Bella Donna, Yapluka Industries second 70-foot hull incorporating semi-custom enhancements will soon make its appearance on international oceans.

Designed for circumnavigating the world, Bella Donna will have the capacity to maintain high average speeds in an extremely comfortable environment.

The American owner's design brief was for a catamaran that is elegant, comfortable, and capable of sailing in excess of 15kts, and motor at 11kts.

To this end, the owner has wisely chosen the combination of an aluminum hull with a composite flybridge, together with a carbon rig to create the ultimate catamaran.

This has enabled Yachts Industries to incorporate all the positive elements of each material. Bella Donna also has the owners' Project Manager involved in every aspect of the build and fitting out.

Both he and the Yachts Industries' team are experienced in catamaran commissioning and design, and their considerable input has benefited Bella Donna immeasurably.

The interior design work is being undertaken in-house, in close co-operation with the owners' representative. Bella Donna will be a study in refined elegance, using restful shades of cream, honey and coffee. These, together with the rich tones of American Cherry, will create a sense of warmth and style - a true reflection of the owners themselves. The cabins are carefully designed to accommodate the owners, their family, and their friends. Each of the three guest cabins offer en suite heads and separate showers, with LCD television, DVD and CD players. There is a Vanity area and generous storage in each cabin, plus a very well equipped gymnasium occupying the port forward hull.

The galley is very thoughtfully a laid-out, with an abundant amount of granite counter-top space, carefully positioned task lighting, and domestic-sized appliance. The well-equipped bar has been designed to incorporate an indoor-outdoor feel, linking the salon and cockpit by a l arge sliding window and keeping the icemaker, fridge and essential bar paraphernalia central for easy access.

The flybridge will offer an incomparable dining experience with uninterrupted views from its wrap-around seating, and the oversized sun pads will provide yet more opportunities for relaxi ng.

Underwater transom lights will illuminate the nighttime seascape, and the wide transom platform will provide an ideal vantage spot. The owner has specified the various communication systems essential for wherever the boat will be, including satellite phone, fax and Internet access. And the most up-to-date Raytheon electronics at the helm station in the flybridge will be repeated at the chart table in the salon.

Fully MCA, CE and BV certified, Bella Donna will be outfitted with the latest safety and radio equipment, as well as being built to the exacting standards laid down by the various organisations. The hull structure is guarante e d for 10 years , and Bella Donna will be delivered i n July 2005