The 26.5-metre model sits at the entry point of maxi yachting, and will feature various innovative features. The yacht is a beauty, with distinctly feminine lines, while ensuring the platform that is both efficient and easy to maintain.

A genuine cruising yacht, the Swan 88 is designed to provide a comfortable ride even in rougher conditions, with an optimised heeling angle of no more than 20 degrees. With an effective load line length of less than 24 metres, it is economical to run and manage, while providing wide appeal on the charter market and upholding a high resale value.

Designer German Frers commented during the launch that the new model was "an evolution of the previous models, but for this one we've done a complete study for the balance, the performance, the position of the rig and the shape of the sails. We designed the hull according to the results of these studies".

The Swan 88's appendages are optimised for cruising, with a standard moderate draft of four metres and options for shallow-draft, telescopic and performance keels. The twin rudders have multiple advantages, including a shallower draft and improved balance while sailing.

With a focus on efficiency and uncomplicated, easily managed sailing, the yacht's sail plan is designed for ocean races.

The mast well's location in the middle of the yacht provides a good balance between the foretriangle and the main sail, with the opportunity to fraction the triangle in four different stays - gennaker, code zero, jib and staysail - thanks to the long J measure.

The staysail can be provided with a self-tacking track, and the mast and boom are constructed in carbon as standard.

As on every Swan, the heart of the yacht is its deck. On the Swan 88 the deck can be separated into four defined areas, the first three located in the cockpit/aft while the fourth is in the fore section.

Forward of the mast, there is an area that can be used for sunbathing or as a sunset lounge, with a large sail locker and anchor locker below the deck.

In the guest cockpit, Swan has introduced a coachroof design for the brand that takes inspiration from previous generations of maxi yachts, bringing together the practicality of an integrated sprayhood and bimini.

The cockpit's modular benches can be arranged in different configurations, such as lounging and full dining set-ups.

The manoeuvring area with the yacht's winches and steering pedestals is centrally positioned in this area, to allow space at the stern for a completely new beach area where guests can recline or lie down, with access to the water as well as the large tender garage.

The interiors are designed for extended trips and a range of layout arrangements are available.

The standard interior is the typical owner-forward layout, with four ensuite guest cabins and a dedicated area for up to four crew.

The interior has a number of features to increase the sense of space onboard, and features a transparent stairway leading from the cockpit to the salon, with a further two stairways leading down to the accommodation level aft.

The owner's cabin is spacious and comfortable with a large ensuite, while further aft the guest VIP cabin can be optionally converted into a TV lounge, and the two twin guest cabins with optional pullman berths.

The aft section is separated into two areas; the first is a half-crew, half- guest area, with a big galley and a second dinette, which can be used as crew mess, but also for guests' breakfasts, or as a comfortable place where children can stay protected while sailing.

Further aft, there is a dedicated crew area accessed via the cockpit, with two twin bunk cabins, separate showers and space for appliances.

A number of Australian yacht designers have come together to introduce an explorer yacht concept ideal for conditions in the Pacific.

Shipbuilders Evolution Motor Yachts have worked with Marine Engineering Consultants, Periscope Naval Architects, the Gold Coast City Marina and Misha Merzliakov, of Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design to develop the new boat. It is designed to navigate reefs and shallow waters around Australia.

The GCX40 will be 42-metres long with a draft of only 2.5 metres, and is expected to achieve 5,000 nautical miles at its cruising speed of 12 knots. Power is provided by a pair of Caterpillar C32s, and there's accommodation for 12 guests plus a crew of nine.

Sea Jay Boats has upgraded its Avenger Sports boat, introducing the company's NexGen Adrenalin hull bottom shape.

The hull upgrade follows enhancements made to other models in their range, and promise to improve the safety, seaworthiness and performance of their boats.

NexGen Adrenalin hull features an enclosed transom with an outboard splash well. The new hull is deeper and more voluminous, with extended chines further forward.

The Sea Jay Avenger Sports boats that will feature the new hulls are available in 4.28, 4.48, and 4.68 metre sizes.

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