During a social event to officially inaugurate its new offices at Portomaso Marina in St Julian’s, Sunseeker Malta also took the opportunity to unveil the latest prestigious addition to its portfolio of Sunseeker boats, the sports cruiser Portofino 48.

In his welcoming speech, Eddie Woods, Managing Director of Sunseeker Malta explained the meaning behind the event. “Apart from marking Trader Marine’s 20th anniversary, 2011 has seen important developments for Sunseeker in Malta. The most significant development was the joint venture with BH Group that brought about a marine group that will operate the Sunseeker brand in Malta and throughout the North Africa Region. We are confident that with this strategic joint venture with BH Group, coupled with the marketing alliance with JK Group, Sunseeker will consolidate its position in Malta, whilst aiming to gain a leading position within the luxury yachts marketed throughout the territory.”

Mr Woods thanked also thanked the event partners, Re/Max, Gasan Mamo Insurance, Edwards & Lowell and Moet Chandon with whom this event was organised.

With an overall length of 16.17m and capable of reaching a speed of 34 knots, the Portofino 48 was launched to the market earlier this year at the London International Boat Show and is a fine example of how Sunseeker manages to combine style and the comfortable accommodation offered by luxury motoryachts with speed and performance.

Combining space with pace, the Portofino 48 achieves a remarkable interior plan, with a full-beam owner's aft suite with huge windows to either side. Forward, there's a clever VIP guest cabin in which the double bed cunningly swings apart to create twin single berths. The central saloon sits at the heart of the accommodation and enjoys a mix of grain, bold lacquers and deep glass options. The boat's profile is sleek with a long expanse of foredeck topped by cantilevering sunpads. The cockpit screen rises fairly well aft in a smooth and neatly engineered radius, behind which is a helm station with pilot seating, wetbar and full dining arrangement. There's also a choice of open or hard top versions.