Australian semi-custom yacht builder, Salt Yachts will make its brand debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
The company was formed with the aim of redefining the luxury dayboat and performance chase boat category with A44 being the first concept from the yard.
The A44 is a 44ft/13.53m motor yacht with a 4m beam and a draft of less than 1m that combines offshore performance with the latest design.
The yacht has been designed by superyacht captain, Craig Lindsay and built to Australia’s Commercial Vessel Standards, will be previewed at Cannes ahead of its launch.
I wanted to design the ultimate superyacht chase boat,
Craig Lindsay
Craig has worked in the yachting industry for two decades and has helmed a vast range of vessels in the Mediterranean and Australia.
For the Salt Yachts A44 project, he has used his experience as a captain and owner’s representative on new builds and refits to develop a model that is designed to blend the best attributes of day boats and support craft in one platform.
“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,” he said.
Luxury features and practical functions
“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.”
Craig began the design process working with naval architect Peter Hogbin of Aurora Marine Design.
Once the initial hull and layout were decided, Craig then worked in collaboration with superyacht designer, Misha Merzliakov.
Design and functionality
“It has been a three-year process,” Craig continued. “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.”
Vessel features include a flared plumb bow and tumblehome aft, combined with a hard chined warped plane.
The yacht has been designed as a twin shaft drive motor yacht specified with Yanmar engines starting at 485hp up to 550hp, or can accommodate an owner’s preference of engine brand.
Accommodation for four guests
A hybrid option is being considered.
Topside, the Salt Yachts A44 has a carbon fibre hardtop with sunroof, aft deck and swim platform, a protected main seating area, and a bow lounge accessible via the saloon.
Below deck, the A44 has a galley, enclosed shower and toilet, and accommodation for up to four guests.
The yacht will be built to Australian AMSA Survey for 2C (12 guests plus two crew) and 1E (18 guests plus two crew) – CE Category B equivalent for Europe.
Superyacht experience
The yacht will be constructed using a DuFLEX composite panel system for strength and also to cutting down build time, which Craig estimates will be under one year.
The boat will be built by a team headed by Mark Wise, director at Wise Boatbuilding.
“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,” concluded Craig.
