The Fairline Targa 12m is the British sportscruiser answer to Marbella's flat morning seas: 12 metres of hardtop hull, up to 10 guests, and a 22-26 knot cruise that turns the Puerto Banús-to-Estepona coast into an easy half-day. This guide covers what the boat actually is, what the day looks like, what's included, and how to book without surprises.
Why the Fairline Targa 12m suits Marbella
Fairline has been building boats in Oundle, England since 1963, and the Targa line is its sport-cruiser flagship — hardtop, planing hull, saloon-grade comfort. That combination matters on the Costa del Sol because mornings here are typically glassy and afternoons pick up a westerly chop. A deep-V 12m hull eats both: you get a fast, dry run out to Estepona and a stable platform when you swing the bow round and anchor up at Río Verde for a swim.
The hardtop is the underrated feature. On a 30°C July afternoon, shade is not optional — and unlike open speedboats, the Targa keeps the saloon, helm and half the cockpit covered while still feeling open. For our full Puerto Banús lineup see the fleet hub.
Specs at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 12 m |
| Guest capacity | 10 |
| Crew | Licensed skipper included |
| Cruise speed | 22-26 kts |
| Departure berth | Puerto Banús |
| Best for | Families, small celebrations, half-day coast runs |
What a day on the Targa 12m actually looks like
The classic booking is a 4-hour slot starting at 10:00 or 14:00. You arrive 15 minutes early, get a 5-minute safety brief at the berth, and slip the lines. The skipper plans the route with you in advance over WhatsApp, but a typical day from Puerto Banús runs east along the Golden Mile for villa-spotting photos, then drops anchor at Río Verde for 45 minutes of swimming, paddleboarding and cava. After that you cruise on to Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés for a quieter second stop before turning home.
If you book the 8-hour day, the natural extension is west to Estepona's old town for a lunch ashore, with stops at Cala Sardina on the way back. The Targa's range makes that round trip comfortable — you're not nursing fuel.
What's included in the price
Every charter on our Puerto Banús fleet — Fairline Targa 12m included — comes with the same all-in package, so you're not topping up at the berth:
- Licensed Spanish skipper at the helm all day
- Fuel for the planned route (no surcharge for going further if conditions allow)
- Drinks package: still and sparkling water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava
- Light snacks — fruit, crisps, olives, jamón nibbles
- Insurance and full safety equipment
- 21% Spanish IVA, already in the quote
What's not included: proper lunch (we recommend a dock-and-dine stop), jet ski add-ons, and tips to the skipper if you'd like to leave one. For larger-boat options with jet skis built in, see the Mangusta 80 page.
Pricing — how we quote the Targa 12m
The Fairline Targa 12m is priced on request rather than listed flat. The honest reason: charter rates here move 15-30% between off-peak (April, May, October) and August peak, and a sunset slot is priced differently from a full midday day. When you WhatsApp us with your date, duration and guest count, we reply with a single all-in number — and the inclusions above are baked in, not bolted on.
For reference, our entry-tier Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 sit at €749 for 2h and €2,299 for a full 8h, and the Targa 12m slots above them in pricing without crossing into Mangusta-class territory (€4,719 minimum 4h on the Mangusta 80).
Who the Targa 12m is — and isn't — for
This boat is built for groups of 6-8 adults who want speed, shade and a proper saloon without paying superyacht money. Families with school-age kids love it: the hardtop shade, wide bathing platform and wraparound cockpit make a long day workable rather than punishing. Couples celebrating a milestone often book the 4-hour sunset slot — Puerto Banús to Marbella Marina and back as the light drops behind La Concha.
It's not the right pick if you want a pure speedboat thrill (look at the Dubhe instead), or if you're 12 people who want sleeping cabins for a multi-day trip — at that point step up to the Ferretti 94 or Canados 86.
Sea conditions and what to wear
Marbella's sailing season runs April to November. Sea temperatures average 19°C in May, climb to 23-24°C in July-August, and ease back to 21°C in October. Winds on a typical summer morning sit at 5-8 knots, building to 10-15 in the afternoon as the Levante or Poniente settles in — the Targa handles either comfortably at cruise speed.
What to bring: swimwear, towel (we have spares but bring your own), reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), a light layer for the run home, and soft-soled shoes or barefoot. Leave heels and dark-soled trainers on the dock — they mark the teak.
How to book the Fairline Targa 12m
Booking is short and human. Message us on WhatsApp with date, duration (2h, 4h or 8h), guest count and any special requests — birthday cake, paddleboard, particular anchorage. We reply with live availability and the all-in quote, usually within an hour. A deposit holds the slot; the balance is due at the berth on the day. Cancellations more than 7 days out are refundable minus the card processing fee. For other half-day options on the same dock, browse the full Puerto Banús fleet.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can the Fairline Targa 12m carry in Marbella?
The Fairline Targa 12m is licensed for 10 guests plus the skipper. In practice the boat is most comfortable with 6-8 adults: that gives everyone a sunpad or cockpit seat without queueing for the bathing ladder. For 10 pax we recommend splitting the day between sun deck and saloon to keep flow comfortable, especially with kids on board.
How much does it cost to charter the Fairline Targa 12m from Puerto Banús?
Pricing on the Fairline Targa 12m is quoted on request via WhatsApp rather than fixed online. Rates depend on charter length (4h or 8h are most popular), season — July-August carries a premium — and whether you want a sunset slot. Every quote already includes the licensed skipper, fuel, drinks package, light snacks, insurance and 21% Spanish IVA, so the number you see is what you pay.
Where does the Fairline Targa 12m depart from?
All Fairline Targa 12m charters depart from Puerto Banús marina, the same berth used by our wider Marbella fleet. Puerto Banús sits roughly 7km west of Marbella centre and is the natural launching point for the Golden Mile, Río Verde anchorage and Estepona-direction coves. Guests typically arrive 15 minutes before slot start for a quick safety briefing.
What is the Fairline Targa 12m actually like to drive?
The Targa range is Fairline's sport-cruiser line, designed for confident planing performance with the saloon comforts of a flybridge boat shrunk into a sleeker hardtop. Expect a 22-26 knot cruise in flat water, responsive helm thanks to deep-V hull geometry, and noticeably less roll at anchor than open-cockpit speedboats. The skipper drives — but you can ask for a feel of the wheel in calm water.
Is the Fairline Targa 12m a good choice for families with kids?
Yes, particularly for families with school-age children. The hardtop gives proper shade on 30°C summer days, the bathing platform is wide enough for confident ladder use, and the cockpit seating wraps around so kids stay visible. We can preload extra towels, request a paddleboard add-on, and route to calmer anchorages like Río Verde for first-time sailors. Mention ages when you message us.
What's the best 4-hour route on the Fairline Targa 12m?
The classic 4-hour run leaves Puerto Banús, tracks east past the Golden Mile for the villa-spotting photos, drops anchor at Río Verde for a 45-minute swim and snacks, then continues to Cala del Faro for a second, quieter stop. You return to berth with about 30 minutes of cruise time spare — enough to enjoy a final drink underway rather than rushing the swim.
When is the best month to book the Fairline Targa 12m?
June and September are the sweet spot: sea temps sit at 21-23°C, winds are typically below 12 knots, and pricing eases versus the August peak. July and August deliver the warmest water (up to 24°C) but berths book out 2-3 weeks ahead. May and October are quieter and cheaper but bring a wetsuit-optional vibe for swimming — the boat itself runs comfortably April through November.
How do I confirm a Fairline Targa 12m booking?
Message us on WhatsApp with your preferred date, duration (4h or 8h), guest count and approximate start time. We reply with live availability and a final quote, usually within the hour during Marbella business times. A deposit secures the slot; the balance is due on the day at the berth. Cancellations more than 7 days out are refundable minus the card fee.