A yacht built in the Middle East designed for the U.S.? Hmm. That sounds like a stretch. But Dubai-based Gulf Craft, which has made inroads across Europe and Asia, now has its sights on gaining a North American following. The builder’s Majesty division typically goes up against brands from Italy and Turkey, competing largely on lower prices with builds that are decent quality, but its designs are often less adventurous and amenity-rich than the Italian and Turkish yards.
That has been changing with its new models. During a walkthrough of the recently launched Nomad 101, it was clear that the vessel was designed for the U.S. market, with a classic look that would appeal to many American boaters. The new flybridge vessel’s unusually high bulwarks are designed for offshore running, while its stern offers good access to the water. It has a cool open area at the front of the upper deck.
The Nomad name suggests an explorer design, but this 101-footer is more of a fast-ish cruiser that can cover long distances. With twin 1,550 hp MAN V12 diesels, the vessel has a top end of 19 knots, but dialed back to eight knots, its range extends to 3,000 nautical miles.
Inside, the 101 offers exceptional interior volume. At 195 gross tons (a measure of enclosed interior space) the Nomad dwarves many competitors. The Sunseeker 100 has a gross tonnage of 125, for example, while the Ocean Alexander 28E (92 feet) is 163GT. High-volume yachts that work within a 100-foot hull have become a fast-growing trend across the superyacht world. Owners want the extra interior space but not the extra length it would typically take to get there.
Gulf Craft’s in-house team collaborated with U.K.-based Wolstenholme Yacht Design for the naval architecture. Wolstenholme has done previous work with such ultra-luxe boat brands as Cockwell and Duchy, so understood the need for a seaworthy hull that could offer up interior volume.
For the interiors, the builder partnered with Phathom Studio, an up-and-coming Dutch firm that has worked with ISA, Bering, Golden Yachts, and other name-brand builders. The Nomad’s interiors were conceived with beachy colors and an open vibe, typical of American tastes. In the main salon, large windows offer natural light to heighten the relaxed atmosphere.
Socializing extends to the flybridge, which has an aft sundeck that can fit about 20 people as well as a forward enclosed area that becomes a second salon. Measuring 172 square feet, the skybridge at the top of the vessel will likely be a prime place for alfresco entertaining. The Nomad 101 sleeps 10 guests in five staterooms, with quarters for a crew of six.
Since it’s designed as a long-distance cruiser, Gulf Craft made sure that the captain’s areas were unusually generous. They includes both an enclosed pilothouse and an exterior helm for navigation, as well as a pilothouse office. Of course, with the long-range adventures this yacht was designed for, it seems likely that a captain will have their hands full with much more than paperwork.
