At last week’s Miami International Boat Show, the Italian designed and built Azimut Seadeck 7 won multiple NMMA Innovation Awards in the motoryacht, cabin cruiser and trawler categories. Said judge Ben Stein, “The Azimut Seadeck 7 is a tour-de-force of innovative new features and refined design in a 70-footer, with an emphasis on sustainability in propulsion and materials. The open main deck floor plan makes this already sizeable yacht feel huge, and Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric IPS propulsion system enables fully electric navigation for short distances and zero-emission hotel mode at anchor.” In the last few years, Azimut has embraced an…

Here’s an Scandinavian-built express family cruiser that is well worth considering for North America because it has a well established dealer in Connecticut. Nord Star, a family-owned builder of express cruisers and offshore yachts from 28 to 49 feet, has been building boats in Finland since the 1920s. To date they have launched over 4,000 fiberglass hulls and have a well-earned reputation for offering a wide range of options and customizations. The Nord Star 49 is the company’s flagship and demonstrates the builder’s commitment to an elegant combination of comfort, pilot house styling and performance. It is a modern example…

At last fall’s Cannes boat show, Sirena Yachts of Turkey launched their all new Sirena 60, a all-new design intended to replace their successful 58. Sirena celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024 so they are kicking off their second decade with a stylish new 60 footer. The new yacht, designed by German Frers, carries all of the design DNA that has made the company such a world-wide success, including the plumb bow, extended swim platform and huge dark glazing that contrasts dramatically with the gleaming white of the hull and deck. The new boat has an improved flybridge design with larger…

This week Sabre Yachts announced that the Maine builder was reintroducing their ever-popular 38 Salon Express with twin Volvo DPI drives. The upgrade from straight shafts came about following  conversations with existing owners and prospective customers. Given the 38’s proven hull design and seakeeping qualities, the move to DPI drives has several distinct advantages that will enhance the boat’s cruising capabilities. The drives provide variable depth control so adventurous skippers can navigate in the thin waters of the ICW, the Bahamas or Florida Keys. With the system’s DuoProps or dual rotating props, power Is delivered in the most efficient way…

Long known for building offshore-capable yachts with timeless style, Hunt Yachts has construction well underway on its newest model — the Hunt Ocean 56. Designed for owners who actively use their boats, this new 56-footer blends confident offshore performance, refined craftsmanship, and an unusually personal approach to yacht ownership. At just under 60 feet, the Hunt 56 hits a sweet spot for owner-operators: large enough to be genuinely luxurious, yet manageable enough to run without a crew. The layout is created for extended time aboard, with a bright, open salon offering panoramic views, two private en-suite staterooms, and a versatile…

The Grand Banks 54 was launched in 2021 in the U.S. and until late last year had not been tested by yachting journalists in the U.K. Although delayed, the pros who took their first look at the 54  came away with big smiles on their faces. The 54 is now the smallest of the new next generation of the Grand Banks line. This venerable brand, which can be named the founder of the trawler cruising concept 50 years ago, has been completely reimagined in the last decade. The company, now known as the GB Marine Group, is based in Malaysia…

This February at the Miami International Boat Show, Beneteau will introduce their new Swift Trawler 37 Fly to the North American audience. For over a decade, the Swift Trawler brand has carved out a unique niche as truly efficient performance cruising boats. The Swift concept is to give owners all the space and comfort and style of a trawler yacht and the efficient running that you expect from a trawler with the speed and performance of an express cruiser. The new 37 Fly does all of that in spades. The design is a bit more rakish that her sister ships…