In an industry wedded to steel and aluminium construction, superyacht shipyards have been relatively slow to embrace composite materials for the manufacturing of large structures such as hardtops and biminis. But having completed more than 15,000 refit and repair projects, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> in Palma de Mallorca has proven the benefits of composites many times over.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357903/image/large-a1b69eb8e595571c2355e9769bd52a3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357903">In 2022 as part of a €35 million refit, the 73-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a> (ex-Coral Island) designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Jon Bannenberg</a> received an entirely new and enclosed sky lounge for entertaining and dining. The 140-square-metre roof structure replaced the former sat-dome area on the upper deck and comprised two large electric sliding sunroofs, as well as a new 3.8-metre navigation mast atop the roof. The whole massive structure was engineered and built out of composite foam-cored panels by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231707/image/large-671afdff72f522f8d6d98e20ccd34bff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231707">“The original idea was to do it in aluminum,” recalls Luke Hendy, technical &amp; commercial director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a>. “But we thought we could do something much better and bigger in composites, because we weren’t as constrained by the weight and stability issues of building in aluminium. What started out as a new roof turned into a major deck modification.”&nbsp;Local company 3D Tech was tasked with laser scanning the deck space to 0.2-millimetre accuracy and integrating the (often conflicting) inputs from the Gurit composite engineers and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>, who drew the lines for the new sky lounge. The resulting 3D CAD model became the primary reference throughout the project lifecycle, from the tooling and component manufacture to the final installation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357899/image/large-f46a2494bf206d75ba42512286e7a962.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357899">“Integrating all the HVAC, AV and electrics, as well as the big sliding doors and opening sunroofs, was part of quite a mammoth modelling operation,” continues Hendy. “But what we had at the end was a very accurate 3D model to start the tooling, which provides shapes that are much closer, if not identical, to the original design – much more accurate than working with aluminium, which has to be cut and welded, then faired and primed.”The roof and mast structures were manufactured off-site at the purpose-built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> facility and delivered in three main parts to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="STP Shipyard Palma (Company)">STP Shipyard Palma</a>, where they were assembled and then bonded and bolted to the top deck. Thanks to the accuracy of the CNC-machined female moulds, tooled directly from the CAD data, the composite parts required very little fairing compared to traditional aluminium construction. The use of 3D scanning at the outset further meant the huge components fitted perfectly. In fact, installing the structures took just two days with no hotworks required. The sky lounge was later described as the ‘jewel’ of the award-winning refit.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357895/image/large-ce3ecad4097bab27985889c80bb422d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357895">Weighing the cost&nbsp;Less fairing meant significant weight savings in a very stability sensitive area at the top of the yacht. Steel and aluminium usually require between six and eight millimetres of filler, which translates into eight kilos per square metre on average. That adds up very quickly in terms of weight, but also cost and time.“You also have to consider the logistics of tenting the yacht, the extraction, the disruption to other refit jobs and – critically – the time the boat is out of operation,” Hendy explains. “Instead, we built the structures off-site at our own manufacturing facility while everyone else cracked on with other works, then came back at the end of the six-month yard period and installed the new sky lounge already painted.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357898/image/large-cf3fae3ad31407605466acd9a87d953b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357898">To illustrate his point, Hendy references the recent refit of a busy charter yacht when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> were able to scan the whole upper deck overnight. This provided all the data they needed to go away and engineer, fabricate and paint a new composite structure for later installation. In the meantime, the owner could continue earning revenue from the yacht’s charter activities.&nbsp;“The raw material and basic construction costs may be marginally higher with composites, but over time it works out cheaper when you look at the wider picture,” says Hendy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183207/image/large-6c4f5ab23799f88a134a28946f0e9738.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183207">Around the same time as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a>, the 40-strong team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> was commissioned to engineer, build and install new carbon-fibre hardtop biminis for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a>, the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world. The new structures – two attached fore and aft of the existing transverse arch, and one covering the forward area of the huge flybridge – replaced the traditional steel tube and canvas bimini's with a more modern design featuring integrated AV and lighting and electrically operated sunroofs to protect the helmsman. Included in the upgrade was the manufacture of two new helm consoles and wheels to complement the new-look flybridge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183209/image/large-1f3592900ad62da0e6f4dec4df0909c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183209">“We used the same 3D scanning, CAD modelling and CAD/CAM tooling techniques to produce the hardtops offsite for later transport to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> yard in Italy, but although the yacht was also composite in many ways the engineering proved more complex than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a>,” says Hendy. “This was because we had to integrate the main bimini into the existing arch structure and visually the design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Adriana Monk</a> was very sleek, so we had to be careful to achieve the stiffness we wanted without any vibration or resonance.”&nbsp;Reducing resonance&nbsp;This last point is critical in the engineering process. All physical structures have natural frequencies at which they will tend to vibrate when subjected to external forces, including waves and pressure pulses from propellers. These frequencies are dependent on the way mass and stiffness are distributed within the structure. Resonance happens when a dynamic force excites a structure to vibrate at its natural frequency – even a small force can produce a large vibration response that may result in ‘humming’. In the case of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> referred to the yacht’s original noise and vibration studies to engineer the GRP/carbon sandwich panels to avoid these natural frequencies. Moreover, the PVC foam cores have much higher damping and thermal insulation properties compared to aluminium. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357900/image/large-d767a68c94182e7c21c2b729c69b97cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357900">One challenge that still has to be fully overcome by contractors like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> is that the class societies are more accustomed to dealing with steel and aluminium in superyacht construction. When faced with composites they usually to refer to the rules for guidance, but technology moves quickly and the existing regulations may be unsuitable. That can lead to situations where a surveyor might want to see a composite panel that has the same thickness as an aluminium one, because that is the benchmark he or she understands best.“One of the issues is that the regulations were originally written for commercial ships, so class is already playing catch up with the superyacht industry,” says Ian Heseltine, operations manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a>. “However, on each project we work closely with class to help bring the rules up to date.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357902/image/large-dbc4db1256119fe2657abf37db086cad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357902">Full potential&nbsp;Indeed, Heseltine believes it is the high-tech nature of building with advanced composites that fundamentally distinguishes it most from metal construction. After all, you can design something sleek and curvy in aluminium, but then you have to convert the design into technical drawings to build it out of flat sheets of metal. At that point, you lose the direct connection between the design intent and the physical reality. Not so with composites:<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357901/image/large-66281726fe0b3e6f510983a7fcc68c0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357901">“We bring 3D scans into our CAD software as the basis of the design, then build and test it virtually for rigidity and strength, resistance to wind loading and vibration, and so on,” explains Heseltine. “But we also use that very same CAD tech to create the tooling, which is able to reproduce a perfect impression of the original design intent. In other words, we harness the technology to its full potential from concept to completion.”Composite vs aluminumAluminium has a density of about 2.7 grams per cubic centimetre, whereas a composite foam-cored panel typically has a density of between 0.03 to 0.5 grams per cubic centimetre) with stiff outer skins of GRP, carbon fibre, or even aluminium. The core dramatically reduces weight while maintaining rigidity, making it much lighter than solid aluminium. In fact, a one-square-metre aluminium plate (5-millimetre thick) weighs approximately 13.5 kg, whereas a one-square-metre composite foam panel (with a 5mm core and 1-millimetre fibreglass skins) weighs 3-5 kg, depending on the skin materials.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357904/image/large-6c0a129e610df5867b4de2d6c439e8f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357904">Aluminium has good stiffness, but its rigidity comes from its density. Young’s Modulus (stiffness measure) for aluminium is about 70 GPa. Foam cores are not inherently stiff, but a panel’s stiffness comes from its outer skins (carbon fibre’s Young’s Modulus is up to 230 GPa) and the thickness of the sandwich structure. The foam core effectively increases the separation between the outer skins, which improves stiffness without adding much weight.Composite foam-cored panels have a much higher stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to solid aluminium plates. Indeed, for the same weight, foam-cored composite panels can be three to 10 times stiffer than aluminium, making them ideal for applications where light weight and rigidity are critical.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357897/image/large-a92bb62ebf2a7af1d3ce69ab7fbffec9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357897">20 years in business<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> was set up in 2005 by sailor, boat builder and composites specialist Mark Branagh. After assisting the Oracle America’s Cup team in Valencia, he moved his headquarters to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="STP Shipyard Palma (Company)">STP (Servicios Técnicos Portuarios) Shipyard</a> in Palma de Mallorca. Previously he had studied material science at Brunel University in London before working at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Green Marine (Company)">Green Marine</a>, where he was involved in building composite sailing yachts such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/539" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally B32.72m (107'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd1998">Wally B</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ghost37.25m (122'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Ghost</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sojana34.97m (114'9&quot;)Fast Cruising Ltd2003">Sojana</a> and Playstation. Mark and Luke Hendy met in Falmouth in the early days of Pendennis. After spells at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">Composite Works</a> in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Ciotat Shipyards (Company)">La Ciotat</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 La Ciotat</a>) and running his own business, Luke joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> as an acting partner in 2008, a role that was only formalised in 2023. In 2018 they opened a state-of-the-art workshop facility in Son Moro in Mallorca. Today, the company employs over 40 project managers, designers and composite technicians.This article was first published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank">Issue 7 of &nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank">How to Build It</a> <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank">magazine, which can be downloaded here</a>.

BM Composites and the rise of advanced materials

M5 yacht sailing

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Coral Ocean yacht

BM Composites shipyard in Palma de Mallorca

Justin Ratcliffe investigates  BM Composites in Palma de Mallorca, which have completed more than 15,000 refit and repair projects. 

Refit: BM Composites and the rise of advanced materials

Refitting Oceanco's 93m Draak

 A look inside the refit journey of Draak, and how the project has changed what 'refit' can mean

Behind the refit of Oceanco's 93m superyacht Draak

How To Build It - Issue 11 is live! This issue is all about the age of integration and explores the elements of superyacht building that we don't often see or read about.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397625/image/large-6f596041bc2383cda85f8633a4fbeb4d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397625">How large yachts are conceived, engineered and operated? Issue 11 explores the increasing complexity of superyachts and how integration must ensure that elements such as propulsion, energy management, digital systems, operational flexibility, environmental considerations and long-term adaptability function as one coherent whole.We take a look at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Turquoise Yachts (Company)">Turquoise</a>'s first hybrid yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11827" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H76.3m (250'4&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2026">N2H</a>, and how the role of shipyard extended well beyond the construction to take on the integration of an evolving technological vision into a reliable operational reality. The yacht was effectively engineered into existence from the inside out (p 38). <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397623/image/large-61941b2e6c557f081414c700d2475688.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397623">The story of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> reflects a similar story: a refit by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> that evolved into something far more ambitious: the reconstruction of a large superyacht into a hybrid expedition and support platform; the refit journey can be found on page 60.Also in this issue is a look into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6143" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ABB Group (Company)">ABB</a>'s podded electric propulsion systems and how they are changing the way designers think about yacht architecture all together (p 73) and a dive into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8273" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferrari (Company)">Ferrari</a>'s Hypersail that is taking shape in Pisa after decades of automotive ingenuity (p 52).<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397622/image/large-272f02d54be4badd9ce3e471113908e1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397622">We take a look at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon Yachts</a>, which has grown from a small OEM to a global builder of semi-custom motor yachts larger than 24-metres (p 27), and dive into the changing regulations surrounding paint and coatings (p 88). Issue 11 also includes a sit-down with Patrick Bray on how to build a better boat (p 127), and we speak with Donna Green, Head of New Build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> about modern yacht building and the importance of collaboration.All that and more, Issue 11 of How To Build It is now <a href="https://issuu.com/superyachttimes/docs/how_to_build_it_-_issue_11_-_summer_2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">live</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397621/image/large-10a7028b56089751c54a4399cebba417.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397621">

how to build it issue 11

Issue 11 of How To Build It is live and available! We dive into the age of integration in the superyacht industry.

How To Build It - Issue 11: The integration age is live!

There are over 50 billion light bulbs in circulation globally, the vast majority LED-based. But the evolution from incandescent to fluorescent and now LED has come with unintended consequences, particularly for our biology. Increasingly, that means bringing wellness into the heart of onboard systems, and lighting is one of the most powerful tools for doing that. Michael Meeneghan, founder of system integrators MP Tech in the UK, looks into engineering circadian-friendly lighting at sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397073/image/large-8a6f614768b4a055483b03c753d7fccc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397073">Modern mass-market LED luminaires are predominantly built around a “blue pump” architecture. This architecture boosts luminous efficacy by amplifying the blue portion of the spectrum (typically ~450nm) and then converting some of it into other wavelengths using phosphors.&nbsp;While technically impressive and energy-efficient, the issue is spectral imbalance. Blue-rich white light, especially in the evening hours, suppresses melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep onset. This leads to circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD), manifesting in poor sleep quality, fatigue, cognitive decline, and long-term health risks. For those at sea, crossing time zones, working night shifts, or living in enclosed, artificially lit environments, the risks are magnified. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397074/image/large-0b490baf7772bd1cbd895380dbf78c73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397074">What is Circadian-friendly lighting?&nbsp;Circadian lighting is about aligning artificial illumination with the body’s internal 24-hour clock. Human-centric lighting (HCL) systems do this by varying both colour temperature and intensity throughout the day:&nbsp;• Cool, bright light (~5000–6500K) in the morning stimulates alertness and cognitive performance.&nbsp;• Warm, dimmed light (~1800–2700K) in the evening promotes relaxation and sleep readiness.&nbsp;But HCL is not just about colour temperature; it’s also about spectral fidelity, flicker control, and CRI (colour rendering index). Truly circadian-supportive lighting delivers high CRI (ideally 95+), flicker-free performance, and a balanced spectral output that respects human biology.&nbsp;These are the standards that MP Tech has adopted when designing and commissioning lighting schemes for yachts, with a focus on ensuring biological alignment without compromising visual quality.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397075/image/large-3c2a7a8b5196bdcbc153ad8c24a44620.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397075">Why this matters on a superyacht&nbsp;Unlike land-based homes, yacht interiors are removed from natural daylight cycles. Guests move across time zones, crew work non-traditional shifts, and spaces are often enclosed with limited exposure to sunlight. In such conditions, artificial lighting becomes the dominant environmental cue for the body. For crew, this means supporting shift-work without compromising health. For guests, it means enhancing comfort, reducing jet lag, and creating spaces that feel intuitively “right”, whether waking up in the Med or winding down in the Caribbean.&nbsp;Sleep and Circadian Disruption (SCRD) isn’t always dramatic – it accumulates. But its impact is real and can lead to reduced sleep quality, lower productivity, mood volatility and slower recovery. In luxury hospitality, where every detail matters, lighting becomes both an aesthetic and a physiological asset.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397071/image/large-4e5955784fa2513194673e69d7f36b4a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397071">Moving to better standards It’s not uncommon to find beautifully crafted, high-value luminaires aboard yachts that are fitted with subpar light engines. The result? Ornate fixtures delivering flickering, low-CRI, spectrally imbalanced light that undercuts both wellness and visual impact. This dissonance between decorative quality and lighting quality requires thoughtful re-engineering to resolve. The key is to respect the design intent while addressing performance shortfalls that can affect wellbeing.&nbsp;Fortunately, the lighting industry is progressing. New human-centric lighting standards now prioritise:&nbsp;• Flicker-free drivers with high-frequency PWM or DC dimming • High CRI LED chips, often approaching CRI 98+&nbsp;• Tunable white modules with dynamic CCT from warm white to cool white&nbsp;• Full-spectrum LEDs that eliminate blue spike and restore spectral balance&nbsp;These technologies are more compact, marine-compatible, increasingly retrofit- friendly, and typically combine: • Tunable white luminaires with dual-channel or multi-channel LED modules • Intelligent controls that adjust scenes automatically or via user inputs • Sensors and automation that adapt to time of day, presence or ambient light&nbsp;When lighting designers work closely with yacht architects and AV-integrators to specify, program and commission these systems, the result is lighting that flows with the rhythm of life, not against it. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397076/image/large-d9c9e416c484bc6996c480d8739d824c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397076">From design to delivery&nbsp;For new builds, early engagement is critical. Lighting design conversations should be had at concept stage to ensure that both technical and experiential requirements are addressed holistically. Each project starts with a light-use audit, mapping the way each space is used throughout the day and night. From there, tailored control strategies are developed and appropriate luminaires and drivers supplied, managing installation and commissioning through to final handover.&nbsp;For refits, improvements can still be significant, from replacing existing fittings and fixtures with flicker-free, high CRI LED, all the way to upgrading ornate and bespoke fixtures through re-chipping – replacing old LED modules with high-spec, flicker-free alternatives – preserving visual continuity while delivering a measurable step forward in performance and wellbeing.&nbsp;While guest areas are often the focus of design, crew quarters, corridors and service areas require just as much attention. Lighting in these spaces influences alertness, fatigue and productivity – key factors in operational excellence. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397072/image/large-af2a3cfb4818d508d6436e785f8eefe2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397072">The future of Circadian lighting&nbsp;As understanding of circadian biology continues to evolve, so too does lighting technology. We are now exploring full-spectrum lighting profiles that better simulate sunrise, midday and dusk; the integration of near-infrared (IR) and UV elements for skin stimulation and environmental hygiene; and wearable data integration to adapt lighting in real time based on user chronotype or sleep cycles.&nbsp;These innovations will likely become part of the next generation of wellness-centred yacht systems. Whether in a new build or a smart retrofit, lighting doesn’t just illuminate, it enhances life at sea.&nbsp;

How human-centric light design is transforming wellness at sea

Blue-rich LEDs disrupt sleep at sea. Here's how circadian-friendly lighting systems are improving wellbeing for superyacht crew and guests

“Without data you’re just a person with an opinion,” says Giovanni Palamà. For the data &amp; measurement specialist, entrepreneur, and founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a>, the quote is not a provocation – it is the premise on which he built an entire company.&nbsp;After years as a professional sailor on the international race circuit, Giovanni Palamà understands that performance on the water is never the product of instinct alone: it is the result of consistent, objective and repeatable measurement.&nbsp;“When I left racing and moved into consultancy, I realised the superyacht industry lacked this scientific discipline,” he says. “Extremely complex vessels were being delivered, yet there was no standardised way to quantify whether they actually performed according to their design. I founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a> in 2015 to answer that question.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396519/image/large-66c4d58023dbf7660b99d59595acd406.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396519">By not only gathering but also precisely interpreting data, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a> is going beyond the limits of “traditional” industry processes. It works with the major Italian shipyards to provide sea-trial analyses, onboard monitoring and long-term performance assessment via a broad spectrum of diagnostic data, including vibration readings, power-management behaviour, thermographic imagery, 3D scans, strain-gauge load measurements, and its onboard AI platform D.gree.The goal is not simply to identify faults, but to understand how every component behaves within the broader system. This is where the approach becomes transformative. Indeed, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade - 2025">Metstrade 2025</a> the company presented itself as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV Group</a>, where “group” is intended as a set of multidisciplinary services and brands, organised into specialised areas covering the entire yacht lifecycle, from management and analysis to value preservation and innovation.With operational offices in Ancona, Pisa and La Spezia in Italy, a service point in Palma de Mallorca, and an innovation hub in Palo Alto, California, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a> employs technologies rarely seen outside high-end industrial sectors. Motion Amplification, for example, transforms ordinary video into a magnified analysis tool that reveals vibrations far too subtle for the human eye to see – vibrations that can lead to premature wear, reduced efficiency, or outright failure. And as diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion systems become the norm, high-frequency sampling is used to detect issues that traditional monitoring systems would miss. These measurement techniques allow shipyards and crew to shift from reactive maintenance to true condition-based maintenance.“In commercial shipping, predictive maintenance is standard,” says Palamà. “But superyachts behave differently. Their operational profiles vary dramatically from vessel to vessel, making uniform maintenance intervals unreliable. A charter yacht that spends its summer shuttling between Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast wears very differently from one that crosses the Atlantic or spends long periods at anchor.”Because every supplier uses its own communication protocol, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a> has designed its systems to ‘speak’ with virtually every machine on board, from the main engines to the stabilisers and HVAC system. The company has a multi-year programme with both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> to optimise the performance of their superyacht fleet. During sea trials of all <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benett</a>i’s 100-metre-plus yachts, for example, it used its own certified technology to log up to 5,000 variables.“The results are measurable,” continues Palamà. “For example, after monitoring a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Tradition for several seasons, we recommended switching propellers – a change that saved roughly €30,000 in fuel in a single season.”Also during <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade (Company)">Metstrade</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a> presented its newest development: D.gree V26, and its first AI Agent, Sailly, as the industry moves toward intelligent autonomy at sea. Offered in three configurations – One, Pro and Ultra – D.gree V26 is designed to adapt to both new-build and refit projects by fully leveraging intelligent node technology. Accessible both locally and remotely, the system is aboard a current fleet of around 70 yachts (expected to grow to 300 within three years), processing over 5 million data points per hour and predicting failures before they occur. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396518/image/large-6c625f4bf1121bf5cbf12eb760b705ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396518">D.gree can also track external conditions, such as weather, to provide an even more complete picture of the yacht’s actual operating environment. The benefits ripple across the industry: owners gain transparency and asset protection; captains receive a clear overview; engineers can plan work rather than firefight; fleet managers can monitor multiple vessels through a single coherent system; and shipyards are able to draw on a continuous closed loop between design, operations and service.As younger, more tech-oriented owners enter the market, expectations are shifting. They demand accountability, connectivity and smarter systems. Anchored by solid engineering and strengthened by data, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailADV Group (Company)">SailADV</a> is working to meet those expectations. In a sector built on craftsmanship, beauty and tradition, the company aims to bring something more tangible: proof. And as Palamà likes to remind people, in modern yachting, proof is power.

What data reveals about a superyacht’s operating environment

SailADV founder Giovanni Palamà explains how data, diagnostics and AI-led monitoring are changing superyacht performance analysis and maintenance.

SailADV: What data reveals about a superyacht’s operating environment

Just as physical tank test models are giving way to computational fluid dynamics, so another form of virtual modelling is coming to the fore – the digital twin. But what is a digital twin, and how can we use them to streamline superyacht design, construction and operation?Providing an exact definition of a digital twin can be tricky, not least because different people use the term in different ways. With conceptual origins tracing back to NASA in the 1960s, the truth is that digital twins come in a variety of forms and offer multiple applications – all of which have the potential to change the approach to design and enhance the operational effectiveness of superyachts.“I haven’t found a consistent way that people use the term,” says software developer Boudewijn van Groos. “For example, some call a simple 3D model a digital twin, even if it doesn’t make predictions. It might show live sensor data from the vessel, but it’s really just a portal into the actual ship. That is fundamentally different to a software model that mimics the behaviour of a system based on physical or statistical calculations. Yet people refer to both as digital twins.”Models created in a software environment are arguably the purest form of digital twinning. They are increasingly being used both to train AI and to enable systems developers to code the core parts of a yacht’s controllers while the physical yacht itself is still in build – a decisive factor when faced with tight construction and delivery schedules.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397081/image/large-c63a38ee887c535cd43a28154e353077.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397081">Virtual virtuesVan Groos is leading a team of software developers who are undertaking the coding of a multifaceted monitoring and control system aboard Project Zero, the renewables-powered sailing yacht under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a>. In collaboration with German company XRG Simulation, they have been building a virtual version of the yacht’s systems in Modelica, which allows them to write the code for the programmable logic controller (PLC) for the thermal harvesting and recovery system, for example, and test it before the physical system has been completed. While the team has also been using a current sailing superyacht as a test bed, creating a digital twin has brought additional benefits.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397079/image/large-c1ba2f94baf775740a49c5322a0b5621.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397079">“For everything we’re doing we first write the physical thing into code to form the digital twin,” Van explains. “That simulation can be very basic, or a deep mechanical simulation. It gives us an opportunity to prevent regression bugs and it means we can avoid having to run our code on a physical system that means needing the real machine every time, which is just a hassle.”Developing a digital twin not only creates a platform for virtual testing, it also provides an opportunity to explore or to train AI, which can have real-world applications in a finished project. Indeed, this is the approach that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3559" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Videoworks Group (Company)">Videoworks</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> took, in collaboration with the University of Pisa, to develop the systems on the 42.84-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12135" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf X42.84m (140'7&quot;)Rossinavi2024">Seawolf X</a> catamaran.“On a yacht you have a lot of very high-tech systems, each optimised and each with sensor actuators,” explains Maurizio Minossi, CEO and CTO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3559" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Videoworks Group (Company)">Videoworks</a>. “The idea is to create a sort of manager that grabs the data coming from the different subsystems and, thanks to the use of AI algorithms, gives it added value in terms of monitoring and control.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397078/image/large-3bbe7f4296cb60275d58eb400d1d5976.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397078">“AI algorithms need to train on something – you need a story,” adds Sergio Saponara, director of the Department of Informational Engineering at the University of Pisa. “But if the technology is new, how do you create that story? Creating a digital model of a yacht allows you to fill the AI with data. You analyse the chiller in a model, then you combine it with all the other models to create the whole ship.”The system they have developed, which has been designed to be modular for use across multiple yacht designs and configurations, integrates various network-connected sensors, smart plugs, and actuators, such as HVAC systems, lighting, and automated blinds, orchestrated by an advanced AI algorithm. The digital twin enables the simulation of different configurations and operational scenarios, generating virtual data that can be used to train AI models – a useful approach given the challenges of limited experimental data on energy consumption and passenger habits.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397077/image/large-efe714be9d6f415bcddaf70b66ca2da0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397077">Test rig&nbsp;It’s not just in systems design that digital twins are being utilised. For Dale Morris, Group Head of Global Design at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a>, the development of digital twins has enabled advanced, in-the-box testing before a rig is stepped – a serious advantage given the one-off nature and complexity of superyacht masts and sail plans.&nbsp;“The outcome is what’s on the water, but the model that came before it has been through all the conditions,” he says. “It starts with base mast properties, rigging pre-tension and tuning, but we add in the actual moulded sail shape and structural files from North Sails, and then we can assess the rig to a whole other level.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397082/image/large-2efc90f958531c34f23220a01c23ffdf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397082">This allows the team to see the effect of their rig design choices even down to its impact on the actual shape of the sails. They can go into a whole CFD loop, where the fluid structure interaction (FSI) loops back into the non-linear FEA – non-linear because the mast is flexible. That essentially means they can sea-trial the yacht before any carbon fibre even gets laid in the mast mould.“That also flows through into how we communicate the safe operation to the customer with all the sheet runs and all the load interfaces, so that boatbuilders can build-in the right safety factors,” &nbsp;Morris explains. “You can assess all that within the digital twin.”It also impacts the initial sea trial phases because, rather than the traditional method of stepping a mast and eyeballing the rig to tune it and ensure it is set up symmetrically, it can effectively be pre-set. Gone are the days where you put the rig in, go sailing and flop from tack to tack, make changes, rinse and repeat, which can be a two-day operation.“We are able to virtually go sailing before we even put carbon in the mast tooling, and for yacht designers, owners and crew that’s a huge benefit because it elevates confidence before you get further into the project,” &nbsp;says Vincent Guiot, Group Sales Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a>. &nbsp;Further, the applications extend to the operational phase. By using the information from the load sensors from specific conditions. If something doesn’t look quite right, the team can plug that data back into the digital twin and help someone on board diagnose the issue more efficiently.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397080/image/large-77d39333b2a17751661ad462a20fdfc0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397080">Practical magic&nbsp;As CAD has advanced, so 3D models have become commonplace, not only in terms of determining the underlying engineering layout of a vessel but also to ensure the vessel can be built as efficiently as possible. But when one superyacht project approached Dutch company Goltens to take that 3D model further, the potential for an all-encompassing digital twin quickly became apparent.“Normally we design, engineer and create 3D models, and during that process a lot of information on the components – size, material, capacity, make, model – is put into a database,” says Sandra Jutte of Goltens’ Green Technologies division. “But when the vessel departs, most of that information, which can number thousands of data files, stays behind. For this project, we were asked how we could collect all the engineering data in one place during construction and use it to make the yacht smarter in operation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397085/image/large-8490e120db5880a524554f471c7eb9b6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397085">To achieve that, the Goltens team combined ongoing 3D scanning during the build with CAD and engineering drawings to create a digital version of Project Zero that is a perfect match for the real thing. The result is that all the information on the build, systems and components is available for easy access – especially useful when it comes to fault-finding or in the event of a system alarm.&nbsp;“You need an exact copy of the yacht, so during the entire build our team has been on site with a 3D scanner capturing every stage of the build,” says Jutte. “We’ve scanned every detail, including 100,000 metres of cables and six kilometres of piping.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397086/image/large-39fff693692206113bdc5e36b8ec672b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397086">Every pump, pipe and system is connected and with e-sharing it’s possible to click into the engineering drawing and instantly jump to the same spot in the 3D model, and vice versa. All relevant details and spare parts listings are available with a click. What’s more, the digital twin will form the backbone for predictive maintenance and, potentially, AI-rooted energy efficiency and systems analysis during the operational phase – an aspect that could have huge impact for a project where every kilowatt counts.The potential goes further, however, because wherever the vessel goes, the digital twin goes too. This means designers can use the digital twin to experiment with new ideas or test layouts without ever touching the real vessel, while engineers can follow system performance and simulate improvements, and and owners can explore their yacht anytime, anywhere.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397087/image/large-8c4ef31785ce28bc95f037d27cf282ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397087">Such a comprehensive scan-based digital twin improves maintenance aspects – with all manuals and spare parts lists easily accessible, and with the potential to add predictive maintenance algorithms – but also aids efficiency in a refit phase.&nbsp;“Refits and repairs are no longer a guessing game,” says Jutte. “Because if a component needs to be replaced or a new component fitted, the digital twin already knows what’s there currently and if the new one will fit. It means you can order or prefabricate parts with confidence. It’s a complete feedback loop between design, operation, maintenance, fault-finding and improvement.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397089/image/large-cbdce16aec81ad92d4d28edb2f355442.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397089">

How is virtual modelling transforming superyacht design and operation

From rig testing to predictive maintenance, digital twins are reshaping how superyachts are designed, built and operated.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom Yacht Equipment</a>&nbsp;has earned a prominent position in the superyacht supply chain for its bespoke boarding equipment, platforms, cranes, watertight doors and integrated control systems. Yet the engineering philosophy behind its custom-designed solutions is based on a resolutely modular approach.When Mervyn van der Ploeg was appointed managing director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom Yacht Equipment</a> in 2015, the company was going through a bad patch. It routinely redesigned everything from scratch for each new yacht project, leading to prototype-level inefficiencies and financial strain. A small but telling example is that it used to produce 32 different types of locking pins. Today, through a process of standardisation and modularisation, that number has been reduced to just two sizes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396743/image/large-c20dda6c39f046eea94eaa71057b9e2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396743">“Previously, when designing a platform for a yacht, four different locking pins might have been specified, requiring multiple suppliers,” explains van der Ploeg. “Now, we buy 200 locking pins per year in two sizes from a single supplier at half the cost.”The process began by redesigning a prototype passerelle from scratch using a fully modular approach, which then became a template for other equipment. While remaining a supplier of custom equipment, modular components are now reused across <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s product range, reducing design complexity and streamlining production.“A key technical insight came from looking outside the yachting industry,” continues van der Ploeg. “For example, swivel joints originally designed for excavators have been incorporated into our gangways. These components are proven, industrial-grade and standardised, which means we can build highly reliable systems without reinventing core mechanisms.”In the ten years since van der Ploeg joined the company, turnover has more than doubled from €12 million to €25 million, driven by increased efficiency along with larger yachts and a rising demand for integrated equipment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396739/image/large-d48d0f06ceeb5a00cfda9bafe1c96878.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396739">Make it modularThe spin-off from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s modular way of thinking are innovations designed to maximise open space while eliminating visual clutter. Many of these solutions revolve around relocating drive systems into hinge lines and the platform structures themselves. In one recent project, a large side platform was initially conceived as two separate elements with a manually installed infill piece. While technically feasible, it was operationally awkward. Instead, by introducing an internal hinge drive already proven elsewhere, the entire system was re-engineered as a single monolithic platform. The infill was eliminated, deployment became faster, crew workload was reduced, and the geometry became cleaner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396744/image/large-4feaec6057dc57f70fe27a2f2a88296b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396744">The Sliding Stairs Access Hatch is another example. Developed in response to a request to optimise the passage from the main deck to the beach platform on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship’s</a> 79.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11677" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valor79.5m (260'10&quot;)Feadship2025">Valor</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s engineers merged door, hatch and boarding equipment components to create a completely new solution. Essentially, the staircases on each side of the pool form the hatch itself, with half of each staircase retracting into the deckhead like a gangway to provide access to the beach club.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396742/image/large-bd76338bca2c0e5436acede35e416f93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396742">“This marked a next step in modular engineering for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>,” says van der Ploeg. “Our approach not only accelerated the development process, but also showed how modularity enables flexible, cross-disciplinary solutions without compromising quality.”As both staircases form part of the watertight boundary of the vessel certified by Class, one of the main challenges was ensuring watertight integrity, given the angle at which the stair hatches are installed, as well as aligning the treads between the hatches and the fixed structures. In fact, sealing has become a central issue as stern structures grow more complex – folding, rotating and closing at compound angles. While inflatable seals are often the go-to solution and offer excellent theoretical performance, they also represent a single point of failure. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> typically prefers D-profile rubber seals, which wear gradually, remain locally manageable, and allow temporary mitigation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396741/image/large-cf52ffb86158af5f4ac7a5922058d9b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396741">“This approach is especially critical for Lloyd’s-certified watertight items such as split transom doors closing at different angles, where corners and junctions between curved surfaces become critical failure points,” van der Ploeg points out.Such solutions highlight how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> has evolved beyond developing hardware to innovating the onboard experience, a strategy that has resulted in multiple patented solutions, from pop-up gangways embedded in the stern platform to protective cabrio covers engineered to fold, stack or nest completely out of sight when not in use. At the last edition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade (Company)">Metstrade</a>, the company presented five interactive aft deck models through immersive 3D visualisations showcasing how engineering, design and user experience increasingly converge in the early phases of yacht development.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396745/image/large-b406b1bef2a73b0811b05344a273be7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396745">Under controlAnother defining feature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s approach is that its control systems and programming are all developed in-house. Precise timing between electronic commands, hydraulic oil flow and mechanical motion is critical, as are programmed delays that account for inertia and mass. Most systems employ frequency-driven power packs rather than simple on/off hydraulics, resulting in smoother movement, lower noise levels and the elimination of hydraulic ‘hammer’ effects. Automated operating cycles manage sequencing, speed and end-of-stroke deceleration automatically, reducing the risk of impact damage and operator error. Before delivery, full functional testing is carried out in-house, often with owner representatives present.Enclosed helicopter lifts represent some of the most complex control systems <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> has delivered. On yachts such as the 85.95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ecstasea85.95m (281'12&quot;)Feadship2004">Ecstasea</a>, the 96.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sophia96.6m (316'11&quot;)Feadship2017">Sophia</a> (ex-Faith), 99-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2074" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madame Gu99.0m (324'10&quot;)Feadship2013">Madame Gu</a> and the 102.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a>, these lift assemblies rely on synchronised spindles and highly precise control algorithms to ensure uniform vertical motion. Ironically, real-world usage of helicopter lifts has revealed an interesting pattern:&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396746/image/large-793a08021cda2fc7bab19c3cd8f1a821.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396746">“On some yachts, the heli hangars are no longer actively used and instead function as static storage platforms,” reveals van der Ploeg. “In such cases, owners may even suspend servicing altogether – an illustration of how operational reality can diverge from original design intent.”Developments in control systems are being matched by advances in data intelligence. During the COVID period, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> expanded its remote-support capabilities and identified a recurring issue: when faults occur, crews often cannot describe what happened beyond “pressing the button”. To address this, its latest systems incorporate data logging that records each operating cycle, sequence order, timing, load condition and fault event with precise timestamps.“When an issue arises, engineers can trace it back to the exact operating condition that caused it,” explains van der Ploeg. “While still being rolled out primarily on new-build projects, data logging represents a shift towards evidence-based rather than purely scheduled maintenance.”Across <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s predominantly hydraulic product range, failures rarely originate in the actuators themselves. Instead, the most vulnerable areas are where forces converge – locations where multiple loads are transferred into a single structural interface. Passerelles are a prime example:“Forces are transmitted through long, slender structures back to a limited number of mounting points,” explains van der Ploeg. “When additional functionality is introduced, such as lateral slewing rather than straight-line deployment, those forces increase substantially.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396750/image/large-74a75f9786460908e4bf98d749448420.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396750">Bonding and bolt-inSome <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> passerelles now extend up to 16-metres in length, pushing the limits of lightweight structural engineering while maintaining stiffness, safety margins and regulatory compliance. Designing these interfaces requires careful attention to geometry, material thickness and fatigue behaviour.Marine-grade aluminium remains the primary structural material, selected for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Steel is used selectively in high-load interfaces where stiffness and wear resistance are critical. Carbon fibre has also been deployed strategically, particularly in the outermost sections of passerelles. Reducing mass at the extremity lowers bending moments throughout the structure, enabling greater reach without adding reinforcements.&nbsp;A more recent addition to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s fabrication methodology is the introduction of structural adhesive bonding. In lightweight aluminium constructions, particularly passerelles, welding thin sections sometimes caused unacceptable deformation due to heat input. To address this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> now uses a hybrid method: components are positioned with bolts to prevent movement, while the structural adhesive provides the primary load-bearing bond. In this configuration, the bolts act purely as locators and the adhesive carries the load.Another key evolution is the move towards bolt-in housings for boarding equipment such as passerelles and swim ladders. Historically, these housings were built directly into the hull, placing installation and testing squarely on the shipyard’s critical path. This new approach uses self-contained housings that are assembled and factory-tested in-house, accepted by owners or representatives, and installed later as plug-and-play units.“Once delivered, the housing is bolted into place, hydraulics and electrics are connected, and functionality is assured – eliminating the risk of delays, rework and repainting,” says van der Ploeg.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396752/image/large-1ea3884318d73cd6441f8d9cf8801f9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396752">Breaking outSolely owned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">Koninklijke De Vries,</a> until recently <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> worked exclusively within <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. It is now pursuing a more open strategy, with roughly 60% of turnover derived from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> new-build projects, 25% from service and refit work on existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadships</a>, and the rest from other shipyards – a share that continues to grow as the company expands its marketing network.An early major non-<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> contract was with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYACHT</a> in Turkey for its 120-metre-plus project (NB012) due for delivery in 2030. Another is the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> Custom 80 currently under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a> in Ancona. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> client, an experienced <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> charterer, specified <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> to supply the boarding systems with which he directly interacts – in total, five independent mechanical systems with fully integrated control logic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396754/image/large-0eae94a6e941a08764d18f82632bee1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396754">Across all these developments, a clear evolution emerges. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> has progressed from boatbuilder to specialist supplier, system integrator and, ultimately, lifestyle collaborator. Each project begins by asking what experience the owner, designer or shipyard wants to achieve. From there, complexity is carefully analysed and engineered so that systems are notable precisely for their absence – seeming to disappear once installed, leaving spaces that feel more open, intuitive and fully resolved.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396753/image/large-24074ca4b4f597fe6f6d7ba61d16b96a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396753">

Standardising the bespoke: The engineering behind custom superyacht equipment

Akerboom Yacht Equipment explains how modular engineering is reshaping its custom superyacht boarding systems, platforms, cranes and control systems.

Project YB256 is a 45-metre steel and aluminium motor yacht under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort Shipyard</a> in the Netherlands. The first collaboration between the family-run yard and <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>, the yacht’s retro styling masks a modern and highly capable cruiser engineered for long-distance voyaging.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396216/image/large-6096248c4df8137326bee068ed36838f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396216">The impossibly picturesque village of Monnickendam on the western shore of the Markermeer, a vast freshwater reservoir not far from Amsterdam, has been home to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort Shipyard</a> for more than a century. Wedged into a narrow strip of dockland between the old town centre and the water’s edge, space is as precious as the custom yachts it builds, but over the years the management has perfected a choreography of space and timing to ensure multiple projects can progress without tripping over one another.“<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> is just a few kilometres down the road and we’ve often wanted to work with them, but the stars never aligned,” affirms Klaas Hakvoort, fourth generation director of the shipyard with his brother Albert Jr. “In this case, the client wanted Dutch pedigree, was happy with our pricing, and the complexity of the project was a perfect match for a custom builder like us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396206/image/large-71da8891dd01ddb5eed6ecc0455c82e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396206">Project YB256 was inspired by <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>, the 56-metre expedition vessel with classic lines by <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> launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Turquoise Yachts (Company)">Turquoise Yachts</a> in 2020. <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> partners Andre Hoek and Ruurt Meulemans translated the client’s admiration for the retro-influenced yacht into a more compact platform that would echo the same timeless elegance free of nostalgic mimicry, while embracing modern technology and efficiency. The owner’s exacting brief included full wheelchair accessibility, an elevator connecting all deck levels, and transatlantic capability.“The hull and superstructure were conceived to balance classic proportions with today’s efficient hydrodynamics,” says Ruurt Meulemans. “Computational fluid dynamics [CFD] analysis informed every curve, refining the bow shape and optimising volume distribution to reduce resistance as much as possible and improve wake flow to the twin propellers. The objective was a smooth, efficient ride across a transatlantic cruising envelope of close to 4,000 nautical miles – no small achievement for a vessel under 400 gross tons.“<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396218/image/large-f219694742e3fedf1f00ff2c0b5c4003.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396218">Meeting these requirements called for some clever engineering based on robust, proven solutions. Finite element analysis (FEA) guided the placement of bulkheads, stringers, and the keel to ensure structural integrity under long passages without compromising interior volume. The challenge was compounded by hybrid-assisted propulsion comprising twin 1,000-hp MAN diesel engines paired with electric motors and supported by a lithium-ion battery bank.The system integrated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3869" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eekels Technology BV (Company)">Eekels Technology</a> allows for flexible operational modes. Electric mode provides a few hours of silent propulsion at low speed, ideal for manoeuvring in harbours or environmentally sensitive zones. In diesel mode the electric motors can function as shaft generators to reduce fuel burn on extended passages. The electric motors also add redundancy for additional peace of mind far from home. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> had direct experience of the latter: during sea trials of 61-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia61.0m (200'2&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2024">Asia</a>, an electrical fault caused an engine shutdown, but the gearbox-mounted e-motors allowed the crew to manoeuvre safely away from an offshore wind farm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396210/image/large-bfbd4613c1cb6d84c9fb37fa9b5d37a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396210">The battle for spaceA signature feature of the yacht is the continuous ribbon of wraparound glazing on the main and bridge decks – 17 tonnes of it. The bulwarks are also glass and the hull windows incorporate a dot-fade pattern that blends with the white hull from a distance. Combined with the classic sheer line and bronze-metallic funnel, the green-tinted glass adds a touch of understated elegance that hints at an era that never quite existed – but should have. The wheelhouse windows are not full-height, but the aluminium surfaces beneath will be clad with glass and the same green reflective finish to create the visual effect of uninterrupted glass.&nbsp;Extensive glazing has a downside, however: heat. Solar load becomes a critical issue, especially for a yacht destined for hot climates. One option is to increase HVAC capacity, but a smarter one is to engineer better insulation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> chose the latter. A two-year development programme with glass specialist Royal-Maritiem sought the ideal balance of solar control, privacy, clarity, structural strength, and colour uniformity. Each double-glazed laminated pane is filled with argon gas and coated with a low-emissivity metal film tuned to deliver the desired green tint. The result is a 50 precent reduction in heat transfer compared to conventional marine glass.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396219/image/large-043a6cfbb4c2ee18f77e9eca62c4d295.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396219">But heat is not the only issue. Full-height windows also eliminate the storage units and hidden cavities normally used to route ducting, wiring, and AC trunking, pushing the technical infrastructure inward. As a result, space became the defining constraint and the build team had to fight for every cubic centimetre. <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> has deep experience of designing sailboats where space is always at a premium, but it was up to the shipyard to find ways to integrate complex systems into tight envelopes.“Nothing fitted, so we had to make it fit,” says Klaas, which could be the unofficial motto of the project. “By the time everything is installed, the engine room will be very full, but accessible and maintainable. Not cluttered – engineered.”The electrical switchboards span the full height of the engine from port to starboard across, an unavoidable result of the hybrid system. The engine room itself relies on seawater-fed heat exchangers because there wasn’t room for conventional air-cooling systems. The pool doubles as a tender bay with a dump tank and its own dedicated crane compartment that closes flush with the teak deck. Under the sunbed on the foredeck is a two-storey garage for the crew tender and a pair of PWCs. Add the elevator, wider side decks and interior passages sized for wheelchair access, and every available every void had to serve a purpose.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396209/image/large-486995c89e482f3860ee5f1204771fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396209">Hidden in plain sightThe metallic bronze faux funnel is more than a charming styling cue; it also highlights the kind of engineering concealment that defines the whole project. Since the yacht has underwater exhausts, there was no need for a traditional dry stack – nor was there space to route ducting up to one. Instead, the funnel became the home of the fresh-air unit that draws in and purifies outside air for the HVAC system. Fitting it inside that tight volume meant some early design assumptions had to be reworked.&nbsp;Routing the air quietly around the yacht from high up in the vessel posed further challenges. The onboard noise targets are uncompromising and the owner’s suite is engineered for a harbour maximum of 44 decibels, although <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> typically achieves lower. Underway, the expected levels sit in the low 50s – quiet enough that the only audible sound should be the soft splash of water along the hull. Modern superyachts achieve such low mechanical noise levels that airflow has become the primary acoustic concern, not the engines or generators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396212/image/large-a2aeb88e2ca030f7dc36a4bed74abb21.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396212">“You won’t hear machinery these days – you’ll hear air moving through the ducting,” confirms Klaas. “That’s why we focus obsessively on silencing ducts, bends and terminations.”Consider the HVAC ducting for the crew quarters. To reach the lower deck forward, it has to pass under the bed in the owner’s stateroom, negotiating several dog-leg bends in the process. Air accelerates noisily through tight turns due to mass conservation and pressure shifts, so the yard routinely uses flexible elbow sections with larger diameters and internal damping to reduce turbulence and suppress sound. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396214/image/large-892daf254a9606fb0d0d5fed5e58dda4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396214">Elegance with an edgeThe aluminium superstructure was built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alu-bouw Fryslân BV (Company)">Alubouw Fryslan</a> in Franeker and joined to the steel hull at Buijs Shipyard – the hull builder – before being towed to Monnickendam, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> has its own joinery division and stainless-steel department that produce most of the fixed furniture and deck hardware in-house. Klaas points out the custom-engineered hinges used for the exterior doors as an example of the shipyard’s hands-on approach. During development, these hinges were tested in the most practical way imaginable: by suspending 40 kg weights to a toilet door heavily used by shop-floor workers. Any weaknesses that surfaced were corrected before installation.&nbsp;Another example is the aluminium hull platform that folds out from the topsides amidships and connects to the main deck by way of a boarding ladder for tender access. The platform being assembled in the metalworking department uses a hydraulic rotary or slew drive – more compact than conventional rams and able to generate high torque in tight spaces, it is a solution that has been refined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> over years of building canoe-stern vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396211/image/large-9d9af2d4a7ba3a495473f7ac81ad923c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396211">Although capable of crossing the Atlantic, YB256 will primarily be used for short, comfortable runs with the frequent returns to port and high hospitality demands typical of most operational profiles. Every aspect of the interior has been conceived with wheelchair accessibility in mind, including a transformer-style platform in the stern. Guest and crew flows remain fully separated, which is not always the case on yachts of this size. The lower deck houses two full-beam VIP suites arranged around the main lobby and elevator; a third space will be used as an office/gym with a built-in recess for a running machine. The bridge deck is reserved for the owner’s sky lounge, while the captain’s cabin has been relocated to the lower deck. Crew areas have been configured to maximise discretion and operational efficiency with service and storage areas scaled to support day-use cruising.After touring the shipyard and the yacht, the lasting impression is that YB256 is not just a modern yacht in retro clothing. It is a study in constraint-driven design and smart engineering by a shipyard for whom “custom” is a vocation, not a marketing term. Its timeless elegance is more than skin deep, the result of many difficult decisions made in the belief that contemporary and classic can comfortably coexist – both in appearance and in engineering.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396220/image/large-95656d748cc09cc4e461acdaecb835d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396220">

Inside the build of a 45m Royal Hakvoort superyacht

Inside Royal Hakvoort's Project YB256, in collaboration with Hoek Design.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a>&nbsp;is both a leader in the field of waterjet technology and a point of reference for serial production tenders. Active across the military, commercial, and superyacht sectors, the Italian brand is now applying its propulsion and manufacturing know-how to the specialist market for limousine tenders.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396631/image/large-062ebf001bce4c2cc3c7a9d7b4ad2e91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396631">The small town of Albairate in landlocked Lombardy might seem a strange place for a boatbuilder to set up shop, but it is closely linked to the brand’s origins in one of Italy’s richest agricultural regions. Luigi Castoldi was a pioneering engineer in the agricultural machinery sector through his company BCS, which is still extant today. He began exploring waterjet propulsion – still a novelty in the early 1960s – because boats were damaging their propellers on the shallow bottom of the nearby River Ticino.&nbsp;After importing a waterjet drive, he set about re-engineering it to create a more durable and effective design. His first mass-produced <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> waterjet, model Jet 05, made its debut at the 1969 Genoa Boat Show. Since then, over 40,000 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> waterjets have been delivered around the world, from the compact 224 unit up to the mighty 600 HCT drive that can support installed power of up to 2,700 horsepower.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396632/image/large-4d83f3db58d65cf02a38baa8d387c061.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396632">Today, the company is still family-owned under the directorship of Giacomo Castoldi, Luigi’s grandson, who with his father Franco spearheaded the company’s diversification into the tender market with its own range of diesel-powered jet tenders. The first model, the JT 18 Pro in 1998, served as the blueprint for the current range, from the entry-level Jet Tender 14 up to the 10.5-metre Jet Tender 34. The latter also provides the technical platform for the Jet Tender 34 Limo, the company’s first venture into the limousine market.Why waterjetsWaterjet propulsion for superyacht tenders offers several advantages over traditional propeller-based systems. These include enhanced manoeuvrability, higher efficiency and durability, lower noise and vibration, and the reversing bucket can ‘crash stop’ a boat in less than twice its own length. But arguably the most critical feature – as Luigi Castoldi was quick to realise – is shallow draft.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396635/image/large-accb3204fb1c42a0f2bfa16fdfac9f5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396635">“Jet tenders can drive right up to a beach, and most of our models are equipped with bow ramps as standard,” says Giacomo Castoldi. “Combined with a folding console, low draft also means they occupy less vertical space inside the tender garage, while the lack of exposed propeller blades reduces the potential for injury to swimmers, divers, or marine life.”Over the years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> has finessed its waterjet technology. Unlike other systems requiring external gearboxes, all <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> waterjets except the entry-level Turbodrive 224 DD have integrated gearboxes. This results in a more compact overall footprint, which means more space for passengers and luggage storage, and simplifies the installation process while reducing the potential for errors or rework. They are also equipped with a patented anti-clogging system that enhances the waterjet’s reliability in challenging conditions. The Clear-Duct unclogging system works by reversing the direction of the impeller and simultaneously opening the protective intake grid to flush out any debris that may have accumulated.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396660/image/large-44d8926e35b1304d60e5cdbcb14c3137.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396660"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a>’s latest waterjet drives that carry the HCT acronym have been redesigned to offer a 12% increase in performance compared to previous iterations. Advancements in impeller design, a pre-stator vane system, and an updated post-impeller stator work together to improve the flow of water through the system, reduce cavitation, and ultimately deliver more thrust combined with lower fuel consumption.&nbsp;“These enhancements are largely thanks to investment in CFD analysis,” says Giacomo, “Combining fluid dynamics with our own practical engineering know-how has generated a lot of new ideas."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396615/image/large-28e2be0f5dedca48b4f2f92405172d02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396615">Total control<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> also produces its own control systems, from simple mechanical options to the sophisticated ACES system developed in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xenta (Company)">Xenta</a>. Powered by a 32-bit embedded processor and utilising a proprietary CAN bus network protocol, the ACES system delivers precision control of engine RPM, waterjet steering nozzles and reversing buckets when transitioning between docking and cruising modes. Additional functions include dynamic positioning and smart anchoring, which simulates mechanical anchoring by swinging around a virtual GPS point. Adaptive steering logic can even provide ‘propeller mode,’ which recognises when the vessel is in reverse to simulate conventional propeller behaviour – a useful feature for operators transitioning to waterjets.To maintain quality control, most of the waterjet components are machined in-house, an exception being the Duplex stainless-steel impellers that rely on precision investment casting technology. With regard to tender production, the whole process – from the 3D design, hull lamination and tube fabrication to the hydraulic and electrical systems – is carried out internally before final testing in its own water basin in front of the factory.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396658/image/large-b3c15147d7d49ce31a9b749e8a305ff2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396658">When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> began production of jet tenders in the mid-90s, it decided from the start to take a platform-based approach with fixed hull forms designed around its own propulsion system. By standardising the production process, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> ensures consistent quality while reducing unit costs through repeated tooling and manufacturing processes. Additionally, serial production provides opportunities for continuous optimisation, further enhancing the performance and quality of each new upgraded model. As the range evolved, customised interior materials, finishes and layouts have become the norm to meet the specific needs of individual clients without having to build costly and time-consuming one-offs.&nbsp;The company has applied exactly the same production philosophy to its new Jet Tender 34 Limo designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>. Conceived initially for a fleet of luxury cruise ships currently under construction, each ship will carry four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> Jet Tender 34 Limo tenders to deliver a sophisticated ship-to-shore guest experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396657/image/large-a20e0e70cb5a086260c495f6e811d4a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396657">Limo luxury&nbsp;Historically, the limousine tender segment has been defined by high levels of customisation, where each unit is tailored specifically to the design and needs of a particular superyacht. While this approach allows for alignment with the mothership’s aesthetic, it often results in longer lead times, higher costs, and compromises in terms of performance and systems integration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396633/image/large-bb3ca9a1c828124e6a74dc5b67525448.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396633"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a>’s entry into this market introduces a shift toward standardised, platform-based design, which allows for quicker production times and greater system optimisation, while still providing owners with a high degree of personalisation, particularly in the interior architecture. Two primary interior layouts are offered: one with all-seated configurations for maximum comfort, and another combining seating with a pantry and bathroom for longer transfers. Material finishes can also be tailored to suit individual preferences."This project represents a new chapter for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> that expands our offerings to new markets, while maintaining the commitment to innovation, quality, and luxury we are known for,” says Giacomo. “The opportunity arose to enter the limousine tender market with a semi-serial product that embodies our construction philosophy of creating optimised vessels rather than one-offs.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396625/image/large-24bbf67840c4bba049f3423e568ddbaa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396625">“In practical terms, we estimate that our serial-produced limousine tenders are priced at least 35% lower than equivalent full-custom examples,” adds <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a>’s commercial director Luca Taccani, “without sacrificing the luxurious finish or technical sophistication that clients expect.”In addition to the four limo tenders, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> is also supplying the cruise ships with two customised Jet Tender 28 SV units. The ‘SV’ stands for ‘Support Vessel,’ and the model is specifically designed to work in tandem with the limousine tenders, with an enhanced bow sun-pad, extensive storage, pantry, and premium features like a T-top.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396622/image/large-6c33afd5ceeb462bb96cd2592a9fa250.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396622">The flywheel effect&nbsp;As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> has expanded its offerings and capabilities, its workforce has grown accordingly and is now nearing 100 direct employees. In terms of business performance, the company has seen consistent growth, especially over the past two years since Luca Taccani joined the company. Annual turnover is currently distributed fairly equally across the waterjet and tender markets (50% and 40% respectively) with the remainder from spare parts and commissioning activities.&nbsp;Although <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> builds its tenders in series, each sale is essentially a one-off transaction with an end client. Its propulsion products, on the other hand, can generate recurring clients that expect reliable and ongoing service. Naval procurement involving multiple waterjet units is an expanding sector for the company, for example. To meet this demand, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a> has made a deliberate effort to ensure the availability of components, stocking spare parts for older models well beyond customary timelines – often for more than ten years.“We’ve focused strongly on spare parts and after-sales support with dedicated back-office staff for service management,” says Luca Taccani. “This long-term outlook not only boosts customer loyalty but has also proven financially advantageous. As raw material costs have risen sharply, having a ready stock of components means we’ve been able to avoid significant cost increases.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Castoldi S.p.A. (Company)">Castoldi</a>’s trajectory over the past few years reflects a competitive company that is expanding its product range while also refining its operational efficiency and service capabilities. By focusing on technical innovation and long-term service, it has effectively created a “flywheel” effect, whereby small but consistent wins build momentum over time in a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Moreover, the brand’s entry into the limo tender market aims to demonstrate how serial production methodologies, when combined with proprietary propulsion and rigorous quality control, can challenge the prevailing bespoke approach.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396659/image/large-9f4ecad812d4f5c94c3664909275b1d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396659">

The landlocked yard building limousine tenders

Castoldi is entering the limousine tender market with the Jet Tender 34 Limo, combining waterjet technology with a serial-production approach.

As the yachting industry begins to take alternative fuels seriously, Heikki Bergman, CEO and design manager of start-up company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Propulsion House (Company)">Propulsion House</a>, is several steps ahead. His company has developed a compact, modular methanol-electric propulsion system for yachts up to 70 metres that challenges the big marine technology brands.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390298/image/large-6f876876617a86ea1297b4c7d5007042.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390298">Drawing on more than two decades of experience in marine electrical propulsion, Heikki Bergman brings an engineering-driven approach to hybrid systems, with a sharp focus on real-world viability, space efficiency, and the practical constraints of small and mid-size vessels.“There’s good will in the market,” he says, “but not many customers or shipyards truly understand what they’re buying when it comes to electric or alternative-fuel systems. That’s where things often fall apart.”Now, Bergman and his team have unveiled a hybrid system he claims is capable of delivering over 5,000 nautical miles of range using methanol reformers, hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and lightweight electric pod propulsion – all within the general arrangement footprint of an existing 45-metre, steel-hulled explorer hull designed by Frank Neubelt.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390299/image/large-087f0ae7e1a2668b35e761bf7c22a0db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390299">Scaling downBergman’s journey began at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6143" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ABB Group (Company)">ABB</a>, the Finnish leader in electrification and automation technology, where he worked on large commercial projects across Europe, particularly in the passenger vessel segment. In 2015, he identified a knowledge gap in the smaller vessel markets: while electrical and hybrid systems were becoming standard on larger ships, few people understood how to scale them down effectively for smaller yachts.&nbsp;"The big players don’t cater well to anything below 1 megawatt per propeller," he explains. "They come with massive project organisations and million-euro tickets, which just doesn’t work for yachts below 70 metres. We start from seven horsepower, up to 600 kilowatt."He founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Propulsion House (Company)">Propulsion House</a> in 2017 as a consultancy, but it quickly evolved into a product development company. The firm now works across multiple sectors – including oil and gas – but yachting remains a core focus. The team doubled in size last year and is expected to grow again in 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390300/image/large-701d98e76c4b8100d4437b449c0de308.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390300">Time to RethinkThe in-house propulsion system is a methanol-electric hybrid setup using the existing 45-metre explorer hull as a baseline that began with the team asking a simple but critical question: could a vessel of this size achieve 5,000 nautical miles of range using alternative fuels, without compromising usable interior volume? The answer: Yes, by completely rethinking how propulsion integrates with vessel design.At the heart of the system is the trademarked DeeCee Microgrid – a methanol-fuel-cell architecture designed for endurance, redundancy and modular installation. The system includes: six methanol reformers, which convert a methanol/water mixture into hydrogen and CO₂; six 200 kilowatt hydrogen fuel cells, fed by the reformers to generate electricity; and two 600 kilowatt battery banks, offering load balancing, peak shaving, and full-electric operation in port or during silent cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390301/image/large-09f5baddc586600638d912e42f93dd0f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390301">All the system components – fuel cells, batteries, converters – are already commercially available. Combined, they enable propulsion via two 600 kilowatt electric pods, with no shaft lines or central switchboards. Instead, the vessel uses a distributed DC network through localised electrical control units – each managing its zone independently and able to switch within milliseconds in case of blackout.“We’ve eliminated the need for a switchboard room altogether,” says Bergman. “This frees up interior volume, reduces cabling, and improves safety and redundancy.”The reforming process produces a controlled volume of CO₂, which the system can capture and store onboard for recycling. The volume of this captured CO₂ is significantly lower than from internal combustion engines – about 40-60 percent less than a diesel generator. Moreover, when taking into production methods of green methanol and e-methanol, some of which actually consume CO2 rather than release it into the air, the overall CO2 emission reduction is even higher.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390305/image/large-8b7413485de1c405fa96aac8b215fe00.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390305">Small, Light &amp; SmartPerhaps the most radical part of the concept is the proprietary Pulling-e Propulsion pod design. It resembles a torpedo: long, narrow, and hollow, with a stationary internal body, an outer rotating propeller shell and a 2-bladed propeller offering a good balance of efficiency and drag. Containing a permanent magnet synchronous motor and scalable from 7-600 kilowatt per propeller, there is no shaft, no gearbox, and minimal mechanical complexity. The pod can be steerable for shallow water use, or fixed with a rudder integrated into the strut that connects it to the hull.&nbsp;The unit is designed to be modular and installation-agnostic. It can be fixed horizontally to the hull, retrofitted into an old rudder socket, or even fitted with lift-enhancing struts to improve hydrodynamic flow. Unlike traditional azimuthing thrusters, which rotate 360 degrees, the pods limit steering angles but compensates via bi-directional rotation. The result is full-vector thrust control, achieved with a simpler, lighter system.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390304/image/large-1e7154665ec390b5c89b7ed5b892f2e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390304">This method also benefits noise reduction. The methanol-electric propulsion is already quiet, so the remaining main source of noise is from propeller-generated pressure pulses hitting the hull. The propellers, positioned far aft as far outboard as possible away from the hull, significantly reduce this underwater radiated noise—a growing concern for marine ecosystems.The concept isn’t just theoretical. Cambridge University’s Energy boat challenge team recognised the potential and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Propulsion House (Company)">Propulsion House</a> has been working with Marin’s top designers on the propeller optimisation, using a 15-kilowatt test unit to refine efficiency. The propellers were optimised using PropArt and PROCAL computations. A speed-power prediction based on the resistance was provided, and additional analysis was carried out in terms of steering forces and cavitation behaviour.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390303/image/large-fe5f36bdbe69c88da2bda09491ac7329.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390303">“We achieved 89 percent propeller efficiency – among the highest on the market,” says Bergman. “And when we scale up to the size used on yachts, efficiency actually increases due to the larger central hole in the propeller. And that’s just the first iteration available.”The system is also suited for retrofits. In theory at least, shaft lines could be removed entirely and the new propulsion unit installed into the existing rudder sockets, reducing the need for invasive hull perforations. The structural load is carried in a way similar to rudder mechanics, with reinforcement achieved by increasing material thickness inside the torpedo's cooling pipe. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390302/image/large-279388f3d090554f024470e1514e9ec4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390302">A New Design OrderPerhaps most radical is the company’s approach to vessel design itself. “We start from the underwater section,” Bergman explains. “First the hull, then the propeller location, and then everything else. Not the other way around.”This inverted design process contrasts with the traditional method of selecting off-the-shelf propulsion systems first, which often forces compromises in hull shape, hydrodynamics and interior layout.With partners already on board for further testing in 2026, and interest growing among shipyards and owners, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Propulsion House (Company)">Propulsion House</a> is positioning itself not just as a technology provider, but as a strategic design partner. By simplifying systems, reducing space usage, offering real redundancy, and embracing cleaner fuels, Bergman believes a better class of hybrid yacht is not only possible – it’s ready to build. “There’s no fantasy here,” says Bergman. “This could be built tomorrow.”&nbsp;

Heikki Bergman Propulsion House CEO Interview

Propulsion House CEO sites down with SYT to discuss the compact, modular methanol-electric propulsion system for yachts.

Inside the push for methanol-electric yacht propulsion with CEO Heikki Bergman

If home is where the hearth is, then the galley is certainly a fundamental element of any superyacht. Whether enjoying a 10-course taster menu or a teppanyaki treat on deck, food is central to the onboard experience. We take a look at how to avoid second-rate cooking spaces and equipment.When people talk about superyachts, the highlights always seem to revolve around the same things: the beach club, the sundeck, the pool, the master stateroom. The galley barely gets a second thought, until you spend time on board –&nbsp;then the food and its service take centre stage and any issues to do with layout, design or installation become belatedly obvious.Naturally, safety is paramount. Galleys present a host of hazards from deep fryers and steamers to rotating equipment and sharp blades. Fire suppression, hygiene, ventilation, materials, and so on, are governed by classification society rules, but small details like having rounded internal radii instead of sharp corners in stainless steel cabinets help prevent dirt accumulation and make cleaning much easier for galley staff. Ergonomics and design are equally important.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394386/image/large-95000aca9788e63f3727ba677f1045e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394386">“The galley layout is defined according to the capacity of the yacht, considering both guests and crew,” says Costanza Pazzi, project architect at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>. “It is usually designed with three clearly distinct areas: washing, cooking, and preparation.”Separate traffic flows for clean and dirty dishes help prevent cross-contamination and accidents. Adequate lighting is a sometimes overlooked consideration, especially for galleys on the lower deck with smaller windows where the artificial lighting should emulate daylight temperatures (4000K-5000K) to show the true colour of the food being prepared.“Each custom superyacht galley is different,” Pazzi continues. “The spaces dedicated to galley and pantries should be discussed as part of the technical specifications at contract completion, with guidelines coming directly from the owner’s team. A fundamental requirement is that ducting and systems need to be defined in the general plans from the outset.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394417/image/large-7799ab22eb4f8b77c27d0e82de2c9dc0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394417">Experience counts“The galley is not just one room – it’s an entity,” says Brennan Dates, a chef with more than 25 years’ work experience on superyachts. Currently head chef aboard 87.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project X87.6m (287'5&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2022">Project X</a>, he also consults on galley design through his company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Galley Designs (Company)">Superyacht Galley Designs</a>. His refit and new-build galley projects includes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ecstasea85.95m (281'12&quot;)Feadship2004">Ecstasea</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mogambo73.51m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2012">Mogambo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9442" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dragonfly142.0m (465'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Dragonfly</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>, the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise99.9m (327'9&quot;)Feadship2020">Moonrise</a> and second <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11108" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise100.7m (330'5&quot;)Feadship2025">Moonrise</a> yachts, and a 100-metre-plus vessel currently under construction.&nbsp;“Where does the food come into the boat, especially on larger yachts when you’re &nbsp;talking about shell doors and pallets of produce?” he asks. “How does the food get stored, and where is the cold storage located? Which deck is the galley on? Where are the pantries and which decks are the guests eating on? Some food is stored in the galley, then it gets prepped, possibly stored again, then gets heated or reheated, plated and served, and now you’re talking about pantry flow.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394418/image/large-c4c49eab3aaeeb1639265cfacfe9f9ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394418">It’s also important to consider the operational profile of the yacht, because there’s a difference between a purely private yacht and one that’s going to be busy chartering. Is it going to be doing extended cruising to remote locations, which may require bigger dry stores and cold rooms?“I can walk into a galley and within five minutes know if there was a yacht chef involved in the build,” says Dates. “But no one’s really listening to chefs at this point, and I think that negatively impacts on the whole guest experience, but also the crew.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394416/image/large-f89be51556d3eb7510c568074aeb1395.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394416">One thing for sure is that dumb waiters are mostly a thing of the past, with crews preferring to use the space for additional storage or fridges. Dates further warns against the use of domestic kitchen appliances on board in what are essentially commercial kitchens, where stuff tends to break down much faster. “Rational is the number one in the world for ovens, and MKN is up there,” he advises. “There’s a precipitous drop after those two.”On-deck delightsThese days, the galley is only one centre of chef action on board. There will likely be outdoor cooking stations in the build plan, particularly on charter yachts. <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/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hadar136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Hadar</a>, for example, features an extensive outdoor kitchen on the bridge deck aft, where guests can watch the chef working a wok station, a coal-powered Spanish Josper grill, a rotisserie, and pizza/teppanyaki/tandoori ovens.&nbsp;“At a bare minimum there needs to be a sink and refrigeration, just for basic sanitation,” Dates says. “If you can have a little trash compartment that’s sealed away that’s useful, and then it comes down to equipment – there’s a really good oven by MKN that fits under the counter and which takes care of its own exhaust and accepts standard 535x325 millimetre gastronomic trays.”“There is an ever-increasing demand for the inclusion of pizza ovens, particularly for yachts over 60 metres,” adds Pazzi, “There is also a trend for a table in the main galley where guests have the chance to see the chef working and enjoy a food tasting, aimed at creating a sensory experience.”&nbsp;Open-plan, country kitchen-style layouts are increasingly popular on smaller yachts, and on “galley-up” catamarans where the cooking area become an integral part of family life on board. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> 64Steel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6178" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Attila64.0m (209'12&quot;)Sanlorenzo2019">Attila</a> even has a custom-made barbecue pit inside the main deck dining area for preparing Argentinian-style steaks. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394422/image/large-e484db9dd7caca3e714a505d18be3385.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394422">Breathing easyAlongside cooking comes the risk of odours, which can quickly infiltrate indoor guest areas if ventilation and extraction aren’t properly designed. During the design of the second <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11108" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise100.7m (330'5&quot;)Feadship2025">Moonrise</a>, for example, the owner requested a taller mast so galley fumes are not blown back onto the sundeck after being vented.&nbsp;&nbsp;The air extraction system in the pro-spec galley aboard the 76.6-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4734" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Albatross76.6m (251'4&quot;)Piriou2015">Albatross</a> highlights how smart design can maximise energy efficiency. Extractor fans typically suck the air out of a room, which has to be replaced anew with fresh, treated air. But when the outside temperature is -20°C that could mean firing up another generator just to reheat the air because the galley is in use. On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4734" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Albatross76.6m (251'4&quot;)Piriou2015">Albatross</a>, the cowling above the cooking hobs also creates a curtain of treated air that effectively isolates the cooking area, saving HVAC energy while containing cooking odours and maintaining a constant temperature in the galley. A similar system has been installed on the all-electric sailing yacht Project Zero.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394426/image/large-b6d6a20d4c21394ec767a94b34324a08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394426">Galley design extends to the handling of waste produce, which includes both garbage and wastewater treatment. The latter is particularly pertinent, because food contaminants and grease can wreak havoc with onboard water treatment systems (this topic is specifically addressed in <a href="https://issuu.com/superyachttimes/docs/how_to_build_it_-_issue_9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 9&nbsp;</a>of How to Build It).&nbsp;“Fat, oil and grease (FOG) need to be separated – this is very important not only for the wastewater treatment process, where they can affect the biological process or clog filters, but also to prevent clogging of pipes,” confirms Georgios Kariofilis, Sales Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hamann AG (Company)">Hamann</a>. “Having a grease trap and a pre-filter system is the first step to avoiding such problems.”Organic trash handling, typically resolved by storing garbage in a refrigerated room or in a deck locker, is also making advances. Dehydration plants, such as those offered by Evac and Eco-Smart, remove water content from food waste by heating it to around 80ºC and evaporating it off as steam. The sterile and odourless residual food waste is roughly 15 to 20 percent of its former volume and can be stored more easily on board for later disposal or composting. Essentially, it means you don’t need as big a trash storage room.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394420/image/large-a3eda501d5fdaf6da7497de827b67522.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394420">Ask an expert&nbsp;The advice from designers and chefs is basically to bring in an expert at the layout stage of design, and to argue for more space rather than less, no matter the size of yacht. Speciality companies like UK-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="GN Espace Galley Solutions Ltd (Company)">GN Espace</a> offer expert advice for superyacht galley layouts and equipment spec, including full commercial galleys and upgrades such as adding a robust powder coated finish to stainless steel doors to match the rest of the yacht.Large or small, yacht designer Guido de Groot argues that the galley is generally in full-time use – especially on charter vessels. He compares the 10 guests plus eight crew aboard the 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lalabe35.31m (115'10&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2025">Lalabe</a> with a 50- or 60-metre vessel that might have 12 guests and 14 crew.“It’s a similar number of guest and crew, so you can’t just halve the size of the galley on the smaller yacht,” he points out. “It requires a lot of smart thinking to get everything into a more compact space.”“Give the galley and associated areas the space they deserve,” insists Dates. “Is luxury jamming the galley in the bottom of the boat and having food travel up four decks, or is it spending resources to have the galley on the main deck nearer to where guests will eat? Because that’s what I would want.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394419/image/large-c9630b9438c0f3772c24b74a369972a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394419">Shipyards looking to streamline the planning process with standardised solutions sometimes argue against bringing in a consultant chef at the design stage. All chefs have their own routines, preferred equipment, likes and dislikes, but individual chefs do not stay with a yacht indefinitely. The galley, on the other hand, will remain for many years, or at least until a major refit. &nbsp;“Not including a superyacht chef in the build is like building a race car and not talking to the driver because they’ll want different buttons in different places,” counters Dates. “It doesn’t make any sense to have someone who’s never done the job be the one to put it all together.”

Why superyacht galley design matters to the onboard experience

How thoughtful superyacht galley design can improve safety, service, storage, ventilation and the wider onboard dining experience.

Galley design: "It's like building a race car without talking to the driver"

The 41-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefania41.0m (134'6&quot;)Dynamiq Yachts2021">Stefania</a> is currently for sale with Benjamin Barker of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>. Delivered in 2021 as the flagship of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> fleet, the gold-hulled <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> features Dutch naval architecture with an Art Deco-inspired interior.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400008/image/large-767043d3150805d251ad2382b5e234b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400008">Constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> has a beam of 8.2-metres and a shallow 1.8-metre draft, allowing her to cruise in remote anchorages and secluded reefs. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400009/image/large-d2f804379b73b41bcfd99b001bf088db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400009">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefania41.0m (134'6&quot;)Dynamiq Yachts2021">yacht Stefania&nbsp;for sale</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dobroserdov Design (Company)">Dobroserdov Design</a>, while her interiors are penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4979" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giuseppina Arena Architecture & Design (Company)">Giuseppina Arena Architecture &amp; Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400001/image/large-c4dcb2d60540c5e408156efa8195e3a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400001" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Recognisable by her striking metallic gold hull, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefania41.0m (134'6&quot;)Dynamiq Yachts2021">Stefania</a> makes full use of her length with generous outdoor living areas spread across her decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400048/image/large-9bbccb8731de183404af3b425f88b728.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400048" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400015/image/large-ad147267faf58a8a8df85da9a924c180.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400015" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">A three-tier beach club at the stern is arranged with a seawater pool, lounge seating and a swim platform, while her 120-square-metre sundeck features a Jacuzzi, bar, teppanyaki grill, dining area and dedicated sunbathing areas. A concealed bow garage houses a Williams 505 diesel jet tender.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400014/image/large-e7be00d2cbdac8b270c76e04a4fe4eca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400014"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400012/image/large-9043dafea6bab2eb2d3c443f8097cc70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400012" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400045/image/large-6975a6174fdb2ba4ca1bcaabc2d29c28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400045" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Stepping inside, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefania41.0m (134'6&quot;)Dynamiq Yachts2021">yacht Stefania for sale</a> features a contemporary Art Deco-inspired interior defined by champagne-toned detailing, lacquered timber, velvet wall panels, and marble finishes with accents of ocean blue.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400023/image/large-2218241666646897672f7944ef04b11f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400023" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400018/image/large-4af34091fa880bf9fc1ec7d446da1836.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400018">Her main saloon benefits from heated marble flooring, bespoke furnishings, and plenty of natural light thanks to her full-height glazing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400020/image/large-15a459bea6d2e1005af9bcb489be38e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400020"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400024/image/large-0da752951aa9c0b0c9677738fd7283ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400024">Spanning 299 GT, accommodation onboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> yacht for sale is arranged for up to 10 guests across five ensuite staterooms, where soundproofing was prioritised throughout at the owner's request. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400037/image/large-68b125575aa3ad82a87687d58639d769.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400037"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400035/image/large-ce78c25cef782fd87bf61ae6710211bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400035">Centred around a full-beam owner's suite complete with a walk-in wardrobe and marble bathroom, Stefania's configuration further includes two VIP staterooms, a double stateroom, and a convertible twin. Separate quarters accommodate a crew of six, including the captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400039/image/large-a483d3f4d2c596d13369ddf59f1fdcbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400039"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400031/image/large-8fff1ff59923f792855bb4d603110f9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400031">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefania41.0m (134'6&quot;)Dynamiq Yachts2021">yacht Stefania for sale</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 delivering a top speed of 21 knots. With a completed five-year <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> class survey, she carries both Green Plus and Comfort Class notations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400007/image/large-111212f518e740c60e1e35ba5c61c732.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400007"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400003/image/large-a5e065c419c556a88f18fbe4752d0850.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400003">

41m Dynamiq superyacht Stefania on the market

 The flagship 41-metre Dynamiq gold-hulled superyacht Stefania is on the market with Camper & Nicholsons.

The 39.78-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a> has undergone an interior refresh by Italian design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>, with an aim to revive the yacht's original interior, while preserving her character. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400121/image/large-653ededf6a8f75494fdfe11756fae6d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400121">Previously known as Alithia, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a> has sailed across thousands of ocean miles since her delivery in 2002. According to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>, while her original interior maximised the yacht's generous volume and natural light, years of extensive cruising had diminished the freshness of her clean lines and neutral tones.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400060/image/large-dbe03f09c85817b947a87f43233cb0d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400060"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400057/image/large-b3cfb6a0a45dbc45ba067b9dc7000a7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400057">Rather than undertaking a complete overhaul, the project focused on revitalising <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a>, meticulously refreshing almost every interior element of the yacht, from the navigation station through to the owner's suite.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400059/image/large-8aa5442bc35f1aa80558244cb694ac52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400059"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400064/image/large-b76c44ac0a78c228e326a7ddd2ff11b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400064"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400065/image/large-fa04c78f46953f17c669ef0751e6400e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400065">By introducing updated loose furniture, refined textures, and bespoke detailing, the team breathed new life into the interior palette while preserving <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a>’s original layout and overall design concept.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400070/image/large-f7a04fed8cdb043e16223d6bd3e1368f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400070" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400068/image/large-1d3974aa850584baebc3857ec6e1144a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400068"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400067/image/large-3eca7fe6dc7eb6e7de05545d869e9145.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400067">Commenting on the project, co-Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>, Martino Majno, said: "The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a> refit project is the result of a strong collaborative effort between the Owner, Crew, Brokerage team and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>, all working together with shared commitment and momentum to meet the Owner's expectations. The design process was driven by a careful and conscious selection of proposals and interventions, developed within a tight schedule to ensure both efficiency and a successful outcome."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400074/image/large-e5b8202978becd3fff25f57814403d82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400074"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400080/image/large-7547df13e38a4c4a75c003b819b19f67.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400080"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400075/image/large-4976cd890a18fc4fa5b0f40ff8831ee1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400075"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> co-Director, Guido Valtorta, added: "The key challenge lay in harmonising existing features with new design solutions, combining refreshed materials, refined detailing and high-end furniture and décor to achieve a contemporary atmosphere." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400087/image/large-3a1beba0cab360694e5ba73b498ab808.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400087"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400084/image/large-6063bc495dff41eab88332db6d473747.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400084">He further notes that soft finishes and bespoke craftsmanship have been paired with a fresh colour palette, creating an unexpected environment. "The generous layout and spatial arrangement, enhanced by natural light and sophisticated design solutions, offer guests a renewed and intimate onboard experience."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400086/image/large-ec0594f187eccf69b4bc6b4a29c2185c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400086" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400085/image/large-1270896aff64fcf2633918f3766c33a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400085" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Delivered by German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> in 2002, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a> was designed inside and outside by Winch Design. Her naval architecture was crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/167" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tripp Design Naval Architects (Company)">Tripp Design Naval Architects</a>. Constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure, the 130 GT yacht accommodates up to six guests across three stateroom, alongside five crew members.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400082/image/large-cf5e1fdd441d6357eb9b4b497bf8dd62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400082" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400073/image/large-896fe1ec3785efaaac3fff47ea2d5978.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400073">Propulsion-wise, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="4K39.78m (130'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2002">4K</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engine, providing a cruising speed of ten knots. Furthermore, the sailing yacht is offered for sale with Will Bishop of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Partners (Company)">Superyacht Partners</a>, and is currently lying in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400120/image/large-84842d5c578d4785025d40854951191c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400120">

 40m Abeking & Rasmussen sailing yacht 4K completes interior refit

Italian design studio Nauta refitted 40m Abeking & Rasmussen sailing yacht 4K, refreshing her interiors while preserving her character.




<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> has announced that Bogdan Gusarev has joined as Sales Manager for Europe and the CIS region. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399998/image/large-62a5903f5dff04c9e810116b4eaef5da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399998">Gusarev brings more than a decade of experience in the explorer yacht sector and has lived and worked across some of the world's most prevalent yacht building regions including Germany, Italy and Turkey.Before entering the industry, Gusarev lived aboard a sailing yacht, giving him a practical knowledge of life at sea. This has allowed him to guide clients with clarity and a strong understanding of what long-range yacht ownership truly requires.“Bogdan combines real boating experience with a genuine understanding of what owners in this segment are looking for,” explained Patrik von Sydow, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a>. “That's a rare mix, and exactly what we need as we grow our presence across Europe and the CIS.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399999/image/large-f2593548ee91bd938b36c95018180e06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399999">As well as this, Numarine has announced that Sales Manager for MENA &amp; APAC, Salih Küçükoğlu, will now take on the responsibility for the Turkish market as well. His new title will be Sales Manager for Türkiye, MENA &amp; APAC.He has previously led growth initiatives across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, playing a key role in expanding dealer networks and managing relationships with high-net-worth clients.“With a customer-focused mindset and a design-driven perspective, Küçükoğlu now brings this experience to Numarine's home market, supporting the shipyard's continued growth in Türkiye,” concluded von Sydow.

Bogdan Gusarev appointed at Numarine

Numarine has announced that Bogdan Gusarev has joined as Sales Manager for Europe and the CIS region. 

Numarine appoints Bogdan Gusarev as Sales Manager for Europe and CIS region

<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> has announced that the second <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> Panorama 50 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvia53.5m (175'6&quot;)Admiral2026">Silvia</a> is preparing for her launch, following the delivery of the first hull, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spribe50.0m (164'1&quot;)Admiral2026">Spribe</a>, earlier last week. The semi-custom yacht features an extended length of 53.5-metres and a hybrid propulsion system.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399950/image/large-ebe13eef4d7b0eb967b5facd4f54635f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399950">Built with an aluminium hull and superstructure, construction on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvia53.5m (175'6&quot;)Admiral2026">Silvia</a> began in April 2024 with her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60101" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="53m hybrid Admiral Panorama superyacht keel laid (2024-04-04 12:00:00 +0200)">keel laying</a>, before the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/61701" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral 53M Hybrid superyacht moves to outfitting (2024-10-10 16:00:00 +0200)">moved to outfitting</a> in October 2024. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvia53.5m (175'6&quot;)Admiral2026">Silvia</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Piredda & Partners (Company)">Piredda &amp; Partners</a>, with naval architecture penned in-house 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>.Spanning three decks, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvia53.5m (175'6&quot;)Admiral2026">Silvia</a> bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces, with spacious areas, high ceilings and panoramic windows. Her interiors use high quality, natural materials, including stones, wood and rough metals.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvia53.5m (175'6&quot;)Admiral2026">Silvia</a> is capable of sleeping as many as 12 guests across five staterooms on the lower deck, while her owner’s suite on the upper deck benefits from panoramic views on all three sides, and leads to a private forward-facing deck.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvia53.5m (175'6&quot;)Admiral2026">Silvia</a> is fitted with an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7127" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="E-Motion Hybrid (Company)">E-Motion Hybrid</a> propulsion system, which consists of twin diesel engines, four variable-speed generators, two permanent magnet electric motors and a large lithium polymer battery pack.The system allows for several operating modes, such as diesel main engines and electric alternators providing power to all onboard services during navigation with the generators off, allowing the batteries to recharge. Alternatively, variable-speed generators can adjust their output based on the onboard load requirements in order to limit fuel consumption.Her batteries are complete with a ‘peak-shaving’ function, avoiding the need for activating a second or third generator during short-term load peaks. In addition, the batteries ensure the yacht can continue running even in the event of a temporary loss of shore power, preventing blackouts.

Silvia: Custom Admiral Panorama 50 yacht prepares for launch

The Italian Sea Group has announced that the second 49.5-metre Panorama 50 yacht Silvia is preparing for her launch.

Semi-custom 54m Admiral Panorama 50 yacht Silvia prepares for launch

The 25.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trumpy Yachts (Company)">Trumpy</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pintail25.6m (83'12&quot;)Trumpy Yachts1963">Pintail</a> is currently on the market with Jonathan S. Chapman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2529" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Worth Avenue Yachts (Company)">Worth Avenue Yachts</a>. Originally delivered in 1963, the classic American-built <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> is one of only two 26-metre hulls constructed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trumpy Yachts (Company)">Trumpy Yachts</a> and the only example built in a cruiser configuration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400151/image/large-a7834c16ed642ce577fb8f9977051f6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400151">Commissioned by Colonel David Flagstaff, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pintail25.6m (83'12&quot;)Trumpy Yachts1963">Pintail</a> was originally launched under her current name before being renamed Andrea Aras, then later Wishing Star. She returned to her original name in 2024. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400163/image/large-aa854f27482ec62ca3afa23e5ea1c369.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400163">Throughout her history, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> has undergone several major upgrades, including a comprehensive rebuild between 1997 and 1999. More recently, she completed an extensive yard period at Bristol Marine's Samples Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400165/image/large-4602edb919ce6af1cf67d8985b4c40bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400165">Constructed with a wooden hull and an aluminium and wooden superstructure, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pintail25.6m (83'12&quot;)Trumpy Yachts1963">yacht Pintail for sale</a> was designed entirely in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trumpy Yachts (Company)">Trumpy Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400164/image/large-b34af9c410aa43cf4b69159bc831e49c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400164" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Outside, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pintail25.6m (83'12&quot;)Trumpy Yachts1963">yacht Pintail for sale</a> boasts a classic gentleman’s profile, complemented by amenities for entertaining and extended cruising. Guests can dine alfresco on her covered aft deck, while wide side decks and an upper deck lounge offer panoramic ocean vistas. Furthermore, her cockpit and swim platform provide easy access to the water. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400161/image/large-6749563705182d9224635b01026c2fbc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400161">Stepping inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pintail25.6m (83'12&quot;)Trumpy Yachts1963">Pintail</a> embraces a traditional interior and classic American styling finished with high-gloss mahogany joinery and large windows letting in abundant natural light. Her main saloon invites guests with comfortable lounge seating alongside a full-service bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400162/image/large-d9fdd250c05e57a1b13d3c0146f19f2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400162">With a beam of 5.54-metres and an interior volume of 84 GT, accommodation onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=trumpy-yachts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Trumpy yacht for sale</a> is arranged for up to six guests across three staterooms. Separate quarters sleep up to four crew members, including her captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400160/image/large-11aed5abb7f3bf66629e2b030a45162c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400160">Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Detroit Diesel (Company)">Detroit Diesel</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pintail25.6m (83'12&quot;)Trumpy Yachts1963">Pintail</a> cruises at 12 knots and reaches a top speed of 15 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400153/image/large-f99b5a929b2c584530ad4a4a73af09a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400153">All images provided courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2529" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Worth Avenue Yachts (Company)">Worth Avenue Yachts</a>.

26m Trumpy motor yacht Pintail for sale

The 26m Trumpy motor yacht Pintail, one of only two 26m Trumpys ever built, is for sale with Worth Avenue Yachts. 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has announced two new appointments to its <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</a> sales team, welcoming Robert Drontmann and Xavier Soubeyran.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399947/image/large-b370ecbece73070406be7851fe5828a0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399947">The pair bring extensive experience across yacht brokerage, custom yacht construction, naval architecture and client advisory. According to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, the appointments will advance the company's sales team as it guides owners through the custom build process.Robert joins <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> after more than 20 years in the superyacht industry, including commercial roles at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Shipyards</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>, where he spent the past 12-and-a-half years working on custom yacht projects. A former Olympic sailor, he also brings an extensive international network within the industry."Joining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> feels like a natural next step in my career," commented Robert. "I've always admired the company's approach to custom yacht building and the relationships it builds with owners. I'm proud to have joined and represent <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>."Meanwhile, Xavier transitions into a client-facing sales role after more than six years as Proposal Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. Prior to joining the Dutch shipyard, he gained experience at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a>, building expertise in both yacht construction and naval architecture."I'm proud to continue my journey within the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> family," said Xavier. "I'm excited to use my experience to guide clients through the custom yacht process and deliver an exceptional client experience."Commenting on the appointments, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Head of Sales Maarten Janssen concluded: "Robert and Xavier bring complementary backgrounds and expertise to the sales team. Together, they further strengthen our ability to guide clients through every stage of creating a custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. I am delighted to welcome them both to my team."

Feadship Royal Van Lent new appointments

Feadship has announced two new appointments to its Royal Van Lent sales team, welcoming Robert Drontmann and Xavier Soubeyran.

Feadship appoints two new members to Royal Van Lent sales team

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399636/image/large-27e96086900837eca7ac1a5b72780ec8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399636">Seen here anchored at the Vathiavali Beach in Greece is the 31.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a>, a Tradition 105 launched in 2012.Built in Viareggio, Italy, the yacht was custom designed for Swiss owner Luca Regusci and his wife Monica, who worked closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roberto Del Re (Company)">Roberto Del Re</a> to create a true second home at sea. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa’s</a> name is derived from a Northern Italian dialect, meaning “not bad at all,” while also serving as a play on the phrase “mi ama,” which translates to “he/she loves me.”Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A custom creation: Luca Regusci on his ownership of the 32m Benetti yacht Miamaa (2022-12-29 15:15:00 +0100)">A custom creation: Luca Regusci on his ownership of the 32m Benetti yacht Miamaa</a>Originally launched after an extensive 20-month build, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> features a customised interior layout and was designed for comfortable long-range Mediterranean cruising. Her compact dimensions, moderate draft and stabilisers allow her to access picturesque ports and anchorages while ensuring a smooth experience underway.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> has explored destinations including Corsica, Sardinia, the Aeolian Islands, Greece and Croatia, with the owners spending up to three months onboard each summer and covering around 5,000 nautical miles annually.In terms of propulsion system, the yacht 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 15 knots.

Benetti yacht Miamaa in Greece


Seen here anchored at the Vathiavali Beach in Greece is the 31.75-metre Benetti motor yacht Miamaa.

32m Benetti motor yacht Miamaa in Greece

The 40-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ava40.0m (131'3&quot;)CRN1976">Ava</a> is currently on the market 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>. Originally delivered in 1976 and recently refitted in 2025, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> offers the opportunity to acquire a classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>, combining Italian craftsmanship and proven charter credentials.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399888/image/large-3bdcdf9ab2c4a6c09e1163ecae82f73d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399888">Formerly known as Moneikos and Moneikos VI, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ava40.0m (131'3&quot;)CRN1976">Ava</a> was built by Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>, with both her exterior design and naval architecture developed in-house. Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she has a beam of 6.7-metres and a draft of 2.7-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399906/image/large-850efd99f603640e40e95d1dfd43244a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399906" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399894/image/large-9a0ddb6d281d0ec0b3d43a899d2433a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399894">Outside, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ava40.0m (131'3&quot;)CRN1976">yacht Ava for sale</a> offers an expansive sundeck featuring a bar, lounge area, and alfresco dining spaces. Moreover, guests can unwind while taking in the panoramic views from the Jacuzzi, or enjoy waterside activities at her beach club and generous swim platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399895/image/large-b249d25a3685fad57cf595b6ff6468bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399895"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399890/image/large-46d53c741400b7c49300d74bfaa09fce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399890"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399889/image/large-b6db83f94ff7d826d27db46dcc8d0738.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399889">Stepping inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ava40.0m (131'3&quot;)CRN1976">Ava</a> presents a classic interior characterised by rich wood finishes, polished timber joinery, and spacious living areas. With a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, her main saloon benefits from generous lounge seating and plenty of natural light from her expansive windows.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399904/image/large-3956077fb0529f1cc3072f167b0abde2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399904"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399902/image/large-345fc10c5d330df60c8e2f1b6868fbf9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399902">Stretching 218 GT, accommodation onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/built-by=crn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">CRN yacht for sale</a> is arranged for up to 11 guests across five ensuite staterooms. Her configuration includes a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck, complete with a private office, while dedicated quarters accommodate a crew of seven.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399897/image/large-ed15ac5497462001277b8f7afa848227.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399897"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399899/image/large-b7d655de17333d32edee9a57c9b2de6e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399899">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> has benefitted from several upgrades over the years, including new generators and refurbished guest accommodations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399882/image/large-574d976d40e7c09eca732f39e1bef0b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399882">Equipped with underway stabilisers, she also holds a licence to host up to 49 guests while cruising, making her suitable for private and commercial use.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399886/image/large-f820454b3da6f9f8e13c8bd3b90fd8d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399886">In terms of propulsion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ava40.0m (131'3&quot;)CRN1976">yacht Ava for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="General Motors (Company)">General Motors</a> engines, delivering a cruising speed of 13 knots and a top speed of 14 knots. All images provided courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.

40m CRN motor yacht Ava for sale

The 40m CRN motor yacht Ava has been listed for sale with IYC, offering classic Italian craftsmanship and proven charter credentials.


The 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a>&nbsp;is currently on the market with Richard Higgins and Matt Palmer 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 <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> offers an opportunity to acquire a refitted vessel following an extensive 16-month rebuild completed in 2023, which included extending her length from 48 to now 50.4-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399872/image/large-a1a5e2d064f2dd79b9d13d0d2e73b414.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399872">Originally delivered by Dutch shipyard in 1990, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">yacht Emerald for sale</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <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>, while her interior was redesigned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> during the rebuild. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399870/image/large-2df2bdee3d6717fc4d07ba05a00006c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399870">Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> has a beam of 8.18-metres, and a draft of 2.5-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399874/image/large-c3286a9f1291c0d3f062181835b7a7ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399874" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399869/image/large-f6626c9ffb7a9033c1c02246d0bc3a36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399869" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In terms of outdoor living, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">yacht Emerald for sale</a>’s bridge deck saloon and aft cockpit were extended, with a single crane replacing the original twin-crane arrangement resulting in a more versatile outdoor lounge. Meanwhile, her sundeck was lengthened to accommodate a forward Jacuzzi, sun pads, additional lounge seating and a wet bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399876/image/large-35f16f5691d0fd86cf344cc418336526.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399876">Stepping inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> embraces a contemporary interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>, finished in soft neutral tones with warm timber detailing. With a redesigned main saloon, separate lounge and dining areas are offered to guests, while large windows maximise natural light throughout the living spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399875/image/large-65f49dafec9f800e01e5763b0f228840.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399875">With an interior volume of 467 GT, accommodation onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=feadship" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Feadship yacht for sale</a> has been reconfigured and is now arranged for up to 12 guests across six staterooms. The layout comprises a forward-facing owner's suite and adjacent VIP suite on the main deck, alongside four guest staterooms on the lower deck. Dedicated quarters sleep up to 10 crew members, including her captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399877/image/large-0535fbc877085fc643366b2498ffe138.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399877"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399878/image/large-e2c719b45d8d1a91c7fdc7a56d1b734d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399878">Beyond her aesthetic transformation, the rebuild of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">yacht Emerald for sale</a> included new Quantum extending fin stabilisers for enhanced comfort underway and at anchor, alongside upgraded navigation, audiovisual and IT systems, Starlink connectivity, a new commercial galley, walk-in refrigeration facilities and renewed class certification with commercial compliance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399871/image/large-3ce140cfc66a01010e3f6fe014c0d45d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399871" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">yacht Emerald 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, delivering a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 14 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399873/image/large-eb943885abfce05cb33aa0301c8b1f1e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399873">

50m Feadship superyacht Emerald for sale

The 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald has been listed for sale with Northrop & Johnson, following an extensive rebuild completed in 2023.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk Shipyard</a> has announced the delivery of the 39.92-metre flagship motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shine39.92m (130'12&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2026">Shine</a>, following her sea trials earlier this year. Previously named Project EVO, she is the Dutch shipyard’s largest yacht to date.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391534/image/large-e177730cbb9cea05c51ef7f8bdc4369b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391534">Launched in March 2026 from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a>'s facilities in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, Shine features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cristiano Gatto Design (Company)">Cristiano Gatto Design</a>, developed from an original concept by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SFG Yacht Design (Company)">SFG Yacht Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7845" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fancy by Dada (Company)">Fancy by Dada</a>.Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="40m Van der Valk yacht Project EVO launched and named Shine (2026-03-04 11:00:00 +0100)">40m Van der Valk yacht Project EVO launched and named Shine</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391530/image/large-221462d5721514f463fc5e3b0ee5b4a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391530">The project grew from an initial 36-metre concept into the current 40-metre vessel, with the owners closely involved at every stage of the design process. Her owners were introduced to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> by Thom Conboy who acted as the owner’s representative throughout the build.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shine39.92m (130'12&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2026">Shine</a> boasts interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cristiano Gatto Design (Company)">Cristiano Gatto Design</a>, with naval architecture courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ginton Naval Architects (Company)">Ginton Naval Architects&nbsp;</a>and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>. Gatto’s team used approximately 78 different materials to realise the owner’s brief, reflecting his preference for personally handling and driving his own vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391531/image/large-ca9ce5a6633cedcdfcaa58229c6e64b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391531">At a volume of 370 GT, she can accommodate up to 10 guests across five well-appointed staterooms. Her full-beam owner’s deck is located on the main deck forward and is fitted with his-and-hers bathrooms and a walk-in wardrobe.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shine39.92m (130'12&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2026">Shine</a>’s remaining guest suites are found on the lower deck, comprising two double staterooms and two twin staterooms. One of the suites can be converted into a double and the second can also be used as a gym.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391129/image/large-2f5863e2ad16b526ba59da632617f253.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391129">Moving outside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shine39.92m (130'12&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2026">Shine</a> showcases a main-deck alfresco seating area sheltered beneath a hardtop, while her spacious beach club provides seamless access to the water via twin staircases.Additional outdoor living areas are located on the bridge deck, which features a large alfresco dining space, while the sun deck is arranged with a further lounge area, sunloungers and a bar for relaxed entertaining.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391529/image/large-a2df695e5e39ff46e27ba6654af143bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391529">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shine39.92m (130'12&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2026">Shine</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 top speed of 24 knots at half load and a cruising speed of 19 knots. She also has a range of 2,200 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

Shine: 40m Flagship Van der Valk yacht delivered

Van der Valk Shipyard has announced the delivery of the 39.92-metre flagship motor yacht Shine, following her sea trials earlier this year.