Spirit Yachts brings its P50 Sport to the water
Spirit Yachts has launched the P50 Sport, its new modern-classic motor yacht, with an invitation-only London presentation at St Katharine Docks on 2 and 3 October 2026. The British yard confirmed the finished vessel following summer sea trials, offering a distinctive alternative to conventional production express cruisers in the roughly 50-foot segment.
The P50 Sport is a motor yacht rather than a new sailing design, although its long, elegant proportions reflect the builder's experience with traditionally styled sailing yachts. Its companion P50 Coupé is part of the wider power-yacht development programme.
A cockpit arranged around hospitality
Lead designer Thomas Smith has explained that the layout was developed around the guest experience, with a spacious open-plan entertaining cockpit, dedicated bar and galley. Sipo mahogany is used for the dining table, which is positioned beside U-shaped seating and bar stools for informal gatherings aboard.
This approach gives the main deck a social focus, but prospective owners should still assess the ability to move safely between seating areas when the vessel is under way. Craftsmanship and attractive timberwork are part of the appeal, but practical service and maintenance matter over time.
A broad platform for access to the sea
The P50's swim platform has been designed with a hydraulic passerelle and steps to aid access from a quay or directly from the water. The layout also includes storage for watersports equipment, allowing guests to make use of the boat at anchor without transferring immediately to another craft.
Deep bulwarks are intended to provide protected movement forward, leading to two large loungers near the bow. Handrails, deck drainage and the behaviour of the vessel at anchor should form part of an owner's review, especially when children or less experienced guests will be aboard.
IPS propulsion and reported sea-trial performance
The boat uses twin Volvo Penta D6 IPS600 drives, each rated at 440 horsepower, with joystick handling at the helm. Spirit reports a maximum speed of 34 knots and a cruising speed around 25 knots, figures presented by the builder following its trial programme rather than independently reproduced measurements for every loading condition.
The specification also includes a Seakeeper stabiliser and a custom anchoring system by Lewmar. In practice, an owner should consider how the installed options affect access for service, noise and the yacht's ability to berth in confined marinas.
One double cabin for extended weekends
Below the main deck, the interior provides a double cabin, an ensuite bathroom with a timber-lined circular shower, a sofa and a galley. It is an arrangement focused on a couple or a small group enjoying time away rather than multiple guest suites for a large charter party.
The yard offers opportunities to customise interior treatments and fabrics. As with other semi-bespoke yachts, a client should establish which details are standard, which require additional time or cost and how replacement parts and specialist timber finishes will be maintained after delivery.
London debut marks a completed yacht
Spirit's new motor yacht was presented in London after its initial sea trials rather than remaining a model shown only through renderings. Its reception will depend on how owners value the combination of traditional visual cues, contemporary systems and an outdoor-centred layout in a market with many alternatives.
The current confirmed news is the P50 Sport's completed launch and London presentation. Spirit has not reported a verified new speed record or an announced large production run, and prospective buyers should request exact build specifications and a suitable on-water trial before placing an order.
