Offering all the advantages of inflatable tubes to fender off against both mothership and quayside, Cockwell's Air-Sport 7.0 combines the practical attributes of a RIB with all the style and luxury of an open limousine. The new design will be unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019.

“The big difference is the sociability of the seating space,” explains Henry Ward, Cockwells’ in-house designer. “RIBs are often overly functional with the tube taking most of the useable space away from the passenger area. Our design incorporates all the comfort and sociability of a high-end rigid craft with the practicality of tubes.”

Other key features of the Air-Sport 7.0, which accommodates eight guests and two crew, include a helm seat box, which could include an optional champagne chiller and height-adjustable bimini, and a fill-in cushion for the forward seating to create a snug area where guests can relax and put their feet up.

There are boarding points from port, aft and starboard where a raising and lowering handrail aids safety while embarking by the helm console, and quick change tubes slide off for easy maintenance. Powered by a 250hp Yanmar diesel engine with stern drive, the Air-Sport 7.0 is estimated to achieve a top speed of 36 knots.

“For superyacht owners who seek a head-turning open sports tender with all-round seating, sun pads and other luxurious touches, that doubles-up as a functional crew launch and complements their smart limousine, Cockwells can now offer the complete package," says Dave Cockwell, founder and managing director.

Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.