One of the most visually striking boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival this year was the Fjord 48 Open. The flagship of the German-built Fjord series, the Patrick Banfield design retains the same wave-cutting, seaworthy hull; minimalist profile; and open transom of its smaller siblings. But the new 48 also takes the Fjord brand a step forward with features typical of larger yachts, such as a tender garage hidden under the cockpit seating and joystick controls on the all-glass Volvo bridge.

The 48 Open coul…