Often referred to as the best of both worlds, the sportsbridge yacht perfectly blends sports yacht and flybridge design to create a hugely enjoyable hybrid vessel.
In simple terms, a sportsbridge takes the hull and deck of a sports yacht — consisting of its performance prowess, aft cockpit, tender garage, deck salon, and cabin layout — and adds a bridge deck above.
Design Notes
The sportsbridge design brief stipulates that the vessel should remain ultra-lean and low to retain the sleek profile of a sports yacht while also adding a top deck. This means it cannot match the overall space of a traditional flybridge. Still, it does, however, offer lots of seating and lounging space, in addition to an elevated helm position from which to harness and enjoy the yacht’s power.
The need to keep things sleek means that the sportsbridge design is easier to accomplish on larger craft, where more space and depth are available without impacting the overall air draft. As such, sportsbridge yacht models tend to start at approximately 15m (49ft) but are often 20m (66ft).
A sportsbridge should also be as fast as any sports yacht, often resulting in higher specification engines being fitted.
Like a flybridge, the sportsbridge is usually accessed via the aft cockpit, and at first glance, there is little to separate these two raised bridge designs. There is a helm position, and a good amount of guest seating too.
Look a little closer and you will note that the depth of the deck is a little more shallow, and the overall space less generous. A 15m (49ft) flybridge, however, gives you multiple seating and dining options, plus a wet bar and a galley area, while a sportsbridge might only have one seating area and a small wet bar.
What the sportsbridge lacks, it makes up for by providing a thrilling driving position.
This hybrid design does result in some unique sportsbridge features. Above 15m (49ft) it is possible to fit in a sunroof forward of the bridge, opening up the deck salon below. This adds another dimension to the onboard experience and sets it apart from a flybridge's enclosed feel.
The aft cockpit also gains something architectural from the steps up to the sportsbridge, while the design work around the cockpit/saloon border is some of the best you will find, with vast opening doors creating the perfect inside/outside space.
At A Glance
- Tender garage
- Spacious aft cockpit with seating and lounging
- Larger models integrate a deck salon sunroof
- Deck salon with seating and dining
- 30 knots + top speed
- Good handling
- Capable and responsive deep or modified vee hull design
- Sleek and subtle sportsbridge deck
Perfect For:
- Coastal use
- Family of four+
- Weekending or extended cruising
Sportsbridge Yacht Features
The sportsbridge will come with the same level of luxury finish as a flybridge. The helm station will usually come with two or more seats, allowing people to enjoy the ride. A sun pad is also likely to feature, in addition to a table and seating.
Moving below, the aft cockpit will provide a multitude of sports yacht features, with more space than a flybridge equivalent. This allows guests to enjoy a large dining area that is usually supported by a wet bar. A tender garage also keeps the decks clean and clear and creates the base for a sun pad.
Interior Finish
Below the deck, the layout follows a typical theme with a full-beam master suite and forward guest quarters. The sportsbridge design has also given rise to more avant-garde design elements, a theme that continues throughout the interior.
Performance
As the sportsbridge design has evolved, an ever-increasing number of moderately powered examples are being offered, with the vessel being used for relaxing and cruising, rather than for performance reasons only.
Taking a fast sports yacht hull and adding more weight could have a negative effect on a sportsbridge’s top speed and overall performance. To combat the additional weight and to protect performance levels, true sportsbridge yachts often have lots of horsepower, ensuring they can deliver the best of both worlds.
High-specification engines are often equipped, protecting the vessel's ethos of delivering excellent top speeds and performance characteristics. The size and weight of the average sportsbridge means that shaft drive propulsion is usual, although smaller, less performance-orientated yachts sometimes utilize pod or sterndrives.
Technical Overview
Hull design: Fast planing, deep/modified vee
Propulsion: Twin shaft
Performance: Cruising 25-30 knots
