Project: Viking 50 Billfish

Viking present for the largest Billfish yet, as it unveils project details for the upcoming 50 Billfish. The 50 Billfish builds on the success of the 37, 38 and 46 models and with its increased size, offers high fishing functionality and convertible-level comfort in an innovative, versatile package. Since launching the Billfish series in 2017, Viking has delivered a combined ninety boats across the three models, establishing a unique market segment for owners seeking sporty, easily maintained yachts ideal for fish-focused owner-operators. The 50 Billfish takes it a step further by incorporating enhancements that prioritize comfort and luxury while remaining true to the series' sportfishing legacy. The 50 Billfish shares the same hull as the other three models in the new upcoming 50 Series, which includes the 50 Convertible set to debut in mid this years, 50 Sport Coupe/Sport Tower and the 50 Open Express. Beyond the hull, however, the 50 Billfish is completely distinct, featuring different mechanical layouts, engine placement, fuel tank configuration and weight distribution. One of the 50 Billfish most defining traits is the significantly large cockpit, which will measure fifteen square meters, that is a lot space nearly as much as the Viking 64. The cockpit accommodates cavernous fish boxes, a generous tackle cabinet, a drink box, and freezer and refrigerated storage. The 50 Billfish is designed with a fixed aft bulkhead integral to the deckhouse. A centre-line door leads to the day boat-style salon, which includes a port-side lounge, a starboard-side raised dinette with rod storage below and a split galley forward. Owners have the flexibility to install up to three Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer units, with ample cabinet storage and countertop space. The lower deck features a two-stateroom layout with an open area that can be configured with upper/lower bunks or outfitted as a rod-and-tackle center. Both staterooms offer privacy, comfort and luxury. The forward master includes a walkaround queen bed with an ensuite head, while the port guest stateroom features upper and lower berths and access to the port head, which also serves as the day head. Like its stablemates, the 50 Billfish is designed with an inset-style bridge, giving it a sporty silhouette while maintaining a spacious feel on the flybridge. At its core is the center-console walkaround helm, a tournament-proven setup that maximizes visibility. The flybridge also offers seating, a refrigerated drink box and abundant storage. The Viking 50 Billfish is to be powered by twin Man 1200hp engines, and is scheduled is set to debut at Viking's VIP Boat Show at the end of January 2026.

www.vikingyachts.com

Two Racers Injured as Skater Powerboat Flies in Lake Hivasu

Two powerboat racers escaped with mild injuries as a 38 foot Skater Catamaran Powerboat was attempting to break a speed record on a three-quarter mile course on Lake Havasu, Nevada on the afternoon of Saturday 26 April, during the 2025 Desert Storm Shootout.  The airborne Powerboat was filmed and shared on social media platforms as it flew and then spun two and half times in both up and down and sideway directions before it crashed into the water.  The two Powerboat drivers were using the names of Hollywood action actors John Wayne and Clint Eastwood to protect their real identities, and are part of the Freedom One Racing team based out of Kansas City, Missouri.  The powerboat reached 200.1 mph before it went airborne, a bit short to the 206 mph record it was trying to beat in its speed run.  Windy conditions are being thought as the cause of the accident, with one of the powerboat racers suffering a broken collar bone and ribs, and the other a fractured knee. Ultimately the powerboat still managed to cross the line and win the 2025 Desert Storm Shootout.

The Skater 388 has been produced since 2008, and is today the Douglas of Michigan catamaran powerboat builder specialist best seller in its line of eleven from 28 to 58 foot models.  The Skater 388 is also a current US national and World Offshore winning model.

New Model: Tasman 80

Tasman is a rather fresh down under Australian boat builder which was founded in 2021, and has in 2024 presented this new 80 model.   The 80 is Tasman second model, following the small five meter 50 center console, and was brought to attention by the YouTube review on Dans Boat Life channel.  The Tasman 80 is one of those boats which should get those who want a substantive build first excited; hull design, strong construction and the rest later, think about a small boat in big yacht clothing.  Basically the Tasman 80 is a very capable smallish sport fish cruiser first, which shines in its sea keeping ability and bullet proof construction.  But do not be mistaken, the Tasman 80 besides its sportfish rough sea capability credentials, is also an interesting family adventure cruiser, with a cabin offering a double Vee berth accommodation forward with a shower head to port side.  Some other cruising amenities can be fitted under the hard-top section of the main deck.  The Tasman 80 other interesting feature is that she is sold as a trailable boat, although at a beam of 2.80 meters this will not be possible everywhere, and a weight around to four tons you will also need some good pulling power to take her around.  The Tasman 80 is standard powered by a single Yanmar 370hp which gives a 34 knots top speed, and a cruise of 24 this delivering an important 360 nautical miles range.  A Tasman 80 with twin outboards is also available though of the seven hulls build so far, all have been inboard.

Technical Data:

LOA - 8 m (26.2ft)

Beam - 2.80 m

Draft - 0.77 m

Displacement - 2850 kg unloaded, 4670 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 600 l

Water Capacity - 150 l

Accommodation - one double berth

Engine - 1 x Yanmar 8LV 370hp

Propulsion - direct line shaft in propeller tunnel with Kmh50a gearbox

Speed - 34 knots max 24 cruising

Range - 360 nautical miles at 24 knots

Hull Shape - deep Vee with 21 degrees deadrise aft

Construction - resin infused Vinylester resin

Certification - AS1788/NSCV

www.tasmanboats.com.au

Project: Numarine 47MXP

Numarine announces the project for the 47MXP.  The 47 is the second Numarine MXP, following the project for the 40MXP presented in 2023.  The MXP stands for Mediterranean Explorer, but the reference is not suggestive of a cruising limitation, but rather it reflects the beach-club lifestyle typical of Med yachts. The new yacht draws on the Med lifestyle idea and delivers it in several exciting ways. Designed for long-range exploration without compromising luxury, the 47MXP builds upon the success of its predecessors while offering enhanced features and expanded living spaces. Constructed with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, the upcoming Numarine flagship boasts a gross tonnage of 498 GT and spans four decks, delivering exceptional comfort and performance. The Numarine 47MXP retains the same hull and nine meter plus metre beam of the soon to launch 45XP, but extends its overall length, providing additional space and comfort for owners and guests. This increase in size further enhances onboard liveability while maintaining the brand’s commitment to fuel efficiency and long-range capability.  One of the most striking new features of the 47MXP is its redesigned aft and beach club area, bringing owners and guests closer to the water than ever before. The new layout includes balconies and a luxurious lounge zone, creating an intimate, resort like atmosphere perfect for relaxation and entertainment.  The 47MXP’s expansive open spaces provide breath-taking panoramic views and an immersive connection with the surrounding environment. Whether anchored in a secluded bay or cruising  through remote waters, guests will enjoy an unparalleled sense of freedom and tranquillity. The 47MXP’s interior has been masterfully crafted by Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group.  Renowned for their sophisticated and modern aesthetic, the Italian design studio is ready to deliver a warm and elegant interior.  The spacious layout includes up to six guest staterooms, inviting common areas, and a well appointed main deck owner’s suite with a private terrace, all designed for maximum comfort and privacy. Among the remarkable features of the 47MXP are two pools; one located in the bow and the other in the beach club area a spacious open upper deck for tender storage or outdoor sports, and a vast sundeck equipped with a bar and multiple seating areas for ultimate relaxation.  A new benchmark in luxury exploration.  With its extended length, refined beach club, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the Numarine 47MXP is poised to redefine luxury adventure yachting. Powered by twin MAN 1450hp engines, the yacht reaches a top speed of sixteen knots and cruises comfortably at twelve, with a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles possible at nine knots ensures exceptional long distance cruising capability.  Designed for discerning owners who seek extended cruising capabilities without compromising on elegance, the 47MXP continues Numarine’s legacy of innovative and bold explorer yachts.

www.numarine.com

New Model: Baglietto Fast 43m

Baglietto have in mid April launched a new Fast 43m as designed by Francesco Paszkowski for exterior and Margherita Casprini for the interiors.  Titled m/y Speedy Bear, this Fast 43m is a semi-custom order build based on the Fast 44m semi production platform as delivered in three units between 2007 to 2013, with this born from the 42m arriving in 2003, and then evolved in the 43m series as produced from 2006 to 2012 in four units.  In short she is a Baglietto Fast super yacht in its purest form, no semi wide-body volume search, and a straight sheer line which evokes respect, a trait Baglietto started with the 1986 very special John van Neumann ordered 26m m/y Chato, and then it made its identity onwards from the 1991 33m series as designed by Giorgetti and Magretti.  A distinct detail for this new Baglietto Fast 43m is the hard-top enclosed bridge which integrates with the raised pilot house forward.  This new Fast 43m also features the classic Baglietto boxy enclosed transom which when anchored has drop down balconies that transform into a bathing beach platform on the water.  This semi-custom Baglietto Fast 43m has an interior sleeping ten guests, including an owners stateroom on the forward part of the main deck, with crew accommodation for seven, and is powered by twin 3470hp MTU for top speeds up to 27 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 43.71 m (143.5ft)

Beam - 8.30 m

Draft - 3.26 m

Displacement - 382 gt*volume

Fuel Capacity - 41,000 l

Water Capacity - 5800 l

Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, seven crew in four cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000 M93L 3470hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 27 knots max 23 knots cruise

Range - 700 nautical miles at fast cruise

Project - Francesco Paszkowski exterior and interior, Margherita Casprini interior

Construction - aluminium

Certification - ABS class to Class of Malta build

www.baglietto.com

Project: Filippetti Flybridge 80

Filippetti present the project for an upcoming Flybridge 80.  An entry level to its three model flybridge range, the Filippetti Flybridge 80 comes from a design of Fulvio de Simoni, who presents a sport looking 24 meter flybridge pocket super yacht with a distinctively pronounced S-shear line, which apart adding space and headroom for the forward VIP stateroom, also gives it an original appearance.  As most yachts in this size the Filippetti Flybridge 80 will feature three exterior dining lounging socializing area outside; aft deck, fore deck, and flybridge.  Going inside the Filippetti 80 Flybridge main deck comes with an astern galley layout, a plan more associated with yachts sub twenty meters then in this 24 meter size, with this offering a dual duty to serve as a bar area to the aft deck, and a full galley serving exterior and interior dining areas.  The standard layout of the cabin main deck continues with a large L-shaped relaxing sofa to starboard, and then a dinette to port side, with the twin seat helm station to starboard.  The accommodation lower deck is to be accessed with a stair case to port side which leads to a standard four double cabins all with private en-suite bathroom accommodation plan; forward VIP suite, two twin berth cabins, and an owners stateroom at midships.  A two berth crew cabin with shared bathroom is located at midships between the engine room and the guest quarters.  The Filippetti Flybridge 80 is to be powered by twin Man 1400hp and or optional 1550hp engines for top speeds up to 28 and thirty knots respectively.

www.filippettiyachts.com

Four Boats Damaged by Fire in Boat Yard at Birzebbuga Malta

Four boats were severely damaged by fire in a boat storage facility located in Birzebbuga, to the South-East of the Island of Malta on the late evening of Wednesday seventh May.  The fire is reported to have started on a sport cruiser of nine meters in length, and then spread to other nearby boats.  Civil Protection Malta responded to the fire with five fire engines, five water carriers, and a foam tender, with firefighters from Stations 1, 3, 4, 5, and 8 also responding to the fire. The fire was successfully brought under control.  Some boat owners were treated for minor smoke inhalation.  The cause of the fire is not reported.

New Model: Sunseeker Manhattan 68

Sunseeker present the new second generation Manhattan 68, what it calls the 2025 version. The new second generation Manhattan 68 evolves one of Sunseeker more successful flybridge yachts of recent times, which in itself was a very soft evolution of the Manhattan 66 which arrived in 2017. Sunseeker say that in the new Manhattan 68 every detail and feature has been reimagined. Easily recognizable by a redesigned flybridge and hard-top the second generation Manhattan 68 brings a sleeker and more dynamic profile that enhances the World famous Poole boat builder known bold design, something which I always thought its predecessor lost in some parts due to its search for volume.  My question for the Manhattan 66 and 68 has always been, do you buy a Sunseeker for volume, even if it is a flybridge motor yacht?  The redesigned flybridge sets new standards for open-air living, and also features a larger more versatile seating arrangement and a redesigned ergonomic console.  The aft cockpit has also been redesigned from the previous Manhattan 68 and now brings more functionality and seclusion, and now features a built-in drop down screen enhancing this area privacy.  As interior goes Design Unlimited has created options that tailor to individual owner’s lifestyle, with the second generation Manhattan 68 now offering three lower deck interior layouts, for four or three cabins. The standard four cabins layout comes with a private staircase leading to the owner’s midships full-beam cabin. Alternatively, it can be configured with a single staircase to all cabins, creating space for an opposing seating group in the main saloon. The new Manhattan 68 is also offered in a three-cabin configuration with a grander entrance to the owner’s cabin, complete with an office, or it can include a Pullman-style fourth cabin. A crew cabin with two berths and a private head is located aft.  The new Sunseeker Manhattan 68 is powered by twin Man 1000hp or optional 1200hp for speeds up to 32 knots from the large engine option.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.21 m (69.7ft)

Beam - 5.26 m

Draft - 1.60 m

Displacement - 39,809 kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 4000 l

Water Capacity - 900 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, or six guests in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin 2 berths

Engines - 2 x Man V8 1000hp, V8 1200hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 32 knots max with Man 1200hp

Range - 550 nautical miles at ten knots

Project - Design Unlimited interior

www.sunseeker.com

Projects: Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 560 Contessa, Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 640 Contessa

Coming from the debut of the new 500 Regina flagship in the fall of 2024, Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi shows its future by showing details for even larger upcoming models, as it presents the rendering of the 560 Contessa and bigger 640 Contessa, the first two models of its Sport Fly range.  Both 560 and 640 Contessa come from a design of Alessandro Lottici DesignAlot studio for the exterior, who is helped by the BMW Group DesignWorks given duties for the interior.  For the two Contessa's Alessandro Lottici will follow his excellent work for FIM following the 440 and 500 Regina.  An important note with the smaller Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 560 Contessa is that she is to be something of a unique offer as sport flybridge yachts at seventeen meters in size come, with the only other offer that I can think off being the upcoming Sunseeker 55 Sport Yacht.  The 560 Contessa as pictured above is reported to be in the final phase of pre-production, and will feature a three guest cabins, crew cabin for one lower deck accommodation layout.  The Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 560 Contessa is to be powered by twin Volvo with IPS pod drives for top speeds up to 35 knots.

The bigger Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 640 Contessa follows a near identical script to the eight foot smaller sister, from the design to the layout, with the difference that the crew cabin will be for two persons and everything is obviously a bit bigger.  Unlike the smaller 560, the 640 Contessa enters in a more competitive sport flybridge segment with offers coming from the likes of Azimut, Fairline, Galeon, Princess, Riva, and Sunseeker.  Although the Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 640 Contessa will have the option of drop down bulkheads which expand the aft deck and beach area, something which only the Polish Galeon offers.  The Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 640 Contessa is to be powered by twin Volvo 1000hp with IPS pod drives with the first unit planned to be completed in mid 2026.

www.fimotoscafi.com

Stolen Yacht Drama in Martin County, Florida

A twenty meter motor yacht which was stolen was force collided in a corner by officials near Hobe Sound Bridge, Martin County, Florida for a theft which was reported at 15:55 of Monday fifth May.  The thief a 29 year old Russian native with US citizenship is reported to have made quite a journey and actually stole more then one boat.  The story actually started as the Russian Native stole a TowBoatU.S response boat from Jupiter, Florida on 01:00 early Monday time which he grounded, and then twelve hours later went on to steal the twenty meter yacht from Blowing Rocks marina.  Seeing the yacht moving away without a call at 15:55 hours the marina dock master called the owner and then understanding that it was being stolen, contacted the police.  Marine units from multiple police agencies pursued the yacht until about 17:30 hours, when they pushed it into a mangrove thicket near Hobe Sound Bridge, about six miles north of the marina where the theft began.  According to the police the Russian native was attempting to make it another eight miles north to St. Lucie Inlet, then head for sea and make a run for the Bahamas.  His motives are unclear.

The yacht in this theft is a Dyna 68 as designed by Cor. Drover and produced since 2019.  The 68 was a replacement to the Dyna 65.