China

Penglai

When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 130 sailing yacht designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel/Pugh</a> for Pierluigi Loro Piana, was irretrievably damaged in a shipping accident in 2019, many wondered what would be the veteran sailor’s next move. Most people thought he would build another custom sailing yacht, but what he actually did was go out and refit an explorer vessel.&nbsp;“I’ve known Pierluigi for over 40 years and we’ve designed several sailing yachts and chase boats for him,” says Mario Pedol of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>. “After the unfortunate loss of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a>, we worked for half a year on a 57-metre concept for a new expedition yacht, but that would have taken too long from concept to completion. So the project was put on hold and the search began for a second-hand motor yacht capable of voyaging round the world with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> acting as the buyer’s broker. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202177/image/large-86587c5b1f2608d52c3bc9f541fd718f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202177">The choice of a motor yacht was based on the owner’s changing priorities. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> was a racer-cruiser and Loro Piana still enjoys competitive racing, but there is no doubt that a motor yacht offers more cruising comfort. An expedition yacht for cruising and a Maxi sailing yacht designed specifically for racing would provide the best of both worlds.&nbsp;<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="51m superyacht Masquenada completes refit at Lusben (2021-06-25 17:30:00 +0200)">51m superyacht Masquenada completes refit at Lusben</a></li></ul>Pedol tracked down 51-metre Aspire, an all-steel explorer launched as 45-metre Etra by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1094" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Penglai (Company)">Penglai</a> shipyard in China in 2006. Solidly built with ocean-going range, her specifications suited Loro Piana’s plans to tour the world with his family. Negotiations to buy the yacht began in the summer of 2020 and she arrived at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> shipyard in Livorno the following October. Having already worked on the yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> was ideally placed to meet the tight refit schedule and she was relaunched just nine months later as 51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>.&nbsp;On main deck the biggest and most obvious intervention requested by the owner is the redesign of the aft deck. The stern had already been extended during a previous refit, but Loro Piana wanted a terraced aft deck and an open transom with a transformer-style beach platform for easier access to the sea. A major job was removing the old deck crane and replacing it with a custom-built, 7.5-tonne capacity knuckleboom crane that folds away out of sight into a compartment below deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202175/image/large-d3c1055418ac6538e95e4b498636b0b0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202175">The crane hangar required replacing the aftmost hull block with a new 10-tonne section and naval architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2051" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NAMES by Francesco Rogantin (Company)">Francesco Rogantin</a> was engaged to reconfigure the underwater lines. The pulpit, bulwarks and stanchions were redesigned to allow for heli operations. The starboard access to the engine room is also new, as are the ventilation shafts with integrated chaise longues.&nbsp;With space for two or more tenders, including an amphibious Iguana, when the tenders and toys are in the water the flush aft deck provides an enormous lounging or party space. Boarding gangways on both sides are height-adjustable depending on whether a tender or the Maxi Dolphin–<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> chase boat is docking alongside.Another structural modification was lengthening the aft overhangs of the upper and bridge decks by 1.5 metres to provide more open-air deck space and more shade underneath. On the bridge deck this means there is now room for two Melges sailing dinghies to be stowed away in a covered bay that doubles as a sunbed, as well as some gym equipment. The upper deck aft is set up for al fresco dining and lounging. The top deck serves as an observation platform with a fitted BBQ-galley unit. The longer decks further lend the yacht a sleeker and more balanced profile.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199409/image/large-63af7a3df97d7ed4157a100babcffa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199409">Accommodation comprises two suites on the lower deck, three on main deck and a master stateroom on the upper deck forward overlooking the mooring station in the bow for a total of 12 guests including the owner. The bulwarks flanking the owner’s lounge on the upper deck have been cut down to offer better sea views and the voids fitted with teak-clad aluminium louvres controlled by electric motors for extra shade or privacy when moored in the marina.The sophisticated interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Interiors (Misa Poggi) (Company)">Misa Poggi</a>is based on contrasting dark and light wood joinery combined with saddle-stitched leather and brushed bronze accents. The overall ambience is warmly refined but also casually welcoming with parchment, bamboo and woven finishes adding an exotic touch.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202176/image/large-ae6f3677fd813c215f6e3f8be1e545d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202176">The lower deck crew quarters are surprisingly spacious. Services include a dedicated crew galley in addition to the pro-spec galley on main deck, cold and dry storage rooms, and a good-sized laundry in the forepeak.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> now has new electric steering with independent rudders as the crane compartment meant that the old connecting bar between the two rudders had to come out. The original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> 3508 engines only had 5,000 hours on them, but they have been thoroughly serviced and a new exhaust system fitted. Noise attenuation was a priority for the owner, so the brand new three Kohler generators are housed in sound-proof boxes and double mounted vibration dampers with structural reinforcements to avoid noise transmission through the hull. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202178/image/large-bab334390b8e7e01a920f06f37c4b139.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202178">“I wanted to keep things as ship-like as possible in the wheelhouse,” says Clinton White, the former captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> who is commanding his first motor yacht after more than 30 years of skippering large sailboats. “We installed an ECDIS [Electronic Chart Display and Information System] unit to replace paper charts, but other navigational equipment has mostly been upgraded or refurbished rather than replaced. The idea is have simple, fail-safe systems so the boat can be enjoyed rather than spending all your time maintaining or repairing it.”Looking resplendent at her June launch in a new light and dark grey paint scheme, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> has already departed for the Greek islands on her first Mediterranean cruise. The yacht will return to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> yard for warranty work at the end of September, after which the plan is that she will set off bound for the Turks and Caicos, Cuba and the Panama Canal at the start of a three-year voyage that will take her around the world.

51m explorer yacht Masquenada

SuperYacht Times went aboard the newly refitted Masquenada just before she set off on her first summer cruise in the Med.

First Look: 51m explorer yacht Masquenada

The 51-metre explorer superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>, previously known as Aspire, has completed an extensive, 9-month long refit at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben Shipyard</a> in Livorno, Italy, following her recent sale to Pier Luigi Loro Piana.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199408/image/large-ec0fd3874d6fb77a7fda184cafe24252.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199408">Her refit includes an extension to her stern block designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>, as well as the complete renovation of her interior, and a fresh exterior hull paint job. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Interiors (Misa Poggi) (Company)">Pier Luigi Loro Piana</a> spoke at the relaunch, stating, “The most important element of this entire project was time. Time is the most essential factor for an owner and I am enormously satisfied with the capacity of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> shipyard which, together with all the collaborators, managed to complete this incredible transformation in just a few months.  Now, the project for the immediate future is to embark with my family and sail around the world.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199407/image/large-4fe6b6b5bd6d2fc245518fbbcb643b21.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199407">In addition to the extension, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> removed the deck crane, and installed a new crane below deck in the lazarette, and this has freed up an expansive area on the main deck. The Jacuzzi has been removed from the sun deck, and has been replaced with an outdoor cooking station.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199409/image/large-63af7a3df97d7ed4157a100babcffa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199409"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> was originally built and launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1094" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Penglai (Company)">Penglai</a> in 2006 as the 45-metre Etra, having gained a 6-metre extension during an extensive refit in 2018. During this refit, a new swimming platform was also added. She features an original exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Fin Yachts srl (Company)">Blue Fin Yachts</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199410/image/large-1d6068ad5bf57f4a507f8e6b57af0f17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199410">Her original interior comes from the drawing boards of Italian designer, Andrea Pezzini, owner and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Floating Life Charter & Brokerage Ltd (Company)">Floating Life</a>, and have now been updated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Interiors (Misa Poggi) (Company)">Misa Poggi</a>, and saw a reorganisation of the interior arrangement. In addition, the furnishings have been updated, as have the ceilings and floors.&nbsp;The explorer yacht is constructed with both a steel hull and superstructure. Performance-wise, Aspire can reach a top speed of 14.4 knots with a cruising speed of 13 knots. She has a range of 4,500 nautical miles and is operated by a crew of nine.Mario Pedol of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a> commented, “We are particularly proud of this project that we were lucky enough to follow from the beginning, alongside the owner. The profile of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> is now much more sleek and elegant and, in redesigning the stern block, we have managed to improve the contact with the water and the liveability of this area, now transformed into a “pieds dans l’eau.” In addition to the aesthetic and architectural changes, many of her mechanical systems have been updated and refurbished.

51m superyacht Masquenada completes extensive refit

The 51m Penglai superyacht Aspire has just completed an extensive refit at Lusben Shipyard and is renamed Masquenada.


51m superyacht Masquenada completes refit at Lusben

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134842/image/large-a0e357bf3a2ef2bf0aa0fb8bb875fdea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134842">Superyacht Etra in Viareggio The 45.50 metre luxury expedition yacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798">Etra</a> seen here in Viareggio in March 2011. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798">Etra</a> was originally built by the Chinese Penglai shipyard in 2007 and she has recently been refitted by the Lusben shipyard. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798">Etra</a> accomodates 12 guests in 6 cabins and 9 crew members in 5 cabins. On the main deck there are 5 guest suites, the dining room and a combined living room and bar area. On the upper deck there is the owner’s suite and a big saloon.By Merijn de Waard

Luxury expedition yacht Etra in Viareggio

At the beginning of November 2004, Floating Life started the construction of a 45-metre expedition yacht in China. The vessel has been launched during a local event in August 2006 and soon she will make her public appearance in Europe.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123548/image/large-c45f28e6cbad18c595fc636568fa67d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123548">This yacht is an important example of a new construction yacht in China made by an European Company. The vessel, built in a shipyard located in the North of the Country, has been produced by high qualified skilled Chinese labour. Raw materials and furnishing all come from China. The styling, design and the project, are conceived in Italy, totally custom-made.The specifications of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Etra</a> confirm the high standing value of her construction. A length overall of 45.5 meter, 100 m³ fuel capacity, 15 m³ water capacity. A cruising speed of 13 knots with a range of approx 4200 nm. Twin Caterpillar engines of 758 Kw and 2 main diesel generators of 150 Kw each and 1 night diesel generator of 50 Kw. Special attention has been paid to avoid any vibration or noise (the boat follows the IMO resolution A468(XII)).<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123549/image/large-9093b8a80f42e13fe11d53a2b87c1865.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123549">The vessel accommodates 12 guests in 6 cabins and 9 crew members in 5 cabins. On the main deck there are 5 guest suites, the dining room and a combined living room and bar area. On the superior deck there is the owner’s suite and a big salon.On the lower deck there 4 crew cabins with private bathrooms and a captain’s cabin on the wheelhouse deck.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123550/image/large-69244701cd3a366827f971b7af2ffdb7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123550">Thanks to the knowledge acquired during the design and the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Etra</a>, the Floating Life Shanghai headquarter can manage the production of new completely custom-made yachts in China.