The Private Pursuit: The Maritimo M75, Talisman, is the ultimate luxury motor yacht
The decision to commission the building of a new vessel is not about simple transport. It is a complex calculation blending engineering, lifestyle, a clear-eyed assessment of value, and the making of very special, private moments on the water. For a New Zealand couple who spend a lot of their time just cruising together, moving up from a 52-footer to the Maritimo Flagship M75 would be a new era in their long-standing nautical adventures.
It would be one defined by automation, self-reliance, and a pursuit of peace and space. Crucially, in addition to style and refinement, it had to offer incredible range, tried and tested reliability, along with the simplicity to be able to be operated by themselves or even solo.
The affection the owners have for their craft was obvious as they watched on whilst their M75 had its annual out of water maintenance carried out, wishing it was back in so they could use it on such a glorious day.
Reflecting on it all, the owners commented, “Globally, the marine industry is very traditional, and can be slow to embrace new technologies. When we saw what Maritimo was creating with the M75, we were instantly attracted to the overall style, but the big drawcard was all the space. The bridge deck is just incredible, and the variety of things we can do on the Adventure Deck, as well as all the water toys we can carry and use so easily, is a massive bonus. Having all of our equipment at our fingertips just adds to the overall enjoyment Talisman has brought us so far.”
Change of thinking brings about change of pattern
The couple have had four Rivieras previously, so when the time came for a new craft, it was no accident they went with Maritimo, but a calculated assessment that saw their next luxury motor yacht align so closely with their requirements. “The new models coming through, particularly the M55, made a compelling argument. It is one of the best designed boats of that size that I’d ever seen. We were instantly drawn to the level surface areas, the incredible seamlessness, visibility and openness, and the proximity of the Adventure Deck to the water.”
“The Maritimo team saw our enthusiasm, and subsequently showed us the plans for their new 70+ foot vessel, which we signed up to be the first build for. Next thing we know, we had a really great call from the factory saying that it was actually going to be the M75. When we looked at the designs, we knew it was an instant fit. It was going to be, and subsequently is, a perfect fit for us.”
“The COVID era certainly created a lot of complexities, but we enjoyed a very controlled build process, but we enjoyed a very controlled build process. We were focussed on ensuring the construction was flawless, and the saving grace was that we used the team at Motor Yacht Services here in New Zealand to manage it for us.”
“The team travelled across the Tasman four or five times to the factory as the boat was being built, providing really dedicated quality control. When we got the final product, we literally had no issues with it whatsoever, which has been wonderful.”
Did someone say privacy?
Being out on the water alone or with a select group of family and friends is critical to Talisman’s owners. There is no propensity to have full time crew on board. “There might have been a bit of nervous trepidation in moving up from 52 feet to something over 80 feet LOA, but this is where the automation stepped in. We did not want to be overwhelmed by it all.”
Talisman is fitted with the optional mtus rated at 1650hp each to push this luxury flybridge motor yacht along at 30 knots, when required, but the owners do spend a lot of time at the lower end of 8-10 knots, where they are so very economical. The vessel also has two gyro stabilisers, and two gensets, which the owners think could have been reduced to one, given the effectiveness of their Mastervolt MLi Ultra LiFePO4 battery bank that occupies what was the shower area in the Utility Cabin.
The latter has been converted to the laundry, with separate washer and dryer under the work bench. It meant they have a dedicated area for ‘works’, and regained a lot of stowage space under the atrium stairwell on the accommodation deck. “We also like because you can go into it wet, rather than trapse through the boat when you need the toilet. You can also have some fishing gear in there for quick access, and we charge the tender’s electric motor in there too.”
As for the batteries, well they run pretty much everything, and the genset is mainly used when multiple activities are taking place at once, as they don’t even need it for cooking. The upshot is a the much prized after ‘silent night’, as the AC and one of the gyros run off the batteries, which still have charge to spare by morning time. “They have 1820 amps, and if we move bays during the day, the mtu’s charge them up off the alternators, so we are all set to go again. A quiet boat is an essential part of our private escape capsule.”
Designed for life and style
“The wider and more open spaces set Talisman apart from our earlier Rivieras. The mezzanine area, or upper cockpit, is where we have every meal. It is just so comfortable, beamy, and totally sheltered from the wind, of which we get our fair share here in New Zealand.”
“The Adventure Deck is totally unique in the market, and quite superyacht-esque. It becomes the ultimate entertaining zone. We were in the Bay of Islands once when the next thing we knew others had rafted up to us and a full-on party was happening right there with music pumping and people dancing. On a practical side, that unfettered space is perfect for setting up paddle boards or dive gear.”
“The other remarkable area is the enormous bridge deck. We are amazed how much time we spend up there, both inside and out, and the inset bar is a masterpiece. It is a serious space for the families to hang out. We had a teen party on board, and the kids closed the doors leading into the internal spaces. At the same time, down in the Master Stateroom, we couldn’t hear a thing, which was just perfect. We might have been unsure about the area initially, but now know it is a very cool feature, and one that’s been a lot of fun.”
Take off – and keep going!
From June to October of 2026, Talisman will take her owners to Fiji for a few months and then return. The belief in shaft drive and time proven reliability, along with an incredible 10,000 litres of fuel on board have the owners very excited about this long ocean passage, something they would not have taken on previously.
“One of the things I did actually want in a boat was shaft drive. It is in the dependability and ease of repair. There are just simply less things to go wrong, and then if you have to get anything sorted out in Fiji it’s a lot easier.”
Adding to the peace of mind is the fact that the numbers have already been crunched. “We’ll easily be able to hold 9-10 knots, where the boat is just so efficient. We will arrive with 3,000 litres in reserve (so no need for bladders on deck), and that includes a fishing stop at Minerva Reef, Sou’west of Tonga, on the way up.
The trip to Fiji will be Talisman’s second ocean voyage, after her delivery down from the Gold Coast to Newcastle for the ship ride over to New Zealand. On that journey, which was just after a significant storm that had uprooted trees on the Gold Coast, the wind got up to over 35 knots as they passed by Byron Bay, and spent most of the time over 20 knots, with a ‘very messy sea state’, as the owners recall. “Talisman was inherently very stable, and the gyros just added to it. Back here at home, we often go out to Great Barrier Island at a very leisurely 10 knots, and it will be around a five-hour steam. On the way home, we often need to be brisk and can do it in just over two hours. This adaptability is so terrific to able to rely upon. Being able to skip the weather is brilliant. We may need to do some of this going to Fiji, and the huge reserves will allow for it.”
The ‘big trip’ will be the first time a pro-skipper will be utilised, to help share the load. The team from Motor Yacht Services are also going to take a week’s holiday to do the passage, as well, and why wouldn’t you see the very craft you help create in the job that it was destined for?
Talisman is…
… all about being an apt descriptor for a carefully considered execution of a master plan. It is about offering the best in privacy, the ability to roam, be self-sufficient for as long as you want, command of the seas, the vast and plentiful areas to offer many forms of relaxation, and the comfort in which to enjoy them. Being able to offer this kind of luxurious freedom to family and friends is more than icing on the cake. It is more like the full degustation menu.
