Sea Ray

L590

The L-series was designed specifically to appeal to European owners and this new L590 coupé has much to like about it even if the show boat featured a rather dark interior colour scheme. That’s not to say that Sea Ray has just copied the best European yards; the main deck layout with its curved array of seating facing into the cockpit and raised galley opposite the helm feels quite different to anything else at this size and not in a bad way. This kind of open-plan sociable living space makes a lot of sense on an owner-operated 60-footer and would feel even more informal with some lighter woodwork and decking to make the most of that large glass sunroof.

Our favourite feature was the fullbeam owner’s cabin which thanks to an offset double bed, felt larger and more imposing than expected. The unusual wood panelling and white leather corner sofa even had something of a Bond villain’s lair about it. The two other guest cabins share the remaining bathroom/day heads.

This example had triple Cummins Zeus pod drives rather than the alternative option of twin Caterpillars on conventional shafts. These three 593hp engines looked almost lost in the vast engineroom but are said to be good for 36 knots flat out as well as enabling simple joystick berthing. Contact Marina Marbella. Tel: +44 (0)1489 576676. Web: www.searay.com

The official rum of the Royal Navy Association and the Royal Navy Sailor’s Fund

Craig Sanders took this photo of the 352ft explorer yacht Ulysses lifting a 70ft power cat (claimed to be good for 50 knots) onto its deck. Now that’s what we call a tender!