Australian luxury motor yacht builder Maritimo has been recognised on the regional stage, with its M50 model named winner of the Motoryacht 16–18m category at the YachtStyle Awards 2026.
The Maritimo M50 has taken out the motoryacht 16-18m category at the 2026 YachtStyle Awards, a significant win in Southeast Asia’s competitive luxury motor yacht market. The award places the Australian-built vessel alongside some of Europe’s most established brands, beating contenders including the Invictus ST550/TT550, Riva 58′ Capri and Sunseeker Manhattan 56.
The YachtStyle Awards carry considerable weight across the region, judged by industry experts and enthusiasts who assess both technical performance and practical appeal. For Maritimo, the recognition signals growing traction for its philosophy around extended cruising and long-range capability, rather than day-boat performance alone.
Derrick Nowak, Maritimo’s Global Business Development Manager, suggested the win reflects a broader shift in how owners are using their vessels.
“We’re seeing owners move beyond day use into more structured, multi-day cruising, moving between destinations, spending time at anchor and using their yacht as a base rather than a platform for a few hours on the water,” he said. “The M50 was built for exactly that, and to have it recognised by YachtStyle only strengthens our commitment to growing the Maritimo presence across the region.”
The M50 is engineered around extended offshore passages. Its shaft drive system and hull design work together to optimise fuel efficiency, a practical consideration for owners planning serious cruising distances. A full-beam master stateroom, expansive VIP stateroom and fully enclosed flybridge provide comfortable accommodation for multi-day passages, while the upper cockpit opens into the galley without steps, supporting the boat’s open-plan design philosophy.
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length Overall | 15.88 m | 52′ 11″ ft |
| Hull Length (ISO) | 15.69 m | 51′ 5″ ft |
| Beam | 5.22 m | 17′ 2″ ft |
| Draft | 1.39 m | 4′ 6″ ft |
| Dry Weight | 26,500 kg | 58,420 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 3,500 L | 925 US gal |
| Water Capacity | 750 L | 198 US gal |
| Holding Tank Capacity | 300 L | 79 US gal |
| Sleeping Cabins | 2 standard | 8 std |
| Sleeping Capacity | 4 standard and 2 x fold out double beds | 8 optional |
| Engines (Standard) | 2 x Volvo D13 – 800 MHP – ZF | |
| Generator | 21.5kW 60Hz |
The win reinforces Maritimo’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia, where it operates through authorised dealer Primus Marine. For New Zealand cruisers eyeing extended offshore trips, the M50’s focus on range, comfort and self-sufficiency offers a compelling proposition.
