A Masterpiece of Modern British Yacht Design
Few launches in recent memory have generated as much anticipation as Fairline’s all-new Squadron 58. Making its debut at the Southampton Boat Show, the very first model off the production line showcases Fairline’s bold vision for the next generation of luxury flybridge yachts. From its flexible social spaces and groundbreaking drop-down balconies to its bespoke interior finishes and robust engineering, the Squadron 58 is nothing short of a triumph.
In this in-depth review, we explore how Fairline’s signature craftsmanship and innovation come together in a yacht that’s equally suited for entertaining, extended cruising, and life at anchor.
Expanding Horizons: Innovation Begins at the Aft
As with any great design, the Squadron 58’s most impressive features often lie in the details—and the transom area is a case in point.
At first glance, the extended hydraulic bathing platform offers ample space for launching tenders and enjoying the water. But Fairline has reimagined this space with a retractable section that reduces overall length while docked, making it marina-friendly without sacrificing usable space at anchor. The telescopic passerelle and modular glass transom system hint at the boat’s wider theme: modularity, utility, and beauty in equal measure.
Hidden beneath the aft deck is a cleverly integrated crew cabin, accessible via a flush hatch. It’s ideal for occasional crew or as overflow accommodation—and includes its own wet room and toilet, or can be reconfigured as a storage room with beach club access.
Balconies, Barstools, and Beautiful Flow
Perhaps the most striking exterior feature is the pair of drop-down balconies flanking the cockpit. These expanding platforms dramatically increase the yacht’s usable beam while at anchor, creating an unrivaled connection to the water. Rails automatically rise with the platforms, and dedicated lockers house the stanchions when not in use—another subtle example of Fairline’s attention to stowage and safety.
These balconies link seamlessly with the open-plan cockpit, which includes modular seating that can face forward or aft depending on mood or setting. Bar stools can be relocated between the internal galley bar or positioned outdoors for dockside cocktails. Add in the retractable sliding window above the galley counter, and the whole aft area transforms into a sprawling entertainment zone.
At night, ambient lighting set into fluted woodwork and under-rail trims creates a warm, luxurious glow. And a “Welcome Home” button lights up the yacht from bow to stern for safe, elegant reboarding after sunset.
Interior Luxury: A Flagship Feel in a 58
Step inside the saloon and you’re met with the kind of fit and finish usually reserved for Fairline’s largest yachts. Walnut cabinetry, fluted detailing, curved stainless accents, and seamless joinery all reflect a build quality that genuinely impresses.
Fairline has carried over the full-beam sensibility into the main deck layout. The galley-aft configuration places the kitchen at the heart of the social space, perfectly positioned between the cockpit and saloon. Full-size appliances, custom drawers for crockery, and dual drawer fridges (which can be set as fridge or freezer) make this yacht exceptionally practical for long stays aboard.
To port, a sideboard can be customized as a wine fridge, ice maker, or additional storage. The 50-inch TV is integrated into cabinetry and disappears at the touch of a button, while the Sonos sound system—featuring removable wireless speakers—ensures premium entertainment across every deck.
Helms and Handling
The lower helm station features an all-glass cockpit, with touchscreen displays providing control over navigation, engines, and onboard systems. Volvo Penta engine instrumentation is shown on a dedicated screen, while a joystick system enables intuitive docking—despite the yacht being powered by conventional shaft drives.
Also onboard is a SeaKeeper stabilizer for rock-steady anchoring, and electric drop windows on both sides offer excellent ventilation and visibility. Even the helm seats are beautifully upholstered, underscoring that this is a captain’s station designed for both comfort and control.
Accommodation: Liveaboard Ready
The Fairline Squadron 58 offers three cabins, each finished with the same meticulous attention to detail.
VIP Cabin (Forward)
Located in the bow, the VIP cabin offers walk-around space, a full dressing table, hanging lockers, and signature hull windows. Natural light pours in through an overhead hatch, while beautiful stainless trims elevate the window detailing.
The en suite bathroom features Fairline’s signature blend of high-gloss wood and contemporary greys. It doubles as the day head, with a second door to the hallway.
Twin Guest Cabin
The twin cabin features convertible berths, allowing it to serve as either a twin or a double. Ideal for families or flexible sleeping arrangements, it shares the day head with the VIP suite and includes the same high-quality fittings, AV systems, and generous storage.
Owner’s Suite (Midships)
Spanning the full beam of the yacht, the owner’s stateroom is an oasis of calm. Dramatic hull windows, under-bed lighting, fluted cabinetry, and a plush settee give this suite the feel of a much larger yacht. A full-sized dressing table, hanging lockers, and even a washer/dryer hidden behind the door make it ideal for liveaboard life.
The en suite is Fairline at its best—sleek, spacious, and beautifully appointed with a rainfall shower and elegant fittings. Even the hinges and magnetic catches are engineered for silent, precise operation.
Flybridge: Elevated Living
The flybridge on the Squadron 58 is nothing short of spectacular. A mix of lounge, dining, and helm stations, it is designed for versatile open-air living.
A full-beam hardtop is optional and includes a retractable sunroof and an extendable sunshade integrated into the trailing edge. A wet bar with a grill, fridge, sink, and ice maker serves the flybridge, while wraparound seating and a folding dining table accommodate family meals or sunset drinks.
Adjacent to the helm is a convertible sunpad or companion seating—ideal for engaging with the captain while underway. All main helm controls, from the joystick and throttles to the navigation screens, are mirrored here.
Forward Deck and Side Walkways
At the bow, guests are welcomed by a sprawling sunpad and seating area with adjustable backrests and integrated cup holders. A recessed table makes this space equally suited for picnics or sunbathing. Dedicated lockers house fenders and lines, while the anchor locker is neatly concealed beneath a flush hatch.
Wide side decks and drop-down helm windows make moving around the boat easy, and a clever use of grey tones on the coachroof visually lowers the yacht’s profile while enhancing its style.
Engineering Excellence
Lift the saloon sole and you’ll find a meticulously laid out engine room. This particular model is powered by twin Volvo Penta D13 1000hp shaft-drive engines, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a comfortable cruising speed in the high 20s.
The engine space is brightly lit, with excellent access to service points, filters, and the Victron battery management system. Fairline’s commitment to engineering clarity is evident throughout: systems are labeled, secured, and intelligently placed. A fire suppression system is onboard, with both automatic and manual triggers.
With fuel and water tanks at capacity, and all gear aboard—including a tender—the Squadron 58 still achieves impressive range figures: around 200–250 nautical miles at 26 knots, with significantly more at displacement speeds.
Final Thoughts: A Future Classic
The Fairline Squadron 58 is much more than a new model—it’s a confident evolution of everything that has made the Squadron line a hallmark of British yacht building. It marries a truly owner-operator friendly layout with world-class design, technology, and luxury. And it does so without gimmicks or compromise.
From the inviting flybridge to the transformational balconies, from the handcrafted cabinetry to the hull’s engineering backbone, this is a yacht designed to delight for years to come.
Whether you’re stepping up to your first flybridge or looking to downsize without losing amenities, the Squadron 58 is a vessel that proves size isn’t everything—execution is.
