There’s nothing like being at a boat show. Where else can you step aboard the yacht of your dreams, afloat or ashore, and achieve an electrifying bridge between the story in which you first felt the heart tug for a particular yacht and the instant realization that this design is all you’ve dreamed of? From Newport to Ft. Lauderdale, from Seattle to Cannes, there’s surely a show coming to a venue near you that calls with siren song. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve gathered 18 of the newest designs that are headed for the fall shows. We’ll be covering some of them throughout the year. Or you can beat us to the punch and see them firsthand.
Aicon Yachts’ new 66 LS will appeal to those who love fast open yachts. During our initial sea trial in Sicily, the sharp entry and deep-V bottom provided a comfortable ride while speeds, thanks to a brace of 1,050 hp MAN D2840 LE404 diesels, reached 33 knots at the top end. Within Aicon’s signature Italian exterior styling lines, expect to find the best in European décor, executed in high-grade leathers and dark wood finishes. There’s room on the flying bridge for six at the settee plus two at the helm. Space flows smoothly from the protected cockpit through the saloon, then up to the bridgedeck with its dinette, galley and lower helm. Accommodations include a full-beam master stateroom amidships, a large VIP stateroom and a guest cabin, all with en suite heads. Aicon Yachts, (954) 713-8108; www.aiconyachts.com.
In case you missed its debut at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, the new Azimut 86S, second in the Open line that sports Righini’s signature square windows, will make its first appearance on this side of the pond in Ft. Lauderdale. It features a spacious saloon that can selectively be wide open to the sunny outdoors or well sealed off from the elements with a sliding door aft and an opening hardtop. A large garage will store a 4.4-meter tender or a 3.6-meter tender and a PWC. The cockpit features an oval table with padded bench seat, a wet bar with barbecue, and a small sofa with coffee table. The Carlo Galeazzi interior blends dark Wenge wood and amaranth-colored leather with burgundy and ecru natural fabrics. Twin 2,000 hp MTU 16V 2000 M91 diesels, which can be equipped with V-drive, Hamilton Hydrojet or Arneson surface-piercing drives, are projected to make the 86S cruise at speeds up to 40 knots and reach top speeds of 45 knots. Azimut, (011) 39 01193161; www.azimutyachts.net.
The new Ocean 46 Super Sport is the next logical step for the company’s lineup. Like all its sister ships, the 46 will be designed and built to run well offshore and back safely, and will offer a level of luxury inside that will tempt family and friends to spend more time aboard. Although details were not finalized at press time, the 46 Super Sport will include standard fishing features, such as a live well, bait prep center, tackle locker, hinged transom gate, roomy fishboxes, freshwater and saltwater washdowns. Power options include twin 710 CAT C12; 800 hp MAN Common Rail IL 6; 800 hp CAT 3406E; and 825 hp Series 60 MTU 14.0L. Ocean Yachts, (609) 965-4616; www.oceanyachtsinc.com.
The Grand Banks 70 Aleutian CP is the company’s new flagship luxury long-distance cruising vessel. Based on the same proven Tom Fexas-designed hull and generously sized, livable layout that distinguished the 64 Aleutian from other designs, the new 70 CP will have a spacious aft cockpit for fishing, entertaining or watersports of all kinds. The builder predicts 18- to 20-knot cruising speeds and top speeds in the mid-20-knot range. The pilothouse helm will accommodate a second set of electronics to match the flying bridge, and include a Stidd helm chair and bench settee for guests. Three comfortable staterooms with en suite heads, plus crew quarters, will ensure privacy and efficient operation. Grand Banks Yachts, (800) 809-0909; www.grandbanks.com.
Hargrave Custom Yachts is covering both coasts at the fall shows. The new 115-foot Missy B II will be wrapping up her inaugural New England summer cruise at this writing and then appearing at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. The unique layout features four staterooms and a massive skylounge. The 100-foot La Marchesa made the 10,000-mile trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle for the Lake Union Boat Show. Hargrave Custom Yachts, (954) 463-0555; www.hargrave.org.
With a proven hull shape forged in North Carolina’s rugged waters and the widest beam in its class, Hatteras’ 68 Convertible is destined to be a force in the tournament circuit. Deep prop tunnels and large propellers should make the 68 competitive in shallower waters. The 192-square-foot cockpit includes a mezzanine deck behind the fighting chair with modular components so an owner or professional captain can have the freezer, ice box or bait well positioned for their preference. The large flying bridge will oversee the action, yet provide comfort and convenience for guests. Warm cherry will beckon the weary fishermen, awaiting meals prepared in a galley with under-counter refrigeration, four-burner cooktop and microwave/convection. The spacious amidships master takes full advantage of the wide beam, while guests enjoy the spacious VIP forward. Hatteras Yachts, (252) 633-3101; www.hatterasyachts.com.
Designed by William Crealock and the Offshore Yachts design team, the new Offshore 66 has the signature deep-V entry, generous bow flare and double chines that have served the builder well. A keel extension for prop protection, prop pockets and an integral swim platform are notable features. Available in either a Pilothouse or Motoryacht model, both have a low center of gravity, high bulwarks, wide side decks and covered overhangs for safety and comfort. The Motoryacht has a raised, extended California deck option aft in lieu of a full cockpit. Twin 800 hp Caterpillars and a 1,500-gallon fuel capacity are standard. The pilothouse model is configured for an owner/operator couple, while the motoryacht has an available crew quarters and crew galley. East Coast; Hal Jones & Co., (800) 527-1778; West Coast; Offshore West, 949-673-5401; www.offshoreyachts.net.
Hinckley’s Talaria 55 continues the tradition of excellence and noteworthy design that have been hallmarks of Hinckley yachts for decades. Twin Caterpillar 800 hp diesels and 403 Hamilton water jets propel the T55 to a top speed of 33 knots, and a cruising speed of 26 knots with a range of 411 nautical miles. Caterpillar’s 1,000 hp C18 diesels are available, as are propeller drive trains. Built to Hinckley’s demanding standards using Kevlar/Carbon E-glass and the DualGuard SCRIMP technique, the dual-stateroom yacht’s hull carries a limited lifetime warranty. Elegance and comfort greet the owners and guests in the saloon, which has sliding aft doors to create an express ambiance. An oversize galley with Sub-Zero refrigeration, Corian countertops and a range of desirable appliances makes entertaining on board a grand experience. The Hinckley Company, (207) 244-5531; www.hinckleyyachts.com.
When you drive a Legacy 42 for the first time, you’ll be surprised that this yacht with the traditional profile of a classic New England cruising design can cruise quickly and comfortably at the same time. Mark Ellis designed the boat with a sweet sheerline while combining wide chines and lifting strakes with a sharp-V entry for fine performance. Underwater exhaust keeps the yacht quiet and clean. Built to order, the 42 may have galley up or down, with or without flying bridge, and single or twin engines. Two staterooms are standard, with an optional second head. Legacy Yachts, (800) 999-2909; www.legacyyachts.com.
The largest vessel in Symbol Yacht’s Signature Series of motoryachts designed by Jack Sarin, the new Symbol 82/88 Raised Pilothouse will stir the imagination of yachtsmen who dream of owning a distinctive design, a yacht that makes a statement about their choices in life. Powered by twin 1,550 hp Caterpillar C30 diesels, with a fuel capacity of 4,000 gallons, this moderate-V hull design seems ready for long-distance cruising in luxury. The three stateroom, three head, aft crew quarters arrangement plan offers unparalleled living space because the pilothouse is raised well clear of the main deck, with room aft for an isolated boat deck and a flying bridge above. Heart Marine, (800) 457-7888; www.symbolyachts.com.
Following the themes established by its well received 500 Express at last year’s Miami International Boat Show, Cruisers Yachts redesign of the 400 Express refreshes the standard for style and comfort in its category. The sweeping arch lends a dash of zest to the exterior styling lines, with an optional hardtop for those who want more protection from the elements. Opening vertical windows flood the natural cherry of the main cabin with light and fresh air, an inviting combination when escaping with the family for the weekend. In the cockpit, a wet bar with a refrigerator/icemaker and a companion helm seat that rotates aft 90 degrees adds a new dimension when entertaining guests. Cruisers Yachts, (800) 757-3333; www.cruisersyachts.com.
Viking’s 74 Convertible is more than just another pretty yacht. The largest convertible from the builder proved peppy during initial sea trials. Powered with the optional MTU 16V Series 2000 diesels she pushed the envelope at 37 knots and cruises at 32 knots. Speeds will vary based on load and configuration. In fact, at press time Viking took an order for a 74 with an optional 4,000-gallon fuel capacity. Venezuela here we come! The saloon and galley up have a “great room” feel, a place to kick back and enjoy the lift-equipped plasma TV and home theatre sound system. Durable Amtico flooring and a full complement of league-leading appliances like Sub-Zero refrigeration make the galley everything a chef could desire. The 74 Convertible is available with four or five staterooms, and your choice of open or enclosed, climate-controlled flying bridges. Stay tuned for Yachting’s test of the enclosed bridge model in a future issue. Viking Yachts, (609) 296-6000; www.vikingyachts.com.
Chris-Craft’s 36 Corsair, a storied name that resonates with those who know the early designs of this legendary company, will blend the curvaceous lines of the company’s recent Michael Peters-designed runabouts with luxurious accommodations following the standards set in their recent cruisers. Cockpit seating for four at the table and two at the helm, a private owner’s cabin amidships, and an open main cabin with galley and a large luxurious lounge that will do duty as dinette or spacious berth are features that will make this design a true weekender. For a spirited ride, power options will range up to 500 hp. Chris-Craft, (941) 351-4900; www.chriscraft.com.
Lazzara’s 68 Sport Yacht will debut at this year’s Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in October, and it will bring innovations aplenty. With its rubber isolation mounts throughout the entire interior, owners will enjoy a vibration-free ride. An integrated ship’s information center will help the owner/operator for whom this yacht is designed keep abreast of systems’ performance. Bow and stern thrusters will take some of the hassle out of docking, and the tender stows in a garage beneath the afterdeck-ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. The four-stateroom layout features en suite heads, a media/game room for relaxation, and beautiful designer interiors. Lazzara Yachts, (813) 835-5300; www.lazzarayachts.com.
A steady flow of new launches, from 43 to 115, feet has popped out of the Pershing yard during the last year. One of the latest is the new Pershing 62 designed by Fulvio De Simoni, and the Pershing and Ferretti Group engineering teams. Like her siblings, the 62 is designed to fly. In this case twin 1,500 hp MAN diesels and surface drives push the silver missile to a top speed of 47 knots, according to the builder. Accommodations are unique and provide distinctly separate space for the owner and guests. MarineMax, (888) 71-Yacht; www.marinemaxyachts.com.
Performance cruising is alive and well, as evidenced by the new Formula 48 Yacht. Always looking to get more speed, the company revised its 47-foot model and designed a slippery hull that can accommodate additional horsepower. During a recent sea trial, Yachting recorded a top speed of about 33 knots. Considering the plush accommodations and amenities, this is very respectable. Formula plans to show their new flagship at the fall shows. Look for a full report in an upcoming issue of Yachting. Formula Thunderbird, (800) 736-7685; www.formulaboats.com.
The helm deck of Sabreline’s 38 Hard Top Express is designed to function well on many levels. Large sliding windows and overhead hatches offer optimal visibility, and natural ventilation and lighting. Sound attenuation was uppermost in the design and engineering of the 38 for more pleasant cruising, and Ultraleather covered chairs for the captain and navigator/mate make the experience that much more comfortable. A handcrafted cherry interior awaits below, with a private stateroom forward and a convertible saloon table. The galley is well equipped for weekend or weeklong cruises. Sabre Yachts, (207) 655-3831; www.sabreyachts.com.
The new Marlow 53C offers well-protected side decks and aft cockpit, a functional Portuguese bridge and a raised pilothouse, features found on its larger sister ship, the successful Marlow 65, which was introduced at the Miami International Boat Show in 2001. Built with the same attention to detail, the new 53C employs a pair of 410 hp 6108 Lugger diesels and a 1,000 gallon fuel capacity for solid long-distance capability. For optimal control whether docking or cruising, the design includes provisions for control stations in the aft cockpit. Schwepper Germany interior hardware, top-drawer Grohe faucets and fixtures and 24v DC Danish and Italian lighting are notable touches of luxury in the three-stateroom layout. Marlow Marine, (800) 362-2657; www.marlowmarine.com.
