Motor yachts with expanded beach clubs represent a new architectural direction in 40–120 ft yacht design — a shift made possible largely thanks to compact propulsion systems such as Volvo IPS. By relocating engines and optimizing volume at the stern, shipyards were able to lower the aft deck, enlarge the swim platform, and add fold-out bulwarks that open the yacht directly to the sea. On many models, lower-deck cabins now have private access straight to this beach club space, placing guests just steps from the water.
This concept began taking shape gradually, and pinpointing a single pioneer is difficult. One of the first yachts to embody this new format was the Van der Valk BeachClub 600, introduced in 2016. A year later, Sanlorenzo unveiled the first model of its SX line, featuring an impressive stern arrangement that set a new benchmark for the segment. Bluegame also played a decisive role in defining this category: in 2021, at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the brand presented its 72-foot BG72, pushing the architecture of sea-level living even further. The idea quickly gained momentum across the industry — Sunseeker launched the Ocean 90, Azimut introduced the Sea Deck series, and Wally transformed the concept into an architectural statement with its WallyWhy models.
Over time, this “life at the water’s edge” philosophy spread to more compact yachts as well — today, even sub-40-foot builders embrace it in models such as the Saxdor 400, which now features an expanded water-level relaxation area echoing the same new spirit. Across all of these yachts, the stern becomes a primary living zone rather than a secondary one—an integrated beach club designed for lounging, dining, and socializing right at the water’s edge.
