The main British yachting exhibition opened on September 17th in Southampton. Which yachts moored in the world's largest temporary marina are worth looking at? We chose six interesting motor yacht premieres.
Sunseeker 76 Yacht - Stand C080
The new 76 Yacht replaces the 75th model in the Sunseeker range.
This is especially noticeable on the bow, where there is a large dinette with two sunbeds separated by aisles. The larger space on deck also allowed for a larger tender, the Williams 445.
Below deck, small changes to the layout, with four cabins with separate bathrooms, allowed for slightly larger bathrooms and a crew cabin with bunk bed and dining area.
The Flybridge remained almost unchanged. Except that it was extended slightly aft, making way for extra space for sun loungers or a hot tub.
The Sunseeker 76 Yacht comes with two variants of MAN V12 engines with an output of 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp, giving the yacht a top speed of up to 35 knots.
Princess 55 - Stand E055
The new 55th model in the Princess flybridge series is likely to replace the 56th. The Princess 55 Flybridge is divided into two main lounge areas: a spacious dinette around a large teak table at the stern and a U-shaped sofa convertible into a large sunbed. The galley is located at the rear of the main deck and is a few steps below the saloon. To starboard the saloon is a dinette with a handmade coffee table, which can optionally be converted into a large dining table at the forward end of the saloon.
A forward control post with double seat allows guests to watch the boat from the front row. The master suite on the lower deck extends the full width of the yacht, which is 16 feet. In addition to her own bathroom, she has a dressing table and dinette for breakfast. The VIP cabin is located in the bow of the boat and has a direct connection to a public toilet, which VIP guests will share with guests in a cabin with two single beds. If desired, the latter cabin can be equipped with an electrically adjustable sliding double bed.
There is a choice of 800 hp MAN R6 800 or Volvo Penta D13 engines. In both cases, the Princess 55 will show an impressive top speed of over 30 knots.
Sealine C430 - berth M204
Flexibility is the second name of the new medium size coupe Sealine C430.
The basic IPS400 may not be enough to move the heavy C430 equipped with everything needed for a cruise, so it is better to choose between the 370 hp IPS500 and 435 hp IPS600.
The standard layout of the lower deck features a full-beam master suite on the midships and a VIP forward cabin with virtually identical bathrooms. It is possible to replace a double bed in the forward cabin with two single beds, arranged with «scissors», or to choose a layout with three cabins, where the owner's cabin will move forward. With this solution, the other two cabins can be both with double beds, or one with double and one with two single beds.
On deck, the hydraulic bathing platform is complemented by wind in the transom and the forward rest area can be optionally covered by a sun awning.
The starting price of the Sealine C430 - just under 400 thousand pounds - seems quite competitive.
Bénéteau Swift Trawler 35 - berth M100
The predecessor of the new Swift Trawler 34 is one of the most popular and successful models in Bénéteau, so the premieres of the Swift Trawler 35 were eagerly awaited. The main question was, what else can you squeeze out of a 35-foot body that already seems to have everything it needs?
Externally, the Swift Trawler 35 replicates the features of the previously introduced 30 foot model. It has soft, rounded shapes, a modern look and a transom with opening «collars»that extend the cockpit area by attaching a bathing platform to it.
The interior has remained virtually unchanged, with a double cabin in the bow and a starboard bunk bed cabin. The only thing is that now there's a separate shower in the bathroom.
Fairline Squadron 53 - berth M214
The world premiere of this boat took place at the boat show in Dusseldorf in January, in Southampton - British debut.
The galley can be placed in the bow or closer to the stern on the main deck or on the lower deck. The configuration with a kitchen on the main deck allows for up to four cabins on the lower deck, but even if the kitchen is positioned below, there is plenty of room for three spacious bedrooms and bathrooms.
In the engine room it is possible to install a pair of Volvo Penta D11 with 675 hp or 725 hp or a pair of high-performance CATs with 850 «horses»each.
Prestige 520 - M512 berth.
The new 520 model boasts a clear silhouette and elegant interior design, traditionally performed by The Garroni Design. The boat has two main outdoor seating areas - the bow and the flybridge. The backrests and headrests of the sun beds in the bow can be adjusted and an umbrella is provided to avoid burns.
On the generously sized flybridge you can turn the seats with their backs reclining. There's a wind bar behind the driver's seat. Sun protection is also available here, this time as a bimini, but a hard top is also available as an option.
A highlight of the interiors of the Prestige 520 is the master suite, where you can go down a separate staircase directly from the saloon. Compared to the previous model 450, the owner's suite is even more spacious. The same is true for the salon.
The choice of engines manufacturers have not provided, so the customer will have the only option - Volvo Penta IPS600 rated at 370 hp or 435 hp - which, however, guarantees a decent 26 knots «maximum». For easy operation, the yacht is equipped with a joystick.
