Nimbus has put the first Sport Weekender 42 Open into the water at Cannes, adding a more open-air interpretation of its established 12.7-metre platform. The new version replaces the conventional T-top with a glass-fibre targa arch while retaining the hull, lounge, side balcony and cabin arrangement familiar from the Weekender 42.
Nimbus says the request came from owners who wanted more sky over the cockpit without giving up the practical features that made the existing boat useful for weekends aboard. The design therefore changes the feeling of the main deck more than the fundamental cruising capability beneath it.
The targa arch changes the silhouette and atmosphere
The arch takes inspiration from the Nimbus 32 Ballista, a model that remained in the range from 1990 to 2005. Reinterpreting that feature on the new 42 gives the boat a more classic open-day-cruiser profile and removes much of the visual mass above the cockpit.
That can make the deck feel more connected with the surroundings, especially in warm climates where owners value unobstructed light and air. The trade-off is reduced permanent overhead protection, so buyers need to consider how shade and weather cover are provided for the conditions in which the boat will actually be used.
The proven 42 hull remains underneath
Nimbus has deliberately kept the existing 42 platform rather than designing a new hull for the Open. That reduces engineering risk and lets the company build on a boat whose handling, systems and accommodation have already been developed, while focusing the new version on the experience above deck.
For owners, platform continuity can also simplify comparisons. Sea-trial impressions from the existing Weekender 42 remain relevant to the new Open, allowing the buying decision to focus more on protection, cockpit use and styling rather than wondering whether the new appearance hides a completely different running surface.
The side balcony remains part of the social layout
Nimbus retains the fold-out side feature that expands the usable deck area at anchor. On a 12.7-metre boat, such movable architecture can make a noticeable difference because it creates more waterside space without increasing the permanent beam that determines marina and handling requirements.
As with any moving deck section, owners should inspect the structure, drainage and locking arrangement rather than viewing it only as a lifestyle feature. The best balconies are quick enough to become part of normal use and robust enough that crews do not hesitate to deploy them during an ordinary afternoon at anchor.
Cabins keep the boat suitable for weekends away
The Sport Weekender 42 Open is not being reduced to a pure day boat. Nimbus retains below-deck accommodation, allowing the owner to stay aboard and use the boat for short cruising trips rather than returning to the marina every evening.
That combination is central to the Weekender name. A fully open deck has to coexist with secure storage, privacy and sleeping comfort, so prospective buyers should look at how the boat handles wet gear and personal belongings when the cockpit is deliberately more exposed to sun and weather.
Open does not have to mean unprotected
Nimbus describes the new model as giving owners more sky while retaining the ability to add cover when needed. The practical quality of that protection will be important in northern Europe as well as the Mediterranean, because a boat that can adapt quickly to rain or strong sun will be used more often than one optimised only for perfect conditions.
The targa arch also has to carry or accommodate equipment such as lighting, antennas and possible canvas systems without becoming cluttered. Good execution will preserve the clean open appearance while still giving owners the practical systems required for navigation and overnight use.
Cannes will reveal whether the simpler roof transforms the boat
The Sport Weekender 42 Open is a useful example of how a builder can create a distinct model without changing the underlying hull. For some buyers, the removal of a T-top may sound minor on paper, but overhead structure has a large effect on how a cockpit feels and how passengers experience the view.
At Cannes, visitors can compare that openness directly with more protected alternatives and decide which better suits their climate and boating style. If the new arch delivers the desired freedom without making weather protection awkward, Nimbus may have created a meaningful second personality from a proven 12.7-metre platform.
