<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54941" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="How Hong Kong could ignite a yachting boom in China (2022-04-12 14:00:00 +0200)">In April 2022, we published an article</a> discussing the potential of the Asia-Pacific region for the superyacht sector, and in June we reported a surge in the 24 metre-plus market in Southern Asia. With local yacht owners on the rise and an increase in inbound brokerage following the Covid-19 pandemic, the eyes of the industry had certainly begun to turn their attention to the region, with a number of brokerage houses, such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>, opening new offices in Asia to serve the upsurge of new local clients. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284216/image/large-19bfd3aa667459a0e42f62a8ea7460ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284216">In a presentation during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> last year, Dutch yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> indicated that with 357 billionaires in China, 112 in Hong Kong and 54 in Singapore (calculated during a 2022 study), Asia had a huge potential for the market. However, despite the promising outlook, how is the market actually faring today, and what are local experts experiencing on the ground? One brokerage that has been well established within the region is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>, with a team based in Hong Kong. We sat down with Eric Noyel, Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> Asia and Sales Broker Bart Kimman to get their perspective. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306263/image/large-ee8a3fdad87a07567e22d2239e6a5c25.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306263">Eric Noyel: I would summarise the current situation as follows; based on my observations in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, the inbound brokerage (pre-owned) market is very slow at present and nearly at a standstill in China. This is a sign of the market returning to normal after the large increase of sales witnessed during the Covid-19 period.&nbsp;The outbound brokerage (from Asia to the rest of the world) has experienced a good year in 2023 with several large vessels above 35 and up to 65 metres transacting at the beginning of the year. However the market is now losing steam as most of the large brokerage units that were on the markets from Chinese owners have now been sold and exported abroad. The inventory of quality listings is therefore very limited currently.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55141" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Will there be an upsurge of yacht building in China? (2022-05-16 11:00:00 +0200)">Will there be an upsurge of yacht building in China?</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284352/image/large-070a15a6bb599cfedd5341c6ba9be969.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284352">Also noticeable is the fact that a number of Hong Kong superyacht owners have downsized and sold their larger vessels in favour of sub-30 metres, below 150 GT, which are mainly used as day boats. These owners also tend to prefer new or very recently launched vessels. In terms of new-build deliveries, it is clear that the leading brands have been <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a>. Both have seen an important flow of new deliveries in the 24-30 metre segment, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> has been particularly successful with the X 95 across Asia. Phuket remains a large hub for superyachts in the region thanks to the existing infrastructure and on ground support. It is in Phuket that most stationary and visiting superyachts above 40-metres are located.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54941" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="How Hong Kong could ignite a yachting boom in China (2022-04-12 14:00:00 +0200)">How Hong Kong could ignite a yachting boom in China</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/296391/image/large-95d508b324ecd7c318bbff1e2ebdcef8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/296391">Bart Kimman: I agree 100% with Eric's views on the superyacht market in Asia. However, I detect a ground swell post-Covid of boat owners who are looking to buy a 30-metre-plus yacht in the Region. Due to the long delivery lines, superyachts under 10 years of age and indeed cancelled in-build opportunities are attracting interest from buyers in Asia. Also it appears that very large yachts are returning to the region, offering great opportunities for charters in Asia waters. We spotted the 2019, 2,999 GT <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a> of Ao Po Marina in Phuket and we believe she is for charter. In Phuket now, the general consensus is that the market is coming back with new boats and a revitalised charter market that seems to be running longer outside the season.In terms of brands to watch, we have seen that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Shipyard (Company)">Mulder</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> are becoming desirable brands and perceived as upmarket and exclusive, versus the hyper successful Italian and British brands which to an extent are losing exclusivity as a result of their popularity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/298417/image/large-96c95084c55301c4ce80ed32ef591fd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/298417">Eric concludes; The market in Asia is now growing healthily, a number of newcomers have been brought to the sector and enjoyed the yachting lifestyle in recent years. The wealth’s level ensures a large untapped pool of potential owners exists. There is therefore no doubt that the growth is here to stay, and that the pace of this growth will be dictated by the speed at which the infrastructure will allow the industry to grow : berthings capacity, marine related Human Resources educational programs, support capacity such as lifting and repairs facilities.According to <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT IQ</a>, in 2022, the percentage of global yacht ownership held by Asians was at 6.4%, representing a total of 127 yacht owners. The figures for 2023 indicate a stable continuation of this trend.This article is featured in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/issue-48-superyacht-times-newspaper" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 48</a>&nbsp;of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

Market Insight: Is Asia facing a downward turn?

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Hong Kong Gold Coast Yacht & Country Club

Royal Phuket marina

Shanghai, China

Eric Noyel and Bart Kimman of Fraser

The ‘Asia boom’ has been well documented over recent years, but is the growth sustainable? Fraser brokers share their perspective.

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Eric Noyel and Bart Kimman of Fraser Asia

Leona Caanen sat down with Richard Hadida, long-time sailor, owner and chairman of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yachts</a>, who is currently on a 16-month journey to circumnavigate the globe with fellow&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yacht</a>&nbsp;owners.&nbsp;Sailing around the San Blas islands off the coast of Panama is Richard Hadida, a life-long sailor and, since 2018 the owner of the UK-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yachts</a>. Joining Richard in the azure blue waters of Panama are another 23 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> sailing yachts, preparing to cross the Panama Canal and head towards French Polynesia. The reason? The 2026-27 Oyster World Rally.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378811/image/large-09e42b8e3770ce85e64a241b12171e1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378811">The rally around the worldWhat started in 2013, has turned into a well-loved tradition for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yacht</a> owners. Every two years, a group of owners set out to circumnavigate the globe together over the course of 16 months. The only requirement is owning an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yacht</a>. When Richard took over ownership of the shipyard, the rally was well underway: “They were all in New Zealand and didn't know what was happening; they were nervous it was all going to be over.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393554/image/large-a46b63aab5a0e574b8b0b04078059147.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393554">Almost immediately, Richard sent someone out there and said, “Look, you know, we've picked it up. We'll look after you guys. Don't worry. Everything's good.” He kept true to his promise, and, minus a pandemic-related hiccup, the rally has happened every other year. Richard notes that, throughout the past eight years “There's been lots and lots of ups along the way, but my highlight is this rally.”The route is the same each rally, starting in the Antigua harbour, heading south and through the Panama Canal before sailing towards French Polynesia, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, followed by island hopping in Indonesia, around the Cape of Good Hope, before returning to the starting point. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378813/image/large-f6e264dfd96b0c95a19266c04a03c9e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378813">An important distinction is that the rally is not a race. Rather, it is a shared passage around the world that blends exploration with the reassurance of a structured support network. Richard emphasises that the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oysters</a> are well-cared for, “we fly out our best engineers and they fix all the little teething, little snagging issues. We know our own boats, right? We have the designs. We know every single detail.” It’s a sense of service that provides comfort for everyone involved, as well as those at home.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393558/image/large-f6540711463b84f7c7f3daf1d2f48eb0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393558">Partaking in tradition“It’s always been in my mind's eye, partaking in the rally, as something I'd love to do.” Discussing the ideal timeline with his wife, they were considering either 2028 or 2030, “suddenly we were like, why wouldn't we do it now?” Richard shares, “it was like a revelation.” Thus began the preparations for the 2026 rally onboard his <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> 885, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lush27.08m (88'10&quot;)Oyster Yachts2012">Lush</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yachts</a> are built for what Richard describes as ‘blue water’ capability: yachts designed for long distance ocean passage. Construction quality, redundancy in systems and a focus on safety all play a role in enabling owners to undertake global voyages with confidence. Richard’s yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lush27.08m (88'10&quot;)Oyster Yachts2012">Lush</a>, has crossed the Atlantic twenty times, “she’s twelve years old and she’s already circumnavigated once before. You feel the strength and the security when you’re sailing.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393555/image/large-0abb38e810c7944d433ff5b80a391cf3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393555">Yet despite this capability and the trust in the build, each participating yacht and its crew need to undergo a certain level of training. Participants spend up to a year attending seminars and training sessions covering everything from offshore navigation to safety procedures. Survival courses, fire training and life raft drills form part of the preparation, ensuring that every sailor understands how to respond in an emergency.Additionally, weather routing specialists monitor conditions throughout the voyage, advising the fleet and each vessel carries satellite tracking equipment so that the rally organisers can follow the fleet’s progress in real time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396105/image/large-8b5d727cc491eebd0fb5df4f2d7b05e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396105">Slow sailingCircumnavigation can be completed far faster than 16 months. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> World Rally intentionally chooses a slower rhythm. The aim is not simply to cross oceans but to absorb the places along the way. “There’s something about travelling slowly,” Richard notes. “You cover every mile and you feel the world changing around you. The temperature shifts, the time zones change, and you understand exactly where you are.”Weeks have been spent among the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of more than 300 islands, where instead of rushing onward, the fleet lingered for days, exploring remote anchorages and travelling inland to jungle waterfalls between sailing passages.The ability to enjoy such slow travel is thanks to certain luxuries the likes of Starlink, which keep Richard and fellow sailors connected to life back home. While the bulk of time is spent sailing and adventuring with his wife, sons and crew, there’s also the opportunity to take work calls. “It’s extraordinary,” Richard notes, “you can go on an adventure in the middle of the day, come back to the boat, and carry on with work.” True to his word, Richard ends our call to go crocodile-spotting with his youngest son.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393556/image/large-6feb41da1249d7e2cef2c14e05ea49e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393556">Travelling with purposeA newer dimension of the rally is the concept of regenerative tourism, an approach that encourages sailors to leave a positive impact on the destinations they visit. Unlike traditional sustainability initiatives that focus primarily on reducing harm, regenerative tourism seeks to actively improve the environments and communities encountered along the way.&nbsp;Activities range from environmental awareness projects to supporting local conservation initiatives. “It could be awareness, it could be picking up plastic, it could be supporting conservation,” Richard explains. “The idea is that we leave a place slightly better than we found it.”One upcoming stop highlights that ambition. In the Galápagos Islands, the fleet will host a series of discussions led by Sarah Darwin, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, who is involved in ecological restoration projects in the archipelago. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396091/image/large-94301c4c375b86a2cd7253c448878fd6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396091">A family voyagePerhaps the most striking element of Richard’s participation is that he gets to share it with his wife and youngest son, who are also onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lush27.08m (88'10&quot;)Oyster Yachts2012">Lush</a>. “My two older sons are now 21 or 19, but when they were like 10, I was watching them jump off the side, and now I've got my two-year-old growing up on the same boat; I love that.”“I’m not someone who likes disposable things,” he says. “This boat has memories in it. My children have grown up on board.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396104/image/large-e045835f24ba5410d34358ef61375d82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396104">A year of sailingHaving started the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> World Rally this January in Antigua, the sailors are, at time of writing, well underway towards the Galápagos islands and tend to be very happy there is still so much sailing to go.For many sailors, the end of the journey arrives with mixed emotions: some find it difficult to return to land after spending all this time out at sea. Richard understands the sentiment, “once you begin to experience the world at the pace of a sailing yacht, the idea of rushing through it again feels strangely unfamiliar. You realise the world is vast, and you’re seeing it properly.”&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> World Rally may follow a charted route around the globe. Yet for those onboard, the real voyage lies in discovering how large, and yet how connected, that world can be. “There’s something magical about it,” Richard notes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393550/image/large-3d80ac007ca3f58263d6eac9af835c80.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393550">

Richard Hadida Oyster World Rally 2026

Richard Hadida, long-time sailor and owner & chairman of Oyster Yachts joins the 2026 Oyster World Rally onboard 27m Lush.

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Richard Hadida: A 16-month circumnavigation onboard his 27m yacht Lush

With a loyal client base,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4045" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crew Ã  la Mode (Company)">Crew à la Mode</a>&nbsp;has outfitted the crew of more than 800 superyachts. Leona Caanen sits down with Lottie Lyne, CEO and founder of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4045" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crew Ã  la Mode (Company)">Crew à la Mode</a>&nbsp;to chat about the company’s course over the past 15 years and what her plans are for the near future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394656/image/large-9943be508c3b8ace840e465e2d14993d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394656">How did&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4045" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crew Ã  la Mode (Company)">Crew à la Mode</a>&nbsp;come about?I was a stewardess for a season, about 15 years ago, and I loved it, but when I needed to get my uniform, there was just nothing around. I had to wear really inappropriate things; these little mini shorts, a plain, old white t-shirt handed down from a previous stewardess. It felt misaligned serving guests from the fashion world in a basic t-shirt, but at the time there were no other options.When I left that, I thought, okay, there's a real need here; and I had the desire to do it. I started working with some old clients and it grew from there. It was really about trying to create something more modern to reflect the industry, because I was working with such elite people in these amazing environments, and what I was wearing was just not.How has the company evolved over the last 15 years?&nbsp;Fundamentally, we've always been a really creative-centred business, and I like to think that’s often why clients like to work with us as it is at the heart of what we do. We’ve evolved to offer more than just the uniform itself, we offer design and styling as well as providing creative solutions. It’s not just about the product we’re making, it’s about the entire package, but we did start off making our own production in the UK from small runs.Gradually, we’ve grown into having our own factories in Europe, and now worldwide. As we expand, we’ve continuously improved the quality of our production, which is an area I’m passionate about. We aim to ensure there is balance with a premium product at a fair price point so that our uniform is accessible for all clients and every size of vessel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394662/image/large-8d5002bd261d469ba3da0980258df44a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394662">15 years gives you a lot of experience, we’ve learned a lot, made a lot of mistakes, figured out what does and doesn’t work. Now we know all of those trap doors, all the things that didn’t work or fabrics which should work in theory, but don’t; or what a factory really means when they say we can meet your deadline! This insight allows us to be more honest when meeting client expectations.Lots of different people have contributed to where we are today, which I'm ever thankful for. Now we're bigger, we have more specialist roles: we have a garment technologist and talented designers, which enables growth, but fundamentally we still carry that same mentality that we’re a small brand who are passionate about delivering service excellence and feel accountable for our client’s projects. Our focus now is delivering those values to our clients on a larger scale.Delivering such a wide range of services isn’t always easy. We’re aware we could simplify business by only offering our ready-to-wear range and produce in higher volumes at lower prices - but that’s not where our passion lies. Our expertise drive lies in ensuring each client’s requirements are considered and translating their briefs into a full uniform concept.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394654/image/large-92c269f0e510b6de9d20eb2e125f9e10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394654">Your approach is centred around transparency, what does this mean and how is this incorporated in your workflow?Transparency isn’t easy, and we don’t always get it right, either - our industry is notoriously difficult regarding transparency, but we aim to be and we’re improving year after year.It starts with looking at what a client is hoping to achieve and whether that is actually achievable. It’s challenging to say ‘no, you can’t have what you want within the budget you want’. It’s our job to be realistic about what is possible and that starts at the brief. We’re optimistic as a business, but we have to be realistic about whether you can deliver 50 uniforms with a personalised design in eight weeks, and sometimes the answer is no.It’s important for me to also be transparent and honest about when things haven’t gone right, because they never can 100 percent of the time. In our industry, it can feel like you’re swimming against the current, because information in a high pressure environment like ours is always challenging, and not everyone is well-equipped to receive that news. Yet if we receive fabric and it has a fault in it, then we have to say it’s faulty, we can’t use that. Or there is an issue with the courier, causing a delay, which isn’t always well-received.We are very communicative about where things are made and what fabrics we use; that whole supply chain is very clear. We’re very open about (potential) delays and timelines: when we say ‘yes, we can deliver that in a month’, then the client can trust that we really can.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394661/image/large-120cf7582c49369cecdf00fba0ed3c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394661">How do you ensure sustainability is a part of your production rather than an afterthought?Sustainability is part of the entire process, and it starts in the design stage. We make sure we are sustainable by ensuring the right products are picked, the right testing is done and the whole process is followed very carefully. The most unsustainable thing you can do is make the wrong choice, then, ultimately, a lot of wastage is created and there’s very little you can do with that.&nbsp;A product can be organic cotton, but if nobody likes wearing it or it doesn’t fit well, it won’t have longevity and will end up in the recycling landfill. The approach we take is to follow the entire production process really diligently and make sure everyone loves their uniform and that what we’re producing is 100 percent what the owner wants. Then we’re just doing top-ups and avoiding wastage - that’s our primary focus.&nbsp;When it comes to what we make, we source brands and have our trusted suppliers. We’re transparent with what we don’t supply, even if the order would be for thousands of items, we won’t accept it if it doesn’t meet our standards.&nbsp;Our production is predominantly in Europe and in low volumes, meaning we don’t have much wastage within each collection the way you do in lifestyle or fast fashion. For us it’s all about the longevity of a product onboard; lots of clients prefer organic cottons, but if you choose dark colours, they fade quickly and uniforms will have to be updated more frequently, in turn making it less sustainable.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394653/image/large-08bd04899cab4b8fc6d969106a4b83c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394653">What is your CREW Renew initiative?&nbsp;When you’re replacing a product or changing your style, there tends to be leftover product, especially in footwear. The whole concept behind CREW Renew is that we collaborate with our clients to repurpose the left over products. They can send us items, whether supplied by us or not with our REcycle, REpurpose, REpair or REwear offering to try which aims to reduce uniform waste. So whether the uniform is donated to charities, or repurposed into gifting items, we are extending the life-cycle of those garments and fabrics.The program ensures a sense of responsibility: if you’ve bought it, you’ve created the waste and you have to commit to do something with it.&nbsp;What are some key elements of designing crew-wear?&nbsp;When we’re designing, it’s a combination of technical gym wear for the movement and breathability, and something which is suitable for the luxury element of the yachting environment.&nbsp;We have a really great feedback loop, too. We have about three or four sample orders going out to clients every day, and we’re constantly collecting feedback, and we listen to it all: what fabrics are preferred, the ideal length, whether a pocket is in the right place. Part of our team are ex-stewardesses and they bring industry insight that is incredibly valuable in the design process. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394660/image/large-7f3232b7392d0863690db46bc240bbde.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394660">What makes&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4045" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crew Ã  la Mode (Company)">Crew À La Mode</a>&nbsp;unique?The big thing for me is that we are female led. When I started 15 years ago, nearly everything was male-led, as well as it being heavily supplier-based. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4045" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crew Ã  la Mode (Company)">Crew à la Mode</a> is a future focussed creative agency - we have our own design team and that’s the starting point of every project.&nbsp;All-in-all, it’s not just about the brand, it’s about everything we offer as an agency; that everything we offer in terms of concept design, project management, sustainability, onboard experience and insight - the all-round package. It makes the business model more challenging, but it allows us to keep close to our fundamental values.&nbsp;What ambitions do you have for the coming years?In the immediate future we are setting up our Amsterdam showroom. It’s an important step for us, as we’ve always been based in London, which is slightly disconnected from the industry. Until now that has been great; we’ve focused on what we’re doing and relying on good word-of-mouth. The new showroom is a step forward, to provide a space where crew can come see everything we have on offer and organise their uniforms in one day. It’s exciting to showcase our entire collection in a different way than we’ve previously done, creating an inspiring space. The plan is to eventually expand with multiple showrooms globally in Europe, the US and Middle East.

Crew a la mode founder interview

Outfitting crew of over 800 superyachts, SuperYacht Times speaks to Crew à la Mode founder Lottie Lyne

Crew à la Mode: "It can feel like you're swimming against the current"

Born not from market demand but from a visionary’s insistence that nothing afloat quite matched an owner’s ambition of circumnavigating the globe, is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a>, a 44.2-metre sailing catamaran. Her captain, Gavin Bladen, who has been with the superyacht since her birth, shares the story of how a search turned into a choice to build, eventually allowing the captain, the yacht’s owner as well as charter guests to circumnavigate the globe and experience some of the world’s most spectacular sights along the way.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258035/image/large-831af2adae2c1c19c203ed188fb6fc4a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258035">From searching to buildingFollowing a three-month pursuit of finding the right naval architect, the search led to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/39" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VPLP Design (Company)">VPLP</a> in Paris and architects Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost. For a year and a half, Gavin relocated from the Caribbean to sit shoulder to shoulder with the design team in Paris, refining a yacht that would be a purpose-built platform for tropical cruising and global exploration.The initial project began in 2004, yet <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, wasn’t launched until 2011, when she made her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show. She entered the market as the largest sailing catamaran in the world by length, a title she held for over a decade. Measuring 44.2-metres with a beam of 16.6-metres and a gross tonnage of 499 GT, she remains one of the most voluminous sailing catamarans afloat. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258054/image/large-26f3f8c149deecb32e98452e17976759.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258054"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> is designed to accommodate up to 12 guests across five staterooms, two of which are luxurious VIPs which can be joined. A crew of 10, including the captain, ensures smooth sailing across the seven seas while guests can enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views from the main saloon. Her expansive aft deck and generous flybridge challenge long-held misconceptions about catamaran proportions, and across the entire yacht there is the feeling of spaciousness.The interior, realised by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/25" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Michael Leach Design Ltd. (Company)">Michael Leach Design</a>, is textured, contemporary and, perhaps most importantly, enduring. 14 years on, the original flooring remains in place, having been selected for both aesthetic depth and durability. High-wear materials were specified throughout, with indoor-outdoor fabrics chosen for their high-rub characteristics to be able to endure heavy charter use without compromise. The approach reflects an understanding that true longevity lies not in ornament but in thoughtful selection.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258057/image/large-d7aa3f89215803385e9eb6e75f4e5420.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258057">Globe trotter<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> was built for circumnavigation, and has done so three separate times, visiting over 75 countries along the way. From Columbia to the Mediterranean and from India all the way to the Caribbean, there isn’t an ocean <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> hasn’t crossed.For Captain Gavin, who has had the joy of navigating the sailing catamaran and her crew of 10 along on all these adventures, French Polynesia remains the ultimate cruising ground. “If I could only charter in one country for the rest of my life, it would be French Polynesia.”With over four years of experience cruising French Polynesia, Captain Gavin and his crew know the archipelago like the back of their hand. “It’s stunning, the water wildlife is amazing and the diving is phenomenal.” It’s the type of place that leaves a lasting impression on charter guests and crew alike. “There are spots where we can put our guests in the water with 500 to 700 grey reef sharks during a single dive in South Fakarava in the Tuamotus.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394790/image/large-e498eca3b04e1a3bcfa3d7e89794c902.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394790">Such immersion into wildlife is central to the yacht’s ethos. In Papua New Guinea, guests have ventured into rainforest villages to witness fire dancers, while in Australia, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> supported filming ‘Welcome to Earth’ for National Geographic. The episode featuring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a>, titled ‘Power of Scent’, highlights the relationship of tiger sharks and the critical nesting site for green turtles at Raine Island on the Great Barrier Reef. She became the first foreign-flagged superyacht to legally charter in Australia under the relevant regulations, a milestone that underscores her operational ambition.Captain Gavin has navigated the sailing catamaran to the Norwegian fjords, where guests outfitted with crampons traversed ice and dined next to waterfalls. In New Zealand, charter itineraries combined time cruising through Milford Sound and diving expeditions off Stewart Island with time ashore in varying wine regions. No matter where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> sails to, the agenda is set to highlight each location’s unique qualities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258055/image/large-bd341c48a82ba01379ccaa0fcd0f018b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258055"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a>&nbsp;for charterWhat makes chartering <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> so special isn’t just that she’s one of the most iconic sailing catamarans to ever be built, nor her incredible chartering route, but also her crew, who feel closer to family than colleagues. Half of Gavin’s current crew has been with him and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> for over eight years, and one crew member has been onboard for 12 years.&nbsp;In today’s industry, the retention of crew is much rarer than when Gavin joined: “When I started in the industry, it was about travelling, about adventure and getting the experience.” Considering the remote destinations the superyacht travels, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a>’s crew remains eager not only to adventure, but to share the experience with both the owner and charter guests too.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> usually sees about 10 to 11 weeks of charter per year, with guests that are as adventurous as her crew, often returning for new voyages across varying regions. Plans for the coming day are discussed between dinner courses, and largely centre around diving and fishing excursions. However, she is also a phenomenal platform for more conventional trips around the Mediterranean; and is outfitted with comprehensive equipment”. The yacht has comprehensive equipment and expertise onboard with the entire crew being well-versed in various water activities. The captain himself comes from a diving background, “I used to be on the great on the Great Barrier Reef”; a place Gavin still loves to take travellers to.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394789/image/large-4f08bf2a54885a2811a70ed54fd56e57.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394789">Sailing towards new horizonsCaptain Gavin and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> are inseparable, having been part of her every bolt placed and kilometre travelled, yet the iconic superyacht is now looking for a new owner, and is for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>. Ideally the new owner would be someone who is aligned with the yacht’s original vision, someone who is willing to maintain her properly, invest in her crew and continue chartering her across the globe.&nbsp;The captain highlights that it’s about “finding the right person. There's no rush.” The current owner is looking to tidy up certain elements of his life, yet he is still actively travelling with the yacht and has always been active onboard, diving and fishing &nbsp;around the world alongside his friends and family.The bond that exists between the captain, the owner and the yacht is the result of 22 years of working together and seeing some of the most beautiful places in the world; something the captain hopes to share with whomever will come to own <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hemisphere44.2m (145'0&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2011">Hemisphere</a> next.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258061/image/large-7da029ca8bbaa54455d5cd21ee70d634.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258061">

A look at the birth, build and charter of Hemisphere

Step inside the birth, build and circumnavigation of world's most iconic sailing catamaran

The birth, build and charter of 44m sailing catamaran Hemisphere

Leona Caanen speaks with Valentina Zannier, part of the larger design team behind the 107-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, who shares what it was like to work on the iconic sailing yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394278/image/large-7ac75a1829a01933061ed8f1ad68dc07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394278">The entire construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> lasted eight years. Not only was she the largest yacht built to date for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, she was also one of the most technologically advanced sailing yachts of her time. With her iconic DynaRig sails, she has the ability to hoist the 2,900 square metres of sail in seven minutes, all at the push of a button.Valentina Zannier, who designed much of the interior of the world-famous sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>. At the time, Zannier was a part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lennard</a>, and worked closely together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7958" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gerard P. Villate Yachts (Company)">Gerard P. Villate</a> and his company of the same name. As we showcase the timeless interiors of the Black Pearl, Valentina shares memories of the four years she worked closely with the late owner Oleg Burlakov.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394282/image/large-a85d905ee43b92c2b08e190afcb2590f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394282">“The owner was a very special person. He was extremely demanding, but a very, very captivating person.” For months, Valentina would walk over to his apartment in Monaco and for the next 12 hours or more they would look at every minute detail of the yacht. “He was so involved during the construction of this boat; checking the drawings and every detail. There was nothing he didn’t check; his knowledge about style and how he envisioned his yacht was a true life lesson.”Oleg would come by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lennard</a> office, where he and Valentina hung up the designs of main mullions meant for the main deck salon along the big staircase in the office, and putting tape and creating templates on the floor. “You needed to be extremely focused on the meaning of each decorative element; there was symbolism in every decoration that we worked on throughout the entire project.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394281/image/large-74ca430e110b94d6881118c6c9b0ae35.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394281">Much of the interior, especially the lower deck and main deck, has an air of 16th century France: an era defined by symmetry, corinthian columns, pediments, natural light and golden finishes. “He was a collector of all these beautiful pieces from Louis XVI,” Valentina recalls, “he was really in love with that age.”Yet in the upstairs saloon, Oleg desired a more art deco vibe - a very different style compared to the more neoclassic feel of the main deck. “I worked hard to bring something from upstairs to downstairs, and vice versa”, Valentina shares. “I don’t like it when one deck looks completely different than the other.” Wood from the main deck was brought to the upper, and some extra technological details were brought down in order to connect the spaces; the staircase and glass elevator also played a defining role in connecting the spaces. “The gym and beach club were another challenge, integrating different wood and modern equipment,” Valentina shares. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394276/image/large-4e8d11977d4dbdd62d63b87e034100e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394276">Stepping inside the main deck of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, one can see all the way from bow to aft, and that is on purpose. “Many days we spent, until the morning, moving the doors slightly to the left or right to ensure the line of vision was perfect,” Valentina recalls, “it had to reflect big palaces where you could see straight through the 20-something rooms.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394277/image/large-0bf6f443730a08348bd64873b3724337.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394277">Many of the furnishings on the main deck were personally chosen by Oleg and often came from auctions. “Most of the loose pieces that weren’t part of the in-build outfitting, came from his personal collection, which was incredibly large and precious.”<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxXSaZQ58WA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Watch: Black Pearl with IYC | First Ever Full Walkthrough of the 107m (350'0") Sailing Yacht</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394283/image/large-74b091e331cee96e2b3ed88037064f3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394283">The office is one of the places that has been very carefully curated and is home to Oleg’s very own desk, which was brought onboard. The materials across the space and the entire deck were very carefully chosen and made by the same company that designs textiles for the French prime minister’s Élysée Palace in Paris.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394280/image/large-152fa939760edbb225df6255ffd06e98.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394280">The owner’s suite, located on the lower deck, stretches full beam and includes a separate lounging area and an ensuite bathroom that is decorated in various marbles and onyx. The bathroom also includes a bath, his-and-her sinks and a bidet. All staterooms sit on the lower deck and, including the owner’s suite, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> can accommodate 12 guests across her seven staterooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394275/image/large-99c836251ece6d902fac3103425925ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394275">Thinking back on the four-and-a-half year experience Valentina shared with the yacht, she looks back at it with a full heart. “Everyday was a discovery,” Valentina notes on the overall process of working on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, together with the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7958" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gerard P. Villate Yachts (Company)">Gerard P. Villate</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ken Freivokh Design (Company)">Ken Freivokh Design</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Sixteen years after the start of the project, with her solar panels, three 70-metre tall masts outfitted with DynaRigs, and a hybrid propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> remains one of the most iconic yachts to date.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> is exclusively for charter with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.

Inside the design journey of the iconic Black Pearl

SuperYacht Times sits down with Valentina Zannier, part of the interior design team of the 107-metre Black Pearl

Known for its traditional charm and as the birthplace of the cheese of the same name, the Dutch village of Edam is also home to the studio of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Naval Architects</a>. As I settled down into the Regentenkamer (Regent’s Room) of the beautifully restored 16th-century orphanage which now acts as their studio, handpainted walls and a plethora of yacht models offered a glimpse into their forty year history, setting the stage for the conversations ahead.&nbsp;Founded in 1986 by Andre Hoek, with Ruurt Meulemans joining in 1999, before becoming partner in 2011, the studio specialises in naval architecture, exterior and interior design, as well as performance optimisation and the structural engineering of custom sailing and motor yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394086/image/large-b0a927e2d7997fae575f0756ee38d56a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394086">SuperYacht Times Sophie Spicknell speaks with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Naval Architects Partners</a>, Andre Hoek and Ruurt Meulemans to find out more about the studio’s 40-year design legacy.“We wanted to create yachts that are not only high-performing, but visually timeless and most of all beautiful,” explained Hoek. From the early days of tank testing in 1987 to today’s sophisticated in-house developed performance software, hydrodynamic analyses and structural engineering, &nbsp;the studio has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, whether for racing or cruising yachts. The styling of their yachts has become highly recognisable, with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> name becoming a trademark, alongside their Truly Classic yacht designs.&nbsp;Over the years, the studio has grown into a multidisciplinary team of around 10 specialists, spanning naval architecture, hydrodynamics, structural engineering and interior design. “We are experienced in all fields,” added Meulemans. “That makes it easier to communicate and to find solutions together as a team.”Both Hoek and Meulemans share a long-standing creative alignment when it comes to yacht design, with this shared philosophy shaping the studio into what it is today. “We have a similar eye,” laughed Hoek. “Nine out of ten times, we say the same thing when we look at a design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394104/image/large-77be71a61399b1223b5c619862f0f303.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394104">A recognisable signature<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design’</a>s portfolio has long been defined by its “modern Truly Classic” sailing yachts, with the balance of traditional proportions and contemporary engineering remaining as the foundation of every project. “The signature of our work is to design yachts that perform well, are safe in ocean going conditions, that are absolutely beautiful and keep their value due to their timeless styling. We innovate and incorporate the things we learn from each yacht that is built into new designs.”One of the studio’s most notable creations is the 43.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Claasen Shipyards (Company)">Claasen</a> J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lionheart43.4m (142'5&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2010">Lionheart</a>, developed through extensive research into J-class performance and inspired by the philosophy of other large classic yachts. “With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lionheart43.4m (142'5&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2010">Lionheart</a>, we analysed eight different hulls in-house, looking at tank-test data and wind performance,” said Meulemans. “She still wins races and cruises beautifully today, a combination that defines what we want in every yacht.”Other award-winning yachts in their portfolio include the 51.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> ketch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4240" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elfje51.8m (169'11&quot;)Royal Huisman2014">Elfje</a>, the 54.64-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> ketches <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marie54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2010">Marie</a>, the 47.65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4241" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wisp47.65m (156'4&quot;)Royal Huisman2014">Wisp</a>, the 49.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> ketch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6791" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meraki49.7m (163'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2020">Meraki</a> and five multi-award winning Truly Classic 128 yachts, among many others. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/17017/image/large-00cfafd3e22b2754bd00bf1b964c2639.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17017">Some notable sailing projects include the 42.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> J-Class yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>, which was inspired and optimised from the design of the legendary Frank C. Paine’s 930 J-class yacht Yankee, as well as the 43.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> J-Class yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>, which was built to a very preliminary linesplan made by Thore Holm in 1937. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> redeveloped and optimised the design as far as possible and she is now often regarded as one of the most beautiful J-Class, as well as one of the fastest. “Most of our clients like to enjoy the yacht both on the racecourse and with family,” added Hoek. “That’s what gives a yacht longevity, not just on the water, but in its value over time.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394125/image/large-2c88ca0a17d5118ffa10528b8b8a65f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394125">Even one-off commissions demonstrate the studio’s consistent philosophy, with the 64-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/21" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athos64.0m (209'12&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2010">Athos</a> featuring a 3.5-metre draft, a Panamax rig and a keel centreboard, which was a first for a schooner yacht of her size when she was launched in 2011, while the 55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a> which combines modern construction techniques with classic styling has gone on to win multiple awards and accolades since her launch in 2005. More recent designs include the 69-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> ketch, which is currently under construction, with an expected delivery date of 2027.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361902/image/large-9e7033479b8f29a8f39b3e0c7734db8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361902">From custom to conceptWhile full-custom yachts remain a core part of the business, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a>’s long-term success has also been built on its semi-series Truly Classic range. Developed in the 1990s, the concept combines the elegance of the 1930s with modern hull configurations and was designed to lower the barrier to entry for clients hesitant to commission a one-off yacht.“There is quite a threshold for clients to walk into a design office and start a completely custom project,” said Hoek. “So we developed designs that were easier to step into.” The result is a portfolio of proven platforms, ranging from 15 to nearly 40-metres, that can be customised, while retaining a consistent design DNA.&nbsp;Some of the yachts in this portfolio include the 24.7-metre TC80 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4078" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmyre24.75m (81'2&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2000">Palmyre</a> which showed what was possible for customisation in 2000, as well as the first 27.5-metre TC90 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kealoha27.5m (90'3&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2008">Kealoha</a>, which was launched in 2008, and the first 38.8-metre TC128 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atalante I 27.5m (90'3&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2009">Atalante</a>, which was launched in 2015. More than 40 yachts have been built in the Truly Classic semi-custom range, with a new TC143 model currently in development at the studio.The series has also fostered long-term client relationships, with many owners returning to the studio to scale up in size or transition into new yacht types. “We have clients who have built multiple yachts with us,” added Meulemans. “That’s always very rewarding.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394053/image/large-25030737a651d0d2f3ecdd6254685201.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394053">Expanding Into motor yachtsDespite sailing yachts remaining central to their output, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> continues to apply the same design language to its portfolio of motor yachts, particularly within the classic segment. “We were the first to start developing these kinds of classic motor yachts,” stated Hoek. “And at the time, you would hardly see anyone doing this.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/372710/image/large-57a42879c3ce416305fce24b6e0ec5ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/372710">In 2020, the multi-award winning 56-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Turquoise Yachts (Company)">Turquoise</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6037" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue II55.99m (183'8&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2020">Blue II&nbsp;</a>was launched marking the first expedition motor yacht designed by the studio to hit the water. With a pronounced sheer, canoe stern and deep V icebreaking bow, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6037" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue II55.99m (183'8&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2020">Blue II&nbsp;</a>incorporates many modern features, while remaining classic in her design.&nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6037" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue II55.99m (183'8&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2020">Blue II</a> was a really exciting challenge for us,” explained Meulemans. “We wanted her to perform like a modern expedition yacht, but you should still be able to recognise her as a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek design</a> at first glance.”Since then, the studio has developed smaller and mid-sized motor yachts that carry the same classic design DNA. “Whether it’s a 33-metre cruising yacht, or something closer to 75-metres, the principles remain the same,” said Hoek. “You can innovate in terms of propulsion or hull design, but the yacht still needs to be elegant, practical and enjoyable to live onboard.” With innovation at the forefront, various new designs measuring 27, 33, 35, 66 and 70-metres are also in development.The non-hierarchical structure of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> also allows the studio to extend beyond to external collaborations with shipyards and specialist designers, while retaining overall design control. Their team is involved in all aspects of design, including complete interior designs by a specialised team at the studio, which ensures that decisions are both structurally and technically feasible. “When you understand the construction behind an interior, you can do so much more,” added Meulemans. “When interior designers work next to structural engineers, decisions can be made to optimise space.”For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design,</a> the transition from sailing yachts to motor yachts is a simple one. “What we have achieved with styling and performance for sailing yachts can also be done for motor yachts,” noted Meulemans.A striking new design that fits this bill is a 45-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> motor yacht, which is due for delivery in 2027, as well as similar 33 and 66-metre designs which are also in development. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/339560/image/large-85b9c9c6c5118d4df7b63033ceada249.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/339560">Looking aheadFrom the cobbled streets of Edam to the open seas, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a>’s track record is firmly established, thanks to a large client base and approximately 170 yachts delivered. But the studio shows no sign of standing still just yet. Their current projects include new iterations of the Truly Classic range, as well as larger custom sailing yachts and an expanding profile of classic-inspired motor yachts.&nbsp;When asked what message they would give to the next generation of designers and naval architects, their answer was clear. “Be patient, it doesn’t happen overnight. Our passion comes from knowing that each boat we design will be sailed, raced and enjoyed for generations to come.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394112/image/large-e580a256f43fcf501e98bda17ce30580.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394112">

Hoek Design at 40: why timeless yacht design still endures

Hoek Design reflects on 40 years of timeless yacht design, from Truly Classic sailing yachts to an expanding motor yacht portfolio.

Inside Hoek Design’s 40-year legacy in superyacht design

Marking ten years as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Director / CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8781" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Van Lent Shipyard (Company)">Royal Van Lent Shipyard,</a> Jan-Bart Verkuyl sits down with Francesca Webster to reflect on a decade defined by bigger yachts, bolder ideas and an unshakeable belief that the future of custom yachting rests on people as much as propulsion.Verkuyl discusses why the owner remains the ‘heart’ of every <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, how the yard is preparing for a post-fossil-fuel era and why ‘barefoot luxury’ has reshaped the way clients live onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393423/image/large-ac7849d21e042a9a4c3a107bcc994890.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393423">How has your vision for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;changed since becoming CEO ten years ago?When I took over ten years ago, we were building the 101.5-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3765" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Symphony101.5m (333'0&quot;)Feadship2015">Symphony</a>, which was then our biggest yacht. At that time, we only had this yard. Since then, a lot has changed. The yachts have grown in size, the features have become more complex and our clients have continued to push and push for new ideas.As an organisation, we had to adapt. We built the yard in Amsterdam because there were projects we simply couldn’t accommodate here at Kaag anymore. That growth has been significant, but at the same time we have stayed true to what we believe in – strong craftsmanship, educating our own people and organising our processes so we can build efficiently. It has been an interesting and exciting ten years.Full custom means every yacht is different. What defines the heart of a&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;for you?For me, the heart of a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> is the owner. The first phase of a project, when you start exploring and dreaming together, is one of the nicest parts of the whole build. The owner brings ideas, the designer brings ideas and we bring technological knowledge and experience from previous projects. When you mix that all together, something unique comes out of it. That creative collaboration is very special.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64739/image/large-70131e0ab6a4a49a7d29bc2f695a3729.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64739">You have a technical background and you are a sailor. How has that influenced your leadership?I studied naval architecture because I love being on the water. Sailing was my starting point. Having that technical background gives me deep knowledge of the product itself. Understanding how, even one aspect of the build works, is extremely important to me.For a company like this, you need to love the product and understand what an owner is looking for. That helps me explain internally and externally what we are doing and why we are doing it.You also took over as President of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a>&nbsp;in November, how do you see the role of the association today in supporting and representing the yards?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> creates a platform for members to stimulate professionalism. We are stronger together, especially when we speak to governmental bodies, classification societies and regulatory organisations such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Organization (Company)">IMO</a>.It is also about knowledge sharing and innovation. When we talk about reducing the footprint of our yachts, there is real openness between the yards. We are competitors, of course, but some topics are non-competitive. If we can improve the product as a whole, that benefits the entire industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358575/image/large-b372d7e9c85730e2eac28ad466627782.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358575">Talking about innovation, where do you see the most meaningful advances in the coming years?The biggest change is on the propulsion side, moving from fossil fuels to non-fossil alternatives. As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> we are on the forefront there, together with a few other shipyards, as you know we have worked with hydrogen propulsion with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8907" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Breakthrough118.8m (389'9&quot;)Feadship2025">Breakthrough</a> and we are looking at methanol.The challenge is that the infrastructure is not yet in place. In some ways, we are further ahead than the market can currently handle, there is also no single solution at the moment. Methanol seems promising for yachts, but we are also part of a working group looking into nuclear energy. We do not rule out anything.At the same time, real innovation also comes from our people. We have craftsmen and engineers in-house across all disciplines. You are only as good as your people and that will never change and your real innovation comes from them.Talent acquisition and development has been a real challenge across the industry, how are you sourcing and developing that expertise?At every <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yard location, both at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8781" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Van Lent Shipyard (Company)">Van Lent</a> and De Vries, we have our own schools, with young people joining us at around fifteen years old. They are good with their hands and want to create something beautiful. We educate them and train them up through our fields of craftsmanship.We also continue to train people who join later in their careers. We believe strongly in having every discipline in-house, which I believe is one of our success factors. Another is that we share success with our supply chain. When we learn something, our partners learn it as well and that strengthens the entire collective.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183843/image/large-8584c2370c97d18a287d4696e51f7326.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183843">Turning to sustainability, to what extent is it the responsibility of the yard versus the owner?I believe we owe it to ourselves to push forward. If we do not, at some point we risk becoming extinct. Fortunately, many of our owners are passionate yachtsmen and they are knowledgeable, often building their second or third yacht with us. Increasingly I hear from our clients that they are not prepared to invest in old technology and that drives us forward to find the next solution for their projects.At the moment, diesel-electric is becoming the norm, often requested by our clients. How far owners want to stretch beyond that depends on the individual, but we try to encourage progress. Of course, we are still building for customers who pay the bills, so there must be a balance.How does&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>’s net-zero strategy translate into decisions?We try to demonstrate the merits of technological advances that reduce a yacht’s footprint. As a minimum, we aim for diesel-electric. We also try to incorporate the backbone for future fuels, such as methanol storage in the tanks, so yachts are prepared for what comes next.In addition, we invest in research and development that is not tied to a specific project. Within our naval architecture team, we have people dedicated to R&amp;D. We look at propulsion, materials, reducing energy use at the yard and reusing steel and aluminium. We also consider the footprint of the yard itself.Looking to design, have you seen changes in how owners use their yachts?Very much so. Outdoor spaces have become significantly more important. There is now a much stronger connection between inside and outside. In the past, stepping inside could feel like entering a chateau, today it is more about what we sometimes call ‘barefoot luxury’ – a relaxed platform to enjoy time with friends and family.Beach clubs have become central to that lifestyle. Projects such as the 80-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thalassa80.0m (262'6&quot;)Feadship2026">Thalassa</a> show how far that concept can go, with increasingly open and connected spaces. She is set to change the way that entire area is conceived when she is delivered later this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393447/image/large-514aa433f0972fffd042579497fabe05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393447">Is there a limit to how far bespoke design can go before it undermines the efficiency of the build?It is a delicate balance. We often say, give us time and money and we can create anything, but it must function properly. The back of house is just as important as the front of house. Crew need to operate and maintain these yachts and there are only so many skilled engineers available.We listen carefully to owners and designers, but we also try to reduce unnecessary complexity. If systems become so complex that they cannot be properly maintained, then no one benefits.How important is aftersales and refit to the business today?Aftercare has grown significantly over the past ten years. When a yacht is cruising and something happens, we want to be there. We can fly people out to assist and, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> facilities in Amsterdam and Makkum, it is relatively easy for yachts to return to the Netherlands.Once owners experience the value of having the original builders work on their yacht, they often return. Refit and rebuild will continue to grow and from an environmental perspective, reusing an existing hull can make sense. Regulations are tightening and technology is advancing, so there will be increasing demand to upgrade systems and reduce footprints.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393448/image/large-35aa58d1876c3f8f1cd622b849457c66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393448">How would you describe the relationship between&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8781" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Van Lent Shipyard (Company)">Van Lent</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;De Vries?It is a healthy collaborative rivalry. Both yards strongly believe we build the best yachts in the world, and that creates a positive competitive spirit. We share what we are proud of and learn from each other.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a> plays a central role in transferring knowledge. If one yard learns something, it flows back through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt</a> and benefits the other. When it comes to assigning projects, repeat clients often return to the yard they built with previously. For new clients, it can depend on availability. If we cannot accommodate a project, we will support our colleagues and vice versa. Across both our yards, whatever the journey, what leaves our sheds is always a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.Looking back over the past decade, what makes you most proud?Teamwork. Projects such as the 118.8-metre hydrogen fuel-cell yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8907" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Breakthrough118.8m (389'9&quot;)Feadship2025">Breakthrough</a> were extremely complex, not only in terms of propulsion, but also in the level of technical detail. Achieving results like that requires a collective effort.I am also proud of the relationships we have built with repeat clients. Ultimately, achieving something together – yard, owner, designer and supply chain – is what defines this journey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/387292/image/large-adfe769e9032b19ceaf12c4b11cac15f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/387292">And finally, looking forward, what would you like to see in the coming years?Propulsion technology will continue to evolve and I hope clients keep surprising us with requests that make people enthusiastic. I want <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> to remain an employer where people want to stay and develop.We do not necessarily need to build bigger. Perhaps one day we will build a large sailing yacht, or perhaps our seventy-foot New Classic will come to life. Above all, I want to keep building yachts that put a smile on people’s faces.

Feadship’s next chapter: Jan-Bart Verkuyl on 10 years at the helm

Feadship Director and CEO of Royal Van Lent Shipyard  Jan-Bart Verkuyl reflects on 10 years, future fuels and how owners are reshaping life onboard.

At 85 metres in length and around 2,680GT, Project Life is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s largest ever platform-based yacht and occupies one of the strongest segments of the superyacht market – yet it does so without leaning on recognisable heritage cues. Instead, it proposes a new way of thinking about how a yacht is arranged, experienced, and lived on. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353191/image/large-f18746f0152629e2708994c889792809.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353191">When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> unveiled new details of Project Life last year – and announced it was prepared to build the yacht on spec – it didn’t feel like a rehash of a concept first presented in 2023 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a>. It was more a statement about how life on board is constantly evolving, and one of the historic and highly established Italian shipyards intends to evolve with it.&nbsp;Project Life is not a trendy explorer, nor is it a nostalgic throwback or a neutral compromise,” says Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut | Benetti</a>. “Instead, it is an evolving proposal that has been engineered to maximise lifestyle potential on board by balancing private ownership enjoyment with outstanding commercial viability.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> deliberately chose to start afresh with Project Life by creating a new identity grounded in design, function, lifestyle and operational reality – one that could credibly form the basis of a future series. Behind that objective sits a remarkably close collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>, interior studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Design</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> – the first collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and the Norwegian designer.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353194/image/large-8df6961df50a9f25f09acd69374554e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353194">Designing without an owner&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Design</a>’s involvement began almost by coincidence. The studio had originally been working on the interior of a different <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> project. Although the concept was well resolved, it felt limiting for the Nice-based studio. Then Francois Zuretti received a call while on holiday in August 2023: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> wanted to move the studio onto another project under development with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>. Officially, the request was to adapt their existing work, but the opportunity was obvious.“With only weeks before the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, we understood that this was a moment to start again properly,” recalls the French designer. “Everything was stripped back to zero. The pressure of the deadline became a creative advantage: we had to go straight to the point – and that’s where clarity comes from.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353198/image/large-a06664914e6c9afde30007b869a532cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353198">With no client attached, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Design</a> had to invent one. The studio imagined how the new visionary owners lives on board: less formality, fewer barriers, lighter, and better connection to the sea. The interior architecture that emerged is intentionally calm and restrained with muted tones and clean lines forming a flexible base.“We fixed around 70 to 80 percent,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti</a> CEO Sebastien GEY. “The rest can change completely once an owner arrives. You can shift the mood without breaking the design concept, allowing the yacht to evolve with its owner rather than becoming dated by aesthetic decisions.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251947/image/large-5a4c262dd39357ac1eb7796bdbb06608.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251947">The most radical decision lies at the centre of the yacht: the main saloon. Rather than a conventional interior lounge and dining room, it is conceived as a single continuum that blends smoothly into the exterior decks. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a>’s long-standing collaboration made it possible to blur the boundary almost entirely. Flooring and decking flow in and out, exterior ceiling finishes push into the interior, while interior materials extend outside. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> describes the saloon as an outdoor living area that can be enclosed when required, rather than an interior that merely connects to the outside. Teak decking, low bulwarks and extensive glazing reinforce that effect throughout the yacht.“When the doors are open, there is no psychological step,” he says. “It’s just one space, breathing in the sea.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353200/image/large-1b6b253154d326ebda513a8c5c1e546a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353200">The backbone&nbsp;Underlying the entire project is a sophisticated general arrangement. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> stresses that no amount of styling can compensate for a flawed GA, and significant time was spent developing crew circulation, storage and service routes. Burgess played a key role in that process by bringing its operational and management experience to the table, helping to optimise crew working conditions and service efficiency, both for private use and charter.&nbsp;“Our involvement was about ensuring the yacht works as well as it looks,” says Rory Boyle, Head of New Build Sales at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>. “Project Life balances guest flow, crew wellbeing and technical practicality in a way that makes it genuinely buildable and commercially credible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393285/image/large-5d0db4e0b4b0d6990c62ea36d9b09e9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393285">Accessibility is prioritised. A guest lift connects from tender landing points – both stern and side – all the way to the sun deck, allowing barrier-free movement for guests with reduced mobility. Every aspect of the spatial planning has been carefully orchestrated. The result, according to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, is that Project Life has approximately 25 percent more interior and exterior space than its nearest competitors in the 80-metre segment.The service areas have also been comprehensively developed, with extensive dry and cold stores, freezer rooms, laundry facilities, a crew gym and dedicated engineering corridors. Waste handling and provisioning are carefully considered, with hull access points for loading and offloading supplies.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353188/image/large-dbafbe983177ea5cef2937f4b44749f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353188">Engineering-driven design&nbsp;From the outset, the concept was shaped by technical decisions intended to support better layouts. One of the most significant was the adoption of HVO-compatible, diesel-electric propulsion and azimuthing pods, as well as integrated hybrid solar panels that collect both solar and thermal energy to power tenders and toys. This solution means technical spaces can be positioned with more flexibility, reducing the footprint of the engine room and freeing up valuable lower-deck volume.“It’s not about novelty,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> explains. “It’s about freedom – in layout, in shaping the aft sections, and in improving manoeuvrability, particularly with dynamic positioning.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393284/image/large-dc4c352c41724607dc8bccaf2001eb28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393284">Those gains are most visible in the beach club, which became a central design driver. Spanning a total of 270 square metres, it is one of the largest in her class. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> notes that a key decision was to maintain sufficient freeboard, so the space remains usable in real operating conditions at anchor when folding platforms are subject to wave slapping. Two 14-metre side terraces combined with the stern platform create a true walk-around beach club, with tenders and toys stored along the sides rather than directly aft. This frees up the stern area for watersports and leisure, creating what the designer describes as “a private marina at the heart of the yacht.”The stern platform is intentionally oversized – and for good reason: “Aft platforms are almost never big enough for real-life use,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a>. “On Project Life, it can accommodate dining tables and social set-ups that replicate the feeling of sitting on a dock in St Barths or the Bahamas.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353187/image/large-6e375054858e5d388619d66331a98789.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353187">Within the beach club, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Design</a> faced a technical requirement for access to air-conditioning equipment and other equipment. Rather than conceal it, the designers transformed it into a signature feature: two sculptural, cocoon-like alcoves lining the space.“Remove the cushions and an engineer can crawl through,” Zuretti explains. “Put them back, and they become some of the most desirable lounging spots on board.”It is a recurring theme throughout Project Life: engineering constraints are not hidden, but absorbed into the architecture and used to shape the experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353201/image/large-c4ff763597c2dd9b801b93769909f63e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353201">Precision luxury<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti</a>’s interior design is based on understated elegance. Pale woods, organic window mullions and integrated lighting create a sense of calm rather than spectacle. There is no overt display of luxury – and that, Zuretti notes, is precisely what makes it difficult to execute.“The simpler it looks, the more unforgiving it becomes,” he says. “The luxury is in the precision.”Richer materials appear in the twin bathrooms on the owner’s deck, including a sculpted stone bathtub in Her bathroom, anchoring the space in something unmistakably luxurious. Full-height glazing, part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a>’s exterior architecture but unusual in a bathroom, gives the space a cinematic quality.The 98-square-metre owner’s suite overlooks a private foredeck and Jacuzzi. With direct access to the side decks, it benefits from natural cross-ventilation and the option to sleep without air conditioning – a small but telling detail in a project focused on quality of life.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353196/image/large-ad514258eab05b1101230648d253ff0e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353196">In fact, outdoor living is prioritised at every level. Above the beach club, the main deck aft is designed as a social space with a 6-metre, glass-bottomed pool at its centre surrounded by a wet bar, sun loungers and plush, oversized sofas. Seating and benches are built into the pool, reflecting &nbsp;how guests actually use pools onboard yachts – sitting, chatting, relaxing. The area is large enough to host live music or events, reinforcing its role as a social hub.Dining is deliberately decentralised. On the bridge deck there is an open-air dining space equipped with a live-cooking setup – more commonly seen on much larger yachts. Practical work surfaces and a large pantry ensure good crew ergonomics, while guest-facing counters align with table height, allowing everyone to interact at the same level.“People rarely dine as a full group for every meal,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> explains. “You need flexibility, protection from sun and wind, and proximity to service areas – especially for charter.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353199/image/large-596dde38ea72d2da9101741a27c5d7af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353199">A new direction&nbsp;"What's exciting about this collaboration is that it's already coming to life - <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> have started engineering the first in the Life series ready for a new owner to step in," concludes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> partner, Crispin Baynes.For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, it establishes a new benchmark, while for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti</a> it demonstrates the power of creative collaboration across disciplines. And for the market, it represents a product conceived for today’s more mellow lifestyle afloat: open, fluid, light-filled, and discreetly sophisticated.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/353192/image/large-4f911dd625db005fe2c447b8b2210528.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/353192">

Benetti Project Life

Inside Benetti's 85m Project Life with designers Espen Øino and Zuretti

With the Mediterranean charter season just around the corner, features writer, Enrico Chhibber, speaks with industry experts to gain insight into how the 2026 charter market is taking shape.Expectations for the 2026 superyacht charter season remain broadly positive, but the market is showing clear signs of change. Enrico Chhibber spoke with brokers, executives and fiscal representatives, taking a look at shifting booking behaviour, evolving destination preferences and a more nuanced outlook of the season ahead. As a result, the market appears resilient, though increasingly shaped by a wider range of variables than in previous seasons.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/384289/image/large-2927a582f9db6de1b2a797943e6c0224.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/384289">Demand patterns and booking behaviourLooking at charter market performance across the 2024 to 2025 season, several industry participants described activity as resilient, with some reporting year-on-year growth. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> Chief Executive Officer Anders Kurtén said the company saw a strong charter season and no sign of weakening demand. “I can only speak for us. We actually had a really good charter season last year,” he said. “If we look beyond euros and dollars and just focus on charter days, we tend to be somewhere just shy of 7,000 days of charter, and that is exactly where we were last season as well. We didn’t feel any softening of the market last season.”Josh Cripps, a charter broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roccabella Yachts (Company)">Rocabella</a> specialising in the 30 to 50-metre segment, offered a similarly positive assessment, noting that “the amount of weeks booked has increased”. While he acknowledged that ongoing geopolitical turbulence could influence market conditions, he suggested its effect may be more visible in booking behaviour, adding that “it might change the timeline of which yachts will be booked”, as clients wait longer before confirming or shift plans in response to external developments.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/283808/image/large-4de1576c9ef0d3a728b5f9e0bce9396b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/283808">Kurtén also pointed to what he described as a “bifurcation in client behaviour”, a trend he said has become more pronounced over the past two to three years. “On the one hand we have more last-minute charters,” he notes, including bookings for large yachts made only days before embarkation. “On the other hand, we have more bookings now for summer 2027, which is essentially a year and a half in advance.” He added that, while there is no clear explanation for the divide, the contrast between short-notice bookings and long-range planning is becoming increasingly evident.A similar shift was observed by Alex von Stein, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SOS Yachting (Company)">SOS Yachting</a>. Drawing on the company’s activities across Spain, France and Monaco, Italy, Croatia and Greece, he said the 2025 charter season started later than in previous years, with “a noticeable increase in last-minute charter bookings compared with previous years”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391737/image/large-1934aeb30d38004f8504f7102ac6af24.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391737">Destination trends and regional divergenceWhile the Mediterranean continues to dominate the global charter market, contributors indicated that demand is becoming more regionally varied within that broader picture. Kurtén said that, in a “normalised 12-month cycle”, around 65 percent of charter activity would typically take place in the Mediterranean, with that figure split roughly “60 percent in the Western Mediterranean and 40 percent Eastern Mediterranean”. He added that just under 30 percent of activity would usually fall in the Caribbean, with the remainder spread across South East Asia and other, more exotic destinations.Within the Mediterranean itself, however, the Western basin continues to account for the strongest concentration of demand. Cripps said that “44 percent of all my bookings in 2025 were for Italy”, while “35 percent of the total bookings were in France”. In his view, this underlines the continued appeal of established charter hotspots, with the Amalfi Coast and the Côte d’Azur remaining “two of the most popular charter destinations in the world”. This broadly aligns with the view of von Stein, who said the Western Mediterranean “remains the preferred charter destination”, continuing to attract the majority of charter activity within European waters.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391738/image/large-86c0c18a8f3c964a054ce6d428034a12.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391738">At the same time, both Cripps and von Stein pointed to rising momentum in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean. Cripps said that “Eastern Med has increased”, adding that “Turkey, specifically, has increased a lot”.Von Stein, meanwhile, identified Greece as a particularly strong-performing market, attributing this to the continued implementation of the 28-day charter licence framework and the broader acceptance of the Yacht Engaged in Trade programme. In his view, these developments have improved regulatory clarity and made charter operations in Greek waters more accessible. “Greece is a clear example of how regulatory clarity combined with operational flexibility can directly stimulate charter activity,” he said.Even so, Kurtén urged caution when interpreting growth in less established destinations. While acknowledging increased interest in more unusual cruising grounds, he noted that percentage gains can sound more dramatic than they are when measured from a very small base. As he put it, “I always urge caution when you report percentage increases, if the initial in-going numbers are really small.” For that reason, rising visibility in more niche markets may point to broadening client interest, but not necessarily to a major rebalancing of the wider charter market.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391741/image/large-500a3029b51096bb6d1e3b808c845778.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391741">Outlook for 2026: resilience amid uncertaintyLooking ahead, expectations for the 2026 charter season remain positive, with several contributors pointing to encouraging early signals and forward bookings already in place. Cripps acknowledged that “most charter brokers in the business are always optimistic”, but added that broader instability remains impossible to ignore. Even so, he suggested that charter retains a degree of resilience, noting that “the 2026 season will be a good year for everyone; there are already some great bookings on the horizon”.A similarly measured tone came from Kurtén, who said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the 2026 season, based in part on bookings already secured. His view reflects a wider sense that, while confidence remains intact, forecasting is becoming more difficult in an increasingly volatile external environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/288400/image/large-8a6ff6fb290af834b159d62a0fb21559.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/288400">That caution was also reflected in feedback shared by von Stein, who said initial indications from clients were positive, with “early indications suggesting continued market strength”. At the same time, he noted that the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East had introduced uncertainty into the market. In his view, previous geopolitical events suggest there is a risk of reduced charter activity if North American owners and charter clients choose to postpone or redirect travel plans.Ultimately, the charter market is entering 2026 from a position of resilience, though not without clear sensitivities. Demand appears to remain in place, yet the season ahead is likely to depend as much on external developments and client confidence as on the strength of the market itself.

what is shaping the 2026 charter market

Enrico Chhibber speaks with industry experts and dives into how the 2026 superyacht charter market is taking shape.

How is the superyacht charter market taking shape in 2026?

SuperYacht Times editors Leona Caanen and Francesca Webster take a deep dive into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a>’ brand-new, 62-metre flagship,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a>, sitting down with the yard and the designers behind this modern classic sailing yacht.With her sails hoisted, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> seems to be floating as she makes her way across the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The 62-metre ketch is the brand new flagship of the Turkish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a>, featuring exterior lines by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/703" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taka Yacht Design (Company)">Taka Yacht Design</a>, with interiors having been brought to life by the British studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391447/image/large-c5a855b29feae2e53cf099654b9d55c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391447">Designed with family in mind, the classically styled sailing yacht is structured around entertainment, with a spacious main saloon and accommodations for as many as 12 guests under her current configuration. Built on speculation by the Turkish yard, with supervision and guidance provided by experienced sailor and broker Sean McCarter of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>, the superyacht just recently left the yard and made her way to the Mediterranean where she will make her official debut this May at the Palma International Boat Show. SYT’s Francesca Webster had the chance to visit the yacht in Monaco where the yacht was nominated for an award at the YCM’s Explorer Awards.&nbsp;Reflecting on the project, Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Yacht Projects Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a>, comments: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> represents a defining step for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a> as we expand our capabilities into the sailing segment. From the outset, our ambition was to create a yacht that balances performance with refinement, while remaining true to the traditions of classic sailing yachts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391441/image/large-4d4317e3ffb8d3fe14934db1f7c93092.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391441">Designing a modern classicFor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>, a studio long associated with bold interior concepts across the marine and residential sectors, working on the interiors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> offered an opportunity to expand its portfolio and venture into a different kind of design. The project marks an important milestone as the largest sailing yacht the team has designed to date, and has been as much about pushing creative boundaries as it was about honouring the traditions of a classic sailing yacht.&nbsp;At the heart of the brief was a careful balance: an interior that would remain faithful to the yacht’s traditional exterior while introducing a fresh and elevated aesthetic inside. Striving to reinterpret the design of a conventional classic sailing yacht, the result is an interior defined by warm materials, considered detailing and a subtle layering of textures that together create what the studio describes as a ‘modern-classic’ environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391445/image/large-6b8167e093b51e7a81dab9e41fe60f05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391445">A defining element of the design philosophy lies in its emphasis on sociability. From the earliest concept discussions, it was made clear that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> should function first and foremost as a family yacht. Spaces have been designed to encourage interaction, with open seating plans, whether indoors or out, that invite conversation. Her main saloon, for example, is spacious and inviting, accessed by twin sliding doors that lead off from the covered cockpit. With a lounge to port and dining area to starboard, the saloon is multifunctional and welcoming. Utmost care has also been made to ensure a discrete definition between crew and guest access, with crew access to all areas of the yacht separated from the owner and guests.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a>’s interiors reflect a broader ambition to showcase the yard’s in-house capabilities across metalwork, carpentry and leather craftsmanship. This spirit is evident in many bespoke elements integrated throughout the yacht’s interior: feature bulkheads, custom joinery and intricately detailed headboards were developed specifically for the project, each contributing to a layered visual narrative. The yard’s capability &nbsp;to produce many of these elements internally provided the designers with unusual freedom, allowing ideas to be explored in close dialogue with the craftsmen responsible for their execution.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391449/image/large-6916abe10149e539a5d1f0812422d5cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391449">Kerem Kalafatoğlu, board member at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a>, adds: “Our in-house production capabilities were fundamental to achieving the level of detail seen on board <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a>. It allowed us to work in close coordination with the designers and ensure that every element, from joinery to finishes, met the highest standards expected in this segment.”Material selection played an equally important role in shaping the yacht’s atmosphere. Rather than relying on stark contrasts or high gloss finishes, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> team opted for a palette of warm tones, enhanced by copper accents, brass detailing and rich timbers that introduce depth and subtle luminosity, while carefully chosen fabrics such as woven leather add a softness to the spaces.“We were very particular about the fabrics, choosing materials perfectly suited to their setting. As this is a sociable boat, durability was essential, so everything was specified to handle demanding use and stand the test of time,” notes Associate Designer John Everett.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390342/image/large-5ceb322d7ec697cf9257255789deaccf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390342">Designing for a large sailing yacht inevitably introduces practical considerations beyond aesthetics. The interior needed to account for movement at sea, leading to thoughtful adjustments such as rounded furniture edges, discreet handholds and non-slip flooring surfaces. Seating arrangements were also carefully considered to remain comfortable regardless of the yacht’s angle of heel while under sail. Throughout the vessel handrails are elegantly integrated into the design, with ergonomic curved forms leading up through the various stairwells, accentuated by brass finishes.The project illustrates how a collaborative process between owner, designer and shipyard can produce an environment that feels both timeless and distinctly personal.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390345/image/large-d846c844f5689c21e3c2b9be84792c73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390345">Curated for cruisingOne of the more unique features of the yacht is her centralised stairwell leading down to the lower decks. Situated between the saloon and the wheelhouse, the stairwell is accessed from both sides of the yacht, improving flow through the interiors. Featuring a custom designed chandelier in its central atrium, designed as an echo of the ebb and flow of the Mediterranean sea, the stairs, like the rest of the interior, are clad in engineered oak and lead down to the five main staterooms; three doubles, a twin and the master all featuring ensuite bathrooms. The master suite is located to the fore and is a spacious full-beam stateroom inclusive of dressing room, ensuite and large forward facing bed. The star of the stateroom is the standalone bath located opposite the bed with an elegant floor-to-ceiling marble splashback. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391446/image/large-d34a10f13305bd0e6dbc05977ab44982.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391446">To the aft of the yacht is a sixth stateroom, originally designed as an additional crew cabin but converted during the build into guest accommodation. For a future owner this offers unusual flexibility, allowing them to add additional crew, a supernumerary cabin for additional staff, or to convert it for another use, such as a gym. For all guests, the lower deck also offers access to the boarding platform which doubles as a swim platform and is located amidships on the starboard side.Four crew cabins, with an additional two in the bow, the galley, engine room and storage are located to the aft of the yacht, with the transom holding the various toys. The yacht’s foredeck is home to a two-tonne crane that lifts her custom limousine tender, also built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares</a>, as well as her rescue tender, with optionality for further toy storage on deck.&nbsp;Elsewhere on deck, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> offers an abundance of areas for her guests to enjoy the views as she cruises through the blue. To aft guests are welcomed aboard from the passerelle where large sunpads are located to port and starboard, offering the ideal location to enjoy sundowners in the evening. Like her main saloon, the cockpit is a multifunctional space sunken into the deck at the level of the interior with tables on either side surrounded by a curved sofa. The table can be joined to create a large dining area for her guests, or left separate for a more relaxed configuration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391442/image/large-37cb7509717fd90127f05a85f6c65b48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391442">Unlike traditional sailing yachts, the helm stations are not located on the main deck, instead they are situated above the saloon on a flybridge between the masts. Here there are twin helm stations directly connected to the wheelhouse and this is where her captain will most usually be found. Though excellent from this vantage point, full visibility over the bow is limited due to her deckhouses, so cameras on the bow are fed into the helm monitors to ensure full visibility for her captain. This area is also home to tables and a seating area, with a large sun pad to the back.Finally, there is a fourth exterior lounge area in front of the wheelhouse on the foredeck for guests that want to relax while underway or enjoy the uninterrupted views while at anchor. In terms of her performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a>’s delivery to Monaco was a demonstration of her capabilities. RINA certified and offering hybrid engine functionality, the yacht performs well under motor and sail with a 16 knot top sailing speed and a 14 knot top speed and 4,000 nautical mile range at 9 knots under diesel engine power. On electric-motor alone, Simena reached a top speed of 8 knots with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 7 knots, making her a true trans-oceanic cruiser. As Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Yacht Projects Director explained, “This is a truly proud moment for our entire team,” says Piraye. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> exceeded our expectations during the trials, showing remarkable speed, maneuverability, and silence under hybrid and sail propulsion. She embodies everything we set out to achieve – performance, comfort, and timeless elegance."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/387968/image/large-f6263cfe195cb44bae9dec003367a442.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/387968">

onboard 62m simena ares yachts flagship

Step onboard the 62-metre Ares Yachts' flagship Simena

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Onboard Simena: Designing the 62m Ares Yachts' flagship

Summer is just around the corner and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-57" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 57</a> of our newspaper makes sure you are up to date on all things charter and sailing. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390842/image/large-eb124bc9c17a15d46154559a45d4df25.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390842">In this issue, our team travels all over the globe, from the depths of Sydney Harbour for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7545" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Australia (Company)">Superyacht Australia</a>'s inaugural Sydney Charter Show, to the sheds of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin Yachts</a> in Turkey, as well as a quick visit to nearby <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Studio</a> in Edam.We take a look inside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, step onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raja²55.3m (181'5&quot;)Admiral2025">Raja2</a> and feature <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a>' brand new flagship and our cover star, the 62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390841/image/large-74787263c99554e993c9a7ee575faf96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390841">If a circumnavigation wasn't yet in your summer plans, it might be time to rethink. Need inspiration? Flip to page 44, where Richard Hadida, owner and chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yachts</a> talks everything Oyster World Rally, or head to page 46 where owner Jim Offield shares tales of his recent journey around the world onboard the 34-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390839/image/large-7d66b8982fa82274df93c7feb0c54f74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390839">Also in this issue, a deep dive into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>'s brand new Project Life,&nbsp;which proposes a new way of thinking about how a yacht is arranged, experienced, and lived on. We cover the most recent design news, like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a>'s ARuby, as well as deliveries and launches, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>'s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MY Deep Blue134.22m (440'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2026">MY Deep Blue</a> and the third <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> 80, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12881" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project Zurich79.8m (261'10&quot;)Amels2026">Project Zurich</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390838/image/large-75bcbef01fb2228b8f2582c6a31882be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390838">All that and more you can find inside <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-57" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 57</a>, which is available now in print and digital formats. For subscription details or to read the issue online, visit <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-57" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper.</a>

SuperYacht Times newspaper Issue 57 is here!

The summer issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper is here!

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8076" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Valencia (Company)">Marina Port Valencia</a> has announced that the inner marina, Marina City, is now complete as part of their phased transformation. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397349/image/large-033282147cabe8f5a2ddb1d15d41bc62.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397349">Led by the IPM-IMG Group and Ocibar, the project aims to revitalise the three marinas that previously hosted the 2007 America's Cup, while introducing a cutting-edge refit yard, a state-of-the-art dry dock and modern commercial spaces.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/62614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First renderings of new Marina Port Valencia development unveiled (2025-02-14 12:45:00 +0100)">First renderings of new Marina Port Valencia development unveiled</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397347/image/large-02f98e636005af30408a0493b3b9cb49.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397347">The Marina City is now ready to welcome its first customers for the summer season with a full range of premium services. Positioned in the most sheltered area of the port, it has been designed to welcome yachts between 12 and 130 metres and boasts an exclusive central pontoon with berths from 15 metres available for sale or rent for ten, fifteen or twenty years.Construction will soon begin at Marina Norte on a collection of new office buildings designed to attract leading companies and create a hub for networking, innovation and talent. Local residents will also be able to benefit from a restaurant that will open in the former Panorama building.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397346/image/large-ad9d771b5b626cd1085ee90660cd52f1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397346">The redevelopment of the marina will be completed in planned phases over the coming years, with local residents able to experience the marina’s new public spaces as each stage is completed.With landscaping designed by GM Paisajistas, in coordination with the architects at ERRE Arquitectura, the plan links Marina Norte, Marina City and Marina Sur through a landscaped ‘green corridor’, creating a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists lined by Mediterranean vegetation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397348/image/large-4ff447ed4895040fef35c2236798337f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397348">With this project, Marina Port Valencia will reconnect the city with the waterfront,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8076" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Valencia (Company)">Marina Port Valencia</a>. "In doing so, it responds to local leisure needs while providing businesses with an unrivalled waterfront environment, establishing Marina Port Valencia as a leading national and international destination built on the principles of sustainability."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348287/image/large-0f4e8368c10bd6b34945367d123348e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348287">

Marina Port Valencia completes Marina City development

Marina Port Valencia has announced that the inner marina, Marina City, is now complete as part of their phased transformation.

Marina Port Valencia completes inner marina for yachts up to 130m

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida has dismissed the entire complaint brought by Export Yacht Sales (Brill Maritime), which alleged that Boats Group illegally monopolised the US online boat-listing market through YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/355047/image/large-0bd8f332392990f5a08cac6ea37b81d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/355047">The lawsuit was filed on 14 August 2025, with Brill Maritime alleging that Boats Group controlled approximately 75 percent of the market for listing and marketing recreational boats and used subscription agreements that either bar or discourage brokers and dealers from listing vessels on rival platforms.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64073" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="US boat dealers bring antitrust class action against Boats Group (2025-08-21 13:00:00 +0200)">US boat dealers bring antitrust class action against Boats Group</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/355053/image/large-d4b378b0bbe9bf56a1926a2d570b4fd5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/355053">According to Brill Maritime, competing platforms had been unable to achieve the scale or inventory to grow their services effectively, leaving brokers and dealers with limited options.The court found that Brill Maritime had plausibly alleged that the relevant market could be defined as an online boat listing and marketing service in the United States and that Boat Group may possess monopoly power in that market.&nbsp;Brill Maritime also alleged that Boat’s Group claimed 75 percent of the global share, reasonably supporting an inference that it has a dominant position in the US market. As a result of this, the judge did not dismiss the case because Boats Group lacks market power.However, the judge said that Brill Maritime had failed to show that Boats Group engaged in illegal anticompetitive conduct and under US antitrust law, being a monopoly is not illegal by itself.The court repeatedly emphasised that monopoly power is legal, but using that power through anticompetitive behaviour to exclude rivals is illegal.&nbsp;The judge found that Brill Maritime’s three main allegations were insufficient including that Boats Group became dominant by acquiring competitors such as YachtWorld.com, boats.com and YachtCloser.com.The judge said that acquiring competitors is not necessarily illegal and that Brill Maritime had not explained how these acquisitions had harmed competition. The complaint had described the acquisitions as “strategic” suggesting it was more of a successful business move than illegal conduct. The judge explained that Brill Maritime had shown that Boats Group bought competitors, but not that these acquisitions were unlawful. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/355039/image/large-513a0ee840e10e5371f647093bba58d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/355039">Brill Maritime also claimed that Boats Group's subscription agreements stoped brokers from listing boats elsewhere. The judge examined the contract language and concluded that the provision merely prevented brokers from implying that a YachtWorld or Boats Group listing originated somewhere else. He therefore concluded that you can advertise on YachtWorld and on other sites and the contract simply prevented you from pretending a Boats Group listing came from another platform, meaning the clause is not an exclusive dealing arrangement.Finally, Brill Maritime argued that Boats Group had dramatically increased its prices. The judge responded that high prices alone are not an antitrust violation. The court cited multiple precedents saying a legal monopolist is generally allowed to charge whatever prices it wants. To prove monopolisation, Brill Maritime needed to show that the higher prices resulted from illegal exclusionary conduct.In conclusion, the judge accepted that Boats Group may hold monopoly power in the US online boat-listing market, but ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show that Boats Group acquired or maintained that position through illegal anticompetitive conduct.United States District Judge, Roy K. Altman dismissed the complaint without prejudice, meaning the plaintiff is able to resubmit an amended complaint, with a deadline of 30 June 2026.&nbsp;The lawsuit also contained claims under Florida law, with the federal court declining to hear the state claims as the federal antitrust claims were dismissed. These were also dismissed without prejudice, allowing for them to also be refiled.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times will continue to follow this story and will provide updates where necessary.

US court dismisses antitrust lawsuit against Boats Group

The US District Court for the Southern District of Florida has dismissed the antitrust lawsuit brought by Export Yacht Sales against Boats Group.

The 24.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H224.6m (80'9&quot;)Princess Yachts2022">N2H2</a> has been sold, with Joe Hill of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Brokerage International (Company)">Princess Brokerage International</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/377303/image/large-e9f5ee62744476943f9773dd48e429fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/377303">Delivered in 2022, the yacht features interiors penned in-house by her British builder. Meanwhile, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2740" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olesinski Ltd. (Company)">Olesinski</a> took charge of her naval architecture and exterior design.At a volume of 78 GT, she can sleep up to eight guests across four well-appointed staterooms. Guests can enjoy communal areas such as the foredeck and aft deck fitted with sunpads and the flybridge with shade.Propulsion-wise, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H224.6m (80'9&quot;)Princess Yachts2022">N2H2</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines, giving her top speed of 39 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H224.6m (80'9&quot;)Princess Yachts2022">N2H2</a> had a last known asking price of £3,175,000.00.Courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Brokerage International (Company)">Princess Brokerage International</a>.

Princess yacht N2H2 sold

Princess yacht, N2H2 sold, Princess yacht N2H2, Princess yacht sold, N2H2 sold.

25m Princess motor yacht N2H2 sold

The 35.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l. (Company)">Cantiere Valdettaro</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> has been sold with Yannis Stratis of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Broker House (Company)">Yacht Broker House</a>. The sale was concluded directly with a private buyer, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Broker House (Company)">Yacht Broker House</a> acting as both owner and central agent in the transaction.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/98550/image/large-7470442e827fa639586e6fb0099778c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98550">The sale was completed in spring 2026 at Yacht Broker House's home base in Corfu, Greece. Since changing hands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> has departed Greece and is now cruising European waters under her new ownership.&nbsp;Delivered in 1992 by Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l. (Company)">Cantiere Valdettaro</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> most recently underwent a refit in France in 2024. She features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/357" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects (Company)">Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects</a>, while her interiors were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/618" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Garroni (Company)">Studio Garroni</a>.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> has a beam of 7.95-metres and an interior volume of 171 GT. Accommodation onboard is arranged for up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration, while dedicated quarters house up to a crew of six, including her captain.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engine that delivers a cruising speed of 9.7 knots and a top speed of 12 knots.&nbsp;At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> had a last known asking price of €900,000.

35m Cantiere Valdettaro sailing yacht Unplugged sold

  The 35.4-metre Cantiere Valdettaro sailing yacht Unplugged has been sold with Yacht Broker House

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/392305/image/large-86c88e62c5d466ff1f840f9818dce38b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/392305">The 29.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> has been sold. Ferhat Kanbur of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Data Marin (Company)">Data Marin</a> introduced the buyer, while Ilker Bicaco of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5001" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Talia Marine (Company)">Talia Marine</a> represented the seller.Delivered in 2010, the yacht features naval architecture penned in-house by her builder. Meanwhile, her interior and exterior designs were crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Design</a>.Inside, her design is distinguished by light coloured woods that give the yacht a contemporary feel. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> can accommodate up to ten guests across four well-appointed staterooms at a volume of 177 GT. Moreover, a highlight of the yacht is a relaxation area on her flybridge, where guests can enjoy panoramic views.&nbsp;In terms of propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, giving her a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 27 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> had a last known asking price of €2,990,000.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5001" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Talia Marine (Company)">Talia Marine</a>.

Custom Line yacht Lady Yaz sold

The 29.7-metre Custom Line motor yacht Lady Yaz has been sold.

30m Custom Line motor yacht Lady Yaz sold

The 57-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts (Company)">Trinity</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar</a> is on the market, with Rob Newton of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> benefitted from a 2025 refit that refreshed her interiors and modernised her systems.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397161/image/large-157dd31b806639942ec6e7d2aeb4801c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397161">With a deck design built around guest flow, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar</a> features naval architecture and exterior design penned in-house by her American builder. Meanwhile, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/111" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evan K Marshall (Company)">Evan K Marshall</a> took charge of her interior design which is distinguished by Italian marbles, Lalique glass, silk carpets and rich wood in birch, vavona, and bur.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397220/image/large-a05b27ee4abd4103f48fae88e6afdaf3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397220"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397195/image/large-5eb0377176736d577315088431b690c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397195">At a volume of 782 GT, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/elis-et-mar" target="_blank">yacht Elis Et Mar for sale</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms. Her full-beam master suite is found on the main deck. This area can be accessed via a private office and is fitted with a king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, and his-and-hers bathrooms with a soaking tub, separate rain shower, and mirror TVs. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397199/image/large-86d7a9b383706d0176d50ebc3a5183fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397199"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397208/image/large-d05e1e5f38e5dc5c8b79aa56962db52a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397208">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" target="_blank">motor yacht for sale’s</a> VIP suite located on the bridge deck also showcases a king-size bed, elevated views, and a spacious ensuite. Four guest suites on the lower deck, all with fixed king beds and ensuite bathrooms, complete the accommodation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397214/image/large-27ec017e7e73699f2a44df284651fc7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397214">Moving outside, guests aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar</a> are spoilt for choice between adventure and relaxation. Her sundeck plays host to a large Jacuzzi, generous sunpads, a full bar, and an outdoor entertainment system. For those looking to keep active, a fully enclosed, air-conditioned gym is also on offer, equipped with a Pilates Reformer, treadmill, free weights, and audio-visual facilities. A portable ice bath is also available upon request.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397235/image/large-cd87a31b555950b9bd569392e9918873.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397235"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar’s</a> bridge deck sky lounge provides a relaxed indoor retreat, complete with plush seating, a full-service bar, and alfresco dining for up to 12 guests aft. Guests may choose between a formal indoor dining space or an aft dining area with optional climate control, offering flexibility to suit any occasion, on the main deck aft.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397231/image/large-98b1ee45ae88293202adcd95833904d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397231">Moreover, an impressive array of water toys ensures no shortage of thrills for the more adventurous. On the water, guests can make use of four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3030" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cayago AG / Seabob (Company)">Seabobs</a>, two Lift E-Foils, an Awake Ravic electric surfboard, three Jet Skis, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5777" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yamaha (Company)">Yamaha</a> Superjet, inflatable towables, and full snorkelling and fishing gear, alongside two foldable e-bikes for exploration ashore. The entire guest experience is overseen by a professional crew of 13.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397191/image/large-7c46a1b67dc6f3193229d237bca28a4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397191">In terms of propulsion system, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=trinity-yachts" target="_blank">Trinity yacht for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, giving her a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 20 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397192/image/large-e9dc6c5d43d791366dd8c886a1767f06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397192">

Trinity yacht Elis Et Mar for sale

The 57-metre Trinity motor yacht Elis Et Mar is on the market, with Rob Newton of IYC.

57m Trinity superyacht Elis Et Mar for sale

The 23.27-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13810" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spirit of Ponant23.27m (76'4&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2024">Spirit of Ponant</a> is on the market, listed with Pierre Vezilier of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/397239/image/large-f1bb937cf0476fd3bcdc5812056e6442.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20260617%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20260617T063333Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=262c295532260cfc74c32458fc7618902efd698bf345fdbf0eacd0c8ba9d3ec2" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397239">Delivered in 2024, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6073" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Le Quément (Company)">Patrick Le Quément</a>, interior styling 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>, and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/39" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VPLP Design (Company)">VPLP Design</a>. She was conceived with a large sail plan and an optimised hull, delivering efficient open-water performance and stability at sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397254/image/large-5dd6261e35858f970d81b928ddaa7e07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397254"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397252/image/large-c8d1bd1bbc866600bfd48dd91c2cdf50.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397252">The interiors onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" target="_blank">motor yacht for sale</a> are laid out with a strong emphasis on privacy and generous communal areas. Warm shades of brown, blue and neutral tones run throughout both the private and shared spaces, creating a cohesive atmosphere.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397249/image/large-dba320035103ae5c7f72055143b1b08b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397249"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397242/image/large-6501bd710eba06086f0cd2e755663aab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397242">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/spirit-of-ponant" target="_blank">yacht Spirit of Ponant for sale</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms, with a gross tonnage of 135 GT. On deck, guests may dine alfresco in the aft area, while a hydraulic swim platform provides easy access to the sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397255/image/large-1b4072cb4b8f209c2ca62d359f3ddbeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397255"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13810" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spirit of Ponant23.27m (76'4&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2024">Spirit of Ponant</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nanni industries (Company)">Nanni Industries</a> engines, giving the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=lagoon-yachts" target="_blank">Lagoon yacht for sale</a> a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 18 knots.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.

catamaran yacht Spirit of Ponant for sale

The 23.27-metre Lagoon sailing yacht Spirit of Ponant is on the market.

23m catamaran Spirit of Ponant for sale

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397150/image/large-843519c5d1eee2588222c47260858dee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397150">The 73.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautilus73.3m (240'6&quot;)Perini Navi2014">Nautilus</a> has been spotted making her second visit to Guernsey, having first called at the island on 2 May 2016. She was seen in St Peter Port yesterday and is now en route to Gibraltar, according to AIS data.Previously known as Grace E, she was delivered in 2014 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> under its Picchiotti brand in Viareggio, as the largest motor yacht ever built by the shipyard. The 1,876 GT vessel features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/53" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Briand Yacht Design (Company)">Briand Yacht Design</a>, with interiors originally conceived by French designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>. She underwent a refit in 2023 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/681" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Marine (Company)">Monaco Marine</a> at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7074" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Safe Harbor (Company)">Safe Harbour</a> La Ciotat.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautilus73.3m (240'6&quot;)Perini Navi2014">Nautilus</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> diesel-electric engines, affording her a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of 16.5 knots, and a range of 7,500 nautical miles.

73m Perini Navi superyacht Nautilus in Guernsey

The 73.3-metre Perini Navi superyacht Nautilus has been spotted making her second visit to Guernsey.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a> have announced the delivery of the 23.96-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> Gentleman 24M yacht. The yacht was officially christened <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> at the shipyard in La Spezia and delivered to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a> Chairman Tommaso Chiabra as she joins their charter fleet. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397262/image/large-69463179651c336f45f621e2a3eab461.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397262">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini Design &amp; Architecture</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> Centro Stile, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> brand was relaunched in 2022, just six months after the acquisition of the company by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>.&nbsp;Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55685" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group relaunches Picchiotti brand with a new Gentleman yacht line (2022-08-03 12:00:00 +0200)">The Italian Sea Group relaunches Picchiotti brand with a new Gentleman yacht line</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397263/image/large-9d2b1e1afb8a57386a11c5c8c4b07162.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397263">“We are proud to acquire this exceptional asset and to contribute to the revival of one of the most historic names in Italian shipbuilding,” commented Tommaso Chiabra, Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a>.Inspired by the silhouette of the American yachts of the sixties, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> boasts timeless classic lines and is produced entirely in aluminium. She showcases glossy mahogany details and polished plating on her bow and the sides of her stern.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397261/image/large-601aad94946cbee604189de94508e6a8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397261">Spanning 149 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> can comfortably accommodate up to six guests across a three stateroom configuration on the lower deck, with her full-beam owner’s suite situated amidships.&nbsp;“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> Gentleman 24M has a rare quality: she feels immediately familiar, elegant and beautifully Mediterranean,” added Chiabra. “She has substance, warmth and personality; she belongs to a lineage of yachts conceived for private life at sea, while speaking naturally to the expectations of contemporary charter clients.”Conceived for Mediterranean cruising, she features plenty of open-air spaces, with a large beach club for charter living. Perfect for clients seeking privacy and charm, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> gives the feeling of a private residence on the water. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397264/image/large-c0669bf9240500ea4ff1be1400818b85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397264">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> carries the spirit of Janus: one gaze turned towards centuries of seafaring knowledge, the other towards those who will define the next codes of yachting,” added Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>.“She offers a measured threshold into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> world: time onboard becomes a first form of belonging, and that first encounter may quietly mature into something deeper and more personal.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397265/image/large-817d20ffb7d4c6c57e79117b435352b2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397265">(Images courtesy of The Italian Sea Group and Royal Yacht International.)

Gentleman: Picchiotti Gentleman 24M yacht delivered

TISG and RYI have announced the delivery of the first Picchiotti Gentleman 24M yacht, which has been christened Gentleman. 

First Picchiotti Gentleman 24M yacht delivered and christened Gentleman

The 25.13-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4057" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikigai25.13m (82'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2001">Ikigai</a> is listed for auction in partnership with YachtBid and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bright Auctions (Company)">Bright Auctions</a>, with bidding scheduled to take place from 24 August to 31 August 2026. The auction will commence 17:00 CEST on 24 August and conclude at 19:00 CEST on 31 August, with a starting bid of €250,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397102/image/large-24821bba9e1a05c9dc0c4a4bf8b68c0a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397102">Delivered in 2001 by the French shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4057" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikigai25.13m (82'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2001">Ikigai</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/328" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Judel / Vrolijk & co (Company)">Judel / Vrolijk &amp; Co</a>, while her interiors were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/132" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="GCA Arquitectes Associats (Company)">GCA Arquitectes Associats</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397099/image/large-d3134277ff497a941f78eeef0793127b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397099">Built with an aluminium hull and superstructure, the sloop-rigged yacht up for auction has a beam of 6.1-metres and a draft of 3.5-metres.The sailing yacht has benefitted from an extensive refit programme, with a €5 million rebuild completed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a> in The Netherlands in 2018 under the project name "Take Fife,” due to the extent of the project. Further upgrades have since included re-headed rod rigging in 2022 and the installation of an identical main engine and generator in 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397101/image/large-ebcc23d62219cd7ce60d0a462ebb1932.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397101">Designed as a performance cruiser, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4057" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikigai25.13m (82'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2001">Ikigai</a> sports a sleek flush-deck look with wide teak decks and a spacious cockpit that encourages guests to socialise while underway. Her generous sail plan is complemented by a practical deck layout, supporting an exhilarating performance and comfortable short-handed cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397100/image/large-8bdc9d3d6e38c085fc40e976a246dea4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397100">Inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4057" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikigai25.13m (82'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2001">Ikigai</a> blends modern comfort with classic sailing yacht elegance. Her open-plan saloon is bright and welcoming, thanks to skylights, warm wood panelling, neutral furnishings. The open-plan living area features plenty of seating and a stylish space for dining, all enhanced by the sophisticated touch of carefully curated artwork.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397107/image/large-2c0b8ccd3c43cb086f91959851441863.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397107">Spanning 61 GT, accommodation onboard is arranged for up to eight guests, including a spacious owner's stateroom and comfortable guest quarters. Separate accommodation is also provided for a crew of three, including her captain.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4057" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikigai25.13m (82'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2001">Ikigai</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> engine that delivers a cruising speed of 12 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397103/image/large-3f6afa8a9eaa8750001ff18bd06b11cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397103">Prospective buyers will have the opportunity to inspect the yacht during scheduled viewing days in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, taking place on 8 August and 29 August 2026 between 11:00 and 14:00 local time.

25m JFA sailing yacht Ikigai up for auction

 The 25m JFA sailing yacht Ikigai is up for auction with YachtBid and Bright Auctions, with bidding set to take place from 24 to 31 August 2026.

 25m JFA sailing yacht Ikigai up for auction

The relationship between China and superyachts is curious – but it might not be for long. Per capita the country has the second-highest concentration of billionaires, trailing closely behind the United States and far outpacing anywhere else in the world. If we include Hong Kong and Macau into the mix, then there are a recorded 698 members of the highest wealth percentile that call the nation their home. Wealth’s not just concentrated at this top strata either, as ten percent of the world’s millionaires also reside in China – the country has the second-largest economy in the world. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196283/image/large-09d0302703270e4566d1a98eb6d35790.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196283">It’s also a yachting paradise with thousands of islands to explore, miles of sandy beaches, plenty of thriving cities and diverse fauna and flora. There has been a growing enthusiasm for yachting, especially since the turn of the century, and some heady predictions were made with some expecting the number of local yacht owners to exceed six figures. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223288/image/large-52b7982c19caf48ab60d407de6c35dc2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223288">An ambitious estimate when we consider that just ten years ago there were only 3,000 Chinese-owned yachts of all sizes, so expecting an increase of 97,000 was a tad optimistic. This is not to downplay the steep curve that has taken place, far from it. Since the turn of the century, Yachting was growing in popularity in China and new clubs were springing up all over the coastline– Qingdao International Yacht Club and Silver Channel Sailing Club, to name just two – while the more well-established clubs saw their memberships swelling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/7654/image/large-5d1a7e848d557a90ce52519625ff54a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7654">There were also a number of sporting events, regattas and conventions opening their doors for the first time, the China Cup International Regatta, held in Shenzhen being a point in case as it was the first-ever international big sailing event to be held in China, which kicked-off in 2007 and has been held annually ever since.“When I first arrived here, around 30 years ago, the sailing scene was mostly expat, say 70 percent expat to 30 percent Chinese sailing,” &nbsp;Suzy Rayment, Executive Director of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Pacific Superyachts (Company)">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Pacific Superyachts (Company)">APSA</a>), told <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SYT</a>. “Now the ratios have flipped and it's 70 percent Chinese with 30 percent expat sailing, and we see a lot of locals from Shenzhen come to Hong Kong to sail for the weekend. That was until 2019 when the borders were closed in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223265/image/large-4848ae8870b99c70c045040830a7ee7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223265">While yachting has continued to grow in popularity in Hong Kong and southern China, interest in superyachts hasn’t been as strong. Momentum for larger pleasure vessels got hindered – politically that is. Bloomberg wrote a damning report back in 2019, painting quite the macabre portrait of the superyacht sector in China. Not without reason either as Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party, was waging a war against opulence, building stigma against showcasing wealth and slapped on some heavy-weight taxes on luxury commodities to hit back financially too. Owning a superyacht is arguably the most ostentatious plaything and they’re not easy to conceal. At the time, Gordon Hui, former head of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> Asia, reported to Bloomberg that “since the early 2000s he’s shuttered three dealerships in China and hasn’t sold a yacht for use in China since 2015.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223263/image/large-2e3a730b9142016f120cbb0315c49faf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223263">A gulf emerged between the growing interest of yachting and the uprate in ownership in China post-2012; however, ironically, at the time of Bloomberg’s publication things began changing in China and with the Chinese yacht market as the pandemic reignited the desire for superyachts. With lockdown measures and border closures, people all over the world were looking at ways to enjoy their time with their families safely and away from the crowds – China was no different.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223284/image/large-b29cdf81152c43d545bac54e8fabbe01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223284">A major thorn in yachting’s side though is that &nbsp;“the country hasn’t developed a proper maritime infrastructure, making it can be a logistical nightmare to cruise,” Rayment said. But the story is different for Hong Kong. As of the 8th December 2016, the Hong Kong Marine Department finally relaxed the rules for visiting yachts and their crew, as a result of lobbying from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Pacific Superyachts (Company)">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Pacific Superyachts (Company)">APSA</a>), which was spearheaded by Colin Dawson, chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Pacific Superyachts (Company)">APSA</a>. The yachting ecosystem is certainly blooming and Hong Kong is acting as a stronghold, a steady footing to invigorate interest in maritime leisure. Being a special administrative region, Hong Kong is excluded from the heavy levies imposed on luxury goods and it benefits from having deeper relationships with the European and US counterparts of the yachting industry.&nbsp;Adding more might to the region is the fact that it’s a gorgeous area to cruise with more than 250 islands to explore. “During the pandemic with restricted mobility, yacht owners were exploring their native waters and reminded how nice Hong Kong actually is for yachting,” Rayment said.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223262/image/large-9192ca84470260c8a07a6d21a7bdcc41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223262"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223264/image/large-acd5f1bcff54e4e9cb70798e724468bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223264">Mike Simpson, Founder &amp; CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>, also saw this, “Asian and Asia-based expatriates, all wanting to enjoy local cruising grounds as regular travelling patterns are restricted due to the Pandemic. Yachting has come to be seen as a safe haven and a way to escape from the harsh realities of life ashore in these challenging times.” Eric Noyel, Founder of Asia Marine &amp; Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> Asia, saw this trend reflected in sales. “Hong Kong has been crazy for the last two years. 500 new boats arrived – mostly Italian and American – and were sold in the city. There have been record sales across the board for yacht brokers in Hong Kong. I’d say that we’ve had the equivalent of 20 years worth of sales in the last two years.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223259/image/large-c9a4f99477a98a4622b45c254bcaf805.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223259"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223258/image/large-f1007bb7fa2ccad3179e0022df5b4c9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223258">The Hong Kong Boating Industry Association estimates that there are close to 10,000 registered leisure marine vessels (the majority of which will be vessels under 24 metres) and, according to a yacht market study published by Global Industry Analysts, by 2026 China is expected to have a yacht market that sings to the tune of $1.2 billion. Some major players have pledged to bolster their presence in Asia as they look to capitalise on this growth. Massimo Perotti, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, for one, said in a recent press conference that he expects Asia to be a much larger market in the near future.&nbsp;China has a way to go though to support this. But it seems as though the cultural stigma is dissipating. Hong Kong has definitely played a role in this as the local taste for yachting has continued to grow over the years, and has just gone through a period of acceleration. There is a big hindrance for the region, mind: an underdeveloped yachting infrastructure.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223282/image/large-d2a5d27b62198f3154697a10936844bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223282">“We need more marinas, repair and refit yards, and better local crew training but we also need regional governments to understand the potential of this amazing industry and to provide their support in facilitating cross-border cruising with friendly tax, immigration, and operating regulations for superyachts,” Simpson wrote in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Pacific Superyachts (Company)">APSA</a> Guide 2021.The Chinese yacht market has potential and could be a major industry in the coming years and is definitely a region to watch, but it does need work. While the Global Industry Analysts’ prediction of $1.2 billion certainly causes for celebration – it’s still just half of the current US yacht market, albeit a more mature market, but with a similar demographic of billionaires. If the Global Industry Analysts are correct with their predictions, then the Chinese market will be around €10 million less than Germany in 2026. This is not to dismiss the growing market as there is scope for acceleration. &nbsp;“Not all Chinese millionaires and billionaires are going to buy a yacht, but they're getting more and more exposure. Even if they’re not buying a yacht, their friends might be.”

How Hong Kong could ignite a yachting boom in China 

The relationship between China and superyachts is curious – but it might not be for long.  SYT takes a look at the growing yachting market. 

Yacht brokers of Hong Kong have had a phenomenal couple of years as the local appetite for superyachts has grown. There has been a boom in “demand for anything between 15-metres through to 45-metres, and around 500 yachts have been sold in Hong Kong in the last two years,” Eric Noyel, Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Marine (Company)">Asia Marine</a> &amp; Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> Asia, told SYT. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223285/image/large-af2e2abb128e9080583b34b18780bff1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223285">While the appetite has predominantly been satisfied by European builds, local yacht builders have also been kept extremely busy. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/282" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kingship Yacht (Company)">Kingship</a>, for one, currently has multiple projects underway, Managing Director, Roger Liang confirmed. “We are currently building a 45-metre motor yacht designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horacio Bozzo Design (Company)">Horico Bozzo of Axis studio</a>, and have just delivered a 24-metre catamaran to a buyer who’ll navigate around one of the largest lakes in Southern China.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/282" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kingship Yacht (Company)">Kingship</a> built six steel displacement yachts, that are full class and adhere to MCA standards, in the last 10 years. The yard also delivered three high-speed catamaran to clients in Southern China.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219565/image/large-22ced79efd4b0eddc1bc720fe5be70a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219565">Across the Taiwan Strait, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon Yachts</a> are churning out yachts with great tenacity, securing owners for each one. Last year <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a> delivered 13 yachts in the above 24-metre category and have a further 12 penned in to be launched this year. Whereas eight yachts built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon</a> made their first splash last year, and the Taiwanese builder expects to put another 15 in the water before this year’s through. The bulk of these yachts aren’t destined for Asia though, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon Yachts</a>’ main market is Australia, the States, and Europe” Suzy Rayment, Executive Director of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (Company)">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association</a>, explained. The lower number of Asian sales compared to other regions was confirmed after a quick call to the European office of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon Yachts</a>. The same is true for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/214509/image/large-fc13dc58f4b69787fce9940344e59784.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/214509"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111186/image/large-210aa4300e3261200ed50c1e362c0d7d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111186">“Shipyards in Taiwan and Mainland China have been exporting yachts around the world for many years and there is now a growing market in mainland China for locally built yachts,” Mike Simpson, Founder &amp; CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>, commented. “Local builders are learning fast from their more established western counterparts and the quality is improving, but Asian buyers have come to expect cutting edge design, innovation and build quality – and throughout Asia they generally prefer to buy yachts from more established western shipyards. The ‘Designer Label’ is as important for yacht buyers as it is for buyers of cars, watches or handbags.”&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177088/image/large-42d416153cf207aa10a7e8215e7f1371.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177088"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinlong Mega Yacht (Company)">Jinlong Mega Yacht</a> is one such shipyard that is developing quickly. The yacht builder is owned by the conglomerate that recently acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, Zhongying Int’l Holding Group Ltd. The Dutch shipyard will soon be working closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinlong Mega Yacht (Company)">Jinlong Mega Yachts</a>, as the Chinese shipyard rolls out its expansion plans. Daan Balk confirmed this when the initial announcement was made, stating that his team will support the training activities at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinlong Mega Yacht (Company)">Jinlong Mega Yacht</a>.European or American-built yachts are more than just a status symbol for many though. Quality is one thing, but &nbsp;“there also isn’t the same level of aftercare with Chinese-built boats,” Rayment said. So while these yachts might be cheaper, they still come with a price: a lower guarantee that clients know and expect from superyacht manufacturers. This may not be the case for long though; it seems we’re at a pivotal turning point.&nbsp;The forthcoming developments at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinlong Mega Yacht (Company)">Jinlong Mega Yachts</a>, for one, but also with headway being made at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heysea Yachts (Company)">Heysea Yachts</a>. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heysea Yachts (Company)">Heysea</a> was established in 2007 and is currently the leading shipbuilder in mainland China,” Godfrey Zwygart, Managing Director at Marevisio Co. Limited, said. &nbsp;“They have a whole range of boats up to 43 metres, and their quality has been improving considerably in recent years – they are a serious competitor to western shipyards.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100071/image/large-0bf6bfc76339c8dfc6a3125a232f0ff0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100071"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/95551/image/large-7b41d18fc1e4817669080c0f3bf96c0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/95551">The other big player in China is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3780" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pride Mega Yachts (Company)">Pride Mega Yachts</a>, located in the Yantai Shandong province. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3780" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pride Mega Yachts (Company)">Pride</a> is the yard that handled the construction of one of the largest Chinese-built superyachts: the 88.5-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5634" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion Plus88.5m (290'4&quot;)Pride Mega Yachts2018">Illusion Plus</a>. Currently all three shipyards are predominantly geared for export, they all have scope to expand their facilities if local demand grows – which it could.“China is completely closed off from Hong Kong at the moment, but this could change as Hong Kong is now part of the Greater Bay Area,” Reyment said. “The yachting infrastructure is waiting to happen in China – it’s just not there yet. Hong Kong is a great role model in that respect.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/95547/image/large-edbb1299c84f04ecc42f83a57c880e5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/95547">“Hong Kong has been doing well with superyacht sales these last few years and has had a fair bit of success with the 40-45-metre category,” Joe Yuen, Chief Representative, Hong Kong and Macao at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>, told SYT. “It’s been a slightly different story in the mainland and the market for imported superyachts is a lot slower. There is a demand for locally built superyachts, production boats and smaller yachts in the region, but not for those imported.”Yuen continued, “A lot of local owners want superyachts, but because of local restrictions there is a reduced appetite for larger pleasure vessels. We see a lot of smaller Chinese-built yachts going out fishing and day cruising around Southern China, but larger yachts aren’t a common sight.”Tax and flagging regulations are two issues. While there may be much lower tax imposed if an owner wants to fly a Chinese flag, it comes with restrictions. “Local yachts with a Chinese flag have limited access to domestic waters and need to apply for special permits to go abroad, so boats willing to sail globally would have to be registered as commercial,” Zwygart explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208973/image/large-f6e2669d736b89cd112f3eb0d442eaed.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208973"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208974/image/large-b4a17d98ee52c159c2a131cb2bb91edd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208974">This explains the strong focus on export. It also provided an opportunity for other Asian shipyards to tap into the market. South Korean builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="GHI Yachts (Company)">GHI Super Yachts</a> "Phoenix Model Yachts", for one, supplies superyachts to its Chinese clients with an availability of flags and without an export tax. The largest yacht currently in-build at its facilities is the 39.6-metre motor yacht Legacy 135.Amidst heavy restrictions, there’s a lot of potentials. The market is maturing but the infrastructure needs developing and legislation needs lifting. There's also an issue with limited berthing available. Nonetheless, Roger Liang reports a growing number of “yachts on Hainan Island,” while this is positive the numbers “will take time to catch up” with the numbers of other affluent countries. If legislation is passed, there could be an upsurge – but, really, it’s difficult to tell.&nbsp;

yacht building in China

With a growing appetite for superyachts in China and Hong Kong, can we expect to see an increased activity in shipbuilding? 

Will there be an upsurge of yacht building in China? 

Monaco

Camper & Nicholsons

Netherlands

Feadship

Feadship Marketing 

Fraser 

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Italy

Sanlorenzo

United Kingdom

Princess Yachts

Finland

Nautor Swan

Mulder Shipyard

New Mulder ThirtySix BN110

Moonen Yachts

The Monaco Yacht Show 2023, one of the most prestigious displays of superyachts in the world, will take place in September in Port Hercules. Throughout its 30-year existence the show has delivered a luxurious experience, hosting the biggest industry names and numerous exquisite yachts, with gala evenings and cocktail parties for those who opt for the Sapphire Experience.

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Market Insight: Is Asia facing a downward turn?