One of the most visually striking boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival this year was the Fjord 48 Open. The flagship of the German-built Fjord series, the Patrick Banfield design retains the same wave-cutting, seaworthy hull; minimalist profile; and open transom of its smaller siblings. But the new 48 also takes the Fjord brand a step forward with features typical of larger yachts, such as a tender garage hidden under the cockpit seating and joystick controls on the all-glass Volvo bridge.
The 48 Open could well prove to be the ultimate day boat, capable of fast access to offshore destinations like Catalina Island or Nantucket, thanks to its triple Volvo IPS 600 pods (capable of a top speed of 40 knots). The ability to launch and retrieve its Williams 285 jet tender in just minutes means diving reefs in the Bahamas or Florida Keys are within ready reach.
One of the beauties of Volvo’s IPS system is the ability to steer with a joystick, while also using the intuitive touchscreen controls on the glass cockpit—a concept that first appeared in business aviation. Matching twin helm seats face the electronics suite at the helm station, while a third seat is positioned on the port side. Ten people can sit comfortably in the cockpit and another four can relax up front in the bow section. The rear cockpit seats can transform into a giant sun pad. The cockpit is equipped with an electric grill, fridge, and freezer, saving the space that those amenities would have occupied in the two-person cabin. Banfield designed high side bulwarks that enhance the futuristic profile as they keep guests safely on board.
Despite its day-boat status, the 48 Open was designed for weekend cruising as well. Both staterooms provide good headroom, have en suite bathrooms, and receive plenty of natural light.
In keeping with its motto, “be unique,” Fjord offers a long list of fabric, flooring, and hull- and interior-color choices so buyers can put their individual stamp on the 48 Open. The base price of the Fjord flagship is approximately $770,000.
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