Austin Parker Launches 44 Open

Italy-based boatbuilder Austin Parker is expanding its line with its 44 Open. The new sedan bridges the gap between the builder’s 36 Open and 48 Sundeck. Austin Parker currently offers 8 models ranging from 36 feet up to 74 feet length overall.

The 44, designed by Fulvio De Simoni, starts with an entertainment-centric cockpit. A transom gate to starboard provides access from the swim platform to the teak-covered cockpit, with a settee to starboard and bench seat and table across that converts to a sun pad when desired. A foredeck sun pad for four creates a second tanning area.

One step up from the cockpit and through a sliding-glass door take guests into the salon and bridge deck. There is a galley aft and to port, which connects to the cockpit via a flip-up window on struts. The galley has an electric, two-burner cooktop, sink and refrigerator and freezer.

Just forward of the galley is a U-shape dinette for 4 to 5 guests for lunch. A settee across accommodates two more.

That settee is also just abaft the helm station with bench seat for two. Two raked windows forward and side windows should provide good sightlines for the helmsman. A window next to the wheel slides down, allowing the captain to quickly communicate with crew and get a view of the yacht’s starboard side when docking.

Four steps down from the salon, the 44 has a two-stateroom, two-head layout with a forepeak master. There is a walkaround berth and en suite head abaft and to starboard. Abaft and to port of the master is a second head, which can be accessed from the companionway or the twin-berth, guest stateroom abaft it and to port.

The Austin Parker 44 Sedan debuted in Genoa last fall. Look for her stateside in the near future.