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Fairline Phantom 65 Reviewed

• By Victor Tan
• January 19, 2024

Yachts are flashy by nature. Their luxurious comforts, by design, shout flair and opulence. The Fairline Yachts Phantom 65 , however, shows off in a subtler way. From stern to bow, this sport-bridge model has hidden features that can transform spaces in big and small ways.

Take, for example, the quietude of the cantilevered teak table in the cockpit. It connects the transom seating with the starboard-side, L-shaped settee to create an alfresco dining area big enough for all guests to enjoy. The two settees can also become one with a sliding hideaway connector from the transom settee, and diners can add the two stools from the indoor dining space, should guests drop by for dessert.

Also inside is a U-shaped settee to starboard with a high-gloss table that can raise for meals or lower to become a coffee table—all on the same level as the cockpit and galley, which is aft in the portside corner. The galley’s location, combined with an electrically powered fold-up window to starboard and a sliding-glass door that hides behind the portside stairs, creates one interconnected socializing space for entertaining and serving.

Forward and a step up, the salon has two settees: one that’s U-shaped and to port, and a two-seater to starboard. The portside seating can be accompanied by a coffee table or a replica of the dining area’s versatile table. To starboard, a TV rises from the console.

Lighting is another design priority aboard Fairline’s Phantom 65. Hullside windows on either side of the salon measure 93 by 36 inches, providing unobstructed views. Both are tinted and covered with UV-reduction film, as are all windows on this yacht, including the single-piece windshield. The sunroof above the salon allows for more natural light. For evenings on board, the Phantom 65 has intimate white mood lighting throughout most spaces.

More subtle touches are on the foredeck, which can serve as a private gathering space at marinas where the yacht will dock stern-to. Fairline maintains a clean look here by hiding the windlass and anchor chain in the deck. Abaft that working area are two sun pads that can be elevated with backrests, and a U-shaped settee with a teak table that can be lowered out of sight.

Belowdecks, Fairline offers four layouts: three with three staterooms (one with a day head, one with an extended VIP and one with a utility room) and a four-stateroom setup. Hull No. 7, which we got aboard, had the portside utility room with an additional full-height fridge/freezer, an ironing board and stowage. In the extended-VIP version, the forepeak stateroom’s head replaces the utility room and serves as a day head. In the day-head layout, the utility room becomes a fourth head. The four-stateroom option places a stateroom with bunks in the same space.

In every layout, there is a twin-berth guest stateroom to starboard that can convert to a double. The master spans the full beam amidships with a sofa to port and a vanity to starboard. Additional drawers can replace the portside sofa.

The Phantom 65 has a pair of two-seat helm stations: one to port on the sport bridge and the other to starboard on the main deck. Both stations are equipped with Garmin electronics and are sized for three 16-inch multifunction displays. The Phantom 65 also has the builder’s F-drive software, which monitors all of the yacht’s systems.

Powered by twin 1,622 hp C32 Caterpillar engines, the Phantom 65 topped out at 36.2 knots and 2,300 rpm, with a fuel burn of 178 gallons per hour. Considering the yacht’s 1,103-gallon fuel capacity and a 10 percent reserve, range is 202 nautical miles at top hop. Dial back to a cruising speed of 26 knots at 2,100 rpm, and fuel burn drops to 99.8 gph. Range pops up to 258 nm. The Phantom 65’s engine room is accessed from a cockpit hatch. Everyday checks are accessible from the entry point.

Fairline’s Phantom 65 is a yacht with no need to shout about its high quality and style. The shipyard’s thoughtful design and construction, combined with the yacht’s performance metrics and versatile features, speak quite beautifully for themselves.

Made to Fit

The Fairline Phantom 65 has an aft garage that’s sized to accommodate an 11-foot-3-inch Williams Sportjet 345 without having to deflate the tender or remove its steering wheel. This garage also has a hydraulic winch and a roller system for easier launching and retrieval of the tender.

Quiet Design

Fairline designed the master stateroom with no water pipes running beneath it, helping to reduce noise. Water from the master’s head travels aft, while water from the forward heads moves forward. Noise is also mitigated by the master’s 6 1⁄2-inch-thick after bulkhead, which is built with sound-deadening materials.

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Fairline Phantom 65 Review (2022 Edition)

The Fairline Phantom range is back, as the British yard delivers its first sportsbridge yacht. Is it the best of both worlds or a compromised mix of sportscruiser and flybridge? 

It has taken Fairline some time to enter this sector but it looks to have been well worth the wait. The famous Phantom name is revived for a boat that is looking to perfectly tread the line between spacious flybridge cruiser and rakish sportscruiser.

The hull and lower deck design are shared with the flagship of Fairline's flybridge range, the Squadron 68, but from there up it's all very different with swooping lines, a sleek and tightly proportioned top deck, and thunderous performance. Read on to see what's it like to live with and how it feels out on the water.

Fairline Phantom 65 Key Facts

• Model Year 2022
• Max Speed 36 knots
• Status In Production
• Yacht Type Sport Bridge Yacht
• Use Type Cruising

Test & Review Video

YachtBuyer Score

In this article:

Our Verdict

Rivals to consider.

• Specification

Our Scores Explained

Performance & Handling

Wafting to your destination on a big wave of Caterpillar-derived torque is the name of the game aboard this accomplished cruising machine.  The Phantom 65 has two shaft drive engine options, the C18 1,150s or the ones we had on test, the monstrous V12 1,650hp C32s.

Performance with the smaller engines is perfectly good and you can expect a top speed of around 33 knots but the C32 V12s launch the Phantom into the stratosphere. Performance is important in this market and there is no lack of it here with a top speed of 37 knots and a very comfortable cruise in the low 30s. 

Around the Marina

For a big boat that weighs in at 38 tons, it feels light as a feather from behind the helm. The big Cat motors have so much poke that you'll be doing 6 knots with just one engine in gear so there is plenty of punch when it comes to maneuvering the boat at slow speed. The fly-by-wire steering is so smooth you can steer with one finger and the proportional Sleipner bow and stern thrusters take the edge of berthing procedures and have a hold function so you can pin the boat to the pontoon. 

IPS-powered rivals such as the Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht and Azimut S6 probably have the edge thanks to their joystick control and the option to have Volvo's Dynamic Positioning System, which uses GPS to hold the boat in place. But the Fairline is an easy boat to handle at slow speed and feels less intimidating inside the marina than the Squadron 68 on which it is based. 

With wide side decks, plenty of grab rails, and chunky mooring gear the Phantom is a pretty easy boat to crew, though it lacks a side door at the lower helm. 

At sea, the fly-by-wire steering is a little too light and takes 10 turns to get from lock-to-lock so the driving sensation is a bit detached, especially from the flybridge. That said, from the top deck, the Phantom is a seriously relaxed cruiser with mountains of power on tap from those fearsome V12s. At 30 knots the engines are at just 80% load and this is where you feel the real benefit over the smaller engines — they top out at just over 30 knots whereas with the twin 1650s, the boat will happily cruise there.

The feeling of power is immense and you get a real sense of the potency of the engines from the lower helm where they are more audible. Not to the point of disruption, however, with sound levels hovering around the 70db(A) mark even at a fast cruise.

Despite the light steering the boat still behaves nicely when you give the wheel a bit of a spin. There's a pleasant amount of heel but it also sits very solidly in the water and tracks nice and straight when you just want to cover the distance. It feels like an effortless touring machine, which will cover over 200nm 25 knots and waft you and your guests along in comfort and style. 

Conditions were kind on the day of our test so the hull didn't face much of a challenge but crossing our own wake and tackling the wash of passing ships did little to wrongfoot the big Fairline. With Fairline's reputation for quality and solidly designed hulls, the Phantom should be a confident performer if you get caught out in big seas. 

Performance is superb with these motors and we achieved a top speed on the test of 36.5 knots with five crew and full fuel, water, and waste tanks. With a lighter load, it should comfortably crack 37 knots, if not more, which is pretty special for a boat of this size. 

Design & Build

The Phantom 65 shares its platform with the flagship of Fairline's flybridge range, the Squadron 68. But this is sharing at its most subtle and intelligent because you'd have no idea that this sleek sportsbridge shared a hull and lower deck design with its bigger sibling.

The Phantom is a truly great-looking boat that strikes that difficult balance between sportiness and the elevated living of a flybridge cruiser. Not every brand gets this right and, naturally, the flybridge isn't as large as a traditional flybridge but the payoff is the sweet proportions and the added benefit of the sunroof in the saloon.

Fairline's quality appears to be back to its best, too. Take the inset maple in the tables and cabin doors, for example, the sort of attention to detail and craftsmanship upon which Fairline built its reputation. The engineering around the oily bits is equally solid and the mouldings are chunky and smooth.  It's all too easy for sportsbridges to fall into the jack of all trades, master of none trap but Fairline treads the fine line between sports yacht and flybridge brilliantly with the new Phantom. 

Interior Accommodation

With a sliding door and a section that drops down into the deck, the cockpit and saloon merge together well on the main deck. The galley aft arrangement makes serving the deck spaces very easy, even so, Fairline has added a fridge to the unit just outside the cockpit doors so you're never too far from a chilled drink.

The saloon, in satin walnut, oozes class and there is detailing to die for like the fluted panels on the fridge/freezer fascias and the built-in bespoke storage for the Fairline branded glassware and crockery. The dinette table is set on a hilariously thick leg and well positioned opposite the galley so it's easy to transfer plates across if dining inside. 

The galley is a good size and features a domestic fridge/freezer, induction cooking, plenty of open counter tops, and a small dishwasher. This leaves the middle of the saloon free to deal with lounging duties where there is a pair of low-slung sofas and a stylish coffee table, though if you wanted another table like the one in the dinette you could have it. It's a lovely area to chill out in the evening and the dip in the saloon windows maintains the view when you're sitting down.

The TV pops up from the unit behind the sofa on the starboard side and it can be linked to the optional Sonos sound system (an eye-watering GBP £27,000). It sounds superb, mind, and features a suite of built-in speakers as well as a fleet of small wireless waterproof ones that can be moved around the boat and charged via a docking station beneath the helm seat. If you treasure sound quality, it's a must-have. 

One of the major attractions of a sportsbridge design is that you have a sunroof as well as an upper deck. On the Phantom, the GRP roof is inset with glass panels so even when it's shut natural light can pour down and light up the helm station and lower deck lobby. The roof has a pneumatic seal so it takes a little while to open/close but to be able to drive from the lower helm with nothing but the blue sky overhead is a real treat. In the absence of a side door, it brings some welcome natural ventilation to the main deck, as well.

Once again it's the fit and finish that stands out on the lower deck. The woodwork, the bathroom components, and the solid flooring underfoot, all combine to create a reassuringly expensive feel throughout the accommodation. 

More impressive than that, though, is the variety of layout options on offer considering the boat is produced in relatively high numbers. This is where platform sharing with the Squadron 68 works so well as these layout options have been tried and tested on the flagship and have been perfectly adopted on the Phantom as well.

As standard, there are three cabins, three bathrooms, and a day head. The day heads can be replaced with a utility room with a washer/dryer, extra storage, and that essential boating luxury, an ironing board. Those who plan to stay on board for extended cruises will no doubt appreciate this option that is unique to the sector. 

For those who treasure sleeping space or anyone who has their eye on chartering the boat out, the four-cabin arrangement with a bunk cabin in place of the day heads is a good option but the last arrangement — and the one we had on our test boat — creates a mightily impressive forward guest cabin. The extended VIP option may have to sacrifice its ensuite's day head access but the benefit is a forward cabin with the luxury of floor space and a useful amount of extra storage. It all feels a little grander, too. 

There is a twin cabin to starboard with its own ensuite and this has berths that slide at the touch of a button so you can turn this space into a double or twin in no time.

The master ensuite enjoys the boat's full width amidships and it's a cracking cabin. It is spacious, bright, packed with storage, and aligns with the hull window design at its deepest so the views out over the waterline are tremendous. The private ensuite is positioned behind the bed, which not only makes it very spacious but also provides another layer of insulation between the master cabin and the potential machine noise emanating from the engine room. 

Helm Station

Unfortunately for the Phantom 65, it's up against one of the best upper helms you'll find anywhere in the market in the shape of the Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht's Sky Helm. But where the Fairline can't compete with the Sunseeker's theatre it's a more complete, sociable arrangement on the top deck. There is space for a compact seating area adjacent to the helm so a couple more guests can sit up front and enjoy the ride.

The helm itself is very good and has plenty of adjustment on both the seat and steering wheel and there are some decent cubby holes to keep loose items safely in place. Being elevated, the view is excellent but although that sleek windscreen looks good it doesn't do such a great job of actually deflecting the wind, so you get buffeted at higher speeds. If the breeze is a bit too keen, you can always head downstairs. 

Where Fairline has helpfully mirrored the design of the upper helm so everything is in the same place and all feels very familiar. The MFDs are a little further away, but a panel of switches next to the steering wheel makes it easy to control them remotely. The driving position isn't quite as comfortable as upstairs but it's still a lovely place to sit and the dashboard is classy in design and easy to use. 

The boat has a single-piece windscreen so the mullions are rather thick but by mounting the driver's seat towards the middle of the salon Fairline has managed to avoid creating what would be a pretty hefty blind spot. 

The tender garage is a key part of the Phantom 65's design and with space for a Williams Sportjet 345, it means the large hydraulic bathing platform is kept clear of obstructions. This is a good space with a flip-down bench set into the transom as well as an overhead shower that pops up from a panel next to the starboard staircase.

There is also access here, via the cockpit steps, to the optional crew cabin. It's not a very big space, but then this is a boat the Owner will want to drive. If it's a crewed boat you're after, the Squadron 68 is a better bet. Still, it's useful to have a toilet and shower this close to the waterline that guests can use when they've been for a swim. It's handy extra storage for kit, too. 

Head into the cockpit via the port side steps and there is a dedicated Seabob locker built into the sun pad, a must-have addition these days. The cockpit's layout is unusual but it's clever and maximizes the available seating space to create a really large dinette. The table spans the aft corner on the starboard side so guests can sit on the transom bench and the well-protected seating that butts up against the cockpit doors. The table also folds to make it easier to access the starboard side deck.

Underneath the flybridge stairs, which have lights built into their handsome teak treads, there is a small beer fridge and well-placed safety locker with easy access to the fuel shut-offs for the engines and generator and the manual bilge pump. 

With the flybridge on the small side for a 65-footer, the foredeck has an important role to play in boosting living space on the main deck, and the Phantom's is really nicely designed. The central teak-laid walkway works well and the horseshoe seating with built-in sun pads provides another area for guests to relax. 

The flybridge may be much smaller than that of a traditional flybridge but whereas some rivals have top decks that are just a driving position and sun pads, the Phantom 65's is a proper deck, about the same size as a Squadron 50's, if not a little larger. The space is used well, too, with a focus on seating aft, a convertible sun pad adjacent to the helm, and a wet bar in between with you all you need to serve guests lunch up top. There isn't a hard top option but a hydroelectric bimini is a smart alternative that pops up and down at the touch of a button and has LED lights built into the stainless supports. 

Engineroom access is via a hatch in the cockpit deck and though it's easy to drop down between the engines, the sheer size of the V12 motors and the intrusion of the tender garage means the space isn't the easiest to move around in. The installation itself is excellent, though, with neatly arranged and labeled wiring and plumbing and easy access to day-to-day service items.  

Value For Money

The Phantom 65's price is in line with its rivals if not a little lower as a base boat than its British and Italian competitors. One thing is for sure, the Fairline feels like a quality product from stem to stern. 

Our Options & Pick

It's GBP £250,000 to upgrade to the larger engines, which is a lot of money by anybody's standards, but we think it's worth it for the extra performance. Having a top speed in the late 30s is all well and good but it's the way these motors transform the boat's cruising ability that (just about) justify the cost. 

We would also add the two extra 16in Garmin MFDs at the helms (GBP £16,000), Bimini (GBP £20,00), proportional bow and stern thrusters (GBP £18,000), extended VIP (GBP £8,000) and teak side decks (GBP £19,000).

If you spend a lot of time on anchor then the Seakeeper 18 gyroscopic stabilizer is well worth thinking about, even if it is a GBP £140,000 option. 

There is a lot to like about the Fairline Phantom 65. In a sector where striking the balance between two different genres is key to success, the Phantom appears to have achieved equilibrium better than most. If you accept that a sportsbridge yacht has a smaller top deck than a traditional flybridge then what Fairline has served up on the top deck of the 65 is an impressive feat of design. You get most of the luxuries of a fully-fledged flybridge yacht with evocative, head-turning looks.  

There is substance as well as style, though, because this boat performs effortlessly out on the water, is beautifully put together and has an abundance of interior layouts that allow each customer to build a boat suited to their own style of boating. 

This is not a sector that Fairline has rushed into, it's taken time to develop its sportsbridge on a proven platform and the results speak for themselves. If you're in the market for a 65ft sportsbridge, this is one of the best. 

Reasons to Buy

• Fabulous looks
• Rampant performance
• High quality finish
• Versatile interior layouts

Things to Consider

• Top deck is (understandably) smaller than a traditional flybridge
• The tender garage eats in to engineroom space
• No hard top option

The sportsbridge market has become a major focus for many brands in recent years so the Phantom 65 faces hefty competition. These craft offer the looks of a sportscruiser with the living space of a flybridge and are often full of surprises. 

The Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht is an award-winning sportsbridge with the coolest helm station in the sector. The Sky Helm brings a thrilling go-kart-like drive position to 65ft cruiser and the pop-up steering column, which allows you to stand on the top deck and use the IPS joystick for berthing, is a stroke of genius. There is more to the Sunseeker than its upper helm, though, as it's one of the best-looking boats in Sunseeker's current range and has the performance to match. It doesn't have the variety of lower deck layouts of the Fairline but it's a seriously tempting package.

The Princess S66 is probably the Phantom's most direct rival with a similar layout and equally punchy MAN V12 1,400hp engines. In good conditions, it will crack nearly 40 knots and can cruise in the early to mid-30s. It also has a four-cabin configuration with an amidships master cabin but it doesn't have the layout options of the Fairline. The flybridge isn't as big as the Fairline's, either, but it still manages to squeeze in a dinette, sun pad and wet bar. The S66 is a quality machine with barnstorming performance. 

The Galeon 650 Skydeck is a feast of clever features that has the most innovative deck spaces in the sector. Based on the 640 Fly, it has folding balconies in the cockpit plus the brilliant rotating cockpit dinette, which allows you to spin the whole unit around to face out to sea. It also has a walk-through windscreen with a central door that slides into the roof moulding to allow direct access to the foredeck from the saloon. Finally, there is the top deck, which isn't quite as comfortable as the Fairline's because the furniture is set so low - but for good reason. At the touch of a button, a cover slides over the entire top deck to protect it from the elements. No messing around with covers here. 

The Azimut S range was one of the first to fully embrace the sportsbridge design and the Azimut S6 , though a little older than the other boats here, is still a fine-looking craft with lots of clever design elements to admire. Azimut uses carbon fibre strategically in this boat's construction to reduce its weight and lower the centre of gravity and installs triple IPS700 with 550hp for the best power-to-weight ratio.  The interior is super stylish but not as spacious as the Fairline's with only three cabins on the lower deck and the top deck is a pretty simple driving position and sun pad arrangement. It's a real head-turner, though, with 35-knot performance. 

Specifications & Performance

• Builder Fairline
• Range Phantom
• Model Phantom 65
• Length Overall 19.96m
• Yacht Type (Primary) Sport Bridge Yacht
• Use Type (Primary) Cruising
• Cruising Speed Max Speed
• Fuel Capacity 4,177 Litres
• Fresh Water Capacity 1,080 Litres
• Engine Model 2x Caterpillar C32 ACERT D02 - U.S. EPA Tier 3 and IMO Tier II/III
• Engine HP 1622

Performance Data

Fairline Phantom 65 version 2022. *Data supplied by the manufacturer.

Test Engines Twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT D02 - U.S. EPA Tier 3 and IMO Tier II/III

• Liters Per Hour
• Liters Per Mile
•   CRUISE

Yacht Load: 100 Litres of water 100 Litres of fuel 3 members of crew air temperature of 28 °C

Sea Conditions: F1 and calm

Fairline Phantom 65 Layout

The shorter flybridge leaves space for a sunroof forward 

The galley is aft on the main deck and it connects well with the cockpit 

Standard 3 cabin layout

The standard arrangement comprises three ensuite cabins and a separate day heads 

Optional 3 cabin layout with extended VIP

The extended VIP creates a lobby area in the forward cabin, though the ensuite also becomes the day heads in this arrangement 

Optional 3 cabin layout with utility

The day heads is replaced by a utility room with a washer/dryer, extra storage and an ironing board 

Optional 4 cabin layout

For maximum sleeping accommodation, this layout adds a bunk bed cabin on the port side 

Jack Haines

Jack is YachtBuyer's Reviews Director. He is a writer, editor and presenter with 15 years’ experience testing over 350 motorboats of all shapes and sizes, from 20ft RIBs to 120ft yachts (and even the Royal Navy Frigate HMS Sutherland ). 

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S q u a d r o n   6 8  

I t   j u s t   s o   h a p p e n s ,   s o m e   y a c h t s   s i m p l y   m a k e   y o u   w a n t   t o   d o   m o r e  .

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R e v i t a l i s e ,   r e f r e s h ,   r e n e w  

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B u i l t   f o r   t o m o r r o w ’ s   w o r l d  

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D e c k   p l a n s  

I n t e r i o r   d é c o r  .

A Fairline interior fulfils its purpose when you step on-board and say, “Ahhh.”

Creating a space that is truly comfortable requires more than reaching for a cosy pillow and blanket; it’s about tapping into sensibilities that speak to our deepest and most essential needs.

Our new interiors are defined by serene living spaces, as the focus of life on-board moves closer to the water. Earth tones, deep blue hues, natural weaves, and linen textures make way for an interior collection that is as gentle as the Mediterranean breeze.

One area effortlessly flows into the next using dynamic diagonal lines, leading your eye-line through the space. Oak wood floors, beautifully lacquered cabinetry, luxury natural fibre carpets and vertical slatted timber details harmonise and evoke a sense of calm. It’s the perfect setting for waterside living and entertaining.

P r i n c i p a l   d i m e n s i o n s  

E n g i n e s   &   p e r f o r m a n c e  .

Caterpillar C18-1150

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The spirit of adventure drives everything we do. Success, perfection, and the ultimate in luxurious experiences are all destinations we are heading for. And it has always been that way. Our reputation for making class-leading, iconic hand-built motor yachts is world renowned. But there’s a restless energy within us. One that is driving us further into the distance, to find joy and excitement in new ways and on new horizons. More beautiful experiences. More thrilling experiences. Join us.

Where it all began. Jack Newington acquires an assortment of disused gravel pits by the River Nene, as well as the land between the main lake and the road. By cutting a route through from the lake to the river, and erecting workshops, offices, a chandlery shop and slipway, he transformed the area into Oundle Marina.

Birth of Fairline. The launch of the Fairline 19, the first Fairline to ever be built. The river cruiser blended handcrafted techniques with the latest GRP boat construction practises of the time, and set the pace of the brand.

Launch of Phantom 32. Awarding Fairline long-standing credibility, the seven-berth boat remained in production for seven years, and gave its name to the long line-up of ‘family’ cruising boats that followed with such success over the next three decades.

Launch of Fairline 40, a flagship boat that remained in production for a record 11 years.

Turbo 36 launched to huge acclaim. A well-designed aft-cabin layout led the versatile model to become one of Fairline’s enduringly popular boat.

Launch of the very first Targa. An integral part of the Fairline story, the Targa 33 set the benchmark for the modern express cruiser. Fairline continues to grow apace, with new production sites at Weldon, Corby and Nene Valley, Oundle, and international recognition.

Fairline wins the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement – a major milestone in the company’s history. Pictured are Sam and Briony Newington proudly receiving this coveted and much deserved award.

Launch of the Squadron range. Establishing Fairline within the ‘large yacht’ market, the Squadron series first began with the innovative and stylish Squadron 62. The range fast became a Fairline classic, and the now-renowned flybridge models combine well-proven design features with precision marine engineering.

HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York opens a new, purpose built 60,000 square foot factory in Oundle to supply increased capacity from strong export sales.

The 10,000th Fairline leaves the yard, a Squadron 65. Fairline completes two of its most ambitious programmes to date: the construction of the major new production facility, Nene Valley II, and the launch of its stunning flagship yacht, the Squadron 74.

Introduction of GRAN TURISMO versions of the larger Targa models, incorporating the innovative powered retractable hardtop. Whether in OPEN form or GRAN TURISMO, Targa set the Fairline tone for sophisticated design and bold exploration.

Fairline celebrates 40 years with an impressive clutch of trophies: in the UK’s IPC Marine Awards, the Targa 38 and the Squadron 68 win MOTORBOAT OF THE YEAR in their respective categories, with the Phantom 48 being highly commended. The Targa 38 also wins EUROPEAN MOTORBOAT OF THE YEAR, the industry’s leading award.

Fairline wins the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the world’s most prestigious award for International Trade.

Fairline’s 12,000th boat is built – a Squadron 55.

Launch of the 48 series. The innovative design incorporates both resin infusion technology and a new monocoque deck construction, as well as a unique hull designed exclusively for IPS technology.

Fairline begins work with celebrated Italian designer Alberto Mancini and Dutch naval architects, Vripack launching a new Fairline era. A collaboration uniting British craftsmanship, Italian style and Dutch engineering.

Fairline’s 50th anniversary was celebrated in style across the world. One of the largest customer events took place in Mallorca, where 50 Fairline’s came together to create the largest flotilla of its kind.

September saw the launch of the Targa 63 GTO – the first of the Alberto Mancini-designed Fairline yachts. With its fluent lines and sleek design this new model promptly won acclaim at the 2017 World Yacht Trophies winning the award for ‘Best Exterior Design’.

A busy year for Fairline Yachts that began with the high-profile sponsorship of champion racing driver Rick Parfitt Jr and ended with the new Targa 43 Open winning a World Yacht Trophie for Best Exterior Design. Not to mention acres of positive press coverage for this great new addition to the ever-expanding Fairline product range.

On her debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the new Squadron 68 wins the accolade of Best Interior Design at the World Yacht Trophies – the Oscars of the yachting industry. This win, against some very stiff competition, makes a hat-trick of wins for Fairline Yachts at this prestigious annual event. 

The sleek and sporty F//LINE 33 beat tough competition to take the crown in the hotly contested “Superboats” category at the 2020 Motorboat of the Year Awards. Described as an “extremely hard category to judge” by the panel from Motorboat & Yachting magazine.

Renowned Italian yacht designer, Alberto Mancini – who designed the F//LINE 33 in partnership with the Fairline Yachts Design Studio said, “I put my heart and soul into every boat I design, regardless of the size. This is such a huge honour for me and for Fairline.”

B u i l t   w i t h   p a s s i o n ,   d e s i g n e d   f o r   a d v e n t u r e  

Founded on British craftsmanship, Fairline encompasses power, performance and comfort. Bringing fresh ideas to respected classics, our collaboration with Italian yacht designer Alberto Mancini combines contemporary style with a long-standing heritage. A considered approach and commitment to reliability creates models that have light, detail, volume and finesse, and paired with the security of outstanding seakeeping, Fairline is where understated elegance meets performance and adventure.

B u i l d i n g   o n   t h e   F a i r l i n e   D N A  

Fairline is a brand that continually adapts and evolves. With a long-standing international recognition for its award-winning range of designs, it embraces advances in both technology and style. Always remaining true to the Fairline DNA, it produces industry-leading models that pair space with sophistication. Its brand legacy is one of care-free adventure for all who step aboard.

Alberto Mancini

L o o k i n g   t o   t h e   f u t u r e  

Passionate about the finest of details, Fairline delivers a level of quality that is hard to find elsewhere. With collaboration at its core, from the latest navigation and audio/visual technologies to Alberto Mancini designs, it is committed to always striving for the exceptional. Incorporating fresh ideas at every opportunity, Fairline continues to grow with the launch of the F//LINE 33. Pairing brand pedigree with Italian style, it is the first model in the new F//LINE series, set to launch in the summer of 2019.

F i n d   y o u r   p e r f e c t   F a i r l i n e  

News & events.

18th April 2024

AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP NOW IN SAN FRANCISCO

Fairline has announced MRN Yacht Sales as its partner in California.

5th February 2024

Miami line-up announced

Fairline has announced its line-up for Miami International Boat Show (14-18 February 2024) which includes the Squadron 68, Squadron 50, Targa 45 OPEN and the F//LINE 33.

7th December 2023

Two debuts at Boot Düsseldorf 2024

Fairline will unveil its highly anticipated all-new Targa 40 in a world debut at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf, 20 - 28 January 2024, supported by the European debut of the all-new Squadron 58.

17th November 2023

Designer of the Year

Fairline’s Christian Gott takes home Designer of the Year at the Boat Builder Awards 2023

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john1999 New Member

am looking at several options such as sunseeker 57 predator fairline 62 gt sunseeker 50 predator 560 galeon skydeck all are around 2013 to 2019 models

Capt J Senior Member

I'd rate Sunseeker above the other choices......If you can swing the 62-64' Sunseeker Predator, that is an AMAZING hull and ride, best in class and better build quality than the others you're thinking of. I'd put Princess above the latter two and slightly below Sunseeker overall. Although the 54' express they built doesn't run well (can't see over the bow when running, it runs so bow high). Fairline has been in and out of bankruptcy, their build quality is ok to good, but I've seen a lot of design issues where you just scratch your head and say, who on earth thought of doing this, this way. I hear the Galleons are decent quality but no direct experience.

mapism Senior Member

Capt J said: ↑ If you can swing the 62-64' Sunseeker Predator, that is an AMAZING hull and ride, best in class and better build quality than the others you're thinking of. Click to expand...

olderboater Senior Member

mapism said: ↑ Maybe so, if compared only with the other previously mentioned models. But if we consider as "class" the type/size of boats, the Predator doesn't stand a snowball chance in hell to win a best in class contest. On top of being a bit larger and (imho) even better as build quality, the Pershing 64 is capable of performances the Sunseeker can only dream of. Click to expand...

gr8trn Senior Member

olderboater said: ↑ If you consider "class" as the type/size of boats, then I wouldn't consider Pershing with surface drives and designed for performance to be in the same class. Not the same target customer and, especially in this case, not mentioned or asked about by the OP. A better comparison to the Predator would be Riva and I don't even consider them to be in the same product grouping, but Riva also capable of performance the Sunseeker isn't. Still Capt J address the OP, didn't go off on a tangent. Click to expand...

olderboater said: ↑ Still Capt J address the OP, didn't go off on a tangent. Click to expand...

thanks for all the input how about : 2017 Azimut Atlantis with v8man 900s v drive, as another option at the lower end of this price range? upper salon is open but with aft isinglass ac should hopefully be somewhat efficient in south fl

mapism said: ↑ Mmm... Didn't he, when he identified the Pred 64 as best in class to someone who only mentioned the 50 and 57 - and threw also Princess into the debate? Regardless, I couldn't care less about the right definition of "class" - if any. Everyone can pic his own poison. If we want to stick to the one and only OP question, which is in the title, my personal short answer is yes, because there's a lot more to like about that boat, compared to all others the OP mentioned. Click to expand...

Listen, let's get rid of the class concept, whatever that means. I only used it in reference to your "best in class" claim for the Predator 64 - a boat for which I do believe most buyers would ALSO consider the Pershing 64 as an alternative, even if I agree that they are different in more ways than one. Back to the point, among the boats the OP mentioned, my preference would be for the Fairline, hands down. If yours would be for either the Predator 50 or 57, well, we can only agree to disagree, I reckon.

mapism said: ↑ Listen, let's get rid of the class concept, whatever that means. I only used it in reference to your "best in class" claim for the Predator 64 - a boat for which I do believe most buyers would ALSO consider the Pershing 64 as an alternative, even if I agree that they are different in more ways than one. Back to the point, among the boats the OP mentioned, my preference would be for the Fairline, hands down. If yours would be for either the Predator 50 or 57, well, we can only agree to disagree, I reckon. Click to expand...

mapism said: ↑ I only used it in reference to your "best in class" claim for the Predator 64 - a boat for which I do believe most buyers would ALSO consider the Pershing 64 as an alternative, even if I agree that they are different in more ways than one. Click to expand...

john1999 said: ↑ thanks for all the input how about : 2017 Azimut Atlantis with v8man 900s v drive, as another option at the lower end of this price range? upper salon is open but with aft isinglass ac should hopefully be somewhat efficient in south fl Click to expand...

Arnesons are a VERY HARD sell in this size range and over here. Especially for owner operators. I'd say that out of all of the owner/operators of 60-65 yachts that are proficient, only about 10% of those could safely maneuver an Arneson boat in their normal travels. (Docking, ICW operation, etc.)

olderboater said: ↑ Part of the issue is opposite sides of the Atlantic. Click to expand...

yes that is the 62 Fairline gt i looked at in south florida. as far as preditors i am looking at slightly newer and a bit more expensive 57s,which are nice,but they also have a small interior when salon doors are closed.you do make great points about all the steps in the Fairline 62.my search is basically centered on the condition of the vessels and the amount of work to be done to bring them up to nice condition.i am open to both sportboats and flys that is why my search is varied.i looked at two sunseeker manhattans but both and fried gelcoat,at lease i think that need paint as it is rough with some spider cracks, leaky portholes,and some to total milky interior wood. liked the boats but dont want to wait 2 months for all the fixes that these boats need,not to mention most likely $150000 to $200000 to make the very nice again.

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The 8 Best New British Yachts on the Water, From Sunseeker to Fairline

Quality among the top u.k. builders is always a given. it's the range of yacht designs that may surprise you..

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As an island, boats have always been the lifeblood of Great Britain. And many British yacht builders continue to uphold the country’s proud naval and maritime traditions. While there are a handful of superyacht builders, the UK isn’t known for eye-wateringly huge megayachts or avant-garde design—though that has changed as its largest international brands compete with the style-obsessed Ferretti Group and Azimut brands.

But what you do find with the Brits is well engineered vessels with a high level of attention to detail in both the interior and exterior design. From semi-custom motoryacht builders like Princess and Sunseeker to the rarefied realm of a highly sought-after Pascoe limousine, there’s something here for nearly every yachtsman.

And thanks to enduring popularity, there is nearly always a British-built sailboat from the Oyster yard, somewhere just over the horizon. In fact, whether you’re cruising the waters of the Caribbean, New England, or the South of France, you’ll find U.K. brands along with the highest luxury offerings from Italy and Northern Europe.

Here are seven of Britain’s finest, newest, and most noteworthy vessels on the water.

Project Fox, Pendennis Shipyard

This 114-foot explorer yacht, overseen by project manager Burgess and in build at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, was designed around the owner’s wishes. It has a rugged exterior that will be paired with a bright, contemporary interior by QLondon Design. The owner told Robb Report that he plans to cruise off-grid to remote areas like Norway for heli-skiing with his family and friends (thus necessitating five large staterooms). But he also wanted family-friendly features like a sun terrace, wine lobby, open-air barbecue, and DJ station. Of course, the real breakthrough here: The open stern, measuring more than 1,100 square feet can carry a large complement of toys and tenders, but also scientific equipment (the interior has space for a modular lab) for when the yacht is hosting research scientists. “Flexible cabins and connectivity are key,” said the owner.

The ubiquitous model of the Pearl lineup, the 72 received a creative new interior design earlier this year with the addition of a stateroom that gives it two master suites. The U.K. yard has always been high on haute design, offering different palettes by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, but this double-master suite idea is a first for this size of motoryacht. The yard has recently won awards for the naval architecture of its 95, which approaches superyacht status, and it will be launching a new 85-foot flybridge next year.

Fairline Targa 40

Fairline is also among England’s internationally renowned yacht brands, famous for seaworthy hulls and top-tier creature comforts. It hasn’t built yachts as large as competitors Princess and Sunseeker but has been equally creative with the design. The new Targa 40’s cockpit is a case in point. It has an enticing exterior layout, with the cockpit featuring a foldout terrace to starboard and a U-shaped dining settee to port facing the rest of the deck, not to mention the two sun lounges on the stern. The 40 is effectively a dayboat, but with two staterooms, it also works as a family weekender. There’s a master in the forepeak and guest cabin amidships which is best suited for children. The galley below decks is also very functional. Top speed for the Targa is 36 knots with the optional Volvo Penta D6-380 upgrades.

Princess Y80

Along with Sunseeker, Princess Yachts is the other heavyweight of British yacht building. These cruisers and motoryachts have proven to be perennial favorites on both sides of the Atlantic. The Y80 debuting at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival looks to continue the tradition. The Y80 brings to the table an “infinity cockpit” with a glass transom and modular furniture for multiple setups. It also has a flybridge that spans about two-thirds of the yacht’s nearly 84-foot length, effectively creating a legitimate third deck. The Y80’s owner’s stateroom is amidships and full beam, while it has a VIP in the forepeak. Two other guest cabins are to port and starboard. The Y80 has an impressive top speed of 30 knots, but at 10 knots the range is an even more impressive 1,000 nautical miles.

Cockwells Duchy Sport

The 37-foot Duchy Sport from the Cockwells’ yard in Cornwall, famous internationally for its custom tenders, is designed for watersports enthusiasts. This Sport offers multiple towing points for waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing, with interior space for nine guests. Bow and cockpit sunpads will be popular spots for tanning, while a Bimini covers the amidships. Standout features include a wetbar, retractable swim ladder, bowthruster with joystick control, and of course ample water-toy stowage. The Duchy Sport comes with twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LVs which can get it up to a top speed of 42 knots—a speed befitting of this model’s name. Cockwells is also building a new Duchy 60, a stylized motoryacht that should rival Downeast offerings from U.S. builders Hinckley and Malaysian builder Grand Banks.

The Oyster 495 is a 52-foot, 8-inch sailing yacht that entered the U.S. market earlier this year. A new design from the keel up, the U.K. builder was thinking global circumnavigation, or at least serious offshore cruising, from the onset. The yacht is also meant to be able to be singlehanded by a capable sailor. The plumb bow and teak decks imbue the 495 with a definite saltiness with performance and aesthetics. The cabin is noteworthy for being both ergonomic and well-lit. Reported top speeds for the 495 crest the 10-knot mark under sail, while a 100 hp Yanmar diesel pushes it along happily at 9.5 knots.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Sunseeker is one of England’s brands that has a global following. For good reason. The Poole builder has a range of vessels that extend from 38 to 161 feet. Sunseeker is known for good oceangoing performance and creative design. The Superhawk 55 is a reimagining of the Superhawks that enjoyed popularity with performance enthusiasts in the 1990s and Aughts before being discontinued in 2009. Sunseeker introduced the Superhawk 38 in 2020, which had echoes of its go-fast past. This 55, however, is more of a performance cruiser than a day boat. With twin Volvo Penta IPS950s the new Superhawk has a very respectable top end of 38 knots and a feature even Miami Vice hot-boat aficionados will appreciate—slow-speed maneuverability offered by pod propulsion. An aggressively raked profile complemented by stiletto-sharp hullside windows augment the Superhawk’s sporty vibe.

Pascoe E-Limousine Electric Tender

Pascoe tenders reside in the garages of some of the world’s biggest and most glamorous superyachts, thanks to the yard’s dedication to customization. The E-Limousine is the builder’s first fully electric vessel, the result of six years of R&D. Top speed is reported to be an impressive 40 knots, with a range of 60 nautical miles at a fast cruise of 20 knots. The builder says not only is this boat greener than a traditional tender but will also offer a smoother, quieter ride thanks to the construction used to mitigate vibration.

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• Princess Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts

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Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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Moscow's Urban Movement: Is There Hope for a Better Future?

• Written by Mari Chichagova
• Published on December 09, 2015

In 2010, following the election of a new mayor, the Moscow city government began to work towards a comfortable urban environment in which citizens would feel like residents rather than mere users of the city. The emphasis was on creating public spaces in which Muscovites could fulfill their potential and feel that the city was their home.

Gorky Park was at the forefront of the changes. During the 1990s, the "Central Park of Culture and Leisure" accumulated a collection of fairground rides and became a sort of amusement park popular principally among visitors from other cities; Muscovites hardly went there. Three years ago, the city government made it their mission to overturn the park's image and bring Moscow's residents back. A full-scale reconstruction and restoration began in spring 2011.

Today, Gorky Park is a new level of urban space – one centered around people and boasting a scrupulously conceived infrastructure. All of the changes were aimed at creating a comfortable environment for life - for strolling and sport, work and study, culture and leisure. Moreover, in a short time the park has developed an effective economic model whereby it receives one half of its budget from the city and generates the other half itself.

The regeneration of Gorky Park was followed by a flurry of changes. The city began to invest intensively in the development of other Moscow parks (by 2015, 240 new parks had been opened, 160 of which were in residential areas), in cycling mobility and infrastructure (by 2015, 241.7 kilometers of cycle track and around 10,000 bike parking spaces had been installed), and in street design and refurbishment (to date, 50 streets and squares have been repaired and 72 pedestrian zones created). Pedestrians are now the priority user group in the urban environment.

The work undertaken in 2015 has been more than impressive in its scale: sidewalks have been widened; 30,000 trees have been planted; 10,000 unauthorized advertising structures have been demolished; the facades of 943 buildings have been repaired, 178 hectares of lawn have been replanted, and 1.1 million square meters of flowerbed have been arranged and planted.

The redevelopment of Krymskaya embankment , completed in 2013, is one of the most successful projects to be implemented in recent years. In accordance with the design by Wowhaus Architecture Bureau , the embankment was completely pedestrianized. Cycle paths were demarcated and later became part of a single 8 kilometer cycle track along the Moskva River linking the Pushkinskaya, Andreevskaya, and Vorobyovskaya embankments. The historical identity of the area was also taken into account: artists have sold their work on the Krymskaya embankment since Soviet times; in light of the tradition, a covered wooden arcade was built to accommodate them. Nearby, a summer cinema and a lecture theater have sprung up. Meanwhile, plentiful benches were installed, along with an open fountain which has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Triumfalnaya square, which opened in its new guise in September 2015, is another successful urban project. As part of the reconstruction, vehicular access to the square was blocked, the street-level parking was removed, and the section of road from the Garden ring onto Tverskaya Street was closed off. The concept, by the architecture studio Buromoscow , was selected as part of a competition which attracted over forty entries. The design also included new trees, swings, and benches, as well as pavilions where residents and tourists might buy tea, coffee and a newspaper, or find out information about the city.

Despite the obvious positive dynamic - Moscow's gradual transition from a city of disconnected “islands” with a closed, unfriendly urban environment to a European style city where pedestrians are the priority user group - there remain a plethora of issues.

Yes, Moscow is continually holding round tables, forums, and discussions of its future urban development. Yes, it can now be said that the government has long-term planning objectives and a concept for how the city ought to look in three, five or ten years’ time.

And yet - despite the involvement of world class experts such as Jan Gehl , Renzo Piano , and Diller Sconfidio + Renfro , despite the numerous architectural competitions involving a jury, the expert community, and the citizens themselves - the quality and implementation of this city-scale project leaves much to be desired.

A good illustration of this is the Moscow government's ongoing program "My Street," which is intended to improve Moscow's public spaces. The project sets aside 100 billion roubles for the redevelopment of 4,000 streets by 2018. Nevertheless, the quality of the work carried out over the summer of 2015 (scheduled for completion in time for the Moscow City Day celebrations in early September) was far from ideal. After the hurried redevelopment works, it was hard not to notice the high, unwieldy curbs, the drains appearing unexpectedly in the middle of cycle-tracks, the tarmac laid on top of paving slabs, or the paving slabs laid on top of tarmac.

Often, an important date (such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup or City Day) is the best motivation for civil servants to get things done. But should it be that way?

There is a flip-side to chasing after statistics. Firstly, quality of execution suffers. Secondly, the choice of contractor and the professionalism of the people hired to supervise and implement the work leaves much to be desired.

The absence of professionals with the skills, experience and enthusiasm to finish a project to a high standard is becoming increasingly apparent. The contractors' main concern is currently to finish the work as fast as possible (usually to a low standard) and pick up their pay check. Companies rarely invest in skilled personnel, preferring to hire cheap labor.

The winners of architectural contests should be permitted, at a legislative level, to supervise the realization of their spatial development concepts. If this is not done, then contracting organizations will continue to profiteer and to alter concepts at the master-planning stage, condemning the original designs to remain mere ideas, a collection of pretty architectural renders in the official documentation. If third parties continue to oversee work, as opposed to the authors of the concepts, then the question must be answered: how will the quality of future projects be guaranteed?

There is no doubt about the mayor's desire to invest in the visual face of Moscow and to improve the city's quality of life. Yet the need remains for a more careful approach to project implementation and to hiring and contracting decisions. There also needs to be more active work with citizens - they are the main users of urban space, and they, ultimately, are the clients.

Mari Chichagova graduated with honours degree from the Faculty of Philology of Lomonosov Moscow State University in 2009. In 2010 she started working at "Interior + Design," a magazine dedicated to architecture, design, culture and about people who were defining and driving those processes, from Norman Foster to Le Corbusier and Zaha Hadid. Afterwards she worked as a PR specialist at the Strelka Institute of Media, Architecture and Design , a Russian institution that is working in the field of urban studies, using a multi-disciplinary approach.

Since 2013 she has worked as a Deputy PR Director and then as an Acting PR Director at Gorky Park , Moscow ’s Central park. In addition to PR duties, she initiated contacts with other significant parks and organizations around the globe such as International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration, the San Francisco Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Central Park of New York among others.

All images of Gorky Park (excluding image of Garage Museum) via Shutterstock.com

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