For decades, the superyacht tender industry has been engaged in a relentless pursuit of speed. Bigger engines, higher top speeds and increasingly aggressive styling have dominated the conversation around tenders and chase boats. Yet as yachts grow larger and cruising grounds become more ambitious, what good is speed if a boat becomes uncomfortable the moment conditions deteriorate? It is a question that sits at the heart of SKIPPER Powerboats' philosophy.
Built around offshore racing expertise, SKIPPER Powerboats has carved out a distinctive niche within the high-performance tender market. Many brands focus on headline-grabbing speed figures, but SKIPPER Powerboats' reputation has been built on something arguably more valuable. As George Karameris, CEO of SKIPPER Powerboats, explains: "The ideal performance boat is the one that remains usable, comfortable and dependable when the conditions stop being ideal."
That approach has seen the brand become an increasingly familiar sight alongside some of the world's most recognisable superyachts, including Ahpo, Breakthrough, Camila and Oceanos, where SKIPPER Powerboats' vessels serve as both practical tenders and capable offshore chase boats.
Racing DNA meets superyacht practicality
At the core of every SKIPPER Powerboats model lies a hull design that traces its roots back to offshore competition. The company's foundation is built upon a platform that has claimed World and European Offshore Championship titles three times. Rather than simply adapting a recreational hull for luxury use, SKIPPER Powerboats developed its range around genuine offshore performance principles, refining them for the demands of superyacht operations.
The result is the patented AeroQuad 4-step hull architecture, found throughout the range. Unlike conventional stepped hulls, the AeroQuad design generates controlled air channels beneath the hull, reducing drag and fuel consumption while improving lift and directional stability. The technology allows boats to plane earlier, maintain efficiency across a broader speed range and, perhaps most importantly for guests and crew, deliver a remarkably dry and composed ride in challenging conditions.
"We design every curve, step and angle for the open sea," says co-founder and COO Alexandros Stavroulakis. "Every detail is engineered to deliver a flawless, exhilarating ride and total confidence on the water."
The new ACE 360: Evolution of a bestseller
The newest addition to the fleet, the 10.8-metre ACE 360, represents the next chapter in SKIPPER Powerboats' evolution. Developed as the successor to the highly successful 34NC, the model introduces a new generation of design and engineering while retaining the offshore capabilities that made its predecessor so popular. Designed to accommodate up to 14 people, the model planes effortlessly from around 11 knots before accelerating to a top speed of approximately 70 knots, making it equally capable as a luxury day cruiser or premium superyacht tender.
The headline innovation is the InfinityDeck concept. Rather than narrowing significantly towards the bow, the deck maintains a remarkably consistent beam throughout much of its length, creating a near-rectangular footprint that maximises usable space. The result is wider walkways, improved circulation and a feeling of onboard volume that belies the boat's dimensions. The layout also incorporates an impressive 2,200 litres of storage, optional transparent weather protection and a premium helm arrangement.
The 38NC: The sweet spot
For many owners and captains, the 11.5-metre 38NC represents the sweet spot within the SKIPPER Powerboats range. Designed to function equally well as a luxury day boat, guest transfer vessel or dedicated chase boat, the 38NC combines substantial onboard space with the same four-step hull technology that defines the brand. With power options up to twin 500hp outboards and speeds exceeding 75 knots, it offers serious offshore capability while retaining a guest-friendly layout.
Its versatility is perhaps its greatest strength. One day, it may be ferrying guests ashore in complete comfort; the next, it could be accompanying a yacht on a long offshore passage, handling conditions that would leave many traditional tenders struggling.
The flagship 42NC
At the top of the range sits the 12.4-metre 42NC, SKIPPER Powerboats' flagship model and the ultimate expression of its design philosophy. Powered by up to four 500hp outboards and capable of reaching speeds approaching 100mph, the 42NC combines outright performance with genuine long-range usability. Unlike many open chase boats, it incorporates a hardtop with a fully enclosed windscreen alongside a cabin featuring a separate WC, wardrobe and twin berth, allowing it to operate comfortably as a standalone vessel for extended periods.
For larger superyachts operating in demanding cruising grounds, the 42NC provides a compelling combination of speed, range, comfort and practicality.
More than a fast tender
SKIPPER Powerboats has deliberately remained boutique. The shipyard produces between 30 and 50 boats annually from its 3,000-square-metre facility near Athens, allowing for a high level of personalisation and engineering. Around 95 per cent of production is exported, giving the builder an outsized presence in some of the world's most established yachting markets. Owners and captains can work closely with the team to tailor specifications, layouts and technical solutions to suit individual yacht programmes.
SKIPPER Powerboats has also invested heavily in after-sales support, a digital build-your-own configurator and an expanding global dealer network, ensuring long-term confidence for owners and management teams alike. As sales and marketing director Gakis Stavrianos puts it: "Owning a SKIPPER is an elite experience that begins before you touch the water. Our network is dedicated to making every moment extraordinary."
Perhaps the most interesting thing about SKIPPER Powerboats' rise is that it reflects a broader shift within the superyacht industry. While speed remains important, it is no longer enough on its own. Owners increasingly expect tenders and chase boats to be extensions of the mothership rather than simply tools for transportation. They need to be comfortable, versatile and capable of operating safely across a wide range of conditions.
By combining championship-winning hull technology, award-winning design, bespoke engineering and genuine offshore capability, SKIPPER Powerboats has built a range that answers those challenging demands. The ACE 360, 38NC and 42NC may be fast, but their real achievement is making that performance usable, comfortable and dependable when it matters most.
Discover the SKIPPER Powerboats range, configure your ideal specification or request a private consultation to explore which model best complements your superyacht via SKIPPER Powerboats.
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