With everything from 3m runabouts to 60m superyachts on show, there is one part of the Cannes Yachting Festival that remains enduringly popular, the owner-operated flybridge sector.
This year there are some stunning yachts in the 16m to 21m (52.5ft to 69ft) sweet spot that gives a potential owner the ability to cruise continents and oceans in comfort all without the need for a dedicated crew.
Here in our YachtBuyer preview, we take a closer look at some of the brand new models being debuted by the world’s largest shipyards in this sector:
Absolute 60 Fly
With its vast Owner’s quarters, interconnecting spaces and technological innovations, the Absolute 60 Fly makes the most of every inch of its 18.66m (61.2ft) length.
As ever the Italian yard has placed a strong emphasis on making the living spaces as luxurious and comfortable as possible, with lavish materials and fine attention to detail. The salon, galley and cockpit sit adjacent to each other and are connected by a continuous design to accentuate the feeling of space.
Clever use of the layout places the full-beam Owner’s cabin in the bow, slightly elevated between the main and lower deck, giving it lots of headroom, great views from the large windows and plenty of peace and quiet.
With a reputation for producing boats that are owner-friendly, the Absolute 60 Fly is a great option for those wanting a flybridge yacht that is in equal measures practical and luxurious.
Azimut 53
The sharp lines of the Azimut 53 were revealed in an online event in March, but this is the first time the public will have a chance to see the 16.78m (55ft) yacht in the flesh.
Described by the yard as “the ideal choice for families who want to spend long periods on board cruising in a comfortable environment”, one of the main draws of the model is the spacious salon framed by huge sections of glass running from the entrance to the windscreen.
Space is definitely a watchword here, with the three-cabin layout featuring an Owner’s suite with near-total full standing headroom. On deck there are expansive sunpad cushions on the foredeck and flybridge and an easily accessible swim platform. With twin Volvo Penta IPS 950s maxing out at 31 knots, it certainly isn’t lacking on the speed front either.
Pearl 62
Whilst the Pearl 62 might be the builder’s smallest model, it would be easy to imagine you are on something much larger with three guest cabins, a full-beam master cabin and a spacious flybridge just some of the picks of its many attractions.
Glass plays a big part in the design of the 18.61m (61ft) model, with expansive panels delivering a bright and smart salon and being used as large skylights above the lower helm station. The flybridge itself offers almost unequaled levels of space and luxury for guests to enjoy.
Picked by Motor Boat and Yachting as its Best Flybridge Over 50ft and lauded for its stunning Kelly Hoppen designed interior, performance and seakeeping, the Pearl 62 is sure to be the focus of a lot of attention at Cannes.
Sunseeker Manhattan 55
The Sunseeker Manhattan 55, is one of what is being called “The Famous Five” as five new Sunseeker models are all on show in Cannes.
The 17.21m (56ft) yacht is an evolution of the Manhattan 52, the fastest-selling model in Sunseeker history, and the 55 looks set to be equally as popular with the British yard revealing in April it was building 22 of the model a year.
Its eye-catching feature is a powered glass cockpit/galley window that can be electronically lowered to seamlessly connect with outdoor spaces. She also boasts three large cabins, including a full-height master cabin, a spacious foredeck, and a well-equipped bathing platform with a beach club aft.
Inside the cool and contemporary styling is very much in keeping with the Manhattan line, with the Manhattan 55 keeping up the trend of pushing boundaries and delivering comfort and luxury in excess.
Preparing for the Cannes Yachting Festival
Buying a yacht you intend to operate yourself requires a high level of research to ensure you get something that best suits your needs. Make sure you speak to the brand representatives that will be on hand at Cannes to answer your questions and show you around their yachts.
You can also take advantage of our comprehensive YachtBuyer reviews section for an in-depth look at hundreds of models, including our exclusive YachtBuyer Head to Head comparison section, comparing hundreds of yachts against their direct rivals.
If you are completely new to buying a yacht read our Getting Started articles to prepare you for your visit to Cannes.
Alternatively to get an idea of what is currently on the market you can view all new and pre-owned flybridge yachts for sale.
