Aussie-designed Salt Yachts A44 debuts at Cannes

 A new Australian “semi-custom” yacht builder announced itself to the world recently with its debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Salt Yachts is the brainchild of yachting industry veteran Craig Lindsay, who designed the brand’s first 44ft concept motor yacht, the A44.

While the finished product is yet to be revealed, the Salt Yachts A44 concept was presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival, which was held from September 9–14 in the Palais des Festivals at the Vieux Port, the same venue that hosts the famous Cannes Film Festival.

For Lindsay, and his team that includes boatbuilder Mark Wise and superyacht designer Misha Merzliakov, it was a no-brainer to launch at Cannes.

“The Cannes Yachting Festival is Europe’s premier on-water show,” said Lindsay. “It attracts the latest brands and buyers from around the world.

“It makes sense to launch the Salt Yachts A44 concept in that environment, among competitors in its segment where we can show yachting enthusiasts what differentiates our boat from the rest.”

According to a Salt Yachts press release, the brand was formed to “redefine the luxury dayboat and performance chase boat category”, with the A44 offering multiple uses depending on the needs of the customer.

“I wanted to design the ultimate superyacht chase boat that is in full commercial survey that would appeal equally to the recreational market as a high-end dayboat,” explained Lindsay. “So, I drew on the luxury features and practical functions of the models in this segment for inspiration for the Salt Yachts A44.”

The A44 has a generous 4-metre beam which “combines offshore performance with cutting-edge design”. It features a carbon-fibre hardtop with a sunroof, a spacious aft deck and swim platform, a protected main seating area, and an “inviting” bow lounge accessible via the saloon.

Below deck, the A44 has a “fully equipped” galley, an enclosed shower and toilet, and accommodation for up to four guests.

The helm features unobstructed views, and the skipper has access to state-of-the-art electronics and technology, including an auto-deploy anchor, gyro stabilisation, auto-deploy stern ladder, underwater lighting, bow and stern thrusters, and multiple joystick control stations for precise handling in tight marinas.

With a shallow operational draft of under 1m, the A44 is versatile, and Salt says it can even “deliver guests right onto the beach”. As an offshore commercial vessel, it will also be built to rigorous Australian standards and regulations.

The A44 is designed as a twin-shaft drive motor yacht and is specced with Yanmar engines capable of 485–550hp. Owners can also choose their own brand of motor.

“We’re also currently exploring hybrid options which would enable silent cruising at 8 knots,” said Lindsay.

“The boat would be fully run on batteries using Safiery, and not require a generator for silent, fume-free mooring and swimming.”