Spirit Yachts moves into power market with P50 motor yacht (coupé and sport)
Spirit Yachts P50 Coupé courtesy of Luke Dorey
Modern classic yacht design and boatbuilder Spirit Yachts has unveiled its latest design, the P50 motor yacht. This is a new project from Spirit Yachts’ in-house design team and is in response to customer demand.
The motor design has two iterations, the P50 Coupé and the P50 Sport. Spirit already has one of each design sold (and in build), with the first yacht due to launch in spring 2026. Earlier this year the company announced a recruitment drive following a ‘surge in new orders’.
“The designs were created in response to the growing power boat market and the desire to offer a sophisticated, yet modern motor yacht built in responsibly sourced timber,” says Spirit Yachts sales director, Julian Weatherill. “Increasingly, we are being approached by sailing clients looking for an elegant motor yacht to have alongside their current yacht. The P50 delivers as a beautiful standalone boat or as a complement to a sailing lifestyle.”
The P50 Sport is designed for warmer climates and a swim-up lifestyle, with a large swim platform, a spacious cockpit with comfortable U-shaped seating, and reclining sunbeds on the bow for relaxing and socialising. Forward of the aft seating area is an open galley and cocktail bar for al fresco dining and entertaining.
Then there’s the P50 Coupé. That’s created for northern Europe and cooler locations requiring protection from the elements. It features an enclosed saloon, and a fully equipped interior with two double cabins. Once on the water, hull number one of the P50 Coupé will be used for cruising in the UK with family, and as a chase boat for a sailing yacht.
“The P50 design began with why?,” says lead designer, Tom Smith. “We focused on the end user and the purpose of the yacht, which we defined as escapism and uncompromised joy. The entire layout of the P50 is focused on the guest experience.
“The design DNA of the Spirit P50 Sport and her sistership, the P50 Coupé, is a striking blend of elegant, traditional lines and bold, sophisticated graphics. We have stayed true to Spirit’s heritage and values, whilst delivering a modern, experience-led yacht created to escape daily stresses and enjoy everything that comes with being out on the water.”
Both the P50 Coupé and the Sport are built using Spirit’s proven wood-construction method to RCD Category B certification. The yachts both have twin Volvo Penta D6 440hp engines with IPS drives, which are said to offer easy and precise manoeuvrability with joystick control.
Weatherill continues: “Whilst the P50s are at the very top end of design and build quality and sophistication, they will be simple to operate so the focus remains on relaxation and planning where to explore next.”
