A new sports yacht is an exciting mix of speed and luxury. The best new sports yacht designs include unbeatable accommodation inside while still keeping things sleek and sporty outside, and it must always backed up by exhilarating performance, which should pass 30 knots and often 35 knots.
The sports yacht was born out of Mediterranean-style, port-to-port yachting, with the Owner sitting behind the wheel. Getting places fast and in style, with the option of staying on board or simply dayboating, but always with the emphasis on having fun in the sun.
The Mediterranean ethos is seen the long sweeping aft cockpits, with lots of seating, sunpads and, on larger yachts, full bars. Tender garages beneath the sunpads keep the decks clear and the yacht looking smart. Larger yachts will feature forward cockpits, creating two separate deck lounges for and aft.
As the sports yacht evolved so has its size and the level of luxury. Sizes range from 10-30m and even at the smaller end the once completely open cockpits are now replaced with low-profile hardtops, roofs that safely encase the helm position and create a deck salon feel. These hardtops also integrate large overhead sunroofs to ensure the open, Med-style culture is retained.
Sports yachts are about getting places fast and in style, with the option of staying on board, but always with the emphasis on having fun in the sun.
Similarly, interiors have become more voluminous and are often the equal of flybridge and other cruising focused yachts, with the same cabin layouts, levels of space and luxury finish. This extra accommodation can have an affect on a sports yacht’s slim lines and sharp handling, but the best builders manage the trick of delivering both onboard space and a rewarding driver’s experience.
Hull designs should be deeper vee, offering a sharper or fine entry that allows you to slice through the waves at speed with minimal slam or harshness to the ride, though the degree of the Vee entry may need to flatten out to provide more lift on heavier models. Engine installations and propulsion will vary, with the usual twin diesel engines married to stern, pod, shaft, jet and surface drives, depending on the size and sophistication of the yacht itself.
