Fast and luxurious
Effie gets underway like the pop of a champagne cork. This swift superyacht slices across the sea, leaving behind a whisper of wake and sparkling spray. Effe... like the gentle fizz of bubbles in a glass. The fresh breeze, the Mediterranean sun, and the sheer feeling of freedom all go straight to your head.
This 39‑metre boat—the very first AB 130 hull—was designed and built entirely in‑house by the Italian shipyard AB Yachts. From its predecessors, the AB 125 and AB 120 Beach, the new flagship inherits a bold spirit, timeless elegance, many signature exterior details, and a host of technical solutions.
Built with a composite hull and superstructure, the superyacht has a dynamic profile where sharp, angular lines are softened by smooth curves—as if honed by the sea wind itself.
A powerful bow and a low superstructure with a concealed flybridge reveal the boat’s sporty character, backed up by outstanding performance figures.
Three MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, each producing 2,600 horsepower, are impressive on their own—but they work in concert with two steerable water jets plus a central booster jet. The hull, built with a fibreglass‑and‑carbon sandwich construction, features variable geometry that accelerates planing and makes short work of the waves. Numerous noise‑ and vibration‑damping solutions have been incorporated into the hull structure. When you're inside, you can hold a conversation at normal volume without any trouble.
Waterjet propulsion is the core of the AB Yachts 130 design, giving it a range of advantages over shaft‑drive or stern‑drive yachts.
By their very nature, waterjets deliver exceptional manoeuvrability—tight turns, rapid stops, and instant reversing when docking. On a conventional propeller yacht, you can't simply spin the props backwards; you have to throttle down, shift to neutral, and only then engage reverse gear. With a waterjet, the reversing bucket changes the thrust direction instantly by redirecting the water flow (essentially a simple flap), with no need to disengage the transmission.
The shallow draught of waterjet‑powered vessels minimises the risk of drive damage when navigating in skinny waters. There's also less chance of the drive getting fouled or blocked by seaweed, old rope, or other debris that usually wraps around propellers—though a waterjet can still suffer from clogging in some conditions.
With a draught of just 1.3 metres, the AB 130 has no trouble sneaking into a hidden cove or pulling up to a wild Caribbean shore.
Effe can reach 40 knots—a rare achievement for a yacht of this length. At a cruising speed of 32 knots, the powerful drivetrain, a hull optimised for fuel efficiency, and generous tanks give her a range of 450 nautical miles without refuelling.
The boat is highly adaptable to owner needs, offering flexible layouts for everything from lively parties to quiet, private getaways.
The shipyard’s pride is the swim platform right at the water's edge. Even when underway, it feels vast. So just imagine what happens when the two side terraces fold down and the total area approaches nearly 100 square metres. There's room for a Jet Ski, a SUP, a couple of Seabobs—and you can still dive straight into the water.
Between the stairs leading up to the cockpit sits a wide three‑section sofa and two tables. Here you can bask in the warm sun while enjoying the cool sea breeze, throw an unforgettable party under the stars, or set out aperitifs for guests stepping off the dock—welcoming them aboard before they move into the main saloon.
The transformation of the swim platform is particularly impressive when it's time to open the garage. The sofa section and the rear wall of the cockpit pool swing upward. The central part of the platform—with tables still attached—lifts high enough that the tender can motor straight into the garage as if entering a dock. It can accommodate a 4.6 m RIB, two Jet Skis, a Seabob, and inflatable toys. Of course, you can also raise the platform just for fun—to jump off from a height and show off the yacht's transformer‑like capabilities.
Another garage—for a Jet Ski and other water toys—plus a crane for launching them, is hidden up in the bow.
We've already mentioned the pool. It commands a proud spot above the beach club, reflecting the play of light and shadow like a mirror. On either side of the long rectangular pool are two sun loungers. A panel can close over the water’s surface—add some extra cushions, and you've doubled the sunbathing area.
Both the open areas on the main deck and the swim platform are finished in teak. The wood is laid at a 45° angle, like a giant parquet floor. You can appreciate how carefully the planks are matched when the "wings" are lowered—the lines on the folding panels and the central platform line up perfectly.
On the foredeck there's another sunbathing area with a private lounge—ideal for greeting the sunrise or watching the sunset.
The sundeck on Effe is a zone of pure tranquillity and relaxation. They chose not to put an upper helm station here. A bar, two sunbathing areas, and deep armchairs grouped around a table create an easygoing, fun‑loving atmosphere. While moored in port, you can relax in the open air without being in the sightline of curious onlookers ashore.
The yacht's interior decoration is refined and minimalist. The main‑deck saloon is filled with light and sea air, offering guests breathtaking panoramic views. The designers used calm, light tones so as not to distract from the endless marine vistas. The saloon is divided into three zones: a lounge with a home cinema, a dining area with a table for eight, and a bar. It's separated from the wheelhouse by light louvred partitions that can be adjusted however you like—open up the view, leave a side passage, or completely screen off the captain from the guests.
On the lower deck, you can opt for a three-, four- or five-cabin layout.
The master suite spans the full beam amidships: the bedroom is offset to port, while the bathroom and private lounge are to starboard.
Next to the owner's suite are a VIP cabin and a guest cabin with sliding beds that can be reconfigured from double to twin. Two additional spaces can be fitted with beds or turned into a media room, a gym, or a dinette for breakfast without going upstairs.
The flagship's launch in May marked a major milestone for the Viareggio yard, which became the new headquarters of the Next Yacht Group (owner of the AB and Maiora brands). Production capacity has been greatly expanded and modernised. The AB Yachts & Maiora Deck Lounge now provides a comfortable setting for receiving clients and can keep up to seven yachts on permanent display in the water.
