The American owner of the first AB 95S yacht will see his speed-centric superyacht take center stage at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this month. Capable of exceeding 53 knots, the 93-footer (28.45-meter) is making her U.S. debut following her launch in Italy earlier this year.
The yacht is the sportier, super-fast sister to the AB 95. As the shipyard has done with previous projects, the AB 95S draws inspiration from racing cars. Her low-slung profile, sharply raked windshield, and sliding smoked-glass roof distinguish her from the original model.
PHOTO: Gionata Xerra
Of course, looks alone don’t make a yacht sporty. Triple MAN engines, combined with two waterjets and a central booster, deliver 2,200-hp apiece. The AB 95S yacht is among the first megayachts to feature these engines, too. Extensive carbon fiber construction helps keep weight down, further benefiting performance. For perspective, consider that the 53-knot top end is close to what a cheetah, among the fastest animals on earth, can achieve. The megayacht additionally has a reported range of approximately 440 nautical miles at 35 knots. That therefore makes leaving, say, South Florida in the morning and arriving in South Carolina in the evening possible.
PHOTO: Gionata Xerra
Despite the emphasis on speed, the AB 95S yacht offers plenty of ways to enjoy the surroundings more leisurely. The aft main deck has seating for dining or cocktails, for example, plus a second seating area nestled at the swim platform, immeditely overlooking the water. Since so many cruisers enjoy the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, sliding doors leading to the saloon need not stay closed, creating one continuous entertaining space. Come nighttime, meanwhile, the opening roof (top and below) makes stargazing possible from the comfort of the open-plan saloon.
PHOTO: Gionata Xerra
Below decks, eight guests get four staterooms, including a full-beam master suite. (Note, though, that up to five staterooms are possible for the series.) Leather, suede, and wood accents characterize the interior. A transom garage holds a tender exceeding 13 feet (4 meters), a waterbike, and additional watertoys.
PHOTO: Gionata Xerra
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show appearance reflects the importance of American buyers to AB Yachts and its parent company, Next Yacht Group. Giorgio Mattei, the group’s deputy chairman, calls the United States “a dynamic environment.” In fact, he says, U.S. cruisers are “yacht owners who value performance, design excellence, and the opportunity to tailor their experience at sea.”
The AB 95S yacht will be on display October 28 through November 1.
AB Yachts abyachts.com
PHOTO: Gionata Xerra
More About the AB 95S Yacht
LOA: 93’4” (28.45 meters)
Beam: 22’4” (6.8 meters)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 meters)
Guests: 8 in 4 staterooms
Engines: 3/2,200-hp MANs with a central waterjet booster
Range: approx. 440 nautical miles at 35 knots
Builder: AB Yachts
Stylist: Archea Associati
Naval Architect: Archea Associati
Interior Designer: AB Yachts