Australian semi-custom boatbuilder Salt Yachts will make its brand debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival this September. The new Aussie dayboat brand is aiming to ‘redefine the luxury dayboat and performance chase boat category’.
Designed by superyacht captain Craig Lindsay, Salt Yacht’s first concept is the A44, a 44ft motor yacht built to Australia’s commercial vessel standards
Salt Yachts will unveil its A44 concept at Cannes Yachting Festival with an AV presentation, CAD renders and a to-scale model.
Luxury dayboats in Australia
The A44 aims to deliver on the trend towards Mediterranean-style day boats that Lindsay notes is gaining in popularity in key yachting grounds, including Australia.
Discussing the design concept of the Salt Yachts A44, Lindsay (pictured below) says he wanted to develop a model that blends the best attributes of day boats and support craft in one platform.
“It has been a three-year process,” Lindsay says. “I have worked with designers, superyacht owners, shipwrights, material suppliers and other specialists to hone the various aspects of the design and functionality.
“I wanted to design the ultimate superyacht chase boat that is in full commercial survey that would appeal equally to the recreational market as a high-end day boat.”
“After many years at the wheel of European day boats and examining the market in detail, I found that some parts of their designs worked, while others were impractical. So, I drew on the luxury features and practical functions of the models in this segment for inspiration for the Salt Yachts A44.”
To render his vision of the ideal superyacht chase/day boat, Lindsay initially worked with naval architect Peter Hogbin of Aurora Marine Design and later collaborated with superyacht designer, Misha Merzliakov to undertake a thorough assessment of the vessel and refine the details.
Based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Lindsay has observed a new wave of younger owners looking for a different style of vessel.
“There is a definite transition from overnight boating, where accommodation space and interior volume is the priority, to day boating, involving groups of friends on board with plenty of comfortable seating, a burst of speed between anchorages, watertoys on board — all with hassle-free entertainment and catering — while still having the ability to accommodate owners overnight or for the weekend.”
The hull design features a flared plumb bow and tumblehome aft, combined with a hard chined warped plane hull for superior ride comfort, reduced spray, and confident handling even in offshore or choppy conditions. Twin shaft drive propulsion with recessed tunnel-mounted props are designed to provide efficient performance and shallow water capability. The boat will have a shallow operational draft of under 1m and is specified with Yanmar engines ranging from 485 to 550hp, or can accommodate an owner’s preference of engine brand.
“We are also currently exploring a hybrid option which would enable silent cruising at 8 knots. The boat will be fully run on batteries using Safiery, an Australia tech brand, and not require a generator for silent, fume-free mooring and swimming,” Lindsay adds.
Salt Yachts A44 features a carbon fibre hardtop with sunroof, spacious aft deck and swim platform, a generous main seating area, in addition to a bow lounge accessible via the saloon.
Below deck, Salt Yachts A44 offers a fully equipped galley, enclosed shower and toilet, and accommodation for up to four guests.
The A44 has gyro stabilisation, an auto-deploy stern ladder, underwater lighting, bow and stern thrusters, and multiple joystick control stations.
As an offshore-capable, commercial vessel, it will be built to Australian AMSA Survey for 2C (12 guests + 2 crew) and 1E (18 guests + 2 crew) – which is CE Category B equivalent for Europe.
Utilising DuFLEX composite panel system construction, Lindsay estimates build time will be under one year.
Lindsays says: “The Cannes Yachting Festival is Europe’s premier on-water show. It attracts the latest brands and buyers from around the world. It makes sense to launch the Salt Yachts A44 concept in that environment, among competitors in its segment where we can show yachting enthusiasts what differentiates our boat from the rest.”
He aims to connect with his international network and visitors to the show: “Salt yachts A44 is more than a yacht tender – it’s the extension of the superyacht experience, designed for both high-performance and the ultimate in comfort. It’s the total compact superyacht package.”
The Importance of Self-Care: Taking Care of Yourself in a Busy World
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between work, family, and social commitments, it can feel like there’s never enough time to take care of yourself. However, neglecting your own well-being can have serious consequences for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
That’s why self-care is so important. Self-care is the practice of taking deliberate actions to preserve or improve one’s own health and well-being. It involves setting aside time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Self-care is not selfish. In fact, it’s essential for maintaining a healthy balance in your life. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to handle the challenges and stresses that come your way. You are more resilient, more focused, and more energized. You are better equipped to show up as your best self in your relationships, your work, and your community.
Self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it may mean going for a run or practicing yoga. For others, it may mean taking a long bath, reading a book, or cooking a healthy meal. The key is to find activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment.
Here are some tips for incorporating self-care into your daily routine:
1. Make time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Whether it’s a morning meditation, an afternoon walk, or an evening bubble bath, find a moment to focus on yourself and recharge.
2. Prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This could be anything from journaling to gardening to dancing. The important thing is that it brings you joy and relaxation.
3. Set boundaries with others and learn to say no when you need to. It’s okay to put yourself first and take care of your own needs.
4. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness. We all have bad days and make mistakes. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a friend.
Remember, self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Taking care of yourself is the foundation for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. So make yourself a priority, and watch as your well-being and happiness flourish.