Imagine a charming yet modern villa with space for 20―but it’s at sea. The Altura 840 is the latest long-distance cruiser from Ferretti Yachts. She has a sleek hull with large windows in both the salon and cabins below and expansive flybridge with a sizable sunroof in the hardtop. The enormous bow area features a lounge, table, and twin king-size sun beds. The rear cockpit provides outdoor shelter in inclement weather and al fresco dining. Inside, the main salon, outfitted with cherrywood walls and cabinetry, features a panoramic 360-degree view. Below, the owner’s suite at the rear has a separate, private entrance from the other five staterooms, and all benefit from an abundance of natural light from the oversize windows.
The 840’s designers gave her significantly more internal space than competitive yachts, and comfort levels are increased even more dramatically by standard-issue ARG stabilizers that reduce roll by 50 percent. This yacht will likely set a new standard for others to follow. (www.ferretti-yachts.com)
—Michael Verdon