When it comes to superyacht cruising grounds, sometimes it may be easy to forget that there is a big wide world to discover outside of the hustle and bustle of the main Mediterranean and Caribbean hotspots. With more and more owners and charter clients opting to stray a little further from the beaten track, here we shine a spotlight on some of the more exciting cruising destinations from all four corners of the world, with the help of the expert Captain’s and Owners who have fallen in love with it. In this issue, we spoke with Gulu Lalvani, owner of the Royal Phuket Marina and avid yachting enthusiast, who takes us through his much-loved favourite 7-day itinerary cruising from Phuket to Myanmar and back.&nbsp;Take me to… PhuketCurrently, I own an Italian built Monte Carlo Yachts 70, which I purchased with Simpson Marine. Having owned several yachts throughout my ownership journey - including one of 30-metres - I know that the MCY 70 is perfect for me. I’ve owned her for three years now and I’ve never looked back! At the moment, I keep her behind my villa in the Royal Phuket Marina, which is a perfect location. It’s so easy to head out for impromptu cruising in the area, which is just a delight in Thailand as there are so many breathtaking destinations to visit. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19558/image/large-5211129d1410dcc8fda3346433bcc9e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19558"> Mr Gulu Lavani on board his MCY yachtHaving cruised in the Thailand area for some years now, I can tell you that my favourite aspect of cruising in this area is the beautiful natural landscape. Pristine beaches and the bluest of blue waters, it’s also much less crowded in terms of tourists and other boats than the hotspots elsewhere in the world. The Thai people are also just the warmest and very welcoming - service is always with a smile. The weather in Thailand definitely plays an important part of my love for this region, too, because there is no particular time to avoid. The East coast of Phuket allows cruising all year round which is a very unique and much-treasured aspect, something that not many parts of the world can boast.Geographically, Thailand is easily accessible to many scenic cruising grounds and countries. Destinations include our very own the Andaman Islands, as well as Myanmar, Langkawi, India, Vietnam and Singapore. There is simply so much to explore, be it en route to various destinations or just around Thailand. Flying into Thailand to go cruising is made easier with many direct non-stop flights internationally.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19559/image/large-272011f0d96f802e235cd071093c2080.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19559"> Today, as we all know, Phuket is really a sailor’s dream, whether you love motor or sailboats, and I am absolutely certain that it will become the best destination for yacht cruising in the world in due course. With the support of the Thai government, boating is on a steady increase. It is also easier in bringing yachts into Thailand. I single-handedly convinced the then Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Thaksin to reduce the import duty on boats from 220% to 0 in 2004 and, in return, I built the purpose-built and award-winning Royal Phuket Marina in Phuket to help make Phuket the Riviera in Asia for yachting. &nbsp;&nbsp;Owners who travel to Thailand will find that they keep coming back. I am a big fan of this area, and yachting really is great here, we are generally low on natural disasters and hardly any piracy so making it safe to cruise with a piece of mind. So without further ado, here are just one of many 7-day itineraries I undertake whenever I have the time, starting and finishing in Phuket, visiting Myanmar on the way!Day 1Day one of our journey allows the ability to embark from any of the four marinas on Phuket’s coast, including Royal Phuket Marina, Marina Phuket Resort, Yacht Haven Phuket and Ao Po Grand Marina. Take an easy early morning cruise to the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, where you can use the tender to explore the northern reaches of the Bay. Check out the limestone karst island scenery and hidden caves. Return to the yacht and enjoy your first Thai sunset whilst winding down with a cocktail. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19563/image/large-7d1ab0b38ba8efff6af0268bd305850c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19563">Day 2Get up early and cruise to your next destination: the Koh Hong Archipelago. Made up of a bunch of tiny islands as well as the popular destinations of Krabi, Phi Phi and Railay Bay, the white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters look just like the postcards, and are a haven for relaxing and having fun in the water. After a day of snorkeling and diving, head to Krabi and indulge in freshly caught seafood dishes. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19560/image/large-d6e5b6c9289ff7123b39a04e99455349.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19560"> Day 3Wake up with the sun, and enjoy a peaceful morning on board with a delicious banquet of fresh fruit. When you’re ready, head to the Similan Islands, a truly spectacular destination. Under protection as part of the National Park of Thailand, have a day playing on the water toys, and snorkelling or diving. Protected sea turtles nest on several beaches in this area, so although that means some beaches may be closed for their protection, if you’re lucky, one may join you for a swim. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19562/image/large-9d252621ac6e7216a0e43c702e2dbc65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19562">Day 4Start early today, and make sure you experience Koh Surin, another one of Thailand’s many incredible archipelagos. Not to miss is Koh Tachai and some of the world’s best scuba diving at Richelieu Rock where manta rays and whale sharks are often sighted. By early afternoon, start the journey to Ranong, where you can cross into Myanmar. Once in Myanmar, relax on board and enjoy an evening of fine food and conversation, ready for two days of exploring Myanmar waters.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19561/image/large-591fd3a81097ac188837b372243a2bb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19561">Day 5The next two days will see you exploring just some of the hundreds of thousands of gorgeous islands that form the Mergui Archipelago. I recommend Lampi Island, home to the indigenous Moken people as well as an abundance of unique nature and wildlife. After exploring the island on foot, jump in the tender to one of the other pristine and totally secluded islands, and enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing and snorkelling the fabulous coral reefs. &nbsp;Day 6With the archipelago only opened up to foreign tourists in the past couple of decades, take the opportunity to explore as many of the pristine islands as possible today. Diving, snorkelling and easy jungle trekking await.&nbsp;Day 7Head back to Ranong and go through immigration to return to Thailand. Cruise back to the west of Phuket and end your Thai journey on a high with a visit to the Amanpuri Report Bay for the best 5-star experience available. For the party animals, head on to Patong Bay for an unforgettable night.&nbsp;Need to know: A few things to remember before embarking on your Thai adventureAlthough infrastructure catered to superyachts is the best in the region, it’s important to remember that cruising in Thailand is a completely different ball game to your typical hot spots in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. To ensure every second on your South East Asia adventure is everything you want and more, here are some top tips from the experts.&nbsp;Ask the localsMake sure that ahead of your trip, you touch base with some of the local experts in Thailand. The Asia Pacific Superyachts Association provides reliable information for yachts from 30 to 50-metres cruising in the area, whilst brokerage and charter companies like Simpson Marine are always on hand to guide you with breathtaking itineraries and destination advice.&nbsp;Embrace the foodThai cuisine is one of the most delicious and varied in the world. Embrace the food culture, and indulge in an abundance of exciting authentic culinary experiences wherever you visit, with fresh, fragrant dishes available wherever you explore. If your palate craves familiarity, make sure that you have a good source for provisioning. International food items can usually be provided within a couple of days in Phuket, so plan ahead.&nbsp;Superyachts welcomeAll cruising areas are accessible to all yachts, including those exceeding 50-metres. This means that there is no need for special arrangements or permits, allowing you to explore the wonders of Thailand no matter how big your boat.&nbsp;For more information on cruising in the Asia Pacific region or to book your own charter adventure, get in touch with the experts at Simpson Marine at their directly at <a href="mailto:thailand@simpsonmarine.com">thailand@simpsonmarine.com</a>.&nbsp;

Mr Gulu on board MCY

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Exploring Thailand with owner Gulu Lalvani 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268073/image/large-754e017119099ec56c1d705cef91c5c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268073">For Mr. Paolo D'Amico, the idea of building a yacht for his family was not just a whim, but a childhood dream. As a young boy, he would sail around Italy with his father, and those memories stayed with him throughout his life.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235245/image/large-bd485af606dd8c83f63ad57e5f93600c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235245" 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; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In collaboration with his wife and the renowned interior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andrea Borzelli (Company)">Andrea Borzelli</a>, Mr D'Amico brought his vision to life in the form of the 38-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola (Company)">Costruzioni Navali Tigullio</a> motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. The yacht is a testament to the couple's passion for design and their attention to detail, as they spent countless evenings discussing and fine-tuning every aspect of the project.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268020/image/large-ed952dac8d81d25d961decad51c1dce5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268020"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>, a rare custom-built motor yacht, is now available for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>. The vessel is exceptional not only for its dedication to its owner's vision but also for its meticulous engineering and traditional nautical execution. The fully-custom yacht was built in 2015 by the Italian shipyard and is a true reflection of Mr D'Amico's knowledge and experience in yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235235/image/large-eff476a3f821906a22b30a594904a642.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235235"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> is not just a yacht but a family-friendly vessel that combines functionality with elegance. It is a passion project that embodies the owner's love for the sea and his desire to capture everlasting memories with his family onboard. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/angra-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Angra Too superyacht for sale</a> is a masterpiece of design and showcases artisanal craftsmanship including a timeless emerald paintwork that will undoubtedly bring joy to its next lucky owner.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times sat down with owner Paolo D'Amico to learn more about his involvement in the build of his yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235244/image/large-495aa881c1a847c14c6290e00994c949.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235244">How did you get into yachting?I was born into the world of yachting, as my father was a yachtsman himself in the 1950s and 60s. As a family, we used to spend our summers in Greece, and I vividly remember my first trip there in 1968. The experience was incredible, and it ignited my passion for yachting - the sense of fun and adventure was truly captivating.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235243/image/large-5b3f4be804e91d63dd3ae29762970cfa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235243">What compelled you to want to own a yacht?As I grew up, I took over my father's boat after his passing and ran it for 6-7 years. It was a different experience without him, but it was my duty to continue his legacy and love for yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235235/image/large-eff476a3f821906a22b30a594904a642.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235235">Why did you decide to build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> from scratch?I built a smaller 32-metre boat before. It was a perfectly beautiful boat but had some limitations. So when I reconnected with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola (Company)">Costruzioni Navali Tigullio</a> shipyard who also masterfully created my previous yacht, we thought let’s do it and this time try to do it bigger. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/44729/image/large-50ee45ac1ba6a1c20f7574c20400855f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/44729">What do you enjoy most about the building experience?One of the challenges that we faced was to optimise the boat's performance on the water. One of the primary obstacles was weight management, but with careful planning and execution, we were able to achieve the perfect balance and excel in speed, which was so great for me.&nbsp;Another significant advantage of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> is the fact that it is a jet yacht rather than a propeller yacht. This enabled the engines to be relocated to the back of the boat, resulting in a vast increase in interior space. My wife and I were particularly pleased with the attention to detail that was put into crafting this beautiful interior space, which is both spacious and functional.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/44730/image/large-dd4950d2ed91fae36023210225007050.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/44730">How involved were you with the build?My wife and I worked closely together on the design, with me handling the technical aspects and my wife dedicating her expertise to crafting the interiors. Our partnership allowed us to meticulously create the yacht to our personal liking but also with timeless design down to the finest details. Our main vision was on the summer holidays we take with our family, if you build the yacht how you like it, then you will have the perfect summer holidays with friends and family, and I believe we did that with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268019/image/large-fb79d468b66710bc1ed8ee38f4704f01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268019">You went larger on your second boat; what did you feel was missing on the first yacht that you implemented into the build of your second yacht?I mostly redid what I had done before in terms of dimensions it was larger, but with regard to the interior space and cabins, I always choose five cabins which gives you a maximum space for around ten people. Even if I had a 60-metre-plus yacht, I would always still only build a boat with a five-cabin layout. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235234/image/large-7ea66eedc2f831cdb0a3642c0ef61cc8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235234">After experiencing owning a yacht, what was the most important aspect of being a yacht owner?While working on building the yacht, I truly thought about having my own space onboard, which is important when hosting. Yachting, for me, is the ultimate freedom. This is the best part of owning a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. I can leave and go wherever in the world I like, which gives my holidays a real essence of joy. I love being onboard, and this is something that I realise I need at least once a year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235236/image/large-e1162c066546a80451a8d163f25bd2e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235236">Would you buy another yacht?I'm always looking into new projects, but, at this moment, I am very happy, although if there is the opportunity to sell <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>, I would go on to purchase something else.If so, would you use the same shipyard again?Yes, of course, we work very well together.&nbsp;Where do you like to travel on your yacht to and why?Greece, no doubt. Everywhere in Greece. I love the Greek Island of Milos and Andiparos. There are also other populated areas but you can get there easily the only limit is the wind.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236752/image/large-46657c2c957794e6159612708fc937b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236752">Do you work onboard? How do you use your boat is it more for recreational experiences with friends and family or for travel?The main focus when on my yacht is my family and friends. I love to read and swim and enjoy the pleasures in life. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268021/image/large-5081f6cb07a062ec1d2606c81e8e61c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268021">What are the best qualities onboard&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>? What makes this yacht so special?For me, it is so unique and special for my wife and I. We really built this yacht from scratch together as a team effort. &nbsp;Like every project in life, once it has happened and been built, it is now your work. This yacht is rare as it is very hard to find a boat with these dimensions to include this amount of space and jets.&nbsp;Another very technical thing. I am very happy with the draft on the back it is less than one metre, and it is actually only 80cm in length this is due to the yacht having jets rather than propellers. This really helps as we love to travel around the islands in Greece and moor our boat on the rocks, maybe even just a metre from shore so everyone onboard is always very pleased with this feature. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266179/image/large-077a9e7a6315dc0ab52a5f9b2d98fe7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266179">What were your preferences for interior design? Did you have a specific vision in mind?We wanted classical and timeless. My wife managed all the interiors onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. She opted for traditional wood, and of course, we do not use carpets we just wanted classic wooden flooring. The result is simplistic but extremely elegant and it was a fun experience as my wife was a collaborative partner with me on this.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235242/image/large-f8d57c61199438e48a0344cfdc680f1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235242"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235237/image/large-de7031babc5bd593a413f01be8b64cf2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235237"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> is currently on the market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>.&nbsp;

owner interview Paolo D'Amico of 38m superyacht Angra Too

SuperYacht Times sat down with owner Paolo D'Amico to learn more about his involvement in the build of his superyacht Angra Too.

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Meet the owner: Mr Paolo D'Amico of 38m superyacht Angra Too

“My dream is to travel once around the world – whether it’s onboard this yacht or my next, I don’t know. But I’m going to do it,” the owner of <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> told SuperYacht Times, beaming. With good reason, too. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265808/image/large-821f7341b46fc048783e7aba64d31ff0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265808">We were sat in the offices at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> wistfully chatting cruising grounds, star-studded events and his beautifully refitted 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht, which was gently bobbing in the waters lapping the shipyard. “She’s timeless, a real classic,” he said, gazing out the window. “The green was my wife’s idea,” referring to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald’s</a> suave, freshly-painted Orion green hull, courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6101" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jotun (Company)">Jotun</a>. “It was my wife who chose everything in fact, and I couldn’t be happier.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257634/image/large-9366f38055670e91b5ceb8d9c505e234.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257634">But it’s hard to believe that 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> floating in the dock was the same one he bought nearly two years ago. “I love character, class and strong sturdy builds, so when I started looking for a new yacht I knew I was really looking for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.” With this in mind, David Westwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, first steered him to the 44.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a>, which is laid up at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> – as fate would have it. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259593/image/large-0252709e6fde006536f95fd2b29f2983.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259593">“We came here to Urk to see the classic 1975 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> you can see over there,” he said, pointing in the direction of the front gate at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, towards <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a>. “She’s lovely, really. But the crew quarters are just a little too small for what we were looking for.“The crew has to be well looked after on my boats, they need to feel comfortable. It’s important to us that spacious, well-lit and relaxing areas need to be found in both guest and crew areas. Not only are guests travelling with us, so also are the crew. I want them to feel at home.” With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a> a no-go, David was back scouring the market for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> that met expectations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196039/image/large-6c1cf1727a767970cde689a72b0858bc.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196039"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> built 74 superyachts 40-metres or larger before the turn of the millennium, and out of those 74, only 12 are currently on the market. When these yachts are under ownership, they often stay that way. It was in fact Daan Balk, CEO and owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, who informed the owner about a potential candidate: the 1990-delivered 48.83-metre MQ2, which was lying in Croatia at the time. Balk personally joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW</a> and the owners to inspect the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265814/image/large-ed3bd1e3447fc1d45e4f7c135b6a2cef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265814"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265754/image/large-ebb517a81c02f593d1b13c100bf0f087.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265754"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265756/image/large-f1cc76efab2089fa67e828788cdc9d7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265756"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265757/image/large-08fe49bcf5c99fbc1a7a5489e9c90c33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265757">MQ2’s timeless exterior lines, penned 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</a>, and her voluminous interior won him over. The yacht was hauled out and surveyed in Trogir, Daan Balk was a guest throughout the study and provided the owner with sound reassurances. The deal was signed in May 2021, with the owner represented by James Hall and David Westwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, and the seller John Cohen of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265818/image/large-200cb86197f8907e67c59768f906ad8f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265818">But it’s hard to believe that 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> floating in the dock was the same one he bought nearly two years ago. At the time of sale, she was shorter, had less deck space and an old-fashioned stern with small, swing doors that led into the saloon. She was also fitted with twin two tonne cranes, port and starboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265764/image/large-f5ef92227d044089b7c4db39a14e7644.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265764">“My tender weighs three tonnes, so those cranes had to go,” her owner explained. “I wanted to restyle the stern section, so I thought why not extend and install a larger crane on the upper aft deck. Daan Balk had left a strong impression on me. I really appreciated his efforts during my visit to Valeria and thought ‘why not take MQ2 there for the refit’.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265781/image/large-1c80402a6a79af370032a66f2a42de19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265781"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265790/image/large-ede5c877168aec88ce91085c99c4eec2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265795/image/large-20511eb863d128051c77551f603f4fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265795"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265785/image/large-835f076c9e2297ee73ec09d16c4a71bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265785">&nbsp;“There was a lot of interest in this refit from many shipyards,” Daan Balk explained. “We ended up in a neck-and-neck race against <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico &amp; Co</a> The final two contenders. In the end though, we were granted the order and we signed the project right after the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2021">2021 Monaco Yacht Show</a>.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265752/image/large-2b0599b6320a23dd3d157cff20a027d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265752">It turned out to be an extensive 16-month refit in total, with her original interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/435" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Robert Knack International (Company)">Robert Knack International</a>stripped bare and everything down to general arrangement entirely redesigned. Her stern wasn’t only restyled, it was also extended by more than a metre and she now features an impressive aft cockpit, complete with a hydraulic swim platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265776/image/large-c7e8853bf9fc6a98904d8c2e6d43252c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265776"> “The platform is fantastic; it can be lowered below the waterline. Just think, any charter guest can get in and out of the water with it, regardless of age. It also goes the other way, and my son who’s 17 was asking how high it can go, as he wants to use the platform as a diving board – it’s possible,” he laughed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265778/image/large-7db59ce967387b1532637f16f594ca62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265778"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald’s</a>&nbsp;naval architecture was re-engineered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a>, and the team eked out as much as possible with this redesign. “We wanted the maximum we could, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a> drew up the plans and made it possible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265770/image/large-09d0a99ab59be11639ea4aba37fab7cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265765/image/large-ec6b9c7bf2d0735ca7a317536602df90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265765">Glass sliding doors have been installed between the skylounge and upper aft deck, replacing the swingset that really was not to the family’s taste. “Look at this space,” he said, swinging his arm around the upper lounge. “Can you imagine being sat here watching Formula One? It doesn’t get much better than that.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265770/image/large-09d0a99ab59be11639ea4aba37fab7cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265773/image/large-5ddff050fb3e0ab6fd74641de746726c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265773"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265771/image/large-f2e53e7d7af661934e7eb0bb8d3e63d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265771"> The excitement was palpable and contagious. “This wasn’t here before either,” he said pointing to the stairway that connects the upper and main deck. “And the entire sun deck is new too,” he smiled. Taking pride of place forward of the sundeck is a very large Jacuzzi.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265806/image/large-e4ab38a2b432f8f5359257f7a579ec53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265806">The owner’s wife took charge of the project, working very closely with the UK-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> to map out and curate the perfect vessel. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> was incredible to work with. The team is perfect and they knew exactly what we wanted, how we wanted it. They sat down with my wife and in a day they had the whole project mapped out. An amazing experience,” he said.“We wanted a yacht that was built around family use; plenty of space, lots of character and areas where we can relax to enjoy each other’s company,” her owner explained. Quite uncommon, especially for a yacht of this size, forward of the main deck is not one but two VIP suites. “When we have friends and family onboard, having a second VIP suite next to the master suite gives us more flexibility and the freedom to have our family all together, each with private space yet all on the same deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265816/image/large-462a9f714a58748a84e772b49ef02937.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265816"><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> offers accommodation for as many as 12 guests: four can sleep on the main deck in the two VIP suites, and the remaining eight will find accommodation on the lower deck. Each stateroom is finished with rich dark timbers that are sophisticated and lend the spaces a calming ambiance. There is a strict harmony across the staterooms, with only the ensuites differing in style.&nbsp;“Look at this detail,” the owner proudly said, running his hand over the veined marble bathroom wall. “This one my son picked out.” The portside lower deck double stateroom features vibrant stonework, unlike anything else on the yacht. “We each picked different natural stones for the bathrooms, so each suite has a distinctive character,” he explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265817/image/large-ebacdecc9e7bee9249a803d7bab6394d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265817">As we walked through <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> the owner was most animated detailing the crew areas. “This wasn’t here before,” the owner said, pointing to a window in the galley. “My wife redesigned the galley and fitted this window. It cost me a fortune, mind. But, look, we’ve positioned it so the galley is well lit and the chef and kitchen staff can enjoy the views.” Each of the crew cabins we stepped into was more generous in size than any I’ve seen before aboard a 50-metre superyacht – or larger, for that matter. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265790/image/large-ede5c877168aec88ce91085c99c4eec2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265787/image/large-ffeddc33f30ae9b66993860fbda2a04f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265787">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56920" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="50m Feadship superyacht Legacy V rechristened Emerald following major refit at Balk Shipyard (2023-02-09 17:30:00 +0100)">50m Feadship superyacht Legacy V rechristened Emerald following major refit at Balk Shipyard</a>This family-oriented design and generous crew quarters have an added benefit: she’s ideal for the charter market. “I haven’t chartered any of my yachts before now, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a> has instilled great confidence in me.” <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> will make her world debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> in Barcelona on 24 April 2023. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265813/image/large-8bf0ce96031ac3c4b486c089cbbb39a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265813">“I’m so pleased with her; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a> and my representative &nbsp;Jim Boot of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WMC Superyachts (Company)">WMC Superyachts</a> have all done an amazing job. If I was to start the project again tomorrow, I wouldn’t change a thing.”<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> will be cruising the Mediterranean this summer season and will either be in the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean during the winter. She’s available for charter bookings through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265807/image/large-9d6a4eebf05e2a8f17adff4ed54455da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265807">

Redesigning the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald with owner 

The owner of the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald joined SYT to discuss her refit at Balk Shipyard.

Owner interview: Redesigning the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald

A single-prop fishing trawler is not an obvious choice for conversion into a superyacht, but for the owner of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>&nbsp;it was the only one. We travelled to the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6228" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Maaskant (Company)">Damen Maaskant</a>&nbsp;shipyard near Rotterdam to find out more.&nbsp;The entrepreneur owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> grew up fascinated by tug boats and trawlers. A part of his family are fishermen from the island of Texel in northern Holland and as a young boy he would spend time sketching the workboats he saw there. At college he borrowed money from relatives to convert an old tugboat and lived on board for some years. In 1979 he emigrated to the US, set up three successful businesses and is now the proprietor of Richland Rum in Georgia. But his old love affair with trawlers never left him.“In the 1980s and into the ‘90s these steel-hulled boats represented the epitomy of Dutch shipbuilding,” he says. “They were very sturdily built, almost over-engineered, to deal with conditions in the North Sea. I’d been following the Dutch beam trawlers for years and when one became available as part of a decommissioning scheme in 2006 I decided to buy her, basically with a virtual handshake over the phone.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186402/image/large-a4c59cf2689848f16519a85a74d79425.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186402">The boat in question was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>, a 45.6-metre beam trawler launched in 1988. Beam trawlers are so called because they fish with a net on each side of the hull that is attached to a steel beam to hold them open. It is a method used for catching bottom-dwelling fish, including sole, plaice, turbot and monkfish, and their design owes much to the mainly Dutch shipyards that pioneered them.&nbsp;BUILT TO LAST<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> was the first of eight sisterships built by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6228" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Maaskant (Company)">Maaskant Shipyard</a> near Rotterdam, now part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Group</a>, which has over 70 years’ experience of building trawlers. He returned to the same yard to carry out an initial refit to remove all the fishing gear and upgrade some of the onboard systems. The project then ground to a halt for almost a decade as her owner was determined to come up with a work list and specs himself, mainly by spending time on other yachts, while juggling his business interests.Work resumed in 2019 when the shipyard began a full conversion by stripping back the hull to bare metal and removing the interior, decking and propulsion. After additional modifications to the hull and superstructure, all the metal surfaces were sandblasted, primed and sealed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260418/image/large-51cf50249cc0d30ead0ff0bbc84f77e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260418">“Basically what we’re looking at is a new-build yacht in an existing shell. My reason for doing that is the exceptional quality of the hull, not only in terms of seaworthy design but also engineering and construction.”By way of example he points to the stainless-steel piping instead of galvanised metal or PVC, the 40mm of West African iroko decking, and the steel hull plates that are 10mm above the waterline and 15mm below (although not Ice Class, the hull is more robust than most explorer yachts). The extra-thick plates also mean there is no ‘washboard’ effect when the positions of the frames are visible as is often the case with thinner plating, especially when combined with poor heat management during welding. As the hull was stripped completely on the inside, the yard took the opportunity to remove any dents, an inevitable consequence of the vessel’s former life as a beam trawler (the ‘run rails’ welded to the hull served as protection from the heavy steel beams when deploying and retrieving the nets). <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186704/image/large-365f81eb827adeff88362f4bd5632356.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186704">All modifications had to be approved by RINA in order to bring the vessel into Class. The original trawler was rated at 570GT and an early priority was to bring the volume below the 500GT threshold, principally by creating more semi-open areas. Another major modification was cutting out sections of the hull and bulwarks amidships on both sides with steps leading down to water level, which actually increased hull stiffness as there is a steel box reinforcement under each staircase.&nbsp;The interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> is utilitarian, but also comfortable and not in any way sparse. In keeping with the vessel’s original design, extra windows or portholes are limited in size and framed in brass. High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panelling provides enhanced durability and impact resistance. Floating interior floors and low-frequency insulation serve to minimise noise and vibration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260419/image/large-4bab6476d1f1f6b80312260f363886be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260419">Maaskant Managing Director Eric Moerkerk showed us around a brand-new fishing vessel the yard had outfitted to give us an idea of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> will look like when finished. Although below Dutch superyacht standards in terms of luxury materials, the high-quality finish was several steps above what you would expect to find on a working vessel.&nbsp;“We’re used to working with demanding commercial clients who require a high degree of flexibility,” says Moerkerk. “Owners and their reps are always here in the yard during construction requesting changes and we’re able to react to their needs. This is the nature of the fishing business today and that flexibility means we’re well prepared to handle conversion projects like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260414/image/large-ee06398dd29d70c784ae1c3b4a08326b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260414"> “A SUPER-SILENT, VIBRATION-LESS BEAST”By far the biggest upgrade is the hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. Stricter emission regulations meant the initial intention to keep the original 4,400-hp <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deutz AG (Company)">Deutz</a> MWM diesel engine, which was in excellent condition, had to be abandoned. Wabtech EPA T4/IMO Tier III engines, among the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient medium-duty diesels, were also considered before settling on a hybrid DE system. &nbsp;Driving the single 3.4-metre Van Voorden propeller is a 2,000-horsepower electric motor (1300kW @ 1000rpm) supplied by Marelli in Italy that the owner refers to as a “super-silent, vibration-less beast.” The motor is custom-designed with two windings that effectively provide two motors of 650kW each wound on one stator, which can be energised individually or together for virtually any combination of normal motor speeds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260408/image/large-f5fa5d4a66f21ca9c3ee0009b9c396d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260408">The electric motor is coupled to a ZF Marine reduction box and three Volvo D16 IMO III gensets (586kW @ 1800rpm). The EST-Floatech Lithium-ion battery bank (2 MW) provides a further level of redundancy and is mainly used to run a full hotel load overnight without generators and for peak shaving, but they can also power the 110kW Marelli bow and stern thrusters for silent, emission-free, electronic anchoring. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261481/image/large-d7fd8b61c1cecf54586a63582c013506.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261481">Maritiem Elektro Zeeland (MEZ), a tried and trusted local partner of Damen Maaskant, is the engineering firm responsible for integrating all the electrical installations, including the propulsion, power management, automation, navigation, communication, entertainment and lighting systems. The hybrid system based on an AC and DC (back-up) grid can be monitored remotely and basically provides four sailing modes: battery mode with limited power and hybrid mode with one, two or three diesel generators that are always running at constant loads. A Dynapilot system from Alphatron Marine and based on DP technology provides full navigational control in all modes via a single joystick. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261477/image/large-526305ff73094c1c4e0065008c41da68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261477">Unlike modern yachts, two-thirds of the hull is below the waterline and the vessel has a 40-tonne keel. During the conversion weight has been added (including over 20 tonnes of batteries) in order to maintain the design draft. All this translates into a stiff rolling moment, which precludes the need for stabilising mechanisms beyond the original bilge keels. &nbsp;The general arrangement is still in the last stages of refinement, but when finished the yacht will be able to accommodate ten guests on the lower deck in four double cabins and a full-beam owner’s suite amidships underneath the original hatch into the fish hold (the former hold also provides immense space for storage and a good-size laundry). The main deck features multiple interior, exterior and semi-open areas for relaxation. On the bridge deck the open wheelhouse is enormous for the size of vessel and the owner has reserved the aft section as a private office. The main tender will be stowed on the sun deck aft and there is a viewing lounge forward overlooking the foredeck.&nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> has been thoughtfully designed as a home away from home,” he says. “The purposing of spaces, the flow between them and the designation between the private and crew areas reflects that. I want to feel at home instantly and when stepping on board and specifically don’t want to feel like a guest in a hotel when on my own boat.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260412/image/large-52f95d726732c7afe779d9efb91ee2d3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260412">ASK THE EXPERTSThe owner is well aware that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> is a highly personal conversion project that is probably more suited to long-range voyages in northern waters than cruising the Côte d'Azur. But his business instincts also tell him that expert advice can make all the difference if he wants to commercialise his investment through chartering and eventual resale.&nbsp;So we were not the only ones visiting <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>. He had also invited William Molloy, head of charter at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a>; Roy Posthuma, charter and sales broker also with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a>; and Pino Di Mora, senior project manager with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>. What followed was a lively and productive discussion about how the onboard amenities, especially the crew accommodation and services, could be optimised without incurring drastic changes to the existing layout. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260413/image/large-4df9e25eb2d9ea5c97209b9722616c15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260413">Some 16 years after her owner acquired her, the transformation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> from beam trawler into luxury yacht is on track to be completed by spring 2023, which must be something of a record for a conversion project.&nbsp;“This has been such a long project primarily because taking everything I learned, both the good and the bad, and translating that into something approaching a spec list for the shipyard took an enormous amount of time,” says the owner. “But it’s been an unusual privilege to be able to do this at the yard where the boat was actually built, where there are still a number of people that built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>. To have that intimate connection with the boat and these guys who have so much pride in their work has been an amazing experience.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261480/image/large-1662c33dc9992c94766b840b96d5daa9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261480">This article was originally published in September 2022 of Issue 1 of the How to Build It magazine. <a href="https://superyachttimes.com/api/download/how-to-build-it-issue-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">You can download the entire magazine for free here</a>.

Build story of 45m Scintilla Maris

Justin Ratcliffe joins the owner of the 45m Scintilla Maris to discuss her conversion from trawler to yacht.

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The unlikely conversion of the 45m trawler Scintilla Maris 

Onboard 44m Hemisphere with owner 

The owner of the 44m superyacht Hemisphere spoke with SuperYacht Times about his experience onboard the world's largest sailing catamaran. 

Hemisphere: Onboard the world’s largest sailing catamaran with owner and diving enthusiast 

The 51-metre Feadship motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has been enjoyed as a private yacht by the same owners for more than three decades. She was the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> designed with a comfortable range for Pacific crossings, and her owners took full advantage. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has made numerous circumnavigations, explored new destinations and travelled to many remote locations.Following the news that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has joined the market for the first time, SuperYacht Times’ Alexander Griffiths caught up with Nick Spence, her first Captain and project manager, to hear more about how this unique and trend-setting vessel came to be.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254601/image/large-c33379c3537081822a5569b7d3ae84bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254601">What were the key elements in the design brief for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>?My clients had owned smaller cruising yachts, but their dream was to have a fully customised superyacht that was designed for cruising the Pacific Ocean and fitted out for diving excursions. They wanted a yacht that was a luxurious residence, while being able to reach the more remote destinations of the world, in comfort and safety for both guests and crew.Key elements were that she had to achieve the lowest sound and vibration levels possible. She also had to carry a large exploration and dive tender that could be launched and recovered in lively conditions. It was then also important that she could carry enough fuel and stores to sustain herself and those onboard for months at a time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254595/image/large-f6be9d2c862ba0410e7474fddcb98d92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254595">The design had to provide a private residential deck, without compromising the normal traffic flow for other passengers and crew. With an emphasis on form following function and multifunctionality, this yacht was to be ergonomically designed from the inside out. For example, one of our requirements was that from the main deck up you should always see the horizon, whether sitting or standing!A great deal of time was spent in the pre-bid design development stage for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>; can you share how these initial conversations went?Once we laid out our conceptual ideas, highlighting what we thought was essential and what would be nice to have, we then spent over 2 years scouring the used market while simultaneously interviewing the top builders in Europe, studying the evolution of their projects and their management.In the used market, we had a chance to see what worked and what did not! Sadly, we observed many design deficiencies in the used market and in new builds, the causes stemming mostly from rushed bid packages developed only to conceptual levels before going to contract.We heard horror stories of massive, expensive change requests and realised we had to do our homework to provide the builder with proven engineering and material studies. To ensure that both builder and clients could make informed decisions, the clients gave me the greatest gift of all…. time and a substantial research budget to develop the ultimate design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84699/image/large-ed1ed8d8fcbc309b2b132a68b9c1788b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84699">We could not find anything in the used market that even came close to the brief, so we commissioned a feasibility team of the top superyacht subcontractors in the areas of air conditioning, mechanical, electrical, structural and noise/vibration to provide us with the best design criteria.We were able to fully explore the options without the budget restrictions of a builder already working to a contract price. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/138" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Richard Hein (Company)">Richard Hein</a> orchestrated this detailed feasibility and engineering study with an overarching mandate for a highly ergonomic vessel. He was assisted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade Johnson</a>, who defined the materials and ergonomics of the interior and red flagged any departures from the interior brief.The feasibility team did an excellent job of providing well engineered solutions to enable us to prepare a fully developed design. So with that stage completed, we felt confident going ahead with a large and detailed bid package of specifications, drawings and a materials list that would compare apples with apples and give the bidding builders greater confidence in pricing and execution.Glade Johnson of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5618" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seattle Yachts (Company)">Seattle</a>&nbsp;was enlisted for the interior design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> – what drove this decision and what headed the design brief?The clients wanted a modern superyacht that was durable, elegant, comfortable, and easy to maintain. We knew that choosing the right interior designer was critical so as not to waste the clients’ time. We had shortlisted down to four top firms who, once briefed by the family, did compensated proposals for the owner’s deck and main lounge. Funnily enough, at that time Donald Trump was doing the same for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/297" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kingdom 5KR86.0m (282'2&quot;)Benetti SpA1980">Trump Princess</a>, but as a competition and without payment except to the winner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254597/image/large-10c6369bd6d32409887ca20611a1f650.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254597"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade</a> and his team were absolutely brilliant, took copious notes and hit a home run in understanding our needs and preferences. He focused on how to make our vision a practical reality and not on his reputation or ego.What led to the ultimate decision to choose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> to construct the project?It was a process of elimination. We started with a short list of 6 yards. Feadship was not the cheapest but represented the least risk and we liked the DeVries Family. They were persistent. They were fair. We checked out their customers. There were few complaints. And many previous owners had second and third vessels built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. That, in itself, was quite an endorsement!&nbsp;So, after four years of extensive research and development, we presented our detailed bid package to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in 1991, signed the contract in July that year and saw her delivered in December 1993, for a maiden voyage to Antigua.&nbsp;How was the build process at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">DeVries Shipyard</a>?To be honest, I felt that I had died and gone to Shipyard Heaven! We had given them detailed engineering and interior design data that was called “contract guidance drawings” to enable these amazing builders and architects to have a complete vision of what the end product was to be from day one.For example, we had negotiated very stiff conditions if we did not reach quite challenging noise targets, so workers were fanatical about installing all sound and vibration equipment perfectly. At sea trials, we averaged about 4Db below contract noise targets with a promise to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">DeVries</a> never to disclose those excellent results. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235649/image/large-3bffed53467d17ee60de07c5603aebaa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235649">It turned out the build stage was quite anticlimactic, so I was able to focus on the nuances of the second and third level improvements, instead of dealing with basic design deficiencies that often lead to major change requests and stress!You must have some great stories from your times onboard as captain. Can you share some of your most memorable moments with us?As the owners have a real wanderlust, to say that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>&nbsp;travelled the world in her 30 years is not an exaggeration. Each destination was unique because <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> needed no base and rarely visited the same port twice. Japan was a phenomenal experience as we tracked the cherry blossoms from the South to the North of the country. From those remote islands and coastlines, we could enjoy the historical wonders of the Japanese seaboard and the energy of its thriving cities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235647/image/large-abd35b721c309042fb35e30a653cb2c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235647">In Europe we enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Continent, in the Americas we partied in Cabo San Lucas, circumnavigated Newfoundland, and fished for Atlantic bluefin tuna off Prince Edward Island. Diving expeditions in the Red Sea, Raja Ampat, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Micronesia were activities along with sportfishing, that I really enjoyed sharing with the owners.If I am going to rank my favourite destination, it would still be fishing in Alaska. It was a delight to be her captain for the first 8 years and to prove all our design ideas within the reality of wind and water.Have you considered or made designs for larger yachts in the past 30 years?&nbsp;Once you have built a successful yacht, if not physically, you certainly mentally are constantly building and rebuilding your next dream yacht. We actually went through a design study in 1999-2000 for a larger 79-metre vessel that could store a helicopter for remote cruising. However, the advantages of a 51-metre yacht that can dock in smaller marinas and our satisfaction with how well the crew and details of the existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> worked, could not justify going bigger. A decision we have never regretted!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254599/image/large-f684bac53f758e2a0c1e629f7338802c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254599">Has she undertaken any significant changes since her launch in 1993?It was important to us to keep <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> up with the times; as technology changed, we continually improved her electronic systems to keep her state-of-the-art, in particular with digital technologies and home automation systems. Mechanically, her engines have proven to be outstanding and continue to serve her well. We change her generators on an as-needs basis while maintaining the highest regulatory classifications.How do you crew a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>?When we are hosting guests, we have 14 dedicated crew. The owners have been able to retain many of our senior crew for more than decades at a time, including our Captains, Chief Engineer and Head Chef. The last captain was with the yacht for 20 years, and the new captain has been with the yacht since 2007, as has the Chief Engineer.&nbsp;The crew have a long history with the boat, so there is a strong team commitment to the yacht’s maintenance and the well-being of guests, that will be of great benefit and comfort to a new owner.What drove the decision to sell her after all these years?The needs of the clients have changed. The older generation has become less agile and the younger family members have other priorities.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254600/image/large-61c29357ab42bcac3787b67a2e334d8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254600">Double Haven</a> would suit an owner who wants a vessel designed with privacy and comfort in mind. She is designed for short and long excursions, entertaining and exploring locations that are harder to reach. She is designed for adventure, but without sacrificing creature comforts, and has proven herself to be deserving of all the design awards and accolades she won when first launched.This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

51m Double Haven yacht 

SuperYacht Times caught up with Nick Spence, Captain of the 51-metre Feadship motoryacht Double Haven

Captain's insight: Nick Spence of Double Haven

For any passionate sailor worth his salt, sailing aboard a classic J-Class yacht would be the pinnacle of their maritime career. For some however, life aboard the mythic J’s is not just a dream, but an everyday reality, and at times, an adrenaline overload. One of those rare few, is the Suffolk born Englishman, Will Gibbon, who has had the fortune to sail, cruise and live aboard not one, but two of these extraordinary vessels. Will is now in his fourth year as First Mate aboard the original 1933 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> J-Class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, but he began his career in the Class aboard the 41.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/792" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Yachts (Company)">Danish Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>, a Spirit of Tradition J-Class which was built as an exact replica of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a>' Ranger, launched in 1937. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77147/image/large-d465539bc3e1937d189bed1804c5859f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77147">SYT’s Francesca Webster, caught up with Will, an old friend and wildly unsuccessful (on her part) first sailing coach, to talk about his entrance to the close knit world of classic yachts, his life aboard the sloops, and his all time best experiences.&nbsp;In his late teens, Will worked on the U.K.’s east coast for sailmaker John Parker at his loft OneSails GBR. The international team at OneSails cut cloth for some of the biggest names in the industry, designing sails for superyachts, as well as classics and dinghies. It was here that Will, already an experienced small boat sailor, began sailing and racing more frequently, eventually meeting English comedian Griff Rhys Jones and joining the race crew of his 1948 Bermudan <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a> yawl, Argyll. After three years as race crew, Will stepped up to the 19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife (Company)">Fife III</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariquita38.1m (125'0&quot;)William Fife & Sons1911">Mariquita</a>, joining the permanent crew as deckhand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21917/image/large-0b83c5c1372e2212f045eeb9db383f5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21917">In 2015, the news was announced that the entire existing J-Class fleet, minus <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s sister ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, would be coming together in a momentous event at the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. His passion for classic yachts already ignited, it was Will's firm ambition to join one of the Class and compete in the once in a lifetime regatta. Eventually his dream was recognised, with the invitation to join <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> as deckhand. “The mate at the time was promoted to captain, and he took me on and I worked through the ranks, which is the best way to learn these yachts. Even though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> has had a refit since I was last aboard, I am still familiar with both of the yachts, having spent so much time aboard.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195515/image/large-74bdf602eba6143a336b0fe716023033.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195515">For many sailors who witnessed the 2017 America’s Cup, the spectacular show of the J-Class competition stood out as a pinnacle of the event. Processing through Hamilton Harbour, gigantic flags billowing at their stern, the J-Class yachts truly put on a show, and for Will it was a top moment of his career. “Bermuda is definitely the highlight for anyone that has sailed aboard these yachts in recent years, it is easily the highlight of my career.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195513/image/large-ce1f6035c0d913dfafb3f22b12e18447.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195513">It was not all fun and games however, the regatta was a serious affair and every owner, captain and crew wanted to take the top spot during the races. Racing on a yacht coming toward its centenary isn’t without its difficulties, and Bermuda posed some additional challenges for the crew. With the water temperature considerably hotter than the Mediterranean, and the yachts being pushed to their limits, sometimes with only thirty minutes between races. There wasn't much time to catch your breath, “One day we did three windward-leeward courses, which for a J-Class is massive, especially in the small space within the reef in Bermuda. The legs were really short so you’re running everything as hot as possible and down in the engine room it got to about 45-degrees, everything was bubbling a fair amount!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195512/image/large-d61bcbf043ee8584ce98502e67664278.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195512">After Bermuda, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> wintered 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 the following season, in 2018, Will joined the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, now as first mate. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is one of the busiest yachts in the Class, competing year in, year out, usually participating in four regattas annually. As Will explained, many of the Class’ take a year out after big racing seasons like 2017 because the investment of time means less time for cruising, the other hugely rewarding part of owning a J-Class. The owner of one of the newest J's to the fleet, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>, launched in 2015, fortunately shares the enthusiasm for racing clearly displayed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner, and the two yachts go bow-to-bow at almost every regatta. On the rare occasion that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is the only J in the regatta fleet, she stands her ground on handicap against her contemporary counterparts, and in 2019 took the top spot at Les Voiles de St Tropez against the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/799" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros Armon (Company)">Astilleros Armon</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler32.5m (106'8&quot;)Astilleros Armon1982">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaughy Boats</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79974/image/large-b99c0d0e6faa8dddb4ea6cd2c95239e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79974">Watching these iconic vessels sparring, be it in the Caribbean or off the coast of Southern France, one is struck by their grace; huge black carbon sails towering over hulls which look like pencils in the water. Despite their classic aesthetic however, these yachts are high performance beasts, as Will noted, “we are always pushing to get every last bit out of the boat, our rigger often reminds us ‘you only have to win by a second’.” Today the entire fleet features carbon masts and sails, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> has hydraulic winches and Future Fibres rigging, a big upgrade from a few years ago. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77148/image/large-2b46575ac18ba220f40e375346d82ea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77148">When they aren’t competitively racing, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner joins the yacht throughout the year, and cruising is some of the crew’s favourite time aboard. When asked if a particular moment had stayed in Will's mind, a cruise in Greece when they spotted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> 1934 J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, the vessel which lost to the American defender Rainbow&nbsp;by Vanderbilt, Herreshoff and Burgess, immediately came to mind. The two yachts were sailing along the same reach and the crew from both put their minds to a race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94598/image/large-1744f1ef1e5d64f42ace47e5920f5c88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94598">With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> almost never competing, and only the permanent crew of seven aboard, it was all hands on deck for their 20-minute spar, “that was a lot of fun, sailing short handed is some of the most fun you have and when we are cruising you go to some amazing places.” Sardinia is also a top spot for Will, and the Rolex Cup is one of his favourite regattas. Life aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> also has the additional benefit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>, a 42.18-metre superyacht that accompanies the J. The superyacht, which was built by JFA Yachts and launched in 2006, carries additional crew, support and supplies and provides the accommodation for the owner after a long day of racing aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/198077/image/large-07d8e02f9c2d3ccd509f5eda7c490c64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/198077">For any sailer who hasa spent time aboard the classics, it is impossible not to touch on the maintenance of these yachts, which is a constant hum going on behind the scenes. Unlike their modern counterparts, many of which are made of carbon and GRP with wooden veneers, classic yachts demand constant work to retain them in pristine condition. Last year, while the pandemic raged across the world, and regattas were set aside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s team took the opportunity to conduct her 25 year survey. When she was most recently rescued from the mud and restored, latterly in 1997, it was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Yacht Services Ltd (Company)">Southhampton Yacht Services</a> that conducted the work. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/69138/image/large-f16e6c423018d56133aed37ba823be08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69138">As for the future, Will has other dreams, but he can’t see himself stepping off of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> any time soon, the possibility of an America’s Cup season in New Zealand, or perhaps the United Kingdom, is too much of a draw. After all, once you’ve conquered some of the most coveted super sailing yachts in the world, how can you tear yourself away...This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with J-Class Velsheda First Mate

SYT sits down with Will Gibbon, professional sailor and First Mate aboard 1933 J-Class Velsheda. 

Velsheda: Life aboard a Golden Age J-Class

Despite being built in Indonesia, the 46-metre wooden hulled schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> has truly European roots. Constructed by a deeply passionate Dutch owner named Leendert “Leo” Van Oostenbrugge, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> was the realisation of a lifelong dream to build his own sailing yacht, himself, from the keel up. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226472/image/large-4247ffbfe622433e6a4766057a28472b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226472">Born in Rotterdam, Leo made his career navigating the oceans at the helm of cargo ships before swallowing the anchor and heading to shore to manage marinas back in the Netherlands. Locally he became well known for building small sailing yachts but on his retirement he and his wife moved to the balmier climes of Bali, where he set about the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> or “Pearl of the Sea” in Indonesian. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226486/image/large-7f27a5ee73386f900fff211d48768781.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226486">As the months went by, Leo began to struggle with his health and turned to a fellow Dutch expat Kees Groenendijk, who’d recently emigrated to Bali with his family. Together Kees and Leo ran the yacht, with Kees managing the charter sales and Leo overseeing the maintenance and management of the yacht. When Leo suddenly died only seven months later, Kees was left in a bind – to retain the yacht, or to sell… “I was thinking, what should I do? I didn’t know a huge amount about boats and had only really been involved on the business side for a few months but I’d loved the time I'd spent onboard and she had a lot of potential as a popular in the charter market so I thought, why not?” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226475/image/large-7c0799c70fc581484452ffd196c47d4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226475">Kees found some local people with yachting expertise to assist and began to work closely with the crew, many of whom had been with the yacht since her launch six years earlier. With seven staterooms and the capacity to sleep as many as 18 guests, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> was a clear win for the charter market, and as soon as he’d got to grips with the business Kees began advertising for charters again.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226481/image/large-3c6813894603256ccb5003ad4f51a74e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226481">“In the beginning we only did private charters, mostly adventure trips, sometimes with a dive instructor onboard. Then suddenly a dive boat company that had been working in the same office building lost their yacht but had already sold many charters for the coming months. We made an agreement with them and took over their charters and they provided dive masters and equipment to us. Of course it was no problem for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a>, she has a huge amount of storage and makes and has a big open deck which is perfect for diving charters – it couldn’t have worked more in our favour.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226483/image/large-8bde07fc3fc4d9ea133e2639dc309b74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226483">After the success of the season, the yacht’s popularity in the charter market only increased. In 2017 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> underwent a refit, and she will complete another this year that aims to modernise her interiors which have been only minorly modified since her launch. “Her current interior is very traditional which is lovely, but I feel she could use some additional colour. A designer came onboard in June and has already come up with some interesting designs and styling for her interior, which will be completed next year.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226482/image/large-a95a3a6602682dea76fa695e525b3d05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226482">With a true family feeling onboard, Kees often joins his charter guests and acts as a guide during their charter. Over the years many unique and familiar faces have stepped onboard, most notably for Kees was Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen who’d come out to Bali to witness a spectacular solar eclipse. The crew found a deserted island where they could relax in privacy and watched the solar eclipse just after breakfast – a truly once in a lifetime experience for Kees. “We woke them early at around 5am when we served them an early breakfast and then took them ashore to watch the eclipse. As soon as the eclipse had passed, two beautiful birds of paradise were spotted in a tree off the beach, which we almost never see here, it was incredible.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226479/image/large-e04f88146b02588ff80e41e6d140d58b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226479">Having an experienced, local crew onboard has been one of the most important things to Kees and his team. Many of them have been onboard since her launch in 2009 and know the yacht and the islands of Bali better than anyone, offering her guests more variety and exclusivity than many comparable yachts in the region. “The crew are brilliant, they do everything for the guests and they all have a real instinct for what guests are looking for. I do try and bring someone along that speaks the language of the guests because that can make people feel more at home and can save language barrier confusion and we also have a variety of dive masters from all over the world who work with us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226476/image/large-d770c0e518fc31edf196349f22b39975.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226476">When guests aren’t onboard, Kees and his family make the most of their yacht, cruising around Komodo Island and enjoying life on the water. Despite not having had much experience when he took on the yacht, he is now firmly passionate about her and even has aspirations to grow his fleet to offer a variety of vessels to his clients. Currently speaking with potential investors, we may even see a larger vessel cruising alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> in the future. “It would take as much as five or six years to build a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> in Indonesia, not only because of the skillset needed but also because of the materials you would need to build her.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> is a wooden hulled yacht but is also one of the last boats to have been built out of Indonesia Ulin, also known as Ironwood due to its high tensile strength and long growth time, with the oldest trees living for more than 1,000 years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22631/image/large-85921a98a8458371b3b28e40129f63b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22631">Ironwood originally came from Borneo, but now the exportation of it is illegal and the cost of any planked wood is extremely high. Kees has little interest in a steel vessel and so the most sensible choice will be to look into a used superyacht, and it is the Indonesian Pinisi which has particularly spiked Kees’ interest. Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> Pinisi’s are multi-masted wooden yachts with large deck spaces, and spacious interiors, making them excellent charter yachts. Whether or not <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> is joined by a fleet in the coming years, however, it is certain that she will continue to offer unique and exciting experiences to her many guests and owners for years to come.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Ownership: The 46m yacht Mutiara Laut

We caught up with the owner of 46-metre schooner Mutiara Laut, Kees Groenendijk

Ownership: Chartering yacht Mutiara Laut around Bali with her owner Kees Groenendijk

Many owner’s fall in love with boats as a child, and Luca Regusci, a semi-retired businessman and owner of 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>, is no exception. “I was practically born on the water!” he laughs, “As a Swiss, I was always near a lake, and next to the yacht rather than on it. So I've always had the passion to sail; since I was very young, I liked the water and the things that moved on top of it.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252378/image/large-9356e508d8f7b2180036b10fd95d2c4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252378">Luca started off boating on Lake Lugano, Switzerland in his family’s classic wooden runabout, before later owning a string of vessels which gradually went up in size. In 2012, he became the owner of the new-build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Tradition 105 <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>. Her name comes from Northern Italian dialect and translates to ‘not bad at all’, as well as being a play on the words ‘mi ama,’ meaning ‘he/she loves me.’<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252373/image/large-526ee7c09839e12b883c7a46dc10c392.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252373">And <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> is most certainly ‘not bad at all,’ as Luca Regusci and his wife Monica knew exactly what they wanted when they customised her. “The whole of 2011 was dedicated to the design and build process, and we were in Italy almost every week,” recalls Luca. “We worked with the yard and the 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 introduce a lot of modifications to the interior layout. This involved some structural changes, so we gave <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> 20 months to complete the build as opposed to the standard 15 months or so.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252364/image/large-089f5314c65fc229935f495abcbb4c74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252364">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Tradition 105 model was built to their specifications with changes made to the staterooms layout, and her owners got exactly what they were looking for in the end; a true second home that they can live comfortably on for months at a time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252363/image/large-0ec5277ec7e0d10f55c42cb0566fda17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252363"><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> was launched in February 2012 in Viareggio, Italy and she spent her first summer cruising in Corsica and Sardinia. "I'm looking for what pleases me, which is the sea in fantastic locations with atmosphere; the countries, the people, it's all a bit of a discovery," comments Luca. The couple love to explore onboard <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> and spend up to three months aboard each summer, racking up 5,000 nautical miles a year. “I really like being in locations that are almost unknown. This is what intrigues me. Every season we discover regions that we know already, but from a different point of view.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252359/image/large-2e5c549d38949889367b8eb5faee14e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252359">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> 105 yacht is the perfect vessel for Mediterranean style cruising– thanks to her moderate draft and compact proportions she is able to anchor close to shore, and dock in some of the most picturesque ports. Since her delivery, <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 cruised extensively between the Italian mainland, Sardinia, Corsica, the Aeolian Islands, Greece and Croatia with many more adventures planned!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252376/image/large-54b127e6351083b46a7f456e6aa5bab5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252376"><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> also benefits from an attentive crew of four, headed by captain Andrea Segato, alongside chef Sergio Pellungrini, stewardess Paola Valenza and mechanic-come-deckhand Cristian Diez. “I was introduced to Andrea during the build and we hit it off from the start,” says Luca. “Enthusiastic yet responsible, for me he’s the ideal captain and early on we established that prevention is better than cure. In the winter, we deal with the snag list of jobs to put right, so that we start each season with zero issues.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252391/image/large-b76191944112616bbcc622c89d5b319f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252391">When you are spending weeks at a time onboard a large yacht, it requires a good relationship with the crew, and the close knit relationship they have on <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> makes this a dream come true. “Our captain Andrea will arrange cultural and archaeological excursions well in advance, and our stewardess, Paola, who studied history and literature, also makes a great guide. By the end of the day we’re usually pretty exhausted and prefer to dine aboard, especially as we have an excellent chef. To enjoy the boat to the full requires trust, humility, compassion and understanding; you have to collaborate to make it work” says Luca.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252350/image/large-259df68a737e7af21fdb010f03ed3b4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252350"><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> and her crew are well suited to the lifestyle needs of Luca and his wife Monica, and despite the fact that Benetti sometimes raises the subject, Luca is in no hurry to upgrade to a larger yacht. When he was designing his displacement 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>, he was already determined to have a limit of 35-metres to suit all his requirements. “They say displacement yachts are for older people, but that’s not true: it all depends on what you want to do, where you want to go and the time you have available,” explains Luca.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252352/image/large-c66df3823383a4ba1f0d0fbe3733f911.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252352">The fact that <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> is fitted with stabilisers allows for a quieter, more comfortable experience when cruising, and also means she can make transfers at night and in weather that would stop a planing yacht from leaving the harbour. “Sometimes I think it would be nice to have room for a separate office or possibly even a small gym, but there is a critical size at which the boat is no longer suited to your needs,” Luca points out.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252375/image/large-fe521e2052c09e44fb9d05c7f59e86c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252375">Luca Regusci certainly has a passion for sailing that has grown with him, alongside the size of the vessels he has owned. By gradually moving up in size, Luca has learnt more about the industry and its practices which make him truly appreciate his yacht Miamaa. “Coming back to <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> is like coming back to the security of a home, but a home that offers us something new every day. I realised what makes her so special is that you can always spot the smiles of all of those onboard.”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Owner Luca Regusci and his 32m Benetti yacht Miamaa

Sophie Spicknell spoke with owner Luca Regusci about his love of the ocean and his perfect semi-custom superyacht, Miamaa

A custom creation: Luca Regusci on his ownership of the 32m Benetti yacht Miamaa

In May of this year the Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> unveiled its latest yacht, the innovative SP110, the first model of the shipyard’s new Smart Performance range, which has been created with a vision for high performance and maximum efficiency. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250650/image/large-4992582486ae75d2255cf85e23c39445.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250650">Thanks to a fractional propulsion system, the boat is able to move around using just one engine, a pair, or all three; thus allowing great flexibility, low consumption and differential autonomy depending on the desired speed. Massimo Perotti, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, is the first owner to take delivery of an SP110 motor yacht and as he is always heavily involved in the development of new yacht projects, we caught up with Mr Perotti to find out more about the vessel, from the unusual perspective of both shipyard and yacht owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250646/image/large-18832677c619206548f392505500f566.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250646">How involved were you with the development of this yacht, both in terms of her design and the innovations she houses?I was very much involved, just as I am involved with all the new projects. Seeing a new yacht taking shape, sketch after sketch and then actually being launched gives me the utmost satisfaction. The team behind SP110 is the key factor to the success of this boat: under the supervision of Tilli Antonelli and Bernardo <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon</a> for the exterior lines and Piero <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/78" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lissoni Associati (Company)">Lissoni</a> for the interiors, they have been able to create the perfect balance between style, elegance and performance. Innovations are at the very core of this yacht but, as always, within the tradition of Sanlorenzo. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250645/image/large-8ae6e20199b978a44beb4b5161c8a31d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250645">With solar panels and water jet propulsion both featuring, how important are sustainable solutions to you, both as a builder and as a yacht owner?SP stands for Smart Performance, two words that perfectly embody the essence of SP110. As I have said before, thinking of a new yacht project without keeping sustainability well in mind is no longer possible or practical. We have been building yachts for many years in Ameglia, surrounded by beauty inside a natural park, therefore adopting a sustainable approach is the only possible way of building. As an owner, I want to do whatever is possible to minimise the impact of my boat on the environment so all the new solutions that keep the CO2 emission to a minimum level, if not to a zero level, are always not only our, but also my, personal goal.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250644/image/large-776c215b3f0568328dbf1b257688fa8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250644">Can you tell us a little about the hydro jet propulsion system and its benefits?Unlike propellers, hydro jet propulsion is not impacted by displacement and consequently it is an efficient propulsion form in all load conditions. This means that the yacht is extremely manoeuvrable, and the absence of noise and vibrations let me enjoy the rear cockpit in full comfort even at full speed. Last but not least, the very low draft (1.30-metres) which is necessary for hydro jet propulsion, allows the yacht to anchor very close to the beach especially in the Bahamas shallow waters<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245528/image/large-ead29d484c8201a4a5af48d9cb1d3127.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245528">With top speeds of 45 knots, how do you prioritise speed and comfort – how do you intend to use this superyacht?Due to the hydro jet propulsion, even at 45 knots, the boat is absolutely enjoyable and you really do not feel such a high speed. Therefore, there is no compromise on comfort. I will use the boat with my family and my friends; it is my place to relax and enjoy the sea in my element.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250641/image/large-1264cce612717da08819757377df20e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250641">What are your favourite features onboard this yacht?This is a difficult question. The generous transom is an area that gives me total freedom and enjoyment: you have your toys and your sun lounges where you can sit with your friends so close to the sea and enter the water with no barriers. But there is another area which has been a very pleasant surprise! This is my first coupe and, to be honest, I was afraid that I would miss the flybridge, with its panoramic views and open layout offering the best breeze. In fact I do not miss it at all because when you sit on the main deck aboard the SP110 you have this wonderful sensation of being at sea, with a breeze flowing through the open doors and windows which lower all the way down – it is just like standing on the flybridge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240059/image/large-4a02a81d9856eccea2a0589463177be8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240059">What about the SP110 are you most looking forward to enjoying?&nbsp;Sitting at anchor in a quiet Sardinian bay with my family, feet dangling in the water from the transom. I can not think of a better way to spend my evening.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250647/image/large-5a6ffa5576c4c03a4ff7c3c7815d038c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250647">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Massimo Perotti and his 33m SP110 yacht Almax 

Sanlorenzo CEO,Massimo Perotti talks to SYT about his 33m SP110 yacht Almax.

Ownership: Massimo Perotti and his 33m SP110 yacht Almax

When it comes to assessing the psychology behind human decision making, it is safe to say that the vast majority of us like to think of ourselves as complicated, unique individuals who are more than capable of making our own choices. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224019/image/large-5808cfd75aa0a666e983e5a00dbb3df3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224019">Although there is some truth behind this statement, numerous studies carried out by social psychologists from 1956 to the present day have shown the important role which a phenomenon called ‘social conformity’ can have on our decision making. Putting it simply, deep down, we are all looking for approval from those around us, and are all influenced, whether we like to admit it or not, by the behaviour, opinions and preferences of those around us.The invention of social media in recent years has served to widen both the sphere and impact of this influence – we are in contact with a far wider pool of other people than has ever historically been the case, meaning that we can have a considerable impact on those we have never met before through a well-timed tweet or Instagram post. Whether that is convincing them to undertake a new wellness regime, to travel to far-flung parts, or even to become involved in the world of yachting. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224025/image/large-adef3838a42095d631979ce6e8b16f73.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224025">And this is where Tarek Khalil comes in. Proud owner of the 2021-delivered 29-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE29.1m (95'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">ACE</a>, the Egyptian-born businessman boasts an impressive 675k followers on Instagram for his @ace_of_egypt account and uses it to spotlight eye-catching and pictures and videos of his vessel in diverse locations all around the world which he has relished sharing with his family and friends, from El Gouna in the Red Sea, to Bonifacio in Corsica, to Portofino in the Italian Riviera to the Greek islands and many more. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224021/image/large-1d9e30977d32b55681a1a8b9f3a4e379.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224021">As he explains, the purpose of his account is to showcase the best of the yachting lifestyle to the uninitiated, especially those in the Red Sea region: “A lot of people love boats, but they don’t see many of these destinations properly, as you can’t access many of them by plane. Most people who visit Italy or Greece don’t get to see the islands from a yachting perspective, so that’s where I come in. I love visiting capital cities like London, Rome and Paris, but they do not represent the only beauty in the world.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224009/image/large-a5575be25ca52d830789ed3baf059b76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224009">It is clear from talking to Tarek that his Instagram has played a key role in helping to develop the nascent superyacht industry in the Red Sea region. As he explains: “The Red Sea is a natural paradise, with its numerous islands, protected bays and coral reefs. Over the years, I have seen the number of local yachting enthusiasts grow substantially, and I would love to see more international yachting enthusiasts coming to visit our amazing locations such as Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm el-Sheikh and to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer during winter.”He continues, “Many boat owners in the area were excited when they saw all of our adventures and wanted to do the same, so I helped them get in contact with good, reliable charter companies to make it happen. Some owners also wanted to buy new boats and start using them in the Mediterranean, because although the Red Sea is a fantastic destination, it gets very hot in summer.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224024/image/large-5d855f4571f86bf11e6da9ddcfffe111.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224024">In the interests of full disclosure, it is worth noting that Tarek has the role of Managing Director and owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a> Egypt and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Egypt – and thus has clear motivation for aiding the industry’s growth in the region. However, when speaking with this owner, it quickly becomes apparent that his passion for boating runs deep, and is personal, not just professional. Indeed, when Tarek came to buy his first boat – a 48-footer (14.6 metres) back in 2007 – he was working in other businesses, including the food industry, only adding yachting to his portfolio in 2009. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224022/image/large-2807cbf953a43bbdb4f301b79ab0bf68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224022">Notwithstanding the rosy image of yachting splashed across Tarek’s Instagram, he is refreshingly frank about the less glamorous sides of superyacht ownership. “I’m a mechanical engineer by background. Things do go wrong on boats, so in order to be able to skipper my boat myself, and to take full responsibility for it, I also need to be able to resolve the problems which are associated with this hobby. Speaking personally, it actually adds to my passion for yachting.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224020/image/large-ad3259e6b210fdfd58ee4c5445818ed8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224020">Alongside his social media presence, Tarek’s influence in yachting is also evident in more subtle ways. As he explains, “I always pay a lot of attention to the crew quarters in the design phase of a new boat, as these can sometimes be compromised in the process of laying it out. I make sure these are as large as possible and have the most comfortable possible seating areas.” He continues, “Designers and shipyards design and build great boats, but they don’t use them, they only test them – and that’s the key difference. In my case, as I drive the boat myself, I am both captain and owner, so I know both what the crew wants and how to optimise the layout to make it fit. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> has always appreciated the value of these layout changes, and has sometimes even considered including these as standard options for their future builds!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224023/image/large-5816ae8a52434cf33c370d8521a31fb2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224023">That said, to quote the ever-wise Uncle Ben from the Spiderman films: “with great power comes great responsibility”. This is an adage which is taken seriously by Tarek, who makes a point of promoting sustainable and responsible yacht ownership.“I always tell potential owners, both friends and customers, to start with a small boat, then there is no major loss if you decide that this isn’t the hobby for you and don’t end up tied to a large asset. Start small and develop from there. Despite the cost, I think of yachting as an investment in pleasure. There are not many hobbies out there which you can do with all of the family – from kids to grandparents – and all the generations can have the most fantastic time together on board.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224011/image/large-c61cbc88175510bff8118008fa703c68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224011">Furthermore, Tarek also ensures that he dots every ‘i’ and crosses every ‘t’ when it comes to owning and operating his fleet. He has obtained the necessary qualifications and certifications for every boat he owns, allowing him to operate the vessels independently and travel safely to far-flung destinations. He explains: “I want to promote the message that anyone who wants to take on owning and operating a boat should get the proper yacht licences and certificates first. This will add to your confidence at the helm and make your experience on the water even better!”Looking to the future, Tarek has one more <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE29.1m (95'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">ACE</a> up his sleeve, with a 33-metre yacht under the same name currently in build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> which is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2023. As for where he’ll be taking the yacht on her first outing, it is clear that social media has also worked its magic on this particular owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224006/image/large-f8bb364e7abb848d16ff34eae4d7cdf7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224006">“I always feel jealous when I see all of these pictures of the white sands and the beautiful little islands of the Caribbean, so I am determined to get there myself. I’ve only ever seen it on Instagram and in the movies, and so it will be an absolute dream come true to be able to take <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE29.1m (95'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">ACE</a> there in 2023.”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Sanlorenzo yacht ACE owner Tarek Khalil

Georgia Tindale discovers how owner Tarek Khalil is driving the Red Sea’s rise in yachting

Acing it: Tarek Khalil on his ownership of the 29m Sanlorenzo yacht ACE

Why work with integrator ONE-XP 

SYT finds out why experts in yachting turn to ONE-XP for their AV/IT needs.

Why ONE-XP: Experts share insights into Dutch technological integrator

Delve into the opulent realm of superyacht wine cellars for National Wine Day. As discerning owners and guests seek to elevate their onboard experiences, the integration of exquisite wine cellars has become a hallmark of indulgence and sophistication. Varying in size and function, the meticulously designed storage essentials house an impressive selection of vintages, ensuring that every moment is memorable. Take a look at some extraordinary wine cellars, where craftsmanship meets the artistry of winemaking, culminating in an unrivaled sensory experience for guests and owners.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222129/image/large-9ed871fa85d15554f49b5570c5887b10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222129"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271568/image/large-e70e9813cf37dfa9ea504a7d94037cdf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271568">Dedicated wine tasting room onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4946" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda107.4m (352'4&quot;)Kleven Maritime AS2016">Andromeda</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2996" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kleven Maritime AS (Company)">Kleven</a> | 107m | 2016Boasting an expansive six-decks, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2996" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kleven Maritime AS (Company)">Kleven</a>-built yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4946" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda107.4m (352'4&quot;)Kleven Maritime AS2016">Andromeda</a>, previously known as Ulysses, was delivered to her owner in 2016. With her 107-metre length and her volume of 5,937 GT the superyacht is able to host up to 30 guests who can all enjoy a tasting experience in the dedicated wine tasting room onboard thanks to the work of <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> the wine bottles wrap the entire room displayed as works of art. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/75224/image/large-e6ab0d1059d102fb07a216574768f7eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75224"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179952/image/large-c0c3a4867029fd81cd47c477dabbb246.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179952">Champagne closet onboard&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wild Duck33.53m (110'0&quot;)Horizon Yachts2019">Wild Duck</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon</a> | 34m | 2019The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon</a> RP110 yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wild Duck33.53m (110'0&quot;)Horizon Yachts2019">Wild Duck</a> was designed for its US-based owner with luxury in mind. The interior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini</a> onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wild Duck33.53m (110'0&quot;)Horizon Yachts2019">Wild Duck</a>, the opulent furnishings such as Fendi loveseats, Minotti tables, and chairs take the decoration to new heights. So, for the design team, it was only in keeping to house a champagne closet onboard. The owner-specified storage unit can house 72 bottles and acts as a wine cooler with dry storage for china and further storage for an additional 92 bottles of wine.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/15887/image/large-61b054d4a3efb318121a9f9886777c43.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/15887"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/15899/image/large-ade08d8e7ccdcdd2bba863f6f52c534d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/15899">Climate-controlled wine rack onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4887" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endless Summer50.0m (164'1&quot;)Delta Marine2017">Endless Summer</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> | 50m | 2017A unique North American collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christensen Shipyards, LLC. (Company)">Christensen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> resulted in the delivery of a pedigree motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4887" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endless Summer50.0m (164'1&quot;)Delta Marine2017">Endless Summer</a>. The 49.9-metre superyacht showcases a timeless design adorned with dark wooden carpentry and spotlighted contemporary art. The essence of luxury is encapsulated in the climate-controlled wine room where floor-to-ceiling wine racks are enshrined by spotlights and form as a practical and decorative focal point by the glass staircase.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222800/image/large-4652f7122776935aa0d7db93c67ef35a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222800"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222799/image/large-6bd12a251f079b631f565baa87f16849.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222799">Wine wrapped foyer onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skyfall57.91m (189'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2010">Skyfall</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity Yachts</a> | 58m | 2010The 57.91-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skyfall57.91m (189'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2010">Skyfall</a> was built in 2010 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity Yachts</a>. Interior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Knowles Designs (Company)">Patrick Knowles</a> fully upgraded the superyacht to maximise her guest entertainment spaces which included building a &nbsp;foyer boasting a statement wine cabinet that is complemented by a bespoke bar onboard, namely the Tiger’s Eye bar located in the sky lounge. &nbsp;17 guests onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skyfall57.91m (189'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2010">Skyfall</a> can enjoy endless opportunities for fun. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25156/image/large-dd3c9307865fe2a7c2845592cd9a491f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25156"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25123/image/large-516ff3faed3d492efee5580dcff4a943.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25123"> Elevated dining experience onboard&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amatasia85.0m (278'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2017">Amatasia</a>&nbsp;|Lürssen |85m |2017The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amatasia85.0m (278'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2017">Amatasia</a>, measuring 85-metres, offers ample room across her interiors, including her exquisite dining room, capable of seating 18 individuals, which is elevated by a distinctive wine presentation situated directly opposite the dining table. It proudly exhibits an impressive assortment of vintages, thoughtfully curated for the pleasure of the owners and esteemed guests, enhancing their enjoyment with a splendid display.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244431/image/large-a25b0791c2fac0e35543a8848e560b64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244431"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244446/image/large-48c61cddd77fceac7955babe92fc2aab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244446"> Glass-adorned wine cellar onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYacht</a> | 85m | 2021The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYacht</a> 85-metre explorer superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> has a host of unique features, and some of her most desirable elements include a 200-square-metre beach club, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a hammam, and a massage room. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht</a> interior designed yacht took the luxury yachting experience to new heights and installed a glass-adorned wine cellar complete with backlit shelves to highlight the vintage whiskies and rare wines.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/3433/image/large-8946c3f969b69f213016c032bea42184.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/3433"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/3368/image/large-4a0d80c4f20c59e1552883e549c999b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/3368">Wine wall onboard superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suerte69.0m (226'5&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2015">Suerte</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts</a> | 69m |2015Measuring 69.3-metres, the superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suerte69.0m (226'5&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2015">Suerte</a> was built by the Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts</a> and completed in 2015. Her interiors come from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a>, in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6365" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Margherita Casprini (Company)">Margherita Casprini</a>, who together have designed a timeless environment. Within the stylish formal dining area, seating 16 people, are floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a unique partition wall highlighted by a fish tank which highlights the vast wine display personally crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Paszkowski</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231637/image/large-9f4763676acc4c08a49f4e4a0ed90742.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231637"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231687/image/large-1dd6077dd5a96dacd8873389b3554132.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231687"> Cabinet wine confectionary onboard superyacht <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> | &nbsp;Lürssen | 73ms | 1994The iconic 72.54-metre Lürssen motor yacht <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> spans across four decks and features both exterior and interior design 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>. In 2022, <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> received a €35 million extensive refit in 2022 where she was entirely redesigned by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a> team. A part of this redesign was wrap-around cabinetry of chilled wines in pride of place within the formal dining area, adding an accentuated dose of opulence onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208452/image/large-1467daf7bc5630e27c1702a7deac5b37.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208452"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208398/image/large-e4a04abd6081c280da204ef685525275.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208398"> Artisanal&nbsp;glass wine wall&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7939" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emocean37.83m (124'1&quot;)Rosetti Superyachts2021">Emocean</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4643" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rosetti Superyachts (Company)">Rosetti Superyachts</a> | 38m| 2021&nbsp;The 37.83-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7939" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emocean37.83m (124'1&quot;)Rosetti Superyachts2021">Emocean</a> is the first yacht to come out of one of the newest shipyards in the industry, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4643" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rosetti Superyachts (Company)">Rosetti Superyachts</a>. Francesca Burdisso and Emiliano Capponi of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BURDISSOCAPPONI Yachts & Design (Company)">BurdissoCapponi Yachts &amp; Design</a> crafted her interior design which features the extraordinary floor-to-ceiling glass wall wine store that is able to hold 150 bottles which are reflected in the mirrored ceiling overhead for guests to admire.

wine cellars onboard superyachts 

Discover the curated SuperYacht list of extraordinary wine cellars onboard superyachts. 

A closer look at the extraordinary wine cellars onboard yachts

The 28.04-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13003" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Veloce28.04m (91'12&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2011">Super Veloce</a> has entered the market. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/super-veloce/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Super Veloce, for sale</a>, was built with performance in mind and ranks as one of the fastest yachts in her range.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271740/image/large-f82a93999fd74ce2ea929a5983f7c678.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271740">Delivered in 2011 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> 92 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13003" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Veloce28.04m (91'12&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2011">Super Veloce</a> features exterior design and naval architecture from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is characterised by sleek exterior lines and a sporty profile, paired with a classic interior design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271726/image/large-733a5fb7d78cc8cfd0b4f5cdfc92b569.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271726"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271728/image/large-4810cd90832719bd57d0991dcc5da371.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271728"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271727/image/large-b809491c5bce4bec3e1d6642029ae3b1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271727"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13003" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Veloce28.04m (91'12&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2011">Super Veloce</a> combines high-quality materials and woods with interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design (Company)">Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design</a>. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> exudes luxury with a spacious main saloon area, which benefits from landscape windows that span her full length.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271735/image/large-51b14ee0eb5767ec3ed2aedc6709afc3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271735"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271733/image/large-66a0e102e51738361b76b4daf90119ea.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271733"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271730/image/large-3742b1b6eed73e8ccfaceda68d4aa752.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271730"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271732/image/large-7d26d1e5088af5066b466a928083f4e4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271732"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13003" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Veloce28.04m (91'12&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2011">Super Veloce</a> features a four stateroom configuration on her lower deck, with her master suite complete with a spacious ensuite bathroom. Her remaining guest staterooms consist of a VIP forward, and two twin staterooms with an additional Pullman bed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271724/image/large-8820bd5749b5bb6c50f0adb23ddeca9e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271724"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271723/image/large-70f75839cd7448d93982b731ca09b3cd.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271723"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271736/image/large-d3ec8697247afb74dc752c1846ba8e6b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271736"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13003" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Veloce28.04m (91'12&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2011">Super Veloce</a> is made for entertaining and her exterior decks offer plenty of opportunities to host friends and family. Both the aft and fore decks provide large sun pads for catching some rays, while her oversized swim platform brings guests closer to the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271722/image/large-47d87d1e90d86cac53865ec0ba433b40.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271722">In terms of performance, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/pershing/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Pershing yacht for sale</a> boasts twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines which propel her to an impressive top speed of 41 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots.

28m Pershing yacht Super Veloce for sale

The 28m Pershing yacht Super Veloce for sale was built with performance in mind and ranks as one of the fastest yachts in her range.

28m Pershing motor yacht Super Veloce for sale

The 34.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4613" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Sea Maritime (Company)">Blue Sea Maritime</a> motorsailer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6455" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Dream 34.75m (114'0&quot;)Blue Sea Maritime2005">Blue Dream</a> is for sale. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> was built to a classic schooner design in Greece, she has a Mahogany hull and Burma teak superstructure. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271742/image/large-8f7eb81dc9b600dcd36da72e2bcb2625.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271742">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yacht for sale</a> features a traditional interior with a comfortable lounge and dining area in the main saloon, accessed via a companionway from the yacht's cockpit. The dining table is situated to the port side, and a sofa a coffee table is situated to starboard. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271743/image/large-5be864366bca15c93c08049178db148e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271743"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6455" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Dream 34.75m (114'0&quot;)Blue Sea Maritime2005">Blue Dream</a> can accommodate as many as eight guests between four staterooms, with a full beam master suite, full beam VIP, a double and a twin. The owner's staterooms features an adjoining study and spacious ensuite. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271746/image/large-c8481d17c1bc74abc549f4fe7406c165.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271746"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271747/image/large-c3f8f68bbc4ea651cbb93900d2acd43f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271747"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271749/image/large-69dab924c80cd1f10eae32ae0aa4f9d5.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271749">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/blue-dream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Blue Sea Maritime yacht for sale</a> features an abundance of on-deck spaces, with a large aft deck with a dining table and spacious sunpads. She also features a comfortable foredeck area for lounging and enjoying time on the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271752/image/large-7eead3740f3bf1a9dc58ab760c654c11.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271752"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271753/image/large-6c1e2d49ea34dbc9677804cc7d0ec766.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271753"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271764/image/large-b25b1098c40c91a1976f040df9c7bd70.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271764"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/blue-dream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Blue Dream, for sale</a>, has a wooden hull and superstructure and has a top speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 11.5 knots.

Schooner sailing yacht Blue Dream for sale

The 35m schooner sailing yacht Blue Dream is for sale.

35m motorsailer Blue Dream for sale

Netherlands-based builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has announced a new in-build superyacht, Sakura. Named after the Japanese cherry blossom, the 71.75-metre motor yacht represents a noble new generation of Feadship yachts that combines uncompromised luxury, technology, engineering and propulsion.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271578/image/large-5df8f16962e7da4b223f1ec77629c946.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271578">Sakura is currently the only <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yacht in-build without an owner, but instead represents a unique opportunity for an aspiring owner to skip the current waitlist. The hull, design and interior of Sakura are already complete, but the majority of build milestones still remain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271625/image/large-99d90db3e46d2ef923520afca752ccba.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271625">Designed by Italian studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4308" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FM Architettura (Company)">FM Architettura</a>, Sakura’s interior draws on the Japandi style with its combination of Scandinavian warmth and Japanese minimalism. She features clean exterior lines with light colours and bright spaces inside.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271623/image/large-cdf0bc9b3b80dd72304e805933c5a80d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271623">Sakura is a contemporary style <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yacht, and like the cherry blossom plant she takes her name from, beauty and transience are part of her design. Sakura contains all the amenities usually found on a 100-metre vessel with the intimacy of a smaller length.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271631/image/large-aacb06b4e96c2a9bd592e0d541a693f8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271631">“When designing Sakura, we were inspired by the power cherry blossoms have in bringing people together each year for celebrations and viewing parties. Sakura is thus a yacht of conviviality and togetherness, balancing gorgeous spaces for interaction, entertainment and family time with sophisticated rooms for individual reflection and retreat,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.The yacht Sakura is inspired by organic forms and the subtle nature of cherry blossom trees. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">Studio De Voogt</a> and boasts low bulwarks which provide unprecedented views of the horizon, and bridge the gap between her interior and exterior spaces.“Sakura is specifically designed to invite nature inside and allow owners and guests to fully experience the world around them. The yacht takes full advantage of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>’s industry-leading expertise in glass construction and her main deck is surrounded by full- height glass windows for incredible natural light,” added <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271614/image/large-a98675fd69f50ce5d8939f0a0fed4f8f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271614">Sakura features a dedicated owner’s deck with wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling glass windows for panoramic views. This deck provides a private oasis while remaining social at the heart of the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271612/image/large-20bc479413955342dff85d0c28c8f452.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271612"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271628/image/large-b7eeadc698e5b4858bc776b02dd2001b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271628">The pilothouse of Sakura has been raised to accommodate her grand master stateroom with wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling glass windows. This deck also has side deck access to a private breakfast nook and hot tub, becoming the ultimate relaxation hub.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271629/image/large-979a7c962e0dc31142ac6d57d8525e23.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271629">Sakura is able to accommodate up to 14 guests, with the remaining six staterooms consisting of two VIP suites and four guest staterooms. She can also sleep a professional crew of 18 across six crew cabins, two officer cabins, a staff cabin and the captain’s cabin.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271627/image/large-455863f46c28759a8d2a8db0fddf1326.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271627">Sakura also possesses an impressive sky lounge area that also serves as a media room for family movie nights or an option for alfresco dining. She is able to exude a distinctive poise and calmness and uniquely combines grand interior design with spacious decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271626/image/large-c0f4ddc45adfc8091292aeeee8e256ba.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271626">Key amenities onboard Sakura&nbsp;include a wellness area which is easily accessible to everyone onboard. At the touch of a button, the teak stadium steps open up to a wellness space, which can also be accessed via the main staircase and engine room corridor. This space can also be used as a gym, steam room, sauna or massage room depending on the owner’s preference.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271613/image/large-3d4f9a136d6bccf6f62418b7625f88f0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271613"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271619/image/large-0c502d4b3e12fee4b019f5c4d0eb2c13.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271619">Sakura is also equipped with a seven-metre swimming pool on her open aft deck, while her teak stadium steps lead down to the large swim platform that contributes to Sakura’s signature look.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271630/image/large-30c779096652fccbb73ff32227566eca.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271630"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271624/image/large-5be261d033b8fb5c1989905264f60b03.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271624">Her extended sundeck forward and extensive swim deck aft provide unlimited access to social spaces that accentuate her overall appeal. Sakura also features a diesel-electric propulsion system that elevates her performance, making her one of the most future-forward yachts to date.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271618/image/large-b983ea00079b808cd88862b1b75a7597.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271618"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271609/image/large-9c407f3e0987151a6808a90ea0a12ddc.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271609"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271607/image/large-51caf360e1e8baed469a59411d0c7bb7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271607">Sakura will be equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 14.5 knots, a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Sakura has an expected delivery date of May 2025.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271608/image/large-9979a0d5658565eb0d7e8f3565308c93.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271608">

72m Feadship yacht Sakura in-build with 2025 delivery date

Feadship has announced a new in-build speculation superyacht, Sakura with an expected delivery date of 2025.

Feadship announces construction of 72m speculation superyacht Sakura

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> has launched the first Yacht Support 53, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bad Company Support53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2023">Bad Company Support</a>, in Antalya Turkey. The new yacht was designed entirely by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and constructed at the builder's facility in Turkey. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271755/image/large-5a147684fb723ea2b7f09f85218d0016.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271755">The 53-metre superyacht, YS 5301, was sold to her owner Anthony Hsieh, in May 2022 and will be delivered this coming summer. The new yacht will replace the owner’s current 46-metre YS 4508 Yacht Support, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bad Company Support45.6m (149'7&quot;)Damen Yachting2019">Bad Company Support</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> in 2019 and sold to Anthony Hsieh in 2021. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271758/image/large-7ad4e4b033f2f543720c2a6bfbe52027.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271758">The YS 53 range was introduced to the market in February 2022 as a strategic shift in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>'s Yacht Support approach. The range represents the next generation of Yacht Support vessels and is inspired by the 17-plus Yacht Support vessels built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> over the last decade. The design is both highly flexible and customisable to deliver the most fun and engaging set-up for any owner. &nbsp;Joining the growing group of innovative Yacht Support owners, the Owner will use <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bad Company Support53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2023">Bad Company Support</a> as a mothership to his well-established fleet, named Bad Company. The Bad Company fleet is well-known for its modern sports fishing missions and can currently be found on a world tour. In supporting sports fishing, the owner is involved in several marine conservation projects in remote locations across the planet such as those initiated by the Coastal Conservation Association of California.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271757/image/large-6e791c8060b6860c0a25783a4d200c44.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271757"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bad Company Support53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2023">Bad Company Support</a> features a huge 15-tonne deck crane and is fully IMO Tier III compliant to reduce harmful emissions by 70 percent for full-range operations. Her two main engines can deliver speeds of up to 19 knots.Once delivered, she will tour the Mediterranean for a shakedown trip, and then leave Med and move into the Atlantic Ocean in its first year, followed by next year in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. The new mothership will be equipped with a 43-foot Release Game boat and a 32-foot Blackfin – a boat which carries significant sentiment for the Owner. Recently repurchased and refurbished for this adventure, the Blackfin was the owner’s first Game fishing boat purchased more than 30 years ago. The helicopter on board will provide the owner with easy airport transfers to and from the mothership. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271756/image/large-81af93f261e46e18bd747cdfa5afa05c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271756">“What we are planning to do with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11950" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bad Company Support53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2023">YS 5301</a> no one has ever done before, and I think this will set a whole new tier of adventure for future yachts people,” says Anthony Hsieh, the owner of the Bad Company fleet. "This is a lifelong dream starting to become reality. The plans we have with the boat in future years is stunning — she will see the world! We will spend all our time on this boat to make the most of all the different luxuries and amenities she has, and we are very excited for this milestone.”“This is one of the most exciting projects we have worked on. Not only is this the first of our new YS 53 range but this is also the first Yacht Support we have built that will be used exclusively as part of a sport fishing fleet and programme. Hsieh’s unique vision and mission are very inspiring,” says Jan van Hogerwou, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>’s Commercial Executive North America. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Damen Yachting launches Bad Company Support yacht

Damen Yachting has launched Bad Company Support yacht, the first Yacht Support 52

Damen Yachting launches 53m Bad Company Support for Anthony Hsieh

The 74.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a> has entered the market. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/lady-e/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Lady E, for sale</a>, is a proven charter yacht that has benefited from constant upgrades and refits to keep her in great condition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271776/image/large-8203008bfa840669e53c189d81e2cd85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271776">Delivered in 2006 from the Netherlands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a> featured a rebuild in 2020 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> which extended her length by six-metres. The Lloyds classified <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> features interior and exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Walter Franchini Architetto (Company)">Walter Franchini Architetto</a>, with naval architecture from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271791/image/large-e707b9d11c951ac1c15d672873f4126e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271791"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271790/image/large-888034e8a56b0b65037b5a964a730c5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271790"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a> boasts a spacious open-plan main saloon with sumptuous seating options which flow seamlessly into her dining area. With seating for up to 12 guests, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> provides a formal dining option surrounded by natural light from her large picture windows.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271788/image/large-9a3f2d2b19a24e5fd47ca0311ed50c86.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271788"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a> welcomes up to 12 guests onboard across a six stateroom layout. Her full-beam owner’s suite is situated on the main deck and includes a private office, walk-in wardrobes and his-and-her ensuite bathrooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271588/image/large-f7edd61133356fe1bba1d0f497153630.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271588"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271587/image/large-924c79def0fc6e5003e7a197882ffa15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271587"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271589/image/large-2e436d05be4c744e196bb0d4ea32d72f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271589">The VIP suite onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/amels/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Amels yacht for sale</a> is also situated on the main deck, while her remaining guest staterooms are located on the lower deck and consist of three double suites and a twin stateroom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271597/image/large-355091a08be75306c67b31045ed3f1c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271597">During her rebuild, 120 square-metres of guest space was created on the lower and main decks of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a>. On top of this, a 66 square-metre beach club was designed with natural light through a skylight and direct access to the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242973/image/large-335a6399d86baf30655e3af2656e61dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242973">An enlarged transom door opens onto a full-beam swim platform with hydraulic bathing steps and rain shower, while her main deck aft was expanded by 55 square-metres to provide more space for guests to enjoy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271595/image/large-b076672889a36667d64a339741441ea9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271595"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271596/image/large-ab4e479f57b987dfb8871eb2c3adca99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271596"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228091/image/large-fb7f782e5cde01f997af651581bda89d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228091"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228090/image/large-3c8320f4c395ecd9d76a34f22893f080.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228090">Her main deck provides the perfect spot for lounging, thanks to glass bulwarks that provide exceptional views, and her sun lounge offers the opportunity for guests to top up their tan. Her sun deck is also home to an impressive wellness centre equipped with a gym, dedicated massage room and separate Hammam sauna.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271593/image/large-9e2e8527d7e2d74aeffbef9b1e6f22d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271593"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271594/image/large-165049389000afdd1ce15fb140370fbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271594"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271591/image/large-198f6489958977ce19872ecf0213ff91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271591"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a> is able to store a Super Air Nautique G23 and a 9.2-metre tender behind her lower deck shell doors, forward of the beach club. She is also equipped with an exhaustive inventory of the latest toys.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242971/image/large-cf046fe64a28024a1f504cf7279c7f96.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242971"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady E74.5m (244'5&quot;)Amels2006">Lady E</a> is IMO Tier III and MARPOL compliant and her main engines and exhaust were completely overhauled, as well as all her mounts being replaced to reduce noise and vibration. In terms of performance, she is powered by twin 2,374 horsepower <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> diesel engines, giving her a top speed of 17 knots, and a cruising speed of 13 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242970/image/large-b1394fdf37a0cb6d1623b31b4d52392e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242970">

75m Amels motor yacht Lady E for sale

The 75m Amels superyacht Lady E for sale was delivered in 2006 and has benefited from constant upgrades and refits to keep her in great condition.

75m Amels superyacht Lady E for sale

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a>, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a> brand, has unveiled the latest yacht in its Gran Turismo line, the Gran Turismo 70-metre. Designed in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1197" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi (Company)">Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi</a>, she features a sporty styling and sinuous lines. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271715/image/large-eb55fe176714a018f24469d637b7ea87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271715">The 70-metre superyacht features a steel grey hull with charcoal details, with minimal windows that create a sleek aesthetic and accentuate the length of the hull. The charcoal-colour skylounge, where the wheelhouse is placed, seems set back so as not to interfere with the slender line and let the characteristic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> arch connecting all the decks take centre stage.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271698/image/large-6a8f3017de4905994271594775464319.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271698">Externally, the yacht features a spacious foredeck which is privately accessed by the owner's stateroom on the main deck. This area includes an infinity pool connected to the owner cabin through a lit up path for a great scenic effect. A touch and go platform can also be provided. The owner stateroom is a formed as a glasshouse, where the very slim frames of the large opening floor-to-ceiling windows are virtually invisible, amplifying the feeling of continuity between inside and outside.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271714/image/large-b3fa4a734696608e11d19aea965a0fc1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271714"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271713/image/large-7e17fedccf6448abaccdb42fc73e85ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271713">At the stern end of the upper deck, such sense of continuity between the round dining room with opening windows at 180 degrees and the external cockpit is achieved through the use of the same type of wood. The outdoor furnishings are organic and characterised by very modern round and curved shapes combined with warm colour wood for a glamorous high-quality elegance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271704/image/large-fe2a34f41482170a507e8670337635d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271704"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271703/image/large-b0b55e3e67f3f11edf78b9c327ed3ca0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271703">The yacht's interior is finished in teak and wenge wood on both the flooring and ceiling cladding. Dove grey and taupe are the main colours with contemporary blue lifting the warm pallet. Marble and satin brass are used to add an elegant touch to the yacht. The owner stateroom strays from the path using a combination of sandblasted teak-colour walnut wood and very light-colour leather to produce a truly unique effect.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271705/image/large-edd18d0a59a14f3d3cbcd47061c707d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271705"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271707/image/large-e767f1c2ef32429b8034d4a89f4d119c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271707"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271706/image/large-33e8a9fa91b88b9de7cdb53a01529ff7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271706">The yacht can accommodate as many as 1 guests between five double staterooms on the main deck, including a VIP with a private lounge. The owner's stateroom features a bath and shower, with his-and-hers bathrooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271711/image/large-ed63acc65c909329dff7e2582e1a3b02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271711"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271712/image/large-e94d87f0638c313f32cb663d9ad4cdec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271712"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271708/image/large-44f2a76c117db8a2aece0e1c9de0b323.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271708">The spacious spa area on the lower deck is connected on the sides and aft by large opening platforms. The use of very thin-cut and treated stone conveys this environment an incredibly relaxing Zen touch. Behind the bar, there is a LED TV visible from everywhere in the room, for the projection of films or ambience videos.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271709/image/large-64c84360af0dae30146d5e9d2c306a20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271709"> A 50-metre model will also be presented soon. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271699/image/large-e8883ac4b36822881f01d2fea3df2139.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271699">

ISA unveils 70m Gran Turismo superyacht 

ISA unveils a 70m Gran Turismo superyacht concept.

ISA unveils Gran Turismo 70m superyacht 

The Saudi Arabia has launched an electronic portal to help facilitate the entry and movement of tourist yachts within the Kingdom. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233158/image/large-38efa9d8e0aff31309182446bf7b34ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233158">Named the Ebhar platform, the new portal unifies all government procedures and information from 20 government agencies, including yacht registration services, procedures for entering and leaving the Kingdom, sailing permits, issuing navigational licenses, and registering yachts under the Saudi flag. Ebhar is a female Quaranic name meaning breadth, graciousness and openness like that of an ocean, it also means oceanic navigation.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts arriving at Jeddah Yacht Club for the Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix (2023-03-15 17:15:00 +0100)">Yachts arriving at Jeddah Yacht Club for the Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix</a>The new platform was launched in February at the Jeddah Yacht Club during a ceremony that celebrated the expansion of the Saudi Arabia yachting and maritime industry. New developments along the Kingdom's expansive coast include NEOM, Amala, and the Red Sea project.r<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250919/image/large-834ab5a6be786201ca6248864772ee79.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250919">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56505" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Sea development: Sindalah, NEOM’s first island development with 86-berth marina announced (2022-12-05 14:30:00 +0100)">Red Sea development: Sindalah, NEOM’s first island development with 86-berth marina announced</a>&nbsp;According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, announced that the Kingdom is expecting a growth of 19.4 percent per year between 2022 and 2028.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia launches Ebhar yacht portal

Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the Ebhar platform, a new electronic portal for tourist yachts.

Saudi Arabia launches electronic portal for foreign yachts

The 44.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> has entered the market. Launched in 2013, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/checkmate/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Checkmate, for sale</a> is one of the most recent hulls in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Vision 45 series and joins the market in excellent condition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271379/image/large-d52dcc22cf9857b85a94d3a11d8f1647.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271379"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> has benefitted from several significant refits over years, with her most recent taking place in 2021 and 2022. The motor yacht for sale boasts an exterior design by long-standing design collaborator <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefano Righini Design (Company)">Stefano Righini Design</a>, with naval architecture from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271388/image/large-12bda1ca32689204dc12313df4fffd13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271388"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> features a stylish interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a> which is complemented by her recent upgrades. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> features a blend of Cherry and Burr Madrona wood which offsets against her vivid and modern colour scheme.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271385/image/large-1418801720dc118e5b41a48f5390008b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271385">The main saloon of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> is warm and inviting and benefits from plenty of natural light from her picture windows. The area also showcases a bespoke bar for guests to unwind after a busy day at sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/86262/image/large-bf4442bc3950540d19d92832677f05ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/86262"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/86273/image/large-9c10ae5b73e4ff2c8a2f4f2b222cc52e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/86273"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests across a five stateroom configuration, which includes a forward-facing master suite on the main deck. The master suite benefits from a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, 180-degree views and a private owners terrace forward. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/86278/image/large-962f6aee9b610200270bd598d6ab389a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/86278"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/86252/image/large-b2a8f3dc695b779f0e01534dd2f46b61.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/86252">The remaining four guest staterooms are situated on the lower deck comprising two large VIPs, one double and one twin, alongside her accommodation for a crew of nine in five cabins. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271387/image/large-b166a57751388e8b1b5d2260331dd5a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271387">For a formal dining experience, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> is able to accommodate up to 10 guests around a circular table with stunning panoramic views of the horizon on her upper deck sky lounge. Her sliding bevelled doors can also be opened for a more alfresco ambience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271384/image/large-0fcf22ea4f2b738957ffc20a3171587c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271384"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271382/image/large-e795b446f4b8c65c74a1689a4c9c34ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271382">Key design features that make the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/benetti/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Benetti yacht for sale</a> stand out from her sister ships include her larger square port hulls that give better views and her extra day head on the sun deck. Among <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a>'s outdoor highlights are the spa pool aft and curved seating forward on the flybridge, and sun pads nestled in her bow on the main deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271381/image/large-72599bc964868e5d7578a5b198a61020.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271381"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/86274/image/large-9191e928ca09c596bba432405a648ca9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/86274"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</a> is equipped with a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams</a> D 365 Jet tender, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5777" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yamaha (Company)">Yamaha</a> Waverunner and a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5777" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yamaha (Company)">Yamaha</a> Jet Ski. Her spacious beach club area allows for easy storage and direct access to the water for guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271380/image/large-83f91e96adfebfa6513ef2fe2bed5f57.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271380">Performance-wise, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3692" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Checkmate44.2m (145'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Checkmate</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, which provide her with a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13.5 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/86271/image/large-6f636f4caa162095fd5e5a4a9aa299ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/86271">

44m Benetti superyacht Checkmate for sale

The 44m Benetti Vision 45 superyacht Checkmate for sale and joins the market in excellent condition.

Owner Experience

Exploring Thailand with owner Gulu Lalvani