Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
advertise
Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
HomeNew Boat ModelNew Boat (International)YYachts Y6: a pocket superyacht redefining owner-operated luxury

YYachts Y6: a pocket superyacht redefining owner-operated luxury

Published

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.

Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

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.”

- Advertisement, article continues below -
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.”

- Advertisement, article continues below -
2024 | Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 image
2024 | Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
36 Degrees Logo
Turnkey Oceanis 51.1 with custom paint, top-tier bluewater upgrades, and luxury cockpit—view at Westhaven Marina, price $1,195,000
Enquire Now

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

SHARE:

Article
Article

Brabus Shadow 1500 Cross Top: a new chapter in high-performance luxury

Brabus
New Boat (International)
Stealth Green power unveiled at Cannes
Article
Article

Taiga unveils next-gen electric watercraft lineup with new model, breakthrough connectivity, and veh...

Taiga
New Boat (International)
Taiga a leader in electrification beyond the road, unveiled its next-generation Orca electric waterc...
Article
Article

Palm Beach 85 makes official world premiere

Palm Beach
FLIBS
Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ flagship enters the water with style at Fort Lauderdale

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

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.
We are Leaders in sales and servicing of 12/24 volt refrigeration

FridgeTech

Fridgetech Marine offers a wide range of quality refrigeration and gas products from trusted worldwide brands.  At Fridgetech Marine we pride ourselves on customer service, have over 20 years of exper...

Coltri Compressors

Italian design. Italian manufactured. With over 60 years experience of manufacturing high quality, high pressure breathing air systems to meet the demands of marine, diving and industrial applications. Coltri is a leading brand setting the industry benchmark worldwide.

LATEST NEWS

2018 Supreme 420 Tinny Dinghy

This brand new 2018 Supreme 420 Tinny is a tough, no-nonsense aluminium dinghy built for serious anglers and boaties who want reliability and durability in a compact package.

1946 Jack Guard 35

Step aboard Gipsy and step into a living legacy. At 35 feet, built from heart kauri in 1946, this classic launch isn’t just another pretty hull – she’s a rare survivor from a golden era of Kiwi boatbuilding, and a direct link to one of New Zealand’s most storied maritime families.