On Test. Fly 68 Gullwing, the new flasghip by Sessa Marine
Some boats are destined to subvert every archetype: the Fly 68 
Gullwing is one of them. Far from being an ordinariy yacht, the new flagship of Sessa Marine is a perfect synthesis between space, light and dynamism. Three elements that, on board the Fly 68 Gullwing, find their highest expression, revolutionizing the traditional concept of cruiser, too often merely limited to volumes and their habitability level.
21 meters long and 5 meters wide, the Fly 68 Gullwing not only boasts surprising volumes and extraordinary habitability but also further enhances the interiors with a level of brightness that is unparalleled in its segment.
Offering an incredible 360-degree panoramic view combined with the evocative optical effects offered by the reflection of both the sea and sky, the huge hull windows best summarize the philosophy behind the new Fly 68 Gullwing: beauty must be emphasized more than never.
Exteriors: vast spaces, changing shades, automotive-inspired style
Climbing on board the Fly 68 Gullwing is like entering a penthouse overlooking the sea. The vast stern platform, covered with teak, leads to the garage which, equipped with an electro-hydraulically-operated hatch, can accommodate a tender or a number of water toys.
Two staircases lead to the raised cockpit, a cosy living area fitted with a folding table and a sofa that can be easily converted into a sun lounger.
Protected by the high sides, stainless steel handrails and a sturdy rail, the side-decks lead to the bow deck, where passengers can enjoy an additional sun lounger in the middle and a comfortable sofa at the foot of the windscreen.
A contiguous series of “fluorescent-psychedelic” blue courtesy lights run along the side-decks and the bow sofa, giving a very glamorous effect at sunset.
Outstanding features includes two gull-wing side openings which not only give give instant access to the indoor saloon from borh the walkways but also facilitate natural light in flooding the dinette, which therefore enjoys abundant airiness when the doors are open.
The flybridge houses two sun loungers, a wet bar with sink and refrigerator, a U-shaped couch with extendable table and the helm station, covered by an elegant hard-top which represents the apex of the vertical development of this yacht capable of perfectly distributing outdoor spaces on multiple levels.
The model we tested was of a metallic gold colour, a definitively showy chromatic option. The yacht is offered in two other intriguing colour options – silver and metallic air blue. The concept is clearly inspired by the automotive world, making the Fly 68 Gullwing a definitively gritty, sporty and modern boat.
Interiors: maximum freedom of movement in the lounge, extreme luxury in the sleeping quarters!
The large sliding glass door of the cockpit gives instant access to a very vast lounge. We will not dwell on the incredible above-mentioned interior brightness, but it is amazing to see how the natural light that filters through the panoramic windows enhances the light brown of the fabric sofa with underlying drawers and coffee table with leather top.
The galley on the port side is equipped with an elegant L-shaped walnut wood cabinet with mirror doors. The helm station, with dual electrically adjustable seating is extremely comfortable.
The strategic absence of a dining table results into a remarkable freedom of circulation on the main deck, within an harmonious, light and protected setting in direct contact with the sea.
The sleeping quarters include
four cabins. The master cabin is positioned amidships and is a full-beam luxury suite. Cleverly fitted with an en-suite head (with double washbasin, shower and separate toilet), it is dominated by a king-sized bed with container. There is no shortage of bedside tables, wardrobes, LED spotlights and wooden Venetian blinds. The floor is carpeted, which conveys warmth and refinement.
The three other cabins have little to envy to the master one. In detail, the VIP cabin on the bow can be considered as a second master, given its size and absolute comfort.
Equally spacious are the two guest cabins, equipped with a smalle rhead and a large day toilet with double access, which leads to both the bedroom and the hallway. Here there is a very elegant living area with couch, television and everything that contributes to relaxation below deck. Refined finishes and functional details make the lower deck a real luxury apartment.
Sea Trial: efficient V-hull and perfect seaworthiness
The sea is flat off Varazze and, in this late autumn afternoon with a very clear sky, the orange shades of the sunset reflect on the large hull windows, making the golden hue of the Fly 68 even more incadescent. The wind is dormant and we seize the occasion to test the marine qualities of this yacht, fitted with twin Volvo Penta IPS 1200 engines, 900HP each.
We get the flybridge and immediately notice that the pilot seat is lowered compared to the rest of the deck, thus offering easier handling and excellent visibility. Then, we go down to the main deck and get the helm station to feel the waves closest to us.
Acceleration is elastic, receptive but never
nervous. At 1,400 rpm and around 13 knots, the Fly 68 gets up on plane while the V-hull cuts through the waves in an extremely soft way, as if the boat was sliding over a carpet, keeping steadfast and resolute on its own path.
The wake behind us is geometrically clean and fuel consumption is great: at 2,000 rpm, with a crusing speed of little more than 23 knots, the boat is consuming just 224 l/h. Absolitely not bad for a twin IPS of this power.
Even on the tighest turns, the boat is always stable and agile; the passage over the return wave is almost imperceptible.
Driving is smooth, sporty, exciting but “rational”. What we feel at the helm is, in fact, a reassuring sense of stability that not all flybridge models of this size are able to convey when sailing at high speed.
With the thruttles full on, we finally reach the top speed: 30 knots at 2,300 rpm. A really remarkable result.
In conclusion, the new Sessa Marine flagship has fully convinced us, both in terms of comfort and performance. An avant-garde motor yacht that will not remain an end in itself, but which is destined to inaugurate a new era of flybridge.
Sessa Fly 68 Gullwing: Performance
| Rpm | Knots | L/h | L/nm |
| 600 | 6 | 11.4 | 1.9 |
| 1,000 | 8.9 | 41 | 4.6 |
| 1,200 | 11.3 | 66 | 5.8 |
| 1,400 | 12.7 | 100 | 7.8 |
| 1,600 | 16 | 141 | 8.8 |
| 1,800 | 19.7 | 175 | 8.8 |
| 2,000 | 23.3 | 224 | 9.6 |
| 2,200 | 26.9 | 270 | 10 |
| 2,300 | 30.1 | 328 | 10.8 |
Sessa Fly 68 Gullwing: Technical Specs
| LOA | 21.04 m |
| LH | 19.24 m |
| Beam | 5.07 m |
| Engines | 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1050 D13 (1600 hp/1193 kW) – Upgrade 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1200 D13 (1800 hp/1324 kW) – Upgrade 2 x Man V12 1360 |
| Drive | ZF-IPS |
| Cabins | 3+1 |
| Weight with engine | 31.5 t |
| Passengers Capacity |
14 |
| Fuel Capacity | 3,200 l |
| Water Capacity | 1,000 l |
| Draft | 1.70 m |
| Black Water Capacity | 400 l |
| Berths | 6+1 |
| Bridge Size | 2+1 |
| Design | CentrostileDesign |
| Category | A |
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