regal 28 Express

A pocket-rocket form with bullet-like aerodynamics and a striking curved arch overhead sits relatively high on the water, and enjoys a 15-degree bow rise as it accelerates up to higher speeds. Curvaceous lines, sleek glazing, a sloping form to the foredeck and open aspect across the main deck may trick some observers into thinking this is a mere sportboat. But once aboard, inspecting the exquisite finish, ample relaxation space and capacious lower deck accommodation, you will appreciate that this is a yacht built for long-haul luxury.

In order to limit overall tonnage and to maintain structural integrity across the boat Regal have decided to construct this vessel using an innovative composite stringer grid system, bonding the hull and deck together at various key points to craft a rock-solid and unified lightweight form. The patented OceanTrac hull bottom has been designed to enhance balance, allowing the 28 Express to bank tightly on the turn and handle tricky conditions with precision and poise.

This sporty yacht is equipped with a set of 300HP Mercruiser 6.2L Magnum gasoline sterndrives as standard, though a choice of upgrades is available, including a pair of rugged Volvo V8 380HP Duoprop engines with top speeds of up to 35 knots on a lighter load. The most efficient speed to drive this yacht is at a cruising pace of 26 knots, which translates into a bluewater range of 122 nautical miles, more than enough for ambitious overnight exploration.

A handsome helm station harks back to the very best classical piloting dashboards by including an optional timber fascia, a hand-wrapped steering wheel and a series of metallic Faria gauges offering the sort pleasing, old-school feedback that evokes the golden age of cruising. Yet this helm also sits at the cutting-edge of modernity, boasting dual Garmin 943 multi-function display screens or an upgrade to a Volvo Glass cockpit with two touchscreens monitors. Extra functions include Lenmar bow thruster controls, optional switches for a transom trim-tab system, handheld VHF radio, power-assisted steering and, a must for the modern captain, control over the yacht’s Bluetooth-linked Fusion stereo speaker set-up.

If performance and build quality highlight this yacht’s serious cruising credentials, then its living spaces demonstrate an indisputable sense of fun. Forward sunpads are de rigueur on express models these days, and this yacht is no different, fitting a sloping double cushion out on the foredeck from where a pair of guests can soak up the rays. This is joined by another sunpad located to the stern, which comes with an adjustable backrest that can turn one sunpad into two adjacent sofas, one facing the cockpit and another with superb sea views. Just down from this sun-kissed seating is a rear SeaDek bathing platform with a 3-rung swim ladder, a transom shower, direct access to the sea and an optional set of underwater lights for magical late-night dips into the moonlit water.

Heading into a cockpit that has been expertly crafted to accommodate the entire family you will delight in the superb finish that has long been a hallmark of the Regal Boats brand. Rubrails, grabrails, cleats and fasteners boast the reassuring solidity of stainless steel, while deck surfaces feature non-skid MarineTred with a non-slip Seagrass or a FlexiTeek sole for a sense of sure-footedness as guests move across the yacht. Stylish deluxe seating, meanwhile, presents a cool and seductive place to relax that is lined in sedate Hitch tan or sandy River Rock upholstery with a pleasing, diamond-stitched finish. A transom sofa faces a twin seat just aft of the twin helm bench, while a port-side chaise-longue with an angular backrest provides the perfect place to take it easy and leaf through your favorite page-turner. Cup-holders are so intuitively placed across the deck that it seems you are never more than an arm’s length away from a chilled drink, while an aft wet-bar features a sink and a 25-quart Igloo cooler. Were it not for the soft stirring of the engines or the gentle sound of wavelets lapping at the hull-sides, you could almost imagine yourself at an opulent, beach-side terrace in Boca Raton while soaking up the rays out here.

Guests who wish to stay active, meanwhile, will enjoy hidden, under-seat storage for sporting gear as well as a transom locker that can keep your scuba and diving gear secure. Should the weather take a turn for the worse, however, then the Power Tower overhead contains a waterproof cover for the entire cockpit that can be assembled in a matter of moments. No mere ornament, the tower also functions as a towbar, as this Regal yacht is small enough to be trailered overland for cruising across hard-to-reach lakes and rivers. And if you need to fit this vessel under bridges the Tower can be lowered to reduce the vessel’s overall height.

As the day drifts into twilight and other boats head back to the marina, you’ll be staying out all night enjoying memorable meals with family or friends under a starlit sky. That’s because unlike those other boats, this yacht furnishes guests with overnight sleeping space for up to four across a lower-deck with an at-home feel. Full of character, this climate-controlled space is lined in authentic coastal driftwood to enhance the maritime feel, while a pale toasted oak sole, atmospheric horizontal strip glazing built into the hull and a trio of skylights keep the vibe breezy and open. A single-zone electric hob and a full-size microwave oven are on hand in a galley that also features Corian surfaces, hand-crafted storage, a sink and a fridge to keep guests well-fed with warm meals, while a V-shaped sofa with a teak-topped table up by the bow can be used for morning briefings and sociable breakfasts alike. This sofa can be easily turned into a bed for two, while a queen berth is artfully positioned just aft of the steps. A best-in-class head, meanwhile, keeps guests feeling refreshed thanks to a mirrored medicine cabinet, cherry-lined surfaces, a dedicated shower fixture and a toilet with overboard discharge.