-
Guests
12
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Cabins
6
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Crew
8
| Length | GT | Built (REFIT) |
|---|---|---|
|
139' 9"
|
354 GT | 2004 (2023) |
| Beam | Draft | Top Speed |
| 26' 7" | 9' 2" | 24 Kts |
Delivered in 2004, Flying Manta is a 139'9" expedition yacht built by NQEA Yachts. Her naval architecture and exterior design comes from the drawing boards of NQEA Yachts, while Ivo Enrico Poluzzi is responsible for her interior design.
Key Features
- Extensive al fresco dining areas
- Cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles
- Twin master staterooms with private staircase
- Massive swim platform for ocean access
Design & Construction
Designed around a semi-displacement aluminium hull and superstructure she features a 26'7" beam and a 9'2" draft. The yacht is built over 3 decks with an internal volume of 354 GT (Gross Tonnes). The design also incorporates a heli-pad.
The yacht was designed and constructed in compliance with the Lloyds Register technical standards.
Exterior Design
The hull is a striking aluminium build, painted a deep blue with a contrasting white superstructure and a gold boot top. Below the waterline, a black finish adds further contrast and visual sharpness. The hull also features a raked bow, boosting hydrodynamic efficiency for smoother handling across variable conditions. Flying Manta’s outdoor spaces are expansive and geared for versatility. The aft swim platform connects directly to a wet area, ideal for diving and fishing, with transformer steps easing the transition between water and deck. There’s also a barbecue setup, live bait tanks, and rain showers concealed in the garage door overhead - a fully equipped space designed for active use.
The main deck aft includes an alfresco dining area, while a side balcony opens up extra outdoor lounging. Forward, large sun pads on the foredeck - shaded and comfortably upholstered - can host up to 30 or 40 guests in relaxed style. Up top, a spa bath, TV, and another bar create a laid-back, private zone on the uppermost deck.
One of Flying Manta’s standout features is her Lloyd's-certified helideck with a full refueling station, designed to support an Airbus 130 or 145. Unlike the typical ‘touch-and-go’ setups found on yachts under 50m, this is a permanent, certified landing pad. The system is supported by dedicated firefighting equipment, crew certification via HeliOps, and operational safety features including foam-based fire suppression systems.
Tender and toy storage is equally well-considered. Four heavy-duty cranes (2-2.5 tonne capacity) can lift a range of boats - fishing skiffs, surf tenders, or larger RIBs - on and off the vessel. The aft deck also offers up to 80 square metres (861.1 sq ft) of clear deck space once tenders are launched.
A final distinctive touch: the top deck houses a second helm station for superior visibility during navigation through shallow or reef-laden waters, alongside dual wing stations.
Interior Design
Flying Manta’s interior layout is shaped for flexibility, comfort, and social connection. From the entry point, the yacht flows naturally into a semi-enclosed, air-conditioned atrium space - a relaxed area with a full wet bar, fridge, freezer, coffee machine, and ice maker. It’s ideal for informal meals or an afternoon drink around the large table.
Moving indoors, the main saloon offers a more interactive layout than the standard lounge setup. It’s been arranged for conversation, with seating configurations that encourage social connection. Forward of this is the formal dining area, while nearby, a separate day head operates on an independent plumbing system - a thoughtful redundancy designed for reliability during remote cruising.
The galley is a standout in both scale and equipment. Described by the chef as “sensational,” it includes two stoves, hot plates, microwave, dishwasher, warming units, a snap freezer, and even an ice cream machine. This professional-grade setup rivals many commercial kitchens and ensures seamless service for guests and crew alike.
The bridge deck also serves as a central social space. In addition to a dining area for ten just aft of the helm, there's a lounge styled like a gentleman’s club - not for smoking, but for relaxed conversation around swivelling chairs and a whiskey bar stocked with premium bottles.
The helm is Lloyd’s certified and built to commercial standards, particularly for managing helicopter operations. A private escape route from the master suite leads to the foredeck, offering a quiet retreat for morning coffee, away from guests.
Accommodation
Flying Manta accommodates up to 12 guests across six well-appointed cabins, including two master suites - an unusual luxury on a yacht of this size. These master staterooms are designed to be entirely self-contained, with private staircases, separate access, and individual coffee bars and wet areas. The upper master has direct access to a concealed passageway leading to the foredeck, while the lower suite can be configured either as a full double or two singles, depending on the owner's preference.
Guest cabins are arranged with flexibility in mind. Four additional staterooms are accessible via a separate staircase. On the port side, two can be set up as twin cabins with split beds. On the starboard side, both are configured as doubles. Together, they offer a layout well-suited to families or groups of mixed ages and needs.
Crew accommodation supports a dedicated team of eight. On the bridge deck, the captain has a private double cabin, while a twin-bunk cabin accommodates the engineer and helicopter pilot. Below, in the crew quarters, are three more bunks, two showers, two toilets, a laundry room with four Miele washer-dryers, and a secondary galley with a separate dining area. The crew’s movement is managed via a port-side staircase that spans from the top deck down to their living areas - ensuring smooth service and guest privacy without interruption.
Performance & Capabilities
Powered by twin diesel MTU (12V 4000 M90) 2,735hp engines, motor yacht Flying Manta is capable of reaching a top speed of 24 knots, and comfortably cruises at 11 knots. With her 10,831 gallon fuel tanks she has a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. She has been fitted with stabilizers to increase on-board comfort when the yacht is at anchor, particularly in rough waters. Her semi-displacement hull design means she offers a great balance of space and speed.
Flying Manta Yacht is not For Sale
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