British yard Sunseeker has revealed that first prototype of its new performance day boat the Hawk 38 has undertaken sea trials.

The 11.85 metre boat, which sees the yard "return to its performance roots", racked up a top speed of 68.7 knots in the waters of Lake Como. Further testing will now take place in the UK.

The boat, which was designed in collaboration with Fabio Buzzi Design, reached the top speed with Buzzi himself at the helm.

Speed estimates for the finished boat furnished with a carbon fibre roof, deck mouldings and fittings are set at 62-63 knots.

Speaking about the sea trials, Sunseeker chief executive Christian Marti said: "Extensive testing is now underway on the Hawk 38 prototype and we are thrilled with the results achieved during this initial period."

He added: "Performance racing boats are in the brand’s DNA and the Hawk 38 is our most technologically advanced performance boat ever - these results prove that we are the technical experts in this field.”

The high-performance model is powered by twin Mercury R400 outboard engines. A number of other outboard engine options are also available.

The Hawk 38's “searing performance" will ensure "it’s always the first to the best anchorage or beach restaurant,” the yard said.

Sunseeker described the Hawk 38 as the “ultimate superyacht chase boat”, whose "patented structural foam hull" and "anti-dive bow" makes it "unsinkable".

The Hawk 38 is available in a number of paint finishes and upholstery meaning that no two boats are ever likely to be the same, Sunseeker said.

Key on deck features include a foredeck fitted with a sunbathing pad and optional foredeck sail canopy, aft facing U-shaped seating arranged around a central table and a centrally located helm station.

Inside, the boat features a toilet beneath the helm, while there is space for two drawer fridges beneath the triple bench stern seats. The yacht will also feature aft facing swim speakers and stainless-steel grills.

Speaking about the new model, Marti previously said: “Now is the perfect time for a high-performance day boat designed, engineered and built to exacting standards; the all-new Hawk 38 will deliver an experience like nothing else in the market.”