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HomeNew Boat ModelNew Boat (International)YYachts Y6: a pocket superyacht redefining owner-operated luxury

YYachts Y6: a pocket superyacht redefining owner-operated luxury

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The YYachts Y6 brings superyacht comfort to a size and style designed for owner-handling. Due for its Australasian debut in 2026, this German-built 20-metre carbon yacht bridges the gap between full-crew superyachts and manageable performance cruisers.

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A new kind of superyacht

In a sailing world often obsessed with length and crewed complexity, the YYachts Y6 makes a bold statement: size matters less than control. Penned by renowned naval architect Bill Tripp, the Y6 stretches to nearly 20 metres yet is designed for owner operation—whether that means solo passages or cruising as a couple.

The philosophy is simple: deliver the comfort and presence of a superyacht without the cost, hassle, and formality of a permanent crew. Carbon construction keeps the boat light and responsive, with all sail handling led aft to the helms. A self-tacking jib reduces trimming, while an integrated bow thruster and efficient engine take the stress out of marina manoeuvres.

As Peter Hrones, co-founder of Carbon Yachts, puts it: “Owners—especially those moving across from premium power—want control, privacy and time efficiency. The Y6’s design is deliberate, geared entirely toward what’s required and wanted: a sail plan manageable by a couple and a calm, considered interior you’ll actually live in.”

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YYachts Y6 standard layout // Image credit: YYachts

Deck and performance

The deck layout mirrors the Y6’s ethos of simplicity. Flush hatches, a clean foredeck, and integrated systems keep lines tidy and movement easy. A standout feature is the drop-down transom, which transforms into a sea-level terrace—ideal for swimming, tender boarding, or simply relaxing at anchor.

Built in carbon epoxy, the hull and rig balance light displacement with durability. The result is a yacht that sails comfortably even in lighter winds, while offering a ballast ratio that ensures stable handling in tougher conditions. Synthetic teak is used on deck for lower weight and reduced maintenance, underscoring the eco-conscious approach.

Life below deck

Inside, the Y6 offers four distinct design identities—Baltic, Milano, Sugi Ban, and Glacier—crafted in collaboration with Danish architect David Thulstrup and YYachts’ Francesca Modica. Each theme delivers a unique atmosphere, from the rich earth tones of Milano to the charred-wood contrasts of Sugi Ban.

Interior of the YYachts Y6 // Image credit: YYachts

Layouts are just as flexible. Owners can select between three or four cabins, with options to replace a lounge with an office or add a crew cabin forward. The forward owner’s suite typically features a free-standing bed and ensuite, while two twin guest cabins aft each come with their own bathrooms.

As Mary Bickley of Carbon Yachts explains: “Clients in our region want a yacht that’s genuinely owner-operated and genuinely their own. The Y6 answers that brief—carbon-built for a light, responsive feel, and curated through a studio process that turns four clear concepts into a finish that reflects the owner’s taste.”

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A European beginning

Many Australasian owners are expected to commission their Y6s in Europe. YYachts handles launch, rigging, and export paperwork in Germany, with Palma de Mallorca serving as a base for design support and after-sales while cruising the Med. Owners can enjoy a season abroad before relocating the boat to Australia or New Zealand, either under sail or shipped home.

This flexibility—cruise Europe, then bring the boat south—adds to the yacht’s appeal in this region, where long-haul delivery voyages are often seen as part of the ownership experience.

More than just another yacht

At its core, the Y6 reflects a trend across sailing: a move away from size for its own sake, toward yachts that balance scale with manageability. It answers a market where many owners are former motor yacht clients, seeking privacy, freedom, and efficiency without sacrificing luxury.

The Y6 may be called a “pocket superyacht,” but there’s nothing small about its ambition. It aims to deliver the essence of superyacht living—light, space, and style—in a package that owners can sail themselves.

Learn more
Carbon Yachts
www.carbonyachts.com.au
Pittwater, Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Auckland

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Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

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