The first of Whitehaven's Harbour Classic 40, christened Tonic, made its debut in Sydney in March.

This new offering represents a more genteel cruising lifestyle that will appeal to boaters of Sydney Harbour, Port Phillip Bay, Gold Coast Broadwater or Whitsundays.

Inspired by the old American-style lobster boats and the sport boats of the French Riviera and Italian Lakes, The Harbour Classic 40 still has Australian practicalities suited to the harsh climate.

The original hull with her strong lines was created by highly respected New Zealand marine designer and qualified yacht builder, Bill Upfold.

Australian naval architect Misha Merzliakov has re-imagined the initial designs and created something truly unique that will stimulate the senses and arouse the sentiments in avid boaties craving a change of pace.

"The concept is simple, spontaneous boating, with all the luxuries of home, and more," Misha explained.

"We inherited a stable and elegant hull and then researched the genre of American and European picnic boats. For the exterior, we imbued traditional lines with classic automotive cues, to create a European feel on the exterior that is then amplified in the interior.

"This is evident in the diamond quilted leather, with double top stitching detail, handbag inspired cushion straps, limewashed walnut timber for a truly unique patina, bringing back historical techniques in a contemporary way."

Merzliakov chose materials that will stand up to the rigours of everyday use, and selected the leathers and woods for their robustness, while still making them look and feel luxurious.

Suited to its purpose as an entertainer's boat, the aft deck is perfectly suited for lunches at anchorages.

Taking into account our climate, owners have the option of a solid extended roof for shade, a shorter version to let the sun in, or a retractable sunshade for the best of both worlds.

Designed with socialising at its core, the layout offers an easy transition from cockpit, through saloon and to the galley allowing the conversation and hospitality to flow between all aboard.

There's ample refrigeration on the aft deck well as in the galley, which features a Smeg two-element cooktop, a Devanti dishwasher, Isotherm upright refrigerator-freezer, a microwave oven and Vitrofrigo ice maker.

Whether it's a relaxed cruise around the harbour or a short jaunt to a favourite sunset cocktail spot, the Harbour Classic 40 delivers on performance and comfort. With its proven hull design, exceptional engineering and hand-built craftsmanship, every aspect of this vessel is fit-for-purpose and beautiful.

Each Harbour Classic 40 will be fully customised, compatible with her owners personalised preferences and lifestyle. Whitehaven believes in a collaborative design process that keenly seeks input from owner at the start of any build. By listening to owners, Whitehaven can better understand how customers want to use their boat. Whitehaven can then draw up features that reflect the owners' taste.

Tonic is fitted with a single Cummins 550hp engine upgrade with joystick control (speeds up to 26 knots and optimal manoeuvrability), Seakeeper 3 stabiliser, and extended roofline for a fully-covered cockpit.

The second Harbour Classic 40 will arrive in time for next summer's peak season. She is fitted with twin Volvo Penta IPS D4 480 engines and sports a sleek, short roof line with retractable awning.

"The svelte silhouette of the Harbour Classic 40 will be the first impression that attracts the eye," Merzliakov said. "But once onboard, you will experience the pinnacle of a luxury day-aboard-stay-aboard boat. It will be love at first, second and third sight."

The Whitehaven Harbour Classic 40 will be at the 31st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, May 23-26.

After the positive economic impact of its previous visit, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will once again return to Airlie Beach.

This will be the third consecutive edition of the Clipper Race to feature the Whitsundays.

The Clipper 2019-20 race fleet and hundreds of its international crew members are due to arrive in early 2020.

The eleven 70-foot ocean racing yachts will be berthed at the Five Gold Anchor Global Accredited and award-winning Abell Point Marina - soon to be rebranded to Coral Sea Marina Resort - at Airlie Beach.

Oyster Yachts celebrated the launch of the Oyster 565 by sailing the new model down the River Thames at sunset, passing under Tower Bridge. A party was held on the walkways above, attended by business leaders, media, celebrities and supporters of the brand.

The entry-level 18-metre sailboat uses the latest generation of Oyster hull shapes, developed by Humphreys Yacht Design. It was designed for friends and family sailing and does not require a professional crew. The latest twin-rudder hull form provides a well-balanced steering system while facilitating different layout and keel options.