News: New Sub 30-Meter Models Debuting at Cannes & MYS

Sub 30-Meter Models Debuting At Cannes & MYS
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With the staging of major upcoming boat shows, there's always debuts of new models. There are usually one of two tactics that yards use to attract interest, either unveil the design at the show or they preview/unveil it a few days before a major show. Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) are coming up this month and there are a few models that have come to light. Interestingly, the current crop are all under the 100-foot mark; a segment that is more attainable to entry-level customers.

The first is the new Azimut FLY 70. This 21-meter yacht is set to make its debut at the 2026 edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival. Alberto Mancini has been responsible for the exterior design. The interior is the work of a designer called Fabio Fantolino while the Naval Architecture is P.L. Ausonio. Construction is made in GRP and carbon fiber.

The Azimut FLY 70 will offer two aft cockpit versions solidifying where Azimut thinks the emphasis is with sea-side living. The two aft cockpit versions is the Beach Cockpit or the Terrace Cockpit. The Beach Cockpit utilizes a philosophy that follows on an idea that was seen on the smaller Fly 62, a synchronized mechanism opens a portion of the transom while lowering the aft seating. This makes the area move from the regular bench into a large sunpad located near to water level.

The Terrace Cockpit essentially removes this movable bench and layout pad mechanism replacing it with a see-through glass railing that gives the impression of being on a balcony. A dining table could be placed on the aft cockpit area allowing for a more open-feeling al-fresco dining session on the aft of the yacht. The version that will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival is the Terrace Cockpit variant.

Another new entrant announced is the Outer Reef 540 Adventure Sport with Quad outboard power. While not a boat that is expected to be physically at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the unveiling of the design has been timed with this year's show about to start from the 8th to the 13th of September. The 540 Adventure Sport is not to be confused with the 540 Adventure. The 540 Adventure Sport has aluminum construction, quad Mercury outboards and a different philosophy.

The two craft have the same dimensions as it relates to length, beam and draft and even have similar 3 cabin layouts internally. However, construction materials differ as well as the superstructure design although one might suggest that the main saloon portion of the 540 Adventure was removed making a more sporty appearance. The standard 540 Adventure uses a resin-infused FRP hull and is powered by twin 600 horse power Volvo Penta D8 diesels. The 540 Adventure Sport instead has an aluminum hull and superstructure and is powered by four 500 horse power Mercury SeaPro V12 outboards.

An additional new design comes from Jeanneau who is launching the new EX motorboat range. The EX 34 Hard Top will be making its debut at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival. The company has made opened and closed versions (Hardtop and Cabin) making it more practical for owners who just want day boat or one that can overnight or be a weekender. The design is by Jeanneau Design and Centkowski & Denert Design. Performance should top-out at 40-knots with a pair of 350 horse power outboards on the back.

For Saxdor, another premiere at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival will be the Saxdor 460 GTS. The 14.4-meter vessel which is another one of these models that can be open with just a hardtop or have the cabin enclosed somewhat depending on how the customer configures it. Although the 460 GTS is the open compared to the 460 GTC (which is a full cabin version). Regardless, it should have a three cabin layout below and on the performance side be able to reach 55-knots on the top end. Without going fully enclosed like the 460 GTC, the 460 GTS is giving owner choices, allowing the area to be opened when needed or closed more based on the circumstances. The Saxdor is allowing owners the option to specify four sliding glass doors, an aft enclosure and a retractable roof.

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