Welcome to the Yachting editors’ choice awards. Our staff has evaluated countless vessels, technology, gear and marine-related services during the past 12 months. We’ve discussed and debated. In the following pages, you’ll see the companies, products and initiatives that came out on top of those debates. So, without further ado, here are Yachting’s Editors’ Choice Award winners for 2024.
Aquila 47 Molokai: Agile Angling Platform
What We Said: “Versatility is at the heart of the 47 Molokai. It’s a fishing-focused, fast power cat with overnight accommodations.”
Feature-Filled: The boat’s 360-degree fishability is desirable for stand-up anglers ready to go toe-to-toe with a formidable foe. Forty-plus rod holders ensure that a rod for every fishing scenario is at the ready. Twin 42.5-gallon transom livewells, two 90-gallon in-deck fish boxes and a bait-and-tackle rigging station aid in the fishing mission. Whether it’s drifting over wrecks and reefs for bottomfish, flying kites for sailfish or trolling the deep for marlin, the 47 Molokai plays all piscatorial positions well. Twin 600 hp or quad 400 hp outboards let owners dial in the desired performance.
Final Thoughts: Stable is what one feels when stepping aboard the 47 Molokai, helped in part by its 14-foot-7-inch beam. Supporting the drag-reducing, efficiency-enhancing, double-step hull form is a robust build, including a vacuum-infused hull, deck and cockpit sole. Primary forward and aft bulkheads are carbon fiber, while the secondary bulkheads are vinylester-resin-infused. A cabin with a queen-size berth enables weekend excursions. The Aquila 47 Molokai offers the angling advantages of a center-console as well as the element-free amenities of a sport-fish boat.
Azimut Yachts Seadeck 6: Eco-Conscious Cruiser
What We Said: “The Seadeck concept has a back-to-nature philosophy that includes ethically sourced and recycled materials and a cleaner, softer aesthetic with the sea as the focus.”
The Path to Sustainability: The Azimut Seadeck 6 has cork decks. It can run hotel loads—including the Seakeeper gyrostabilizer—at anchor for up to four hours during the day and eight hours at night thanks to a series of Torqeedo batteries and solar panels. The yacht also contains material from up to 15,000 recycled plastic bottles in its build, like the moquette carpeting belowdecks. Additionally, carbon fiber is used in strategic areas to reduce weight without sacrificing strength, which creates a lighter, efficient yacht. This express cruiser, however, does not sacrifice form, function or luxury. Its foldout cockpit sections increase deck space, and a hydraulic swim platform and steps enable seamless water access. Add in a luxe interior with sole-to-ceiling glass, light-tone furnishings, lacquers and a three-stateroom layout, and the Seadeck 6 ticks off a lot of boxes for owners.
Final Thoughts: A yacht can’t be all things to everyone, but the Azimut Yachts Seadeck 6 pushes the go-greener envelope for those seeking a vessel with a forward-thinking yet chic and luxurious design, and an eco-friendlier build.
Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90: Inside Meets Outside
What We Said: “Most striking is the Infynito 90’s partially enclosed foredeck, which Ferretti refers to as an all-seasons terrace. It’s a real wow feature, fully protected from above by a roof that stretches from the forward-raked bridge-deck windows to the ultra-high stem. The foredeck is open to the sides, with a view forward via a window.”
It’s Up to You: The all-seasons terrace has several layout options, including a hot tub with seating, a bar with six stools, and an L-shaped sofa with a table, to name a few. The standard accommodations are belowdecks with a three- or four-stateroom arrangement, but owners can choose a main-deck stateroom too. Additionally, the motoryacht’s sky lounge can have an open plan, with the helm area separated via bulkheads and a sliding door for crew privacy. Twin 1,550 hp and 1,800 hp MAN diesels are available. With the larger engines, the Infynito 90 can make an average top hop of 23 knots with an easy cruise speed of 15 to 17 knots. At a leisurely 10-knot jog, range is north of 2,000 nautical miles.
Final Thoughts: The Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90 represents a bold step in yacht design as it reimagines onboard spaces. It turns traditional concepts upside down to create something brand-new and multifunctional, and it’s all done with a high level of fit-and-finish.
Horizon Yachts FD110 Trideck: Going Long
What We Said: “Horizon Yachts’ Fast-Displacement series, penned by designer Cor D. Rover, is notable for its broad shoulders and high freeboard. These yachts carry a measurable beam forward to enhance interior and exterior volume, with a wave-splitting bow design and admirable performance across a wide spectrum of speeds.”
Inside Matters: The FD110 Trideck we got aboard had a warm, washed wenge wood with oak and walnut accents in the interior. A seemingly infinite number of other woods are available. Horizon offers owners a high level of customization. Referencing the volume created by the yacht’s design, the salon accommodates an 87-inch flat-screen TV with room to spare, and there are sole-to-ceiling windows around the superstructure. Additionally, the FD110 Trideck’s galley has room for eight fridge and freezer drawers, plus a full-height refrigerator. There is an on-deck owners’ stateroom with a king-size berth, and four guests staterooms belowdecks including three VIPs (two amidships, one forward).
Final Thoughts: For extended cruising, the Horizon FD110 Trideck is powered with twin 1,900 hp Caterpillar C32A diesels. At 8 knots, the yacht has a 3,000-nautical-mile range. At 16 knots, range is around 600 nm. We saw a top speed of 18.6 knots while aboard.
Horizon PC68: Room to Roam
What We Said: “Horizon Power Catamarans has done a lot to optimize the space that this yacht’s 24-foot-6-inch beam affords. Dismiss the thinking that lower staterooms on a multihull yacht are small and constricted. The builder performed some design magic and created four spacious dwellings. In the starboard hull, the master stateroom has a private entrance with a walk-around king-size berth athwartships in the peak, giving the owner an exterior view via a frameless hullside window. The cockpit has a 9-foot-long high-gloss wood table that seats eight.”
Ranging Far and Wide: In addition to the spaciousness created by the wide footprint, multihull yachts offer a different kind of ride than their monohull brethren. On the PC68, sharp hull entries make head seas seem gentle, while a Humphree active stabilization system reduces roll. Powered by twin 850 hp MAN i6 diesel engines matched with five-blade Veem props, the yacht’s range is more than 1,400 nautical miles at 10 knots. At a cruising speed of 19 knots, it’s possible to travel more than 600 nm between refueling stops.
Final Thoughts: With a Portuguese deck accessible through the flybridge forward door as well as a shoal-friendly 5-foot-4-inch draft and the range to travel far and wide, the PC68 is a multifaceted multihull.
Maritimo M60: A Classic Reimagined
What We Said: “To understand how the Maritimo M60 performs, you must know that it comes from Australia’s Gold Coast, north of Sydney. Local Maritimo owners do not have a protected Intracoastal Waterway. They cruise with few harbors in which to hide. That coast, facing the Pacific Ocean, endures waves that build across thousands of nautical miles of open ocean.”
Based on Owner Input: When Maritimo decided to update its original 60-foot motoryacht, the builder sought feedback from its global network of owners. The result is the M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht. Based on owners’ input, the builder focused on maximizing space in the cockpit and platform areas, offering versatile options for entertaining, adventure and relaxation. This yacht also has an aft galley, which socially connects the exterior and interior dining areas.
Final Thoughts: Thanks to its variable-deadrise hull with a deep keel, sharp bow entry and flattened progression aft, the M60 excels in offshore cruising efficiency, comfort and stability. Maritimo also stayed with conventional shaft drives for this vessel. Its 1,200-gallon fuel capacity and three options for power—standard twin 800 hp Volvo Penta D13 or optional 1,000 hp Volvo Penta or 1,150 hp Scania engines—bring distant ports of call within easier reach.
Ocean Alexander 35 Puro: Defining Italian Style
What We Said: “The Ocean Alexander 35P is the first model in the builder’s Puro series, which is being offered in addition to the Revolution, Explorer and Legend series. The builder says the idea behind Puro is to offer yachts for the global marketplace, instead of taking stylized cues from niche geographical markets. Size-wise, the 35 Puro is a 113-foot yacht with a beam of more than 25 feet and a gross tonnage of 273.”
Style With Spirit: Puro in Italian translates as “pure,” yet it can also mean clear or undisputed; all are appropriate to describe the styling of this Ocean Alexander motoryacht, which is produced in collaboration with Italian yacht designer Giorgio Cassetta and naval architect Andrea Agrusta. Within the notable, stylish exterior lines, the 35P has accommodations for 10 guests. The master stateroom is situated on the main deck forward and includes seating areas to port and starboard. The four guest staterooms are on the lower deck, with two VIPs and two twin-berth setups. On the main deck, there’s a conventional layout with a salon and formal dining area.
Final Thoughts: With the 35 Puro, Ocean Alexander has retained the brand DNA that has made it successful while still offering a new look and feel for the next generation of cruising enthusiasts.
Princess Yachts Y95: Class-Leading Flagship
What We Said “The Y95 is the flagship of Princess Yachts’ four-model Y Class of open-flybridge designs. The flybridge is set up for driving and entertaining in comfort. There are twin adjustable helm seats, along with a forward-facing L-shaped seating area for guests. A bar on the flybridge includes a sink, an electric barbecue, a hob and a drawer refrigerator. The dining table up top seats 10 people. Additional dining space is on the main deck.”
The Flybridge Experience: With all respect to climate-controlled, fully enclosed helm vessels, there’s something visceral about enjoying a luxury yacht from an open flybridge. It might be the expansive views of the seas, a subconscious longing to relive the enjoyment of smaller open vessels more associated with youth, or the simple pleasure of feeling the wind and sun while underway. Whatever the reason, the attraction is undeniable.
Final Thoughts: With more than 80 percent of each vessel constructed at its 1.1-million-square-foot facility in Plymouth, United Kingdom, Princess ensures excellent quality control across its entire line. Performance is another strong suit. With an efficient hull form and wave-piercing bow, the Y95 reaches speeds of up to 23 knots with its standard 2,000 hp MAN V12-2000 engines, according to the builder.
Riva 82 Diva: Tradition Meets Technology
What We Said: “Flybridge motoryachts of this volume do not get any more elegant. Mauro Micheli and his team at Officina Italiana Design—which has penned every new Riva for about three decades—tell me their brief this time was to create a modern flybridge yacht that’s also sporty and streamlined. And haven’t they just? The 82 Diva’s proportions are precise, and it is the first Riva with fold-down quarter platforms that turn the cockpit and hydraulic swim platform into a beach club. The fold-down platforms add more than 10 feet to the almost 20-foot beam.”
Sleek and Stylish: The Riva’s polished yet sinewy lines hint at the yacht’s performance characteristics. The 82 Diva is based on a new hull form and powered by standard twin 1,800 hp MAN V-12 diesels. The builder promises a top speed of around 29 knots and a 26-knot fast cruise, at which the range should be about 300 nautical miles with the yacht’s 1,700 gallons of fuel. A pair of 1,900 hp MANs are an option for owners who desire a bit more velocity.
Final Thoughts: For a planing design with big, powerful engines, the 82 Diva is fundamentally a quiet yacht. At cruising speeds, the sound level in the owner’s stateroom is just 65 decibels, about the same as laughter or normal conversation. It’s only 67 decibels with the yacht at top speed.
Riviera 585 SUV: All-in-One
What We Said: “The short and very sweet story of the Riviera 585 SUV is that it blends spirited 32-plus-knot performance with a luxurious alfresco lifestyle. From the raised, enclosable alfresco deck overlooking the cockpit to the forward helm, everything is on a single level, yet headroom in the four staterooms belowdecks is more than 6 feet, 5 inches. That is an admirable engineering feat.”
Sport Utility Vessel: This Riviera is aimed squarely at those who want some of everything in their boating experiences. Port and starboard transom doors open to the teak cockpit, making it a full-on water-sports entertainment zone. A console partially shielded by the overhanging roof combines an outdoor grilling area with a bait-prep station that has tackle stowage for those who’d also like to do a bit of fishing during their time on the water. Inside, the layout with a master, VIP and guest staterooms plus optional crew quarters lends itself well to extended cruising with family or friends, with or without professional crew aboard.
Final Thoughts: An Australian boatbuilder, Riviera Yachts has a reputation for building robust boats, with hand-laid fiberglass construction and solid glass bottoms. The deep-V hull is built to handle rough sea conditions, lending plenty of confidence to skippers.
Sanlorenzo 57Steel: Ocean-Crossing Elegance
What We Said: “Visually, Sanlorenzo’s 57Steel makes quite a statement. With exterior design and space planning by Zuccon International Project in Rome, this model has a nominal volume of 1,050 gross tons. Forward-raked bridge windows give the 57Steel a touch of go-anywhere styling, but it’s still a modern motoryacht with hybrid hull architecture—a modestly raked stem, square stem root, midlength fluted bow bulb, spray rails and flaring forward, and twin fin stabilizers and rudders.”
Bonus Space: Down at water level, with the yacht’s side platforms out, the beach-club real estate adds up to almost 1,000 square feet for guest relaxation and fun with the water toys. Add the gym next door, which includes a hammam, sauna and day head, and the whole area becomes one of the best wellness spaces of its kind on a yacht with a length overall less than 200 feet.
Final Thoughts: Piero Lissoni’s design studio in Milan created this yacht’s contemporary interior ambience. The decor focuses on oak veneers, soft whites and creams in a combination that should appeal to charter guests along with the yacht’s owners. This is a less-is-more approach to design rather than a minimalist one—and fun is still included. The main salon has a cocktail-bar entrance to its lounge and dining areas.
Sunseeker 100: Big-Time Style
What We Said “Sunseeker offers an upper helm position, and wing or stern stations. With or without that second helm, the upper deck’s layout is asymmetrical. In a first for the yacht builder, the upper deck connects via sloping side decks to the forward terrace’s booth seating and sun pads; farther forward, a foredeck tucks deep into the bow. The foredeck is accessed via a short set of steps to port, while a companionway connects aft from the terrace to the portside deck. The after end of the flybridge is open to a degree of owner interpretation.”
Flexible Stateroom Layout: The Sunseeker 100’s accommodations should work for owners and guests, as well as different kinds of charter parties. In addition to the main-deck master, this yacht has four en suite staterooms for as many as 10 guests belowdecks. Two staterooms amidships have king berths, while the other two are forward with berths that can be configured as twins or doubles. They can also have Pullman berths.
A Fun Ride: Our writer found that turns were pretty prompt, given the vessel’s half-load bulk of around 220,000 pounds. With the fins and trim system active, the bow stayed up between 3 to 4 degrees, with roll and pitch nicely in check. Overall, the ride was remarkably comfortable and surprisingly quiet, even at top speed.
Two Oceans 555: Primo Power Catamaran
What We Said: “Stability was among many characteristics that left me impressed with the Two Oceans 555, the company’s first offering in the United States. The builder was founded in 1989 and constructs its boats in Cape Town, South Africa, with power and sail models from 23 to 160 feet length overall. Two Oceans also builds offshore rescue craft, which explains some of the other characteristics I saw after taking a turn at the helm of the Two Oceans 555. For instance, I was startled to learn that this power cat gets about 1 nautical mile per gallon at 10 knots. With 750 gallons of fuel, that’s a lot farther than most yachtsmen will ever want to run in a single hop.”
Off-Grid Package: This power cat can be ordered with twin 9 kW Integrel Solutions generators coupled to the prop shafts with flex power takeoffs. Combined with the solar panels forward of the flybridge helm, this arrangement feeds a bank of Victron Energy lithium-phosphate batteries totaling 26,000 watts, providing more than 19 hours of silent running time for all air-conditioning, ship and galley needs.
Final Thoughts: The Two Oceans 555 has the interior and exterior real estate of a monohull nearly double its size. The builder made good use of that space, creating a yacht that’s ready for comfortable long-distance cruising.
wallywhy 150: 78 Feet, 8 Inches of Innovation
What We Said: “The wallywhy150 is a two-and-a-half-deck design with around 150 gross tons—a spec we don’t often see with yachts this length, but, again, Wally likes to do things differently. The ‘why’ bit of wallywhy is an acronym for Wally Hybrid Yachts, which has nothing to do with hybrid propulsion, but rather references hulls that are optimized for a range of displacement and semi-displacement cruising speeds.”
Outdoor Living: There are two principal zones on the 150: the cockpit and the upper deck aft. The cockpit, occupying two levels, has its forward half at the same level as the after end of the main salon, which is lower than aboard more-conventional yacht designs. The rest of the cockpit is down a step. It has an island sofa amidships with a flippable backrest, so guests can laze facing forward or aft. The upper deck aft serves as a sun deck with partial protection from a mostly carbon-fiber hardtop. It’s a sizable space, whether used for family fun or as a party venue.
Final Thoughts: Standard power is triple 900 hp Volvo Penta D13s and IPS1200 pod drives, which should deliver a top-end speed of around 21 knots. With the optional triple 1,000 hp D13s with IPS1350s, Hull No. 1 hit 22.9 knots one way and 22.6 knots on a reciprocal heading. Wally quotes a 23-knot speed at half-load.
