AB Yachts and the 53-Knot AB 95S Powered by MAN
MAN Engines’ V12X continues to win favour among yachts in the 80-foot class. The latest launch is the AB 95S by AB Yachts
From Viareggio, in the very heart of Italian Yacht District, to Fort Lauderdale is quite a voyage, but the engineering beneath the decks allows the 28-metre yacht to handle a wide range of sea conditions with ease. Much of the credit goes to the triple installation of MAN V12X-2200 engines, delivering a combined output of 6,600 hp.
Heading for America with MAN
AB Yachts, a brand of Next Yacht Group, is going to attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), taking place from October 28 to November 1, 2026, with the new AB 95S, capable of exceeding 53 knots.
Launched in 2026 at the Viareggio shipyard, the first AB 95S is the Sport version of the AB 95. Measuring 28.45 metres in length, it was purchased by an American owner. In its “fast lap” configuration, the yacht exceeds 53 knots.
The AB 95S is among the first yachts to be equipped with MAN V12X-2200 engines (the designation refers to the engine’s output in horsepower, equivalent to 1,618 kW), with a combined rated output of 6,600 hp. This 30-litre, six-cylinder engine shares the yacht’s aesthetic appeal, as recognised by the Red Dot Award: Product Design. The hull and deck are built from composite materials, with extensive use of carbon fibre. This construction keeps displacement to around 93 tonnes while optimising the power-to-weight ratio.
AB Yachts emphasises the yacht’s flowing yet aggressive lines, wraparound windscreen and opening roof, integrated into the superstructure’s aerodynamic profile. These styling choices lower the yacht’s visual profile and strengthen its connection with the sea, while preserving the distinctive identity of AB Yachts’ classic silhouette.
The main deck is conceived as an open, seamless space, with the cockpit flowing directly into the interior saloon. Expansive glazing and the windscreen provide panoramic views of the horizon. Aft, the fully equipped beach area accommodates the tender and a wide range of water toys, including a personal watercraft. The helm station incorporates AB Yachts’ Integrated Bridge, developed in collaboration with Fincantieri, with a technology-driven layout focused on ergonomics, control and intuitive navigation management.
The lower deck accommodates up to eight guests, depending on the configuration selected by the owner. It includes a full-beam master suite and guest cabins finished with meticulous attention to detail. The crew quarters are located in a separate area to ensure operational efficiency and discretion.
From the shipyard
“The American market is a key benchmark for AB Yachts and Next Yacht Group: a dynamic environment, with yacht owners who value performance, design excellence and the opportunity to tailor their experience at sea to their individual preferences. Our participation in FLIBS with the AB 95S is part of the broader commercial consolidation strategy we are pursuing, aimed at strengthening our presence in strategic markets, building long-term relationships with local partners and supporting the Group’s growth through an increasingly robust and highly qualified network,” says Giorgio Mattei, Deputy Chairman of Next Yacht Group.
Features
- Hull and superstructure: Composite
- Length Overall (L.O.A.) 28.45 m / [93 FT 4 IN]
- Beam 6.80 m / [22 FT 4 IN]
- Full Load Draft 1.35 m / [4 FT 5 IN]
- Fuel Capacity 10,700 l / 2,827 US gal
- Fresh Water Capacity 2,000 l / 528 US gal
- Main Engines [3] MAN V12X-2200 hp each
- Transmission [2] MJP steerable waterjets + [1] MJP central booster
- Stabilisation Gyro Stabilizer (zero speed and underway)
- Maximum Speed 50+ knots
- Cruising Speed @90% engine load
- Range at Cruising Speed ~ 440 NM
- Guests up to 10 in 4 cabins or up to 7 in 3 cabins
- Crew 4 in 2 cabins