3 luxury superyachts – and even a submarine – to cruise on this summer, from Aston Martin and Triton Submarines’ Project Neptune, to Beneteau Flyer 8 Spacedeck, Highfield SP800 and Karnic SL702 MK2

May 23 , 2022

The Project Neptune submarine. Photo: Aston Martin

The futuristic US$4 million Project Neptune personal submarine is a show-stopper, diving to a depth of 500 metres and seating up to three people including the pilot

Above water, the Beneteau Flyer 8 Spacedeck is great for watersports, the Highfield SP800 has a sundeck and kitchen, and the Karnic SL702 MK2 makes for a speedy getaway

There’s yachts – and then there’s superyachts. For those who appreciate the lavish lifestyle, the latter is a go-to holiday option, especially for warm summer days at sea. With upgraded storage and space for amenities that can include kitchens, sundecks and bathrooms, they’re great for lengthier day trips and – if you also account for the speedy performance features – even for adventures further afield.

But if floating atop the water is too mainstream, there are submarines too. In the case of Project Neptune, the underwater vessel gives a new meaning to “superyacht”. And although you may not get any sun, it sure guarantees some exciting trips – with plush furnishings and other comforts, to boot.

Project Neptune

Meet Project Neptune, a personal submarine priced at around US$4 million. It may seem fantastically futuristic, but the dream of a state-of-the-art submarine crossed with a pleasure cruiser has now been brought to life. Project Neptune – as it is known – is a partnership between Florida-based underwater submersible specialists Triton Submarines and British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin.

Built to showcase the best of both brands, and aimed primarily at superyacht owners, the submersible is the ideal demonstration of form and function working in harness, combining Triton’s reputation for excellence in hydrodynamic technology with Aston Martin’s trademark aesthetics to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Encased in a metal oxide veneer, the compact sub, at 4.1 metres long and 2.85 metres high, is capable of diving to a depth of 500 metres and can reach a speed of five knots – up to four times that of Triton’s flagship submarine, the 3300/3.

Seating three people including the pilot, the submarine is streamlined and built to exacting standards, focused on optimum performance without compromising on design and looks.

Hand-stitched leather seats and engraved fascia panelling nod to Aston Martin’s design heritage, while the bubblelike cabin is said to have been inspired by its new Valkyrie model. In case the heritage is not clear enough, the sub is crowned with a pair of Aston Martin’s trademark wings.

The submarine is streamlined and built to exacting standards, focused on optimum performance without compromising on design and looks

Veering away from the flatter, more neutral experience of a conventional Triton submersible, the Project Neptune submarines have been designed to mirror the experience of driving a sports car, curving and tilting as it turns to create a more reactive driving experience.

The Neptune is available in three distinct expressions, drawing upon a colour pallette of six hues for the body and trim, while custom models are available through Q by Aston, the brand’s bespoke design arm. Likely only an elite few will get to experience the vessels in motion though, as the Project Neptune subs are limited edition.