Glider Yachts Launches Funding Round for SL24 Sports Limousine

British builder Glider Yachts has opened a funding round for its newest Sports Limousine, the SL24. The company positions the SL24 as a high-performance, comfortable yacht that blends speed with refined onboard comfort. According to Glider, the model is powered by four common-rail diesel engines and reaches a reported top speed of 56 knots. The yacht measures 79 feet overall with a 20-foot beam, reflecting the brand’s focus on spacious, seaworthy layouts in conjunction with fast, efficient hull designs.

Glider Yachts markets its models around a distinctive hull concept intended to reduce the motion felt aboard in waves. The company states that its hull form can lessen wave-induced motion by up to 70 percent when compared to conventional hulls, a claim that highlights the SL24’s appeal to buyers who demand both performance and seakeeping. Reduced motion can translate into more comfortable cruising, improved safety for occupants, and a better experience for owners and guests during high-speed passages or when crossing choppy waters.

The propulsion choice—four common-rail diesels—reflects a commitment to readily available, serviceable engines that offer strong power density and familiar maintenance profiles for professional crews and yards. While specific engine models and fuel consumption figures are not provided here, the configuration emphasizes redundancy and performance, allowing the SL24 to achieve its stated top speed while maintaining dependable operation under a variety of conditions.

At 79 feet in length and a 20-foot beam, the SL24 sits in a segment that blends superyacht amenities with sports-boat dynamics. That combination typically aims to provide generous interior volume, open-deck entertaining spaces, and practical crewed operation without sacrificing the thrill of high-speed passages. The “Sports Limousine” concept suggests an emphasis on luxury appointments, comfortable accommodation, and a focus on cruising in style at elevated speeds.

Glider Yachts has been active on the international show circuit and in recent model development. Last year the company introduced the 59-foot SuperSports 18 at the Monaco Yacht Show, continuing its program of launching new models that target buyers seeking improved ride comfort together with strong performance. The SuperSports 18 helped establish Glider’s positioning in the market, and the SL24 appears aimed at customers who want a larger, faster option with similar design principles.

Launching a funding round for a production yacht often signals an intent to scale manufacturing, accelerate engineering and certification work, or expand marketing and delivery capabilities. For prospective backers, the SL24 presents a proposition centered on speed, comfort, and the unique hull technology promoted by the builder. Interested parties typically evaluate the technical plans, performance claims, market demand and build schedule before committing to such opportunities.

For owners and charter operators, boats that combine reduced motion with high speeds can offer practical advantages: enhanced guest comfort during longer passages, more consistent onboard servicing environments, and the ability to cover larger distances quickly while minimizing fatigue among passengers and crew. These benefits are central to the Sports Limousine concept and remain major selling points for Glider’s approach.

This article originally appeared in the April 2018 issue.