Spanish builder Rodman is showing its 1290 Evolution at the Southampton International Boat Show through 27 September 2026. The yacht is part of a three-boat display arranged with UK dealer RBS Marine, continuing the brand's long association with the British market.
The 1290 Evolution is the only yacht in this particular Rodman show group relevant to Luxury Yacht Guide's 12.00–23.99-metre coverage. The other two exhibits are the smaller Spirit 31 Outboard and 790 Ventura SD, which belong in the leisure-boat category rather than being treated as luxury yachts here.
The 1290 Evolution continues a familiar line
Rodman describes the 1290 as the successor to its long-running 1250, carrying forward the latter's robust cruiser character while updating design and use of space. The result is a boat intended to bridge recreational fishing and comfortable family cruising rather than committing exclusively to either activity.
The model can be specified in hardtop or flybridge form, providing a choice between two types of upper-deck use. That flexibility is relevant to owners in varied climates, particularly where weather protection matters as much as having a second open-air steering position.
A cruiser with a practical brief
Rodman has traditionally placed considerable weight on seakeeping, serviceability and layouts that can be used actively at sea. The 1290 follows that approach with a cockpit that can accommodate practical activities as well as the more relaxed programme expected of a family motor yacht.
Buyers considering it against other yachts of similar overall size will want to assess how that dual purpose affects cabin volume, deck movement and storage. The Southampton display allows those priorities to be judged physically instead of inferred from photographs alone.
A longstanding UK dealer relationship
RBS Marine represents Rodman across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Channel Islands and is presenting the show fleet at berths M210 to M212. Rodman says it has participated in the Southampton event for more than 25 years, reflecting the continuing importance of the UK market.
That representation also offers a route for discussing ownership matters after the show, including model configuration and local support. A published display is not a guarantee that any particular options are fitted to the exhibited hull, so visitors should check the boat's actual equipment.
The Southampton opportunity
Southampton Boat Show runs through 27 September and offers visitors an unusually convenient place to inspect the cruiser alongside many competing designs. Rodman's decision to bring the 1290 rather than only its smaller boats gives LYG readers a relevant model to evaluate directly.
The current appearance is not a claim that the 1290 is a world premiere, since the design has been in the market for several years. It is instead a practical opportunity for British and visiting buyers to revisit the model and assess whether its combined cruising and fishing brief fits their plans.
