The Wajer 77 is a miniature superyacht worthy of a champion, much more than just a chic day boat. At the wheel, Risa Merl gets her kicks.

I board a sleek Wajer boat on a stunningly blue-sky day in the South of France. But it’s not the one I came to see; it’s only a tender to take me to the Dutch builder’s new flagship, which is anchored some way off shore. At a length of 23.5 meters, the 77 is the largest Wajer to date. She straddles the line between large dayboat and tiny superyacht, which was her builder’s objective.

“It’s Dutch superyacht quality but in a 77ft boat that can be owner operated,” says Dries Wajer, general director of Wajer Yachts. Hull No. 1, Picolette, is for a recurring customer who previously owned a 38 and a 55.