Fairline's new luxury Squadron 74 yacht

POWERING up the Solent, lightly guiding 2,200 worth of thoroughbred horse power in a £2M craft, is the sort of  experience that is not a common occurrence – and one that millions of international mariners would give their eye teeth to experience.

We were suitably appreciative therefore to be invited on board the latest model to emerge from the prestigious Fairline stable, the Squadron 74 ‘Custom’ yacht, and to drive it through the Solent waters.

This historic stretch of water, leading into Southampton and Portsmouth harbours, home to the Royal Navy for centuries, is a sailing mecca and a wonderful setting to put the Custom through her paces.  And she  proved to be an extremely easy and smooth  vessel to steer, as we curved gracefully through the sailing ships and carefully avoided the ferries, travelling at around 40 knots.

This was just prior to the formal launch of the yacht at the Southampton Boat Show.  In addition to power, this luxury model is beautifully designed and finished down to the last crystal flute in the cocktail bar .

Created by craftsmen at Fairline’s Oundle Marina, in the Midlands of England, much hand work goes into each yacht, with an attention to perfection that is awesome. It is, we would hypothesise, the nautical equivalent of a Savile Row suit, and shows that British manufacturing craftsmanship is alive and well at a premier level. Fairline are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and have built up an impressive international reputation for excellence.