The best superyacht launches allow you to have some fun, whether you’re taxiing between boat and shore or going for a blast on the sea.
The six best superyacht launches:
Windy SR52 Blackbird
This Ed Dubois-designed missile, built for the owner of a sailing superyacht, delivers electric 46-knot performance from its Volvo Penta pod drives. Measuring 16.10 metres, the Windy SR52 Blackbird superyacht launch has a lot of space with a walk around teak deck featuring a raised foredeck and additional seating. There’s also a double berth below deck with separate shower and heads installed. But it’s the superb build quality of the Windy SR52 Blackbird that means it tops our list of the best superyacht launches.
Frauscher 1017 Lido
Landlocked Austria has somehow produced this, one of the sharpest rides on the water. The “open-hearted” sister of the Frauscher 1017 GT, this superyacht launch makes the most of the finest entertainment systems to offer maximum comfort. With its plentiful seating and to-die-for looks, the Frauscher 1017 Lido is the perfect mix of elegance, power and practicality.
Wajer Osprey 38
Style, grace, poise – and enough horsepower to give you an instant facelift, the Dutch-built Wajer Osprey 38 would be a welcome addition to any billionaire’s watercraft arsenal. This superyacht launch has a spacious walk-in aft and a large three-person sun deck forward, but it’s her quietness at high speed that gets her a mention in this list: she’s 30 per cent quieter than the Osprey 34 and 37, even when opened up to 45 knots. We reported in August 2014 that Dutch King Willem-Alexander bought the Osprey 38 as a tender.
Alen Yacht 42
A tumblehome to make men weep with desire lands the Alen Yacht 42 firmly in our six best superyacht launches. The 12.8 metre launch wins with its elegant teak planking and safe, practical walkaround decks. The Alen Yacht 42 has a technically engineered V-shape hull for steady cruising and a walk around deck. With space for 12 people, this is an ideal superyacht launch.
Wider 42
It this a launch or a really a Transformer? With decks that expand for at-anchor lounging, the Wider packs a punch too, topping out at 50 knots. Her list of features includes a patented anchor chain lock system, a central dinette that lifts to give access to the cockpit locker, and an outdoor galley.
Art of Kinetik Antagonist
Just look at it. The 11.3 metre cruiser comes from a family of yachts whose style is as uncompromising as its performance. At 42 knots tops, this superyacht launch offers a superbly smooth ride. The Art of Kinetik Antagonist superyacht launch out-cools everything in the harbour, earning it a place in our list of the best superyacht launches.