This yacht’s solid fiberglass hull is hand-laid and reinforced with interlocking frames and full-length stringers for superior stiffness and strength. Having fallen off breaking seas into 20-foot troughs while accompanying Tony Fleming aboard his Fleming 65 during a voyage to Iceland, I can attest to the integrity of the builder’s robust construction.

Vinylester resins, first used by Fleming below the waterline to resist osmotic blistering, are now used throughout, eliminating fabric print-through and creating an excellent fiberglass finish. Indeed, the new 78 will turn heads with her traditional good looks. Even with a dual-level flying bridge, she has a relatively low profile, a longtime signature of the brand.

Setting her apart from her smaller siblings is the fact that the 78 provides private accommodations for the crew. The area includes a double and single berth, a large head with shower and a seating area with desk. A microwave, refrigerator and TV provide the captain with comfortable quarters, and the ship’s monitoring system allows him to keep tabs on the yacht when he isn’t at the helm.