 It
was a beautiful autumn day in Monaco when we first set eyes
on the magnificent 62.6 metre motor yacht Lady Lola, and
as regular readers of Boat International will know she featured
in our December 2002 issue. However, this isn't about the
big boat, it is about a hidden treasure, although the two
are more closely linked than you might think. As our tour
of the yacht with owner Duane Hagadone came to a close,
he asked if we would like to see the tender garage, with
a note of pride in his voice. Raised on a specially padded
cradle was our prize – a solid mahogany boat swathed
in the softest blue leather and gleaming from head to toe.
She was positioned alongside her sister tender, a Novurania
25, two 3.7 metre Bombadier jet skis and all manner of water
toys.
 When
the Hagadones began to design their new superyacht, one
of the main criteria was that it carry on board a Stan-Craft
tender made in their home town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
As the critical elements of Lady Lola were laid down, they
included a massive garage on the lower deck that would hole
the 10,000 lb Torpedo boat. Work then began on the design
and engineering for the custom tender.
The brief was to build a boat that would be no more than
8.5 metres in length and be able to carry the Hagadones
plus guests in complete safety, comfort and style. Speed
and manouverability were also a priority and to achieve
this two fresh water cooled 350 MPI Mercruisers each delivering
300 hp were chosen.
On completion her speed is around 44 knots and the boat
has sound stability in ocean conditions. A fuel capacity
of 360 litres with an electric fuel transfer system achieves
good range. The engine compartment is fitted with a Fire-Boy
Halon Auto Fire Extinguishing system and the helm is Teleflext
Tilt steering with Mather's Micro Commander Dual Engine
Controls for effortless control. A Vetus bow thruster generating
approximately 25 kilograms of thrust makes sure tight spaces
are not a problem.
For evenings of total relaxation the boat has all the amenities
on board for cocktail cruising along the shoreline, including
a drinks cabinet that draws out from beneath the dashboard.
There is also an ice chest located in the cockpit floor
for keeping those all important drinks cool. A large horseshoe
shaped seat aft seats five guests in comfort, with swivel
bucket-style seats for the skipper and mate.
A clever custom-made fold-down windshield is assembled
in the chrome-plated brass and allows a safer exit and entry
from the lazarette. The cockpit is also equipped with heater
outlets for chilly evenings and underwater lights are installed
in the transom for viewing fish at night. A draught of 71.1
centimetres enables her to visith the shoalest areas and
drop of guests.
Her stunning looks are attributed to planks of seductively
smooth, 1.4 centimetre African mahogany planking finished
with 15 coats of Epifanes Varnish from bow to stern –
absolutely superb.
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