Gold Coast, QLD – August 2025 – Australian semi-custom yacht builder Salt Yachts will take to the global stage at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival this September, unveiling its first model – the A44 – a luxury dayboat and performance chase boat designed to deliver the superyacht lifestyle in a versatile, compact form.

Salt Yachts was established to “redefine the luxury dayboat and performance chase boat category”. The A44 is the result of three years of development, spearheaded by superyacht captain Craig Lindsay and built to Australia’s Commercial Vessel Standards. Measuring 44 feet (13.53 metres) with a 4-metre beam, the A44 combines offshore capability with cutting-edge design, premium comfort, and advanced technology.

“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,” Craig explained.

From concept to creation

With two decades of experience operating vessels across the Mediterranean and Australia, Craig has drawn on his background as captain and owner’s representative for new builds and refits to merge the best attributes of dayboats and support craft into one platform.

“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.”

Working with naval architect Peter Hogbin of Aurora Marine Design, Craig ensured the design met full commercial rules without compromising style or performance. The vessel was then refined with superyacht designer Misha Merzliakov, blending Craig’s functional vision with Misha’s aesthetic expertise from over 20 years designing vessels up to 120 metres.

“It has been a three-year process,” Craig said. “I have worked with designers, superyacht owners, shipwrights, material suppliers and other specialists to hone the various aspects of the design and functionality. We believe the Salt A44 will capture the imaginations of a new generation of owners looking for aesthetics, practicality and performance.”

Performance meets style

The A44’s advanced hull incorporates a flared plumb bow, tumblehome aft, and a hard-chined warped plane for a smooth, dry ride and confident handling offshore. Twin shaft-drive propulsion with recessed tunnel-mounted props ensures efficiency, stability, and shallow-water capability.

Built using the DuFLEX composite panel system, the A44 is light yet strong, with a construction time of under one year. Power comes from twin Yanmar engines (485hp–550hp), with a hybrid option under review to enable silent, emission-free cruising at 8 knots, supported by Safiery battery technology.

Topside, features include a carbon fibre hardtop with sunroof, large aft deck and swim platform, bow lounge accessible through the saloon, and a protected main seating area. Below deck, owners will find a galley, enclosed shower and toilet, and air-conditioned accommodation for up to four guests.

At the helm, advanced systems include a concealed auto-deploy anchor, gyro stabilisation, auto-deploy stern ladder, underwater lighting, bow and stern thrusters, and multiple joystick stations for precision manoeuvring.

Built on Australian craftsmanship

Construction is led by Mark Wise of Wise Boatbuilding, a third-generation craftsman with over a decade of collaboration with Craig. Based at the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard – the largest marine facility in the southern hemisphere – Wise’s team of shipwrights and superyacht finishers ensure a build quality to match the A44’s ambitions.

Cannes: the global stage

The 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival will showcase the A44 alongside 640 other exhibitors, with Salt Yachts’ stand in the Palais des Festivals featuring AV presentations, CAD renders, and a scale model.

“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,” Craig said.

“The Salt Yachts A44 aims to set a new benchmark for superyacht tenders and day boats. Cannes is the perfect backdrop.”

“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.”


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