OTAM – with 60 years of success in power-boating – was determined to keep the performance aspect but wanted to tame the power and add considerable luxury.
The result is the flagship OTAM 80 HT Millennium MR BROWN, which is one of the most exciting sports yachts to hit the market in a long time. It clearly demonstrates that you can combine performance and luxury. The OTAM 80 retains all the technical virtues of its predecessors. There is the classic deep-V hull with its generous dead-rise angle that cushions the ride. There is the hearty four engines propulsion option – leisure and performance versions – the original MTU 2600 HP diesels coupled with the Arneson drives can be replaced by four MTU with Trimax drives, as in the case of MR BROWN. Extra power means performance is maintained even with the extra weight of the accommodation. Otam 80 HT Mr Brown top speed is 54 knots but yard is still experimenting with propellers. OTAM is confident that a new set of Rolla propellers will take the speed up to 55-58 knots.
In the case of the “performance version”, MR BROWN each of the four MTU (or Cats) drives a separate shaft so it is a shame that the underwater parts are hidden, because these four props stretching across the transom would look very impressive. The 80HT “perfomance version” uses Trimax Surface Drives, which do the high-speed business. You can adjust these drives for the shaft angle but only when the boat is out of the water. This allows the shaft angle to be fine-tuned for performance, then locked in place.
The OTAM 80 HT is remarkably docile when manoeuvring at low speed – only using the two external engines for this – so you have immediately halved the power. Because these manoeuvring props are spaced widely apart, they provide increased turning leverage, and of course you also have a powerful bow-thruster to help.
The bridge also benefits from race experience. Here there are four contoured leather-covered sport seats with electrically operated padded backs that allow the helmsman to steer standing or sitting, and any position in between. The suspension is also adjustable so to really match the comfort level to the conditions. Full instrumentation faces both the seats, with the helm to port having a navigation system and radar, while the engine station to starboard has the main engine monitoring system. The screens are all connected through an automation system, making the displays interchangeable.
At speed the electronic system allows all engines to be controlled from a single lever.
The deck saloon continues the functional look, but the settees and tables create a sociable area that is very much in keeping with the boat. There is a minimalist look about the styling in the latest hull, with an Hermes lifestyle inspired personality.
As for exteriors, every inch of the OTAM 80 HT looks like a performance boat. There are no handrails or fittings to spoil her clean lines, and the pilothouse rises in a smooth curve from the deck, sloping back to engage with the low arched mast with the engine air intakes in between. The molded bulwarks get deeper as they run aft, creating a safe passageway forward with handholds molded into the deck. For those “brave enough to experience the wind at speed”, there is a deep-cushioned sun-bed on the forward deck. Aft there is a useful cockpit with seating and a second sun-bed. To stow the tender there is a useful garage with an extending slipway built into the transom.
OTAM 80 HT MR BROWN represents a yacht that promises speed with a twist of luxury. Here is a combination of speed and sophistication that you rarely find, making OTAM a welcome addition to the high-performance sport yacht market.
The interiors – designed by Arch. Achilles Salvagni, with the support of the in-house OTAM technical staff – are minimalist and sophisticated, highlighting the concept of “Italian Style”.
The design of the furnishings, together with the use of special kinds of ebony and teak with matching leather inserts in natural colors and gray fabrics, creates a charming and cozy atmosphere. These interiors emphasize the width of the available spaces.
The outside living area completely blends in with the main saloon thanks to a retractable window. This living area increases when the window is opened, making both zones into a single ambient. The living room also has a conversation area with large comfortable linen sofas and a rotating round ebony table that can be used by all the guests.
The bridge is divided in two areas: the first – to starboard – has two seats for the captain and co-pilot, and a whole range of technical tools to keep navigation, engines, and onboard systems under close control. The second area – to port – is equipped with two guest seats and offers two iPads that can both monitor the yachts systems, engines and GPS, or access the various entertainment applications. Every owner, during the development and construction of his yacht, can choose from an ample selection of home automation and electronics, from the most advanced systems for monitoring and control to the most sophisticated entertainment packages.
At the center of the two control consoles, the OTAM Millennium 80 HT MR BROWN features a staircase that allows access to the lower deck and the sleeping area. The yacht, in the four engines version, has three large cabins with en-suite amenities, and two cabins for the crew. The master cabin spans the entire bow section and its own bathing and vanity area. There are also two guest cabins with twin beds.
In order to ensure maximum privacy, the galley and the attendants cabin are placed in a separate zone, with access from the main deck, while the crew can reach their cabin directly from the foredeck.
