back in the cockpit, the stainless steel-rimmed saloon doors slide almost fully over to port to allow complete access to the interior, intensifying the feeling of ‘open'.

The whole design of the 62 has been optimised specifically for an open boat," explained Jyrki Jamara of Western Marine. "From the good head height to the huge windows that allow masses of light into the area. There is good visibility all around as well, with all the furniture built in low. That's what gives the area such a light and airy feel.

With the deckhead so high, there was no need to open the electric roof, so it was easy to take in the contemporary design including low bench seating opposite a low counter and flatscreen television with Bose soundsystem. Set over a dark wooden sole and under wooden ceiling strips of halogens, the saloon area moves fluidly through to a split folding dining table.

Served by an L-shaped bench seating so as to not disturb the white oak finish to all the woodwork, the calm of the cabinetry and tightly woven seating is contrasted with the black carbon fibre-finish that spreads under the massive double pane windshield and the bright red leather helm seats.

Continuing the clean-lined approach to form, function and colour, the galley curves around to conceal storage and the large refrigerator. Set into the brushed stainless counter, a single basin and hob offer adequate food preparation facilities.

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