Finland

Isola Corvus Ltd.

Designing a superyacht that challenges industry norms requires not just creativity, but also a deep understanding of the market. This is precisely the approach taken by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a>, when they conceived the idea for the Velarca 135—a 41-metre yacht that merges the allure of motor yachts with the elegance and sustainability of sailing yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/326252/image/large-c00ed26e9e250bf40ef13dc2fe07429a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/326252">SuperYacht Times sat down with founder Sami Lehtonen and Jarkko Härmälä of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> to find out more about the inspiration behind the Velarca 135 sailing yacht concept and the future plans for the company.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216497/image/large-3d9dd95f0c4dd4f965ac0f5c0ea44a80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216497">The Velarca 135 yacht was first unveiled in 2022 as a sailing yacht that combines luxury with style and most importantly, takes into account the growing demand for sustainable yachting. Reflecting on the origins of the Velarca 135 concept, Sami revealed that the idea emerged on a sunny day in August 2021 in Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto Park. Accompanied by an advertising agency and several bottles of champagne, the team were spurred by a bold vision. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242232/image/large-8fd4ddc1c0153b0949334960523201b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242232">“We knew that motor yachts dominate the superyacht market with over 90 percent market share, which also means they produce most of the greenhouse gas emissions. So, we decided there and then to start selling sailing yachts to the motor yacht clientele,” Sami explained. This marked not only the birth of Velarca 135 but also the formation of a business model that would allow <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> to enter the superyacht market, without a designer or shipyard already in place.One of the cornerstones of the Velarca 135 design is sustainability, a principle that Sami was determined to uphold without compromising on luxury. “Sustainability is a tricky word,” elaborated Sami. “Many luxury products have a longer lifespan because they are valuable, beautiful, and timeless. This longevity contributes to true sustainability.” He pointed out that while well-built sailing yachts already have low emissions, the motor yacht segment presents an opportunity for significant improvement. “We believe that longer lifespans combined with reduced emissions provide a solid foundation for improved sustainability.”&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus on the inspiration behind its 41m sailing yacht concept Velarca 135 (2022-09-23 10:00:00 +0200)">Isola Corvus on the inspiration behind its 41m sailing yacht concept Velarca 135</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242234/image/large-51b335bc454fd0d4239d88589eae3888.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242234">Merging motor yacht features with sailing yacht designThe Velarca 135 is not just a sailing yacht; it’s a hybrid that incorporates key features typically found on motor yachts, such as an expansive beach club and a streamlined profile. When asked about the design process, Sami recounted the strategic decisions that guided the yacht’s development. “We consulted well-known yacht brokers in the Mediterranean to understand what their customers prefer in terms of yacht size and amenities. We also prioritised safety and simplicity, ensuring that even a less experienced crew could manage the yacht with ease.” The design was then handed over to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs</a>, who were given full artistic freedom. “In my opinion, the result was not only quite clever and practical, but also very pretty,” Sami added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216494/image/large-d23ae9f9a161e73b660e7a5c5bafcac6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216494">The Isola Corvus vision and challengesAs a relatively new player in the superyacht industry, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> brings a fresh perspective, heavily influenced by Sami’s background in offshore racing. “We dared to do what we wanted without asking too many questions,” Sami explained, reflecting on the fearless approach that has driven the company forward. One significant innovation influenced by Sami’s racing experience was the rig design. “I was never a fan of the Chinese gybes, as the boom had the potential to cause damage or injury by slamming from side to side when jibing; so I wanted to eliminate the risks of this happening completely. The Velarca rig is simply a boomless, rope free, two masted solution, with two rolling and self-tacking jibs on each mast and a third jib in an inverted position between the two masts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216499/image/large-e6b6b2919ec59af2b44f6642ef4ec58f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216499">Despite their innovative spirit, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “We didn’t have a designer or shipyard partner in the beginning, both of which are must-haves to even launch a design,” Sami admitted. However, a fortunate connection with Finnish superyacht hydraulics entrepreneur Nadine Proctor opened doors, leading to a partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs</a>. “By January 2022, the design was ready to launch,” Sami recalled. The next challenge was finding a suitable shipyard, a process that ultimately led them to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Knierim Yachtbau (Company)">Knierim Yachtbau</a> in Germany, known for their expertise in building lightweight sailing yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216493/image/large-b5f0be620cd828b3d8d58c4e1938e36a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216493">“Velarca is structurally more challenging to build than a motor yacht, so the shipyard must have experience in building demanding lightweight sailing yacht designs,” Sami explained. He also highlighted Knierim’s involvement in the wind power industry as an added benefit that aligns with their sustainability goals.&nbsp;However, marketing a yacht that blurs the lines between motor yachts and sailing yachts presents its own set of challenges. Sami remains optimistic that the industry will eventually create a new category for such crossover yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216498/image/large-29b199b0e1cba3a4051ab412d7aadfa4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216498">The future of sailingLooking ahead, Sami sees potential for the superyacht industry to follow the commercial shipping sector’s lead in adopting sail-assisted designs and alternative fuels like methanol. “The commercial sector can’t afford to over-engineer but seeks straightforward solutions to bring down emissions. The superyacht sector, however, seems more willing to experiment with alternative fuels,” Sami observed. He believes that the industry will eventually recognise the value of sailing and sail-assisted designs as viable solutions for reducing emissions.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> is already planning its next project, though details remain tightly under wraps. “Offering something different is paramount to us because we are still far from being a household name in this industry. Whatever we bring to the market must have as big a wow effect as possible.”As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> moves forward, it’s clear that they are not just building yachts—they’re redefining the possibilities within the superyacht industry, one innovative design at a time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216496/image/large-bb4330af290da5a641aa42e67a6508a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216496">

Velarca 135: Bridging the gap between motor yachts and sailing yachts

SYT finds out more about the inspiration behind the Velarca 135 sailing yacht concept by Isola Corvus.

Finnish based superyacht company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> has announced its new partnerships in sales and manufacturing. This strategic regrouping aims to expand the company’s international presence and drive sales for their innovative Velarca sailing yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216497/image/large-3d9dd95f0c4dd4f965ac0f5c0ea44a80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216497"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> has unveiled its partnership with Swiss yacht brokerage house, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>. Thomas Merlier and Lukas Stratmann are set to act as Central Agency Consultants for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216496/image/large-bb4330af290da5a641aa42e67a6508a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216496">Notably, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> has also announced its alliance with the distinguished shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Knierim Yachtbau (Company)">Knierim Yachtbau GmbH</a>, a partnership that promises to strengthen <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus’s</a> craftsmanship. In addition, the superyacht company plans to continue its alliance with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs GmbH</a>, who currently acts as the lead naval architect and designer for the highly anticipated Velarca 135 sailing yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242233/image/large-178cd60688d44ab3a88ff27e66bd4e38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242233">This recently expanded organisation promises to immensely improve <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus’s</a> customer service while boosting sales for the Velarca project. The sailing yacht showcases motor yacht-inspired design details, two spacious decks, and a fully automated rig. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216498/image/large-29b199b0e1cba3a4051ab412d7aadfa4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216498">CEO of the Finnish-based company Sami Lehtonen has expressed his undoubted confidence in the new collaborations.

Isola Corvus announces new partnerships

Isola Corvus unveils its ever-expanding organisation, revealing news of their brand new partnerships in sales and manufacturing.

Isola Corvus announces new partnerships in sales and manufacturing

Designing a superyacht often starts with a clear vision and a unique idea that will change the industry. The founders of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a>, Sami Lehtonen and Sanna-Kaisa Koivisto, know this all too well – offshore racing partners, innovators and entrepreneurs, the duo had something more than just a love for the sea; a desire to make a mark in the sailing industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216497/image/large-3d9dd95f0c4dd4f965ac0f5c0ea44a80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216497">The unlikely partnership started as the two sailors had spent time together at sea in all types of conditions, as part of the same offshore racing team in Finland. A few months later, Sami phoned Sanna-Kaisa with an idea to design their own yacht through their shared passion of changing the market and making a difference.Through intense market research they found that 90 percent of the market is for motor yachts, but there was room for a specific kind of sailing yacht that would target both the sailing and motor sector. “We wanted to bring a better, more environmentally friendly alternative to the yacht market, in order for us to make sure the next generations get to experience and enjoy the wonders of the seas as well,” said Sami Lehtonen.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242234/image/large-51b335bc454fd0d4239d88589eae3888.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242234">The result was the 41-metre sailing yacht Velarca 135 that combines luxury with style and most importantly, takes into account the growing demand on sustainability. “We contacted the German superyacht designers <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs</a> and pitched the idea of creating something radically new for the market, and they were keen to get involved,” said Sami.&nbsp;When the idea was first introduced, Immo Lüdeling and Tim Ulrich of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs</a> started sketching almost immediately with a design that would focus on the reduction of emissions, while increasing sustainability. “We saw that no one had achieved this before, and we knew that we had to be the ones to make that change,” comments Sanna-Kaisa Koivisto. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216496/image/large-bb4330af290da5a641aa42e67a6508a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216496">It was crucial that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> created something new, “being different is the key, you don't need to fight against the giants to be successful,” remarks Sami. “We wanted to be the forerunners for the industry and create a yacht that people can enjoy on the waters in a more eco-friendly way” added Sanna-Kaisa.Unlike conventional sailing yachts, Velarca 135 offers two decks and is aimed at owners who are traditionally interested in motor yachts. Even though the nature of Velarca is clearly a cruising yacht, the hull shape, keel and the rudder are the latest available technology from offshore racing circuits.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216498/image/large-29b199b0e1cba3a4051ab412d7aadfa4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216498">The sailing yacht concept Velarca 135 also draws upon some key features that are usually only seen on motor yachts. Velarca 135 has a streamlined, motor yacht like profile featuring a very large beach club at the stern, something that is rarely seen on sailing yachts. “We wanted her to have this feature as it targets the motor yacht clientele and offers something different to the sailing sector of the market,” Sami points out.&nbsp;The expansive beach club provides a stylish lounge area as well as a very large swim platform with additional space for living and entertaining. The area also includes a central Jacuzzi to expand her outdoor facilities. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216493/image/large-b5f0be620cd828b3d8d58c4e1938e36a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216493">When underway the yacht's tender can be stored on the swim platform, while additional tenders and toys can be stored on the foredeck. Designed for families, the team has added a lift to the front bulkhead of the beach club, making it easy and safe to access all decks, even for those with disabilities.Velarca 135 also has a completely new kind of rig with three self-tacking and hydraulically furling jibs. The result is a rope free rig that doesn’t require a large crew to operate and reduces the risks associated with high loads on the sheets. “Her decks are safer, simpler and allow for someone with little or no experience to easily manage her,” adds Sami.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216499/image/large-e6b6b2919ec59af2b44f6642ef4ec58f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216499">The team has also made sure that Velarca 135 has a low centre of gravity “when we spoke to motor yacht owners, one of the main goals was to make sure that she doesn’t heel too much,” notes Sanna-Kaisa. The result is a yacht that is easy to live onboard and offers a solid sailing experience. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242232/image/large-8fd4ddc1c0153b0949334960523201b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242232">Internally she is able to accommodate as many as 12 guests in one configuration, while another deluxe option allows for a large owner’s suite and four additional staterooms, accommodating as many as 10 guests in total. Velarca 135 is also able to host a crew of nine in cabins situated on the lower decks, where there is a large utility room, including a washer, dryer and dumbwaiter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216494/image/large-d23ae9f9a161e73b660e7a5c5bafcac6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216494"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> is currently in talks with shipyards regarding the production of the sailing yacht Velarca 135 and are keen to make the concept a reality. “We are happy with the progress we have made with the project and we are looking forward to making it across the finish line and into production” adds Sanna-Kaisa. “We have a lot of ambition and we want to change the industry by making this possible. We want to inspire others and let them know that, when you have a good idea and great partners, you can achieve anything.”

Isola Corvus yacht concept Velarca 135

Founders of Isola Corvus talk about the inspiration behind their 41m sailing yacht Velarca 135.

Isola Corvus on the inspiration behind its 41m sailing yacht concept Velarca 135

The newly formed superyacht design firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6600" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Isola Corvus Ltd. (Company)">Isola Corvus</a> has teamed up with German superyacht designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs</a> to unveil the 41-metre concept sailing yacht&nbsp;Velarca 135. With a design focused on the significant reduction of emissions and to increase sustainability in yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216497/image/large-3d9dd95f0c4dd4f965ac0f5c0ea44a80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216497"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216496/image/large-bb4330af290da5a641aa42e67a6508a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216496">Focused on owners that are traditionally interested in motor yachts, the yacht has been designed with features usually reserved for motor, rather than sailing, yachts. One such design feature is the expansive beach club, with mirrored lounges on either side and sliding doors opening to a indoor-outdoor living area with a central Jacuzzi.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216495/image/large-9c08367606f4975b7833e042a1607d15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216495"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216493/image/large-b5f0be620cd828b3d8d58c4e1938e36a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216493">When underway the yacht's tender can be stored on the swim platform, while additional tenders and toys can be stored on the foredeck. Designed for families, the team has added a lift to the front bulkhead of the beach club, making it easy and safe to access all decks, even for those who with disabilities. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216494/image/large-d23ae9f9a161e73b660e7a5c5bafcac6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216494">In addition to the various innovations in the yachts arrangement, her rig has also been specially designed to accommodate less experienced owners. The yacht features three self-tacking and hydraulically furling jib sails that can be released or furled with the press of a button in upper deck cockpit. To further increase safety, all lines have been placed on the mast to free the deck of ropes and winches, this also allows for more open space for sofas and sunbathing areas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216498/image/large-29b199b0e1cba3a4051ab412d7aadfa4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216498">Internally she is able to accommodate as many as 12 guests in one configuration, while another option is to have a large owner's suite with an additional four cabins, accommodating as many as 10 guests in total. Nine crew are also accommodated in cabins situated on the lower decks, where the is a large utility room, including a washer dryer and dumbwaiter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216500/image/large-53f26684ba17db8f893499586d52a3a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216500">The yacht also comes with three different options for the intended use of the vessel, with the options of a fixed keel offering high performance, and a keel designed for cruising.

41m sailing yacht Velarca 135 concept

The newly formed Isola Corvus and Beiderbeck Designs unveil 41m yacht Velarca 135.