Seamless inside / outside transitions, idyllic Med motor boat lifestyle, these new flybridge launches at Cannes feature everything you expect from a fly
There remains no greater symbol of Mediterranean cruising luxury than a beautifully appointed flybridge. For decades, the elevated upper deck has served as the social heart of the motor yacht, and the world-class debuts arriving at the Cannes Boat show this September show that top-tier builders are finding clever new ways to maximize every square foot of upper-deck real estate.
The latest generation of flybridges focuses heavily on seamless deck flow, elevated galley arrangements, and flexible layout options designed for effortless outdoor entertaining. From grand four-cabin family platforms to sleek sport-fly crossovers that preserve low-profile lines without sacrificing upper-deck comfort, these are the top flybridge yachts making their mark at the show this year.
Pearl 73
howgoers hoping to see Pearl’s new 100 Hybrid at Cannes will have to wait a little longer but Pearl will be unveiling its new 73 at the show. This is an evolution of the award-winning 72, rather than an all-new boat, but there’s still plenty to get excited about.
Folding balconies on both sides of the cockpit not only create valuable extra deck space but also open up the views for those sitting round the outside table. It looks like they’ve also found space in the garage for a larger Williams 345 Sportjet.
Another change is a complete rethink of the main deck: out goes the amidships galley in favour of an aft galley with a drop-down window that converts into a bar area. There’s still room for an inside dining table and a separate dedicated lounge further forward.
However, the big draw of the original 72 was always the space and privacy of its four-cabin layout, and the 73 is no different. In fact, the forward owner’s cabin should be better than ever thanks to bigger hull windows allowing more light and better views. With another full beam VIP cabin amidships and two more guest doubles, it also makes an ideal charter platform.
Pearl 73 specifications
LOA: 72ft 0in (21.99m)
Beam: 18ft 10in (5.75m)
Engines: 2 x 1,400-1,550hp MAN V12
Top speed: 33 knots
Contact: pearlyachts.com
Solaris Power 64 long range
Following hot on the heels of the Solaris Power 74 Long Range launched at the Düsseldorf show comes the 64 Long Range being unveiled for the first time at Cannes.
Like its big sister, it’s a more voluminous design than the smaller Solaris Power coupés and flybridges, which prioritise svelte looks over internal space. Not that the 64 is unattractive – with its reverse-angled windscreen, swooping sheerline and acres of flush-fitting glass, this is still a very good looking boat.
That it somehow manages to combine the volume and practicality of a navetta-style cruiser with the elegant proportions and high-end finishes of its luxury day boats is a credit to its designers.
Like its big sister, a big part of the 64 LR’s appeal is the safety and convenience of its walkaround decks. Measuring up to 70cm wide and protected by 75cm bulwarks, its broad side decks allow secure, easy movement for young and old alike, whether for crewing duties or for moving between the guest areas at either end of the boat. The latter is crucial because the 64 LR has one of the largest aft cockpits in its class as well as an unusually big and comfortable foredeck lounge.
Both spaces offer sociable face-to-face seating. The aft cockpit is particularly versatile, with several different layout options from aft-facing corner seats to a more conventional twin bench dinette and even just a big bare deck, which owners can adorn with free-standing furniture of their own. The fixed aft sunpad sits atop a tender garage large enough to house a Williams 345 Sportjet.
The flybridge offers a similar degree of customisation, although the helm, dinette and wet bar mouldings are standardised.
You’ll have to wait until Cannes to see the interior but we do know the main deck features a substantial galley, a lounge and an indoor helm. It doesn’t have the 74 LR’s folding balcony but floor-to-ceiling glazing and at least one big opening window should ensure it’s suitably bright and breezy.
Twin Volvo IPS1200 or 1350 drivetrains give speeds of up to 28 knots with impressive fuel efficiency, while Solaris’s unusual star-shaped bow and broad-chined hull are said to deliver an exceptionally dry, stable ride even without a gyro stabiliser fitted.
Solaris Power 64 long range specifications
LOA: 64ft 7in (19.70m)
Beam: 18ft 4in (5.62m)
Engines: 2 x 900-1,00hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS1200-1350
Top speed: 28 knots
Contact: solarispower.com
Galeon 520
Cannes is the first chance for European showgoers to see this latest addition to the Galeon range and it looks like being a cracker.
Massive tinted glass panels in both the hull and superstructure do a great job of mitigating any sense of bulk and the internal arrangement is equally innovative. The long glass-lined balconies, for instance, are larger than in the past, enabling you to expand the beam by 2.1m and the saloon makes great use of that with a fold-out bar to port and a reversible settee to starboard.
The cockpit and flybridge are also very satisfying but it’s the bow lounge that delivers the biggest surprise, thanks to a sociable three-part seating arrangement with a hi-low table, easy sunbed conversion and backrests that lift and lower on push-button rams.
As for accommodation, the 520 FLY provides a full-beam owner’s ensuite cabin with its own private access, plus a VIP bow cabin and a third guest cabin with a sliding bed system for quick conversion into a double.
Galeon 520 specifications
LOA: 56ft 5in (17.20m)
Beam: 15ft 1in (4.61m)
Engines: twin Volvo Penta D11-725s
Top speed: 30 knots
Price: from €1.04M ex VAT
Contact: galeon.yachts
FIM 580 Contessa fly
This flagship model from FIM (Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi) is also the first in the shipyard’s new sport-fly range and it’s every bit as distinctive as we’ve come to expect. For instance, it does a fine job of eradicating boundaries thanks to a single level main deck, large opening windows and doors, a louvered saloon roof and an aft galley that extends its countertop out into the external cockpit.
The unusually elevated folding cockpit terraces also help create something along the lines of a beach club at the back end and, while the convertible forward sun pad enables you to tuck yourself away and sidestep the throng, the flybridge sees the skipper facing across to a really sociable swirl of circular seating.
As befits an Italian sport-fly model, the flybridge looks remarkably low-slung and discreet, and the cruising credentials also look decent thanks to three ensuite cabins and an additional ensuite double for crew.
FIM 580 Contessa fly specifications
LOA: 58ft 5in (17.80m)
Beam: 16ft 3in (4.96m)
Engines: Twin 2 x Volvo Penta IPS-950s
Top speed: 31 knots
Price: Pending
Contact: www.fimotoscafi.com
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