Alexander Griffiths, Staff Writer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SYT</a>, sits down with some of the key players at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille Yachting</a> to question what the future may hold for the wheelhouse.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219922/image/large-864eb86b89d8fc5a8422deabc543f02b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219922">The battle between tradition and modernity wages on – and the fight is just as fierce in the yachting sector. This year alone has brought forth an array of designs that throw caution to the wind. The 45-metre Martini catamaran, for instance, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Servo Yachts (Company)">Servo Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1555" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shuttleworth Design (Company)">Shuttleworth Design</a>, features twin mechanical hulls that battle the waves to, as Justin Ratcliffe aptly described, fend of “Rock ‘n’ Roll”. Then there’s the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> designed concept which intersects the characteristics of CAT and SWATH yachts, in a bid to improve sustainability by reducing drag. The list goes on…&nbsp;Three concepts deserve particular attention though, as the shared innovational drive is rooted not just in sustainability, but pivot on changes to the wheelhouse itself. An area which hasn’t been the subject of radical penmanship for some years now. The concepts are: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a>’s VY-01, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a>’s line of Eco-explorers and the 81.75-metre Pure from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.Revolution has never looked so green<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219923/image/large-55bbf34ab73f9d19926313eb9ce4fab5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219923">The 110-metre VY-01 concept radically overthrows traditional and bends the expected into a lush haven filled with meandering rivers, tall trees and a natural habitat. The onboard sanctuary, in lieu of a main saloon, may have been the lodestar for the designers but it also led them to rethink the wheelhouse – in order to stretch the interior landscape to this full extent, it had to be moved.&nbsp;“We want to stir things up,” Björn Asmussen, Director &amp; Executive Architect at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> explained. “The components of ships are normally stacked on top of each other, because that’s what makes sense. You have your technical equipment in the engine house, then your crew cabins and you build up on that vertical stack. So every technology that allows us to free up a component paves the way for innovation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219921/image/large-fa88c2b592a77eb8ea9e97cee50e3bb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219921">Asmussen explained that digital innovations have expanded the boundaries of creativity as these advancements whet the appetite for what can be possible. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> has expressed very clearly that it’s target demographic is an owner daring to adventure and experiment with the very idea of yachting. The wheelhouse is part of this vision. “The intent of the concept is to embrace all technology. If it’s possible to incorporate remote navigation, then why not? With an AR setup, the owner or captain could steer the yacht from any location; they could be in the yacht’s garden, or up on one of the terraces and not forced to be in the Wheelhouse.”As it stands, the wheelhouse is very forward, more so than normal. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> nestled it in between the A pillars of the superstructure to increase the spatial offering in the midsection of the yacht, giving more room to the park and the owner. It did come with a problem though: visibility. “Where it’s situated there is a fairly decent view for the captain; however there will be a few blindspots. AR will help overcome this, as we can install cameras and screens to re-open these spaces for the human eye.”Interactive and fully immersive <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219925/image/large-78079e8636b65246101c5823fa5a08a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219925">In a slightly different vein, but just as radical, is the idea of incorporating dual controls. Nicolas Cantenot and Jerôme Vollet, the creative leaders of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille Yachting</a>, have been compelled to do just this with their line of Eco-explorers.&nbsp;The lineup is driven – as the name suggests – to reduce the ecological footprint of yachting post-construction. The yachts, both in catamaran and monohull form, are characterised by large automated Oceanwings that jut out from the superstructure and which are but one part of the line’s ‘eco’-DNA. What goes slightly unnoticed though is the changes that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a> has made to the traditional helm to encourage onboard interaction. &nbsp;“We often hear how owner’s feel that they are missing out from the experience itself as they are separated from the operations of the yacht and they don’t get the chance to be in control,” Cantenot said. “That is why we’ve incorporated dual controls to our yachts, situated on the skydeck, so that guests can take control and be fully immersed in the full experience.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a> hasn’t stopped there either. The wheelhouse is equipped with large screens to give the captain and the crew 360° view of the sea and the yacht’s surroundings. “This is another important aspect of creating a fully immersive onboard harmony,” Vollet added, “as it removes all barriers between the captain and the guests.”Enclosed Command Centre: An exercise in trust?&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219924/image/large-4cd204500e28212b8e987cdd72ea1700.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219924">The 81.75-metre concept Pure is an art of extremes. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <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> have spearheaded innovation in a bid to redefine what’s possible. Heading their agenda was flexibility and a commitment to reimagine typical GAs to give future owner’s the prime onboard real estate.&nbsp;“With a traditional arrangement of the engine room and bridge you're stuck, you lose a great deal of flexibility,” Giedo Loeff, Head of Research and Development at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, explained. “Because of new technology though, you can shuffle this arrangement, freeing up space and moving areas of a yacht previously untouchable.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> is proposing an entirely blind wheelhouse that fully embraces video and image processing technology so that it can be located anywhere enclosed. “We recognise that the Command Centre is a controversial proposal that may lead to resistance, but such solutions are already common on subs and naval vessels,” Bram Jongepier, a senior specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, previously said.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship’s latest ‘Future Concept’: The 82m hybrid Pure (2021-09-24 16:00:00 +0200)">Feadship’s latest ‘Future Concept’: The 82m hybrid Pure</a>At first glance this may seem like an exercise of trust, with the captain navigating a vessel from even the lower enclaves of the vessel; however, with the advantages of innovative tech, this may not be the case. Video and image processing technology has proved that it can be used to complement the essential systems – visibility, navigation, etc. – in the commercial shipping sector. As Jongepier said, in subs and naval vessels for years now.“We have been in contact with surveyors – and yes, we think it is feasible,” Loeff said. “You never know for sure if anything will be accepted. You have to make a design, you have to submit all the plans and then you get your firm approval. It’s not something that gets an approval from the get-go, we need to be the movers on this.”Theoretically great, but is it practically sound? <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178419/image/large-db7a1a901e20a6a72ed9bfd5641ecee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178419">To properly get a handle on just how practical these innovations are, we sat down with Mike Rouse, captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>’s 72.15-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.15m (236'9&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a>, to hear his insights.&nbsp;“Cars have AR these days, planes have had it for years, you can even get it in sunglasses,” Rouse commented. The technology might be novel in the yachting sector but it’s not new elsewhere and has been making strides in multiple other industries.“Every element of our daily lives is in a constant march towards greater technology, integration of life's devices. I agree that the wheel house has not really changed over the years, small advances in technology but fundamentally they have remained the same,” continued Rouse.“If it can be done in submarines and navy vessels it can be done on yachts. Yachting exists for a select few to have an amazing holiday in absolute luxury, the better the experience we can offer owners, charterers and guests the more people will want to engage with this industry. If that means learning some new skills and relocating the wheel house then l am all for it. Like all ‘drastic’ changes it would take some getting used to but over time it would be the new norm,” Rouse concluded.&nbsp;There will be a few hurdles that need to be overcome – the biggest, of course, getting the advancements certified by a surveyor. But if this can be done, then we may start seeing great changes riding off the back of this, not just with the wheelhouse itself but traditional configuration of yachts and the overall experience may get refreshed. All three concepts have the potential to bring this and to change the face of yachting entirely. The question then is: will a redesigned wheelhouse steer us toward a new era of yachting?&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">Issue 40 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">.</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>.

Future of the wheelhouse design

Game Changer yacht during refit - wheelhouse

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3deluxe VY-01 concept plans

3deluxe VY-01 concept profile

3deluxe VY-01 concept interior

Feadship Pure concept command centre

Merveille sailing yacht concept exterior

SYT sits down with some of the key players at Feadship, 3deluxe and Merveille Yachting to question what the future may hold for the wheelhouse.

Are wheelhouses driving the change in yacht design?

The race to a hydrogen future is nearing as front-runner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> has successfully conducted tests on a 12-cylinder gas variant of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 4000 L64 engine running on 100 percent hydrogen fuel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254896/image/large-cb30d66772ab2cea089f17a68edacb9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254896">“This engine will serve the market demand for hydrogen solutions in the energy transition and will be available to our customers as a reliable and clean power source for gensets and combined heat and power plants,” Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> business unit Power Systems, commented.It has been widely reported that the engine showed very good characteristics in terms of efficiency, performance, emissions and combustion throughout the tests. The enerPort II lighthouse project in Duisburg, Germany, will be the pioneer for the first 100 percent hydrogen <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56349" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce on its roadmap to delivering methanol-powered superyachts with Lürssen and Sanlorenzo by 2026 (2022-11-08 17:15:00 +0100)">Rolls-Royce on its roadmap to delivering methanol-powered superyachts</a>&nbsp;“We see hydrogen as one of the central elements of the energy transition. It can be used for both storage of excess energy and as a fuel, not only for engines but fuel cells and cogeneration plants to generate climate-neutral electricity and heat,” Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, added.

Successful first test for Rolls-Royce hydrogen-powered MTU engines 

Rolls-Royce has successfully conducted hydrogen fuel tests on a 12-cylinder gas variant of its MTU engines.

The future of yachting isn’t outlandish design, it isn’t a remapping of cruising grounds; and it most certainly isn’t caused by monumental shifts. The future of yachting is already here, it’s always been here. We continually grow and develop as a result of and for market demands. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254357/image/large-8e8466bf3a2853a1de4b796f0184ace0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254357">Technology helps of course. Data has made us more informed and more acute in our decision-making and analysis. Meanwhile, digital tools have improved connectivity and workflows that create more streamlined and efficient practices. As a result of these technological developments the world has shrunk; travel is no longer a necessity for many of our operations. And these tools are improving, fast.So when we think about the future of yachting it’s not so much yachting itself that’s changing, it’s how we work together as an industry that’s changing. It’s how we use the new tools we have at our disposal. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia Marine &amp; Yachting</a> – the yacht agency &amp; procurement company that straddles two of the most important regions in the industry: the Mediterranean and Asia – knows this only too well. And is about as future-proofed as you can get. SuperYacht Times sat down with CEO, David Farmer to hear more. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254349/image/large-5f349eb65361b1cd7ea8da16579857b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254349">David, can you run through the core services that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a> offers?&nbsp;We’re a bespoke consultancy and sales agency that offers clients an extensive and very personal design service. Some of our services include exterior &amp; interior design and layout consultancy for both custom and production motor yachts, of any size. We also offer guidance for technical solutions, including all pre-purchase compliance, flagging and management surveys and everything needed to run a commercial yacht.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a> champions technical consultancy and recently fell into the folds of the International Marine Association (IMC). We’re focusing more attention on underwater surveys, insurance and casualties for both yachts and ships. To facilitate this we’ve acquired a number of Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that support our below the water operations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248502/image/large-3dd827d1fe1013aa08fa7589befaba2b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248502">You operate from both the Mediterranean and Asia: How important are these regions for the industry and how are they changing?&nbsp;The importance of the Mediterranean goes without saying; it’s a region steeped in tradition and one of the world’s central hubs for superyachts. The region is diverse and multifaceted with many enclaves that bring a distinct offering to the sector – whether that’s outstanding builds, refits and repairs, or unrivalled cruising grounds. But there are even more regions shouldering in.&nbsp;Malta, one of the countries we operate from, is a true point in case. Already well known for its crystal waters, vibrant cultural offerings and outstanding cruising grounds, it’s now also championing thought leadership with the Malta Superyacht Symposium, hosted for the first time last year.&nbsp;But while Europe is growing, the Middle East is an explosion of development – and definitely a region to watch. It doesn’t have the prestige of tradition, yet this isn’t necessarily a negative. The Middle East isn’t restricted and has a limitless horizon, and we’re witnessing some incredible growth and development in the region, not only in yachting. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254358/image/large-f9fc1e6c6a0be3c87effc320f64dfc48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254358">What role has&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a>&nbsp;played to help facilitate this growth in the Middle East?&nbsp;We’re already firmly established in the UAE with offices in Abu Dhabi, and are starting to concentrate more efforts on Saudi Arabia. It’s prosperous as a region yet lacking both in infrastructure and knowledge to facilitate the demands of yacht tourism. The Red Sea Development Company, which forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030, is well aware of this and recently approached us for consultancy support. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a> has then been activated with licensing and infrastructural change to bolster the region.&nbsp;It’s an exciting region and we have many clients there, so it’s a logical move for us. There’s huge potential. As you may know, the Saudi 2030 Vision is driving many initiatives to develop the nation as a superyacht destination, and we’re looking to capitalise on that. It’ll take some time before Saudi Arabia really sees the benefits for yachting in the region, but it’s definitely moving in the right direction.&nbsp;Jeddah, in particular, is growing spectacularly and we’ll soon open a new office located in the very heart of the city: Jeddah Marina. Founded just last year, Jeddah Marina has quickly become a hive of activities, facilitating berthing space for the F1 and attracting some serious players, such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia Marine &amp; Yachting</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254354/image/large-71980d043e80ae96f136c6188330e0f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254354">How is&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a>&nbsp;‘preparing’ for the future?&nbsp;One thing we’re doing is driving sustainability. It isn’t just a buzzword, it's a tangible trend that’s led by market demands. Clients are expecting cleaner, more efficient yachts and there are now a growing number of hybrid, electric and hydrofoil options on the market –&nbsp;both large and small.One particular project that stands out is the all-new 11.05-metre Limousine Hybrid tender by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5302" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maori Yacht (Company)">Maori</a>, which I’ve managed and directed from conception through the development and build stages. It’s extremely light-weight and will be equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> D4 400 horsepower engines, coupled with twin 25 kilowatt BHS electric engines, that deliver a top speed of 34 knots and a fully electric cruising speed of nine knots. She’ll be delivered later this month and we’ll be showcasing her full photoshoot at <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="boot Düsseldorf - 2023">2023 boot Düsseldorf</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254352/image/large-e4e622d39689c4ac11173163f617ba4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254352"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a>&nbsp;has started promoting a new metaverse, can you explain a little more?We want to create an ecosystem and platform that’s more efficient and more economically viable for our clients. After thorough research, it became clear that the best way to do this is to integrate our professional services with Web3, to create the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Medasia Marine and Yachting (Company)">Medasia</a> metaverse.&nbsp;Our metaverse facilitates 3D scanning, technical and survey work. We already conduct underwater surveys in lieu of using a drydock – and now we can offer this service for stakeholders and class surveyors remotely. Our operators who are class approved and clients can livestream the survey, whether that be a five-year insurance or annual flag survey. The commercial space is already utilising the tools available for marine surveys, speeding up the process in a cost-effective and efficient way. And it’s all class-approved. We’re just moving the technology into the yachting space. We’re not reinventing the wheel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254359/image/large-10e24499736f68f44854e803ee7e92ac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254359">Why have you decided to go this route – is the Metaverse part of the future?&nbsp;Technology in general is advancing exponentially, I think that within a year the metaverse will be a major talking point in the sector. It's a question of how we all embrace change. The yachting industry has to change, especially with the growing number of new and younger buyers entering the market.&nbsp;Soon I strongly believe that around 30 - 40 percent of the yacht fleet will be owned by those in their late 20s and early 30s. It’s a big number, and this is a generation where Web3 and advanced technology is just another facet of life; the industry has to accept and embrace it.&nbsp;

The future of yachting with Medasia 

On the future of yachting. SYT joins David Farmer of Medasia Marine & Yachting to discuss what's next for the industry. 

Future of yachting: Insights from Medasia Marine & Yachting 

This article has been written by&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>&nbsp;for SuperYacht Times.For a superyacht owner, protection of their asset’s value calls for an exigent approach to through-life maintenance. But this can only go so far. The choices made in original specification, design engineering and construction pedigree all play a part. And at a time where technology is advancing alongside the energy transition and the pursuit of Zero, future-proofing will become increasingly important.&nbsp;However, future-proofing does not only impact asset resale protection. Many owners are equally concerned with their yacht meeting sustainability ambitions relating to reduced footprint, reaching Zero, and avoiding becoming outdated in the face of changing future regulation. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251704/image/large-c9adbe559bc473b0c557e4ad17ca4cd7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251704">Committing to ChangeAs the lifespan of a superyacht can span three, four or more times that of a commercial ship, a yacht built today will need to be adaptable through the course of its lifetime. So should we be asking ourselves which technology and fuel to commit to when designing and then building this new yacht? In reality, the better question is probably to ask how we can create an adaptable architecture onboard so the yacht can be practically modified through the decades, in line with evolving and emerging Net Zero solutions.&nbsp;Future-proofing is something that is already being carried out by owners of ships in the commercial marine market, even with their far shorter lifespans. What is evident from observing market dynamics and industry insights from this sector, is that owners and operators are still heavily hedging against future outcomes. The majority of future-proofed tonnage already in service or on order is following a strategy of dual fuel. Onboard technology is not and will not be a limiting factor here, as we anticipate the commercial availability of various systems that operate on a broad spectrum of fuel types from different production methods in the next three to eight years.&nbsp;What is clear is that we can’t expect the commercial side of our industry to offer yachting a one-solution-fits-all model. The energy transition will take place across multiple routes, with complex decisions to be made along the way, and we will undoubtedly end up with a wide range of solutions to achieve our collective Zero goals. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251705/image/large-f5ee446a589b1f78cb45f4ab70179022.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251705">Building Tomorrow's Superyachts, Today&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> is investing in future-proofing our yachts to offer technical solutions that are highly adaptable through a yacht’s lifespan, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> providing through-life energy transition support along the way.This is not just a question of being environmentally consciousness as an industry. It is an existential matter for yachting. Failure to provide acceptable solutions could impact engagement with coming generations of owners and their families, who expect greater efforts to be made to reach Zero.&nbsp;Riding the WaveFuture-proofing a superyacht requires us to anticipate the future in order to enable informed choices of layout, configuration, technology and specification that will avoid becoming outdated within the intended lifespan of the yacht. Riding the wave of energy transitions is the greatest challenge we face in this context.&nbsp;Let’s imagine the energy transition timeline. At the far end is a non-carbon-based fuel such as liquid hydrogen. This offers an extreme future view of zero-carbon yachting with fuel that can be authentically produced using technology that is available today. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lateral Naval Architects (Company)">Lateral Naval Architects</a>, explored this point on the spectrum with its 2019 Aqua design, a 110m motoryacht powered by liquified green hydrogen. Research into such technology is continuing at both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lateral Naval Architects (Company)">Lateral</a>, in collaboration with a range of industry partners. However, commitment to a specific fuel such as hydrogen carries a commitment to investment in associated infrastructure to actually run the yacht. As such, it may not suit the majority of yacht owners.Consider the current state of the art, represented by all-electric DC architecture. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> is convinced that an advanced all-electrical architecture is an enabler to the use of future fuels, but it is not strictly necessary to pursue a future fuel right now in order to be future proof.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206885/image/large-6ce524fe4c919263d789b8991d4e11bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206885">New &amp; Improved Batteries Sold SeparatelyWe can be certain that battery technology will advance to offer greater capability in the future. So implementing a significant degree of battery capability within a yacht’s overall energy architecture will lead to improved system performance in future years. Additionally, the capacity for emissions-free (including carbon-free) operation should form part of a future-proofing strategy, which is best served via a battery-based solution.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> has a number of new-build projects that represent this current state of the art. Together with Lateral, it has explored other near-term developments, namely an advancement of diesel electric known as e-Hybrid where batteries form the core energy delivery, enabling significant ‘local zero’ operation. This system was integrated into the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> NXT design, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco reveals KAIROS: the next generation of yachting (2021-03-23 14:00:00 +0100)">KAIROS, which was launched in partnership with Lateral and Pininfarina in 2021</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211765/image/large-fe4710a96ff6f3b9ef14676f417b9fab.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211765">Adaptable Three-Phase Approach&nbsp;Between these current state-of-the-art solutions and the far-term end of the transition spectrum lies a significant period of time when we will experience a range of solutions, each a step closer to Zero. This spectrum could potentially span over 30 years, and so today’s future-proofed yachts will need to be configured so they can adapt to the various technical solutions emerging along the way.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> is now engineering for this transition, presenting solutions so a yacht can evolve alongside the energy transition:PHASE 1: Starting life as a state-of-the-art (synthetic) diesel yacht, it will feature efficient dimensions relative to gross tonnage and highly optimised baseline with DC grid, variable speed generators and podded drives incorporating batteries, or e-Hybrid configured. All systems onboard will be fully procurable, state of the art, operable and warrantable today. The yacht’s design will incorporate all elements of architecture needed to accommodate transitional fuels, such as methanol. The yacht design and energy architecture represents a compelling, low-risk purchase in today’s market.PHASE 2: As future technology matures, the yacht can transition via a mid-life upgrade of low impact to a dual-fuel solution, with a low risk to the client. The timing of such a mid-life upgrade would be dependent upon advancement of technology and commercial risk.PHASE 3: The yacht would achieve a Net Zero end state solution via transitioning fully to alternatives such as methanol driving fuel cells or internal combustion to power electrical architecture.Future-proofing for the energy transition is one of the greatest challenges we face to ensure that our yachts remain state of the art across an expanded timeframe, and with the pace of technology accelerating, that requires a smart solution. Reducing risk by opting for an adaptable architecture is the most promising option for an owner wanting to ride the wave of change onboard their superyacht, all the way to Net Zero.&nbsp;

Energy solutions with Oceanco

The Dutch shipyard Oceanco has taken a deep dive into the energy transition for future-proofing superyachts.

Conscious solutions to the energy transition 

The concept of leisure time onboard yachts has continued to change over the years. Guests expect high-level onboard connectivity, just like they receive at home, to surf the internet, access social media and even stream videos. Therefore, the meaning of leisure has been redefined to no longer just mean the adventure of exploration. Guests now expect to explore both the physical and virtual worlds with the same level of ease.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251465/image/large-65250364f6dfbf29802d99a42e82cf83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251465"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> is the world leader in global, mobile satellite services, offering satellite communication services and delivering reliable, seamless global connectivity for yachts across the globe. Its products and capabilities have increased to provide efficient solutions and satellite network opportunities to capitalise on the latest developments in onboard connectivity.Many yachts now function as offices at sea to ensure business continuity for travelling executives, the demand for digital connectivity onboard has also skyrocketed thanks to the increase in social applications. The importance of guest wellbeing and connectivity is now paramount, with vital communication links also essential for crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195020/image/large-9bf7df6d460ed66536cc68fb111f8155.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195020">"It is clear that the rise in digitalisation of the yachting sector continues to grow,” commented Peter Broadhurst, Senior Vice President at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> Maritime. “We are seeing developments in connectivity and the transfer of data in greater volumes between a yacht and the shore which continues to bring significant gains for both guests and the crew, as well as improving operations, yacht management efficiency and crew welfare.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195031/image/large-e2b488abff31ddab6907198c1b10710d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195031"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>’s Fleet Xpress brings together the best of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>'s connectivity solutions and is built to deliver control over the connectivity ecosystem of the yacht. It leverages the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, to link the connectivity ecosystem and deliver a best-in-class experience to crew.Fleet Xpress makes it easier to control spending, data usage, as well as the digitalisation strategy of the yacht. It is designed with mobility in mind to provide global coverage, high speed connectivity and 100 percent KA/L-Band availability. The reliable service is also fully managed with a 24/7 maintenance and support team and multi-layered endpoint security.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195026/image/large-6a3bd0dfe3353490da04fcd1ea38c2ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195026"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> now has the Fleet Xpress platform installed on close to 11,000 vessels, which firmly establishes its position at the forefront of the expansion of digitalisation in the superyacht sector. “Communication is a key part of day-to-day life on superyachts, so having a reliable platform for that is extremely important. Fleet Xpress ensures that a superyacht is able to operate safely while remaining true to the DNA of our brand and giving us a platform into the future,” commented Peter Broadhurst.As the demand for crew connectivity soars, network management systems have become central to onboard communications capabilities. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ELERA is a global narrowband network that is ideally suited to the rapidly evolving world of the Internet of Things (IoT). “ELERA helps to keep them in touch with loved ones, each other, and even the authorities, while at sea,” Peter added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251466/image/large-5d9ca2aceec40452a7ab1bf77d737e3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251466"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ELERA is the latest evolution of the L-band network, providing global standards for availability, safety and reliability. ELERA was set up to provide a safety service for vessels at sea and expanded to run commercial services.&nbsp;The I-6 satellites are the largest and most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever built and deliver 50 percent more capacity per beam. This means more data can be carried over the same geographical area, as well as unlimited beam routing flexibility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251467/image/large-1eed50db022ca3c9703d0626aa20ddad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251467"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ORCHESTRA brings together existing geosynchronous (GEO) satellites with low earth orbit satellites (LEO) and terrestrial 5G into an integrated, high-performance solution. “There are a lot of major yachting hotspots in the world, such as Monaco, Antibes and Miami where large superyachts will be docked for a long period of time. They all want to be connected and this concentrated area of traffic can often provide slower bandwidth speeds,” comments Peter.&nbsp;ORCHESTRA is designed to meet evolving connectivity needs in the yachting market by drawing together the benefits of multiple technologies to create one cohesive solution. “An orchestra brings different instruments together, each supporting the other and playing its role in the masterpiece. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ORCHESTRA is based on the same concept, by eliminating the industry-wide challenge of congested network hot spots and working in perfect harmony for a greater performance.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195029/image/large-abc9a21ab3b126d608aa37f6ebd38895.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195029">The network benefits from a ‘dynamic mesh’ technology, which allows individual customer terminals to direct traffic to and from other customer terminals. This means that when a yacht is within reach of a 5G ground station they are able to receive ample capacity for its own needs, as well as route capacity towards other vessels beyond terrestrial reach. As a result of this they are able to create a mobile web of terminals that extend the network's reach and improve its performance and resilience. “This new approach means <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> can easily boost capacity in high-density areas ensuring customer needs continue to be met well into the future.”&nbsp;The world and technology is constantly changing, so it is important to provide the best service. When guests demand nothing but the best, their connectivity should also meet these high standards. From a high-speed always-on connection instantly anywhere in the world, to a basic seasonal plan for short-term near shore leisure trips, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> is always able to provide a top quality service.&nbsp;

Inmarsat growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector

SYT talks to Inmarsat to find out more about their products and the rapid growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector.

Inmarsat on the rapid growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a> has unveiled the first version of its revolutionary Yacht Environmental Transparency Index, YETI 1.0 at <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2022">METSTRADE 2022</a>. The tool is able to score and compare yachts based on their environmental credentials to help evaluate its impact on the environment and work towards creating a more sustainable future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/249228/image/large-c8573c86541dca9a8dbed4d9e3ee9278.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/249228">YETI 1.0 uses data from the operation of a yacht such as propulsion, hotel load and heat to determine the ecological impact and benchmarks these results against an average operational profile. The score is determined by expressing the calculated emissions in EcoPoints and dividing such points with the yacht’s gross tonnage. YETI 1.0 is then able to determine a score that is relative and comparable with other yachts in the same class.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/249225/image/large-94fafa9919399967a9fd6a721e4978be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/249225">YETI 1.0 places yachts in three defined categories, under 500 GT, 500-3,000 GT and above 3,000 GT to provide a targeted and informed result within each size group. YETI 1.0 uses data from a vessel’s general parameters, speed-power, load determination, generators, battery bank, and heat distribution system and submits these to an input sheet.The data gathered from these parameters allows YETI 1.0 to generate a score, as well as an explanation, comparison with the rest of the fleet and suggestions for potential areas of improvement. YETI 1.0 is able to compare a single vessel to the rest of the fleet rather than applying the generic approach for commercial ships.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56331" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Robert van Tol on why sustainable assessment is imperative for yachting (2022-11-07 11:15:00 +0100)">Robert van Tol on why sustainable assessment is imperative for yachting</a>A YETI score is calculated based on energy use for propulsion, including expected fuel, shore power consumption, and related emissions. “YETI 1.0 is paving the way toward a sustainable future in the yachting industry,” commented the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a>. “This robust tool will guide members of the sector, from design and yacht management to new build and refit, in reaching a reduced ecological footprint through the development of better concept designs and concrete upgrades of existing yachts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/249226/image/large-ef7fb2103fa7024d42053893cf5bdc9e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/249226">YETI 1.0 already works with 12 yards, four naval architects and three knowledge institutions to accelerate sustainable change in a transparent and reliable manner. “The group, who represent an unrivalled fleet of superyachts with a shared motivation to understand and improve their ecological implications, have reached a new level of industry collaboration by setting competition aside to collaborate on this initiative,” added the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a>.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56070" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation signs partnership with MTU-Rolls Royce (2022-10-03 14:00:00 +0200)">Water Revolution Foundation signs partnership with MTU-Rolls Royce</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232872/image/large-2525fa8357ace96f280f69db177277d3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232872">YETI 1.0 currently allows users to submit data on their yacht in order to calculate its YETI score, which will come with a detailed feedback report providing a comparison with the rest of the fleet. They currently have 70 yachts registered in their database, with the key identifying factors remaining anonymous. The dedicated team is also working on the introduction of an online calculator to allow people to easily submit their data and to check their score. “The groundwork has been done, it is now time for the industry and owners to utilise this reliable reference to know where a yacht stands and what opportunities there are to improve its environmental credentials,” said Robert van Tol, executive director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution</a>.Companies that can support the group with expertise and data are encouraged to become involved with this unique collaboration to develop YETI 2.0 and expand the tool’s scope beyond operational efficiency.

Water Revolution Foundation unveils YETI 1.0

The Water Revolution Foundation has unveiled the first version of its revolutionary Yacht
Environmental Transparency Index, YETI 1.0.

Water Revolution Foundation unveils YETI 1.0 to evaluate environmental impact in yachting

The Ocean Signal RescueME PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon was announced as the Overall Winner of the DAME Awards at <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2022">METSTRADE 2022</a>.The award was presented by Andre Hoek, Jury Chair of the DAME Award. This is the 31st anniversary of the DAME award, presented this morning during the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2022">METSTRADE</a> Breakfast Briefing held in the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248954/image/large-82f745f38c5fa1c6b8921cc43a4754fa.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248954">The RescueME PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon is said to represent a significant step forward in the evolution of PLBs. The impressive and compact PLB3 combines an AIS man overboard device and GPS with a Cospas-Sarsat personal locator beacon, Galileo Return Link Service and incorporation of visible and infrared signal lights.The product provides the very best chance of survival through its blend of long and short-range detection technologies. The RescueME PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon stood out to the Jury, who recognised the impressive harnessing of multiple technologies in such a small unit and attention to design in every detail.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248955/image/large-01813e604aad58a13b36a17acfab3175.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248955">Furthermore, in reaching their final decision, the Jury noted Ocean Signal’s determination to make top-notch products to maximise the chance of saving lives.Various accompanying features include the well-illustrated instruction manual and in a Near Field Communication app that enables you to test the PLB3 using your mobile telephone.48 total products were nominated for this year's final round of the DAME Design Award 2022, from 104 entries spanning 14 nations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248953/image/large-9eb5dcef311fe1b4f5800f3be43ba9d6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248953">Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE reveals DAME Design Award nominees 2022 (2022-10-25 14:45:00 +0200)">METSTRADE reveals DAME Design Award nominees 2022</a>Chair of the Jury, Andre Hoek, commented on the result, stating “As time passes, the boundaries of products that we examine in the DAME Jury room get ever wider. This year, we assessed everything from a tiny boat and outboard tracker to a 65-tonne travel hoist. Whatever its size, price or complexity though, the Jury remains very focused on examining the design of products in all aspects, from function, form, environment, innovation, and price to performance. All 48 nominees are to be congratulated on meeting the scrutiny of this process."“Our overall DAME Design Award winner is an excellent example of how you can never stop pushing to make new improvements, even in a segment of the marketplace where products are already impressively advanced in what they achieve for the size and price.”

Ocean Signal wins DAME Design Award at METSTRADE 2022

The Ocean Signal RescueME PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon announced as the Overall Winner of the DAME Awards at METSTRADE 2022

Ocean Signal Personal Locator Beacon is Overall Winner of the DAME Design Award at METSTRADE 2022

There’s building superyachts – and there’s building the superyacht experience. It’s a subtle art and one that requires painstaking attention to detail and a deep understanding of an owner’s needs and lifestyle.&nbsp;The superyacht experience extends well beyond idyllic cruising grounds and impressive destinations. The experience is all about the mood and onboard ambiance – it’s a deft art and one that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> has mastered. “We pride ourselves on delivering tailor-made solutions not only per client or per project, but per room and per area onboard a yacht,” Brian Faerber, Business Unit Manager eXperience, told SuperYacht Times. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248733/image/large-8bb33a2bd34b900d159f3f81ccf966cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248733"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> provides solutions for all audio-visual, lighting, control, IT &amp; communications, and security needs. The experience, however, doesn’t start from the yacht. It starts from those initial conversations, by gauging the client’s needs. The onboard mood is subjective and the journey to creating the atmosphere takes its origins from the drawing board. “We’re a client-centric organisation,” Faerber explained, “and that begins from the moment we meet them.”&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> application is the beating heart of the ecosystem, it’s where an owner can change the lights, the music, the movie and even the security cameras. This same application can be shared among guests, so that everyone onboard can set the ambiance, the mood that they’re looking for. A key function is control: the owner of the superyacht can allow access to the lighting, to the audio but not to the security – for instance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248736/image/large-f5ae2af0aa33d3713606a194e804b275.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248736">&nbsp;Trusted by some of the world's leading shipyards, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, the approach of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> ecosystem has served itself well. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> ensures that superyachts, whether new-builds or refits, are delivered to their owners with an easy-to-use, tailor-made audio-visual and lighting system that has been created with the client, for the client – and the epicentre of this ecosystem is available on any device.“Functionality is so important to us, we knew that we had to do away with multiple remotes and devices. It just doesn’t add to the experience,” Danny Schouten, Manager Sales &amp; Technology of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a>, added. “Everyone has a device of some sort and knows how to use it. It makes much more sense to utilise the technology that our clients are familiar with.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248732/image/large-7826555dcdffc0775da127721cba2f15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248732"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3869" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eekels Technology BV (Company)">Eekels</a> is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a>’s parent company, and has a breadth of experience and expertise, developed over more than a century of operation. Eekels is a one-stop tech solution provider for yachting – and the maritime industry, more generally – and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> handles the entertainment and atmospheric side of things. The company works closely with the interior designers on any given project, to enhance the onboard experience. Superyachts embedded with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperienc</a>e solutions are seamless, well integrated and, when needed, entirely customised.&nbsp;For every project, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> conducts a needs assessment for each area of a superyacht, analysing how spaces are used and how best to curate and improve both mood and feel. With a broad portfolio of products, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marpower eXperience (Company)">Marpower eXperience</a> can confidently create bespoke features for the yacht’s many audio-visual units, from exterior lighting, to the overall connectivity onboard. Despite the acute attention paid to each of a superyacht’s regions, the approach remains holistic, considering the overall atmosphere which flows throughout the yacht to fashion the superyacht experience. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248737/image/large-e3f3ae86e1f3998b208dc5e7aad7100f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248737">

Marpower eXperience and onboard ambiance

SYT joined Marpower eXperience to learn more about the art of curating the perfect superyacht experience. 

Marpower eXperience and the art of curating onboard ambiance

Methanol propulsion systems in yachting are coming – and they’re coming fast. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>, the manufacturer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">mtu</a> engines, has created a roadmap for this vision, forging a number of partnerships on the way to create a watertight ecosystem that reifies a methanol future. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248463/image/large-aac4a16bea23817eb7bd251e667f87f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248463">Within this complex ecosystem are two anchors: an exclusive partnership with the Italian yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> and a second with the German powerhouse <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>. The former was announced at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cannes Yachting Festival - 2022">2022 Cannes Yachting Festival</a>, while the latter during the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show</a>. Both luxury yacht builders have secured the exclusive rights to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>’s forthcoming methanol system for the first pilot application on yachts; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> can equip it on a yacht up to 75-metres in length, while anything larger falls to Lürssen. We can expect to see <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> both deliver a yacht with a methanol propulsion system as soon as 2026 – perhaps even earlier.“We are working to have the first methanol engine in two different segments of the yacht market; one with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> for smaller yachts and the other with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> for superyachts,” Denise Kurtulus, Vice President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> Global Marine, told SuperYacht Times. “We are also working in the commercial space developing methanol engines for ferries and tug boats, so in the end we will have four demonstrators in total. At the same time we are developing a fuel cell, also based on methanol, so that you have just one fuel onboard – and this combination on a superyacht makes a lot of sense.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248464/image/large-7756e5c7618848d6b444df5348075b3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248464">The attraction to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> wasn’t based solely on &nbsp;long and fruitful relationships, Kurtulus explained. “The reason we chose to work with Sanlonrenzo and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> is because they both have very strong Research &amp; Development organisations and are extremely advanced with their thinking and operations.” In order for such a venture to be truly successful, conversations cannot be held in a vacuum, “we need builders, engineers and designers to join the conversations: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>can facilitate this.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has gone one step further with its partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> and its commitment to methanol, and is rolling out a ‘power to plant’ transformation. The German shipyard will soon alleviate its reliance on fossil fuels, leaning more heavily on hydrogen and methanol for its heat and power needs. An <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">mtu</a> combined heat and power system (CHP) based on a methanol engine will be used to deliver this. A beauty of this is that potential clients looking at methanol can be familiarised with methanol as a power source, as it can be seen in use. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247938/image/large-75ecff1795c3056e99a72cf8b952120f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247938">But while methanol propulsion systems might seem the end goal, it’s but one milestone in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>’s ambitious mission toward CO2 neutrality, which is holistic and all-encompassing on both the operation and product front. “Our Net Zero strategy covers our entire company,” Kurtulus said. “By 2030 we aim to reduce 35 percent of the CO2 emitted by our products compared to 2019, but we are also looking at ways to mitigate our carbon footprint on the production side of things. The plan is to be net zero by 2050, which is quite ambitious because our company spans many industries, including mining, oil and gas applications and, of course, maritime applications.”When it comes to alternative fuels, the debates are pretty heated in yachting, with different candidates, including hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>, though, the answer is quite clearly methanol. “After three years of detailed research, we can say with strong confidence that methanol is the best compromise compared to diesel,” Kurtulus said. “Of course we also see potential areas of other alternative fuel sources, but for marine applications methanol is unrivalled.”Tobias Kohl, Director Application Engineering Marine at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>, explained this further, “We developed a tool where we can run alternative fuel tests on prototypes of different boat types with different power demands and different load profiles. We went through this exercise with hydrogen, methanol and a number of other alternatives and found out that methanol, in comparison to diesel, only needs double the amount of volume. Whereas all the other alternatives required more volume, added more weight and oftentimes needed a more complex infrastructure to run.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248462/image/large-1895fd13a24ca13c56d87efdae1eaafa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248462">“Methanol is very attractive as we can achieve roughly two thirds of the power output that we normally get from our engines,” Kohl continued. “The engine itself will not be significantly larger than what we have today, and the fuel consumption of methanol is relatively similar to that of diesel. We are extremely confident that we can reach similar characteristics – power output, response of the engine, vibration, etc – of our diesel engines with methanol.”The actual size of the engine is a major consideration as it influences the ability to retrofit these solutions further down the line. “A methanol propulsion system is an entirely different technology to that of diesel, so when our new engines become readily available the entire system will need to be changed. But we’re trying to achieve a solution whereby the process is as quick and easy as possible,” Kurtulus explained. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> will achieve this by designing its methanol engines in keeping with the general characteristics of its diesel one, particularly in regards to size and shape, to ensure that the design and layout of the engine room itself is not impacted.If we’re to see a methanol future we need to see systemic changes and an infrastructure rolled out to facilitate refuelling. Due to the very nature of the industry, this infrastructure needs to be rolled out worldwide, or otherwise owners will have to rely on onboard solutions. “Infrastructure issues are something we learned the hard way, when we developed the first LNG engine,” Kurtulus confessed. “We were hoping 10 years ago that LNG would be the fuel of the future, but the infrastructure did not follow.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248461/image/large-79cada119250c895839135b3edfbceeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248461">Even though LNG didn’t take off in the way it was hoped for, the engine itself has provided the basis for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>’s methanol engine. “The methanol engine is a spark-ignited engine, so it’s much closer to a gas engine than a diesel one. And the fact that we’ve already developed gas engines means that we’ll be extremely fast to the market with methanol,” Kurtulus added. “Furthermore, we learned that we need to have conversations early about infrastructure and regulations, and we’re well ahead of this already. We’re working with methanol producers all over the world to make sure that the infrastructure and regulations support this transition. And the good news is that methanol is today available in more or less every commercial port around the world.”

Rolls-Royce methanol-powered superyachts with Lürssen and Sanlorenzo by 2026

SYT caught up with Roll-Royce to hear more about its roadmap with Lürssen and Sanlorenzo for a methanol future. 

Rolls-Royce on its roadmap to delivering methanol-powered superyachts with Lürssen and Sanlorenzo by 2026

SuperYacht Times is pleased to announce the new and improved <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>, which is augmented by AI to further streamline the superyacht experience. We’ve done away with the necessity for the captain and crew to input data, whether that’s itineraries, destination guides and route planning, and brought in a team of experts and utilised AI to supply this information.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6EHokp2c6n8?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> “<a href="https://www.yachteye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> continues to entertain owners and guests with information about the destinations they’re visiting and the surrounding environment – including any yachts that they may pass,” Merijn de Waard, Founder and Director of SuperYacht Times, explained. “Being AI-driven, the new and improved <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> will be brimming with even more content, even more entertainment, making the yachting experience all the more exciting.”To see how <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> can improve your yachting experience, you can <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">book a demo here</a>.&nbsp;All of our videos can be found on our YouTube channel and we would love to hear your feedback, so please leave a comment on our YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook.&nbsp;You can also reach us by email at <a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" title="">news@superyachttimes.com</a>!

All new YachtEye AI

SYT is introducing the all-new YachtEye AI. YachtEye AI improves the superyacht experience for guests, removing the necessity for crew to input data. 

Video: Introducing the all-new YachtEye AI

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radio Zeeland DMP (Company)">Radio Zeeland DMP B.V.</a>, one of the leading manufacturers of maritime electronics, has recently launched a new solution: the Z-Bridge. To hear all about the latest product from the Netherlands-based electronics company, we sat down with Benno van der Velde, Sales Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radio Zeeland DMP (Company)">Radio Zeeland DMP B.V.</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247992/image/large-129aa61ba96bfb972ad3c15685120bae.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247992">What are some of the benefits that the newly-launched Z-Bridge offers?&nbsp;The Z-Bridge is a solid all-in-one pre-engineered system that has the coveted <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> approval certificate. A typical installation comprises; intelligent modular foil control panels for bridge and outdoor control positions, a wheelhouse desk console and one or more NavCom racks. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The system can also be modular configured with a whole host of well-known navigation systems: Synapsis NX from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raytheon AnschÃ¼tz GmbH (Company)">Raytheon Anschütz</a>, K-Bridge from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kongsberg Maritime (Company)">Kongsberg</a>, Rhodium from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4727" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RH Marine (Company)">RH Marine</a> and the Voyager from Furuno.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248002/image/large-01d545ba7bb889ee104f4ab89470d726.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248002">What makes the Z-Bridge stand out from its preceding bridges?&nbsp;This new and updated solution not only has a fresh new design that’s more aesthetically pleasing, but it also hosts even more state-of-the-art interfacing features. We’ve worked hard to develop all areas; however, we’ve paid special attention to the automation, AV/IT, security and NavCom functions. Installation time has also been reduced by approximately 70 percent due to the new plug-and-play features of the Z-Bridge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247996/image/large-4e5b1792b035b330d04b488b4716aff9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247996">Why should a client choose&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radio Zeeland DMP (Company)">Radio Zeeland DMP B.V.</a>&nbsp;over its competitors?&nbsp;We are a one-stop-shop for the delivery, integration and installation of our navigation systems. At &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radio Zeeland DMP (Company)">Radio Zeeland DMP B.V.</a> we don’t sell a product, but a solution. We know the time, stress and efforts of enlisting third party agents for different areas of an installation – there’s a high risk of crossover. We’ve cut this out entirely and handle the process, start to finish, for our customers so they only have to have one or two conversations with us and we’ll handle everything. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247997/image/large-97b7ae9b1b629932ef27ea2b9020df71.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247997">Can you go into a bit more detail about this “high-risk of crossover”?As we handle everything in-house we not only source and manufacture the product, but we also handle the installation of our bridge systems. We can then have 100 percent faith in our solution; we run vigorous testing at our facilities of each individual component and part. Once we’re happy we then roll out the installation.The practical benefits of this is that we’ve got our own mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, project and field service engineers and lead commissioning engineers. Our clients don’t need to spend time sourcing manpower for a job and they don’t need to stress about time frames or running costs – we handle all of this.&nbsp;Installations can get a little messy without an in-house team as you need good communication and planning skills to work all together in such a small space. As I said, we’re a one-stop-shop and that is for everything; our clients receive a solution, not a product from us.&nbsp;

Z-Bridge the integrated system from Radio Zeeland

SYT joined radio Radio Zeeland to learn about its Z-Bridge.

Introducing the highly sophisticated integrated bridge system from Radio Zeeland DMP

The 2023 edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2023">Palm Beach International Boat Show</a> is quickly approaching and with the show growing in size and presence over the last few years, the list of attending yachts has too. SYT takes a look at some of the yachts making their debut at this year’s show.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261618/image/large-310aa13a14fb03717d92147db6df666c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261618"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calex67.0m (219'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2022">Calex</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>&nbsp;| 67-metres&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> announced last week that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calex67.0m (219'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2022">Calex</a> will make her world debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2023">Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023</a>. Delivered in Spring 2022, she features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta Yacht Designers</a>, while her interiors are by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s in-house studio. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calex67.0m (219'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2022">Calex</a> offers accommodation for as many as 14 guests across seven well-appointed staterooms. She is 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 and her engine room is “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s first on a full custom yacht this size to fully comply with TIER III regulations.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)">67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260219/image/large-2ba852a3ee460474d6217b9299d5d529.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260219"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>&nbsp;| 60-metres | 2023<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a>, also known as&nbsp;Witchcraft, was delivered in 2023 as part of the <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/amels" target="_blank">Amels</a> 60 Limited Editions series. The 60-metre superyacht features an exterior design by Monaco-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, while each unit has a unique interior design. The owners of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a> worked closely with Canada-based design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6415" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burdifilek (Company)">Burdifilek</a>, which developed a luxurious and serene interior. With 853 GT and six spacious staterooms, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a> can easily accommodate as many as 12 guests. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262122/image/large-cf0d7d04a3d7e56de64acf9e65977ac8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262122"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave</a>&nbsp;| 35.57-metres&nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a> was launched last year as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave</a> 116 series and will be making her public debut at the show. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave Custom Yachts</a> with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jack Sarin Naval Architects, Inc. (Company)">Jack Sarin Naval Architects</a>. Her interiors were penned by Yacht Interiors by Shelley and she can sleep up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57187" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard: 36m Hargrave motor yacht Romeo Foxtrot (2023-03-20 13:00:00 +0100)">Onboard: 36m Hargrave motor yacht Romeo Foxtrot</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262210/image/large-1e52d2ef6032f0c1b13ee110ea848248.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262210"></a>Numarine 26XP Fast | Numarine | 25.7-metres The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> 26XP Fast is the planing hull version of the already popular <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> 26 XP model and is considered by the shipyard to be the fastest explorer yacht. She is equipped with twin 1,800 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines which propel her to an impressive top speed of 31 knots. Much like her sistership, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> 26XP Fast features exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1211" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Can Yalman (Company)">Can Yalman</a>, with a near-vertical bow and a 65 square-metre flybridge.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/262199/image/large-501a3cdff79b9c206dbdfc3d3a9d5ead.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230320%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230320T162157Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=61ccd418c1a33054f83772a6796219e2d26f374e6133642b85f0c272d1a9a2ce" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262199">wallypower58X |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>&nbsp;| 17.3-metresThe wallypower58X is the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> yacht to be fitted with the new 600hp <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5750" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mercury Marine (Company)">Mercury</a> V12 Verado quadruple engine configuration. With 2,400 horsepower on the transom, the stable and efficient deep V-hull can reach an exhilarating 50 knots. The wallypower58X yacht is able to carry up to 16 guests onboard and has a range of 290 nautical miles.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/262201/image/large-6833dd060faeacd24b8ba0c050ba57e2.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230320%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230320T162157Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=23a0c16daa239fe44b619dc293edfbea55c316e85315e9acb2c3bbdbd0ced3d9" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262201">Sirena 48 |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena Yachts</a>&nbsp;| 15.96-metres&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena</a> 48 is the smallest model to date from the shipyard and features interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena Marine</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>. She is able to accommodate up to six guests across three staterooms as well as an optional crew member of one. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena</a> 48 is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a> engines that provide her with a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 23.5 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260286/image/large-35f42735a2c7505068a5370ac24112be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260286">Zeelander 5 |<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;Zeelander Yachts&nbsp;</a>| 14.72-metres&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander Yachts (Company)">Zeelander</a> 5 is an evolution of the award-winning Z44 and features a timeless design, curved aesthetic and silent cruising experience. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander Yachts (Company)">Zeelander</a> 5 is produced in limited quantities at the Netherlands-based facility, and is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> IPS 500 engines.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57054" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander 5 to preview at Palm Beach Boat International Show 2023 (2023-03-02 12:15:00 +0100)">Zeelander 5 to preview at Palm Beach Boat International Show 2023</a>You can find SYT’s full list of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57085" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The largest yachts attending Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-06 16:45:00 +0100)">largest yachts attending Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 here</a>.

Yacht debuts at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023

SYT takes a look at some of the yachts making their debut at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show.

The 36.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King (Company)">Ocean King</a> Ducale 120 superyacht is preparing for launch at the Chioggia shipyard in Venice, Italy. The displacement yacht is the first in the Ducale 120 series and is expected to be delivered to her new owners later this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262253/image/large-1c68a0a57f95ca53763d3ccb2308f077.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262253"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262252/image/large-c6759871ef93e3effd9571e18083a0b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262252">The Ducale 120 features interior and exterior design by Italy-based design house <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VYD Studio (Company)">VYD Studio</a>, with naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="InNave (Company)">InNave</a>. The yacht features a steel and aluminium superstructure with an interior volume of 334 GT.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262250/image/large-653ec37a46025b7163b69f1890f5d221.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262250"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262249/image/large-8baaf558f1906cb3f8fda514fa82d26c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262249">The interior of the Ducale 120 yacht is characterised by modern and elegant lines, exhibiting a harmonious balance between interior and exterior spaces. Her guests will be able to enjoy expanses of light thanks to the vast side windows that can be opened to full height on the side walkways.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56117" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="36m Ocean King Ducale 120 undergoes technical launch in Italy (2022-11-10 16:45:00 +0100)">36m Ocean King Ducale 120 undergoes technical launch in Italy<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262248/image/large-49a3276d7925e5858b705323790640c2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262248"></a>In terms of accommodation, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King (Company)">Ocean King</a> yacht has a five stateroom layout for up to 12 guests, as well as being able to host a crew of seven between four cabins.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262246/image/large-7427115ff2a3491a037b6eebdfdc6f92.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262246">Some of her key features include two swimming pools with a seawater swimming pool built between the wide and deep stern beach club and the main deck. The second swimming pool is heated and located on the sun deck, surrounded by large sun beds and a bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262251/image/large-d10167350a6dfb4e7c9631001aa04d5a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262251"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262245/image/large-fb5c3f51ae2f4dde047a038f63d0adf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262245">The team is now waiting for high tide tomorrow morning, when she will be loaded onto a floating pontoon so that he propellors can be fitted. She is expected to be in the water in the coming days and for sea trials to begin towards the end of the week. Performance-wise, the Ducale 120 is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines that allow her to reach a top speed of 14 knots, with a cruising speed of 12 knots.&nbsp;

Ocean King’s 37m Ducale 120 yacht launched

Ocean King has announced the launch of the 37m Ocean King Ducale 120 motor yacht in Italy.

First 37m Ocean King Ducale 120 superyacht prepares for launch

Vilanova i La Geltrú has been announced as the host venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a>. The first-ever Preliminary Regatta will take place from 14 until 17 September 2023.Vilanova i La Geltrú is a small city 45 kilometres southwest along the coast from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> 37th edition host venue Barcelona. Racing will take place outside the port entrance, affording excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262196/image/large-33448642745d58b02640549e1330693d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262196">“The Port of Vilanova i la Geltrú is perfectly set up to host the first Preliminary Event of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">AC37</a> with everything in such close proximity to the race course,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> Event CEO Grant Dalton. “Racing will be just metres from the port entrance and prime viewing places will be offered from the La Daurada alongside huge public areas for a great fan village.” The regatta will also be broadcast through a dedicated <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> television production.“The magnificent facilities of Pendennis Vilanova and Vilanova Grand Marina will serve as the technical area which will host the team bases and their AC40’s and, of course, we will be proud to align with the Club Nàutic Vilanova as the local yacht club for the event,” added Grant Dalton.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/190141/image/large-6046e01182749f07cc54236cc31928fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/190141">The regatta will be sailed in the fleet of AC40’s in strict One Design class measurement as will be used for the Youth and Women’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cups</a>. This ensures the boats are equally matched and the winner will be decided based on sailing technique and foiling race-craft. The regatta gives a first glimpse of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> elite teams in action.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262244/image/large-b92e95b659650492c92f50bea76e980d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262244">Albert Castellanos, Secretary for Business and Competitiveness of the Department of Business and Employment of the Generalitat de Catalunya added, "The confirmation of Vilanova i la Geltrú as the venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">37th America's Cup-Barcelona 2024</a> is great news that confirms the commitment of the organisation to bring the sport of sailing to the whole territory, projecting our image to hundreds of millions of people around the world.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262243/image/large-84ded0f239c908bbd09494895bf9c5a7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262243">The Club Nàutic Vilanova, a large sailing club based in the region, is lending its support to the regatta with its world-class facilities and infrastructure.In addition, the La Daurada restaurant and event venue, La Daurada, will become the social focal point of the regatta. The 10,000 square metre venue overlooks the regatta course, making it an ideal space to host the press centre and hospitality facilities. Mayor of Vilanova, Olga Arnau, said, “I am sure that our town will be a fantastic venue for the competition in the eyes of the world.”

Vilanova i La Geltrú to host AC37 preliminary regatta

Vilanova i La Geltrúhas been announced as the host venue for the preliminary regatta of the America’s Cup in September 2023.

Vilanova i La Geltrú to host Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup

The yacht tender builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> is known for its sophisticated level of construction and engineering when it comes to fibreglass and carbonfibre vessels. The Australia-based shipyard builds to a vast array of requirements, while ensuring that each tender meets its high quality and integrity standards– and the 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is no exception.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194897/image/large-c15d1dc96cc0b109711ae0053b191d81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194897">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is a customisable tender that is able to mirror elements and details of her mothership. The sleek enclosed tender allows owners to adapt her proven design to create a cohesive fleet, while retaining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a>’s immaculate finish.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194836/image/large-93114644962e04f827a32e7ac682208c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194836">The 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is of unique distinction, packed with features that make her stand out from other competitors. Her stylish exterior includes side decks that run the full length of the cabin, making access from helm aft on both sides functional, and safe for crew and guests alike.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194905/image/large-78ad2d761e88bc16d90a5af3f5af1343.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194905">The quality and construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> tenders is second to none, with features specific to both the owners requests and imagination. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine introduces guests to safe and relaxing yachting with an impressive interior design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194903/image/large-9530354a0398235c15d08f368c7c1c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194903"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194901/image/large-934b9cfa0c098ab5f950f900dcf0d8e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194901">The 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender welcomes guests onboard from her boarding foyer and accommodates them with excellent headroom. Her 2.49-metre beam complements her comfortable seating to allow for a safe and reliable journey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194834/image/large-d19db97e595c8f3a6eca26d852321121.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194834">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is able to carry up to 12 guests, alongside a crew of two to ensure that guests always receive the highest quality of service to match her impressive performance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194832/image/large-71a0abbf17b69f7842bff204a0fabd93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194832">Guests onboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine are also able to take advantage of her large windows and spacious air-conditioned interior, as well as her height-adjustable roof. The adaptable roof is electrically operated and auto lockable at any height, and allows the owner to control the airflow through the cabin when moving or stationary.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194906/image/large-07090327e83dfe557ca9f5cd473ab1cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194906">The uber-sleek and sophisticated design of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender allows for easy storage when not in use. At just 1.86-metres in height, she is able to fit into a very low transom garage, making her a versatile tender.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194895/image/large-b86a2f0d91e499c0ee22d5083e8a88d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194895">Performance-wise, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> D3, 200 horsepower engines as standard. With an eye-watering top speed of 38 knots, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine includes steering and throttle by wire, a single throttle control and joystick docking.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194881/image/large-906c02ada528698d204bb8dc1f23e22c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194881">In terms of propulsion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender is fitted with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> DPS Duoprop drives with twin horsepower bow thrusters to ensure that guests always arrive at their destination efficiently and in style.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194835/image/large-2a042d68bcf97d71bab68228413bd689.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194835">

Introducing the Vikal SP 8.1m Limousine tender

Introducing the Vikal SP 8.1m Limousine tender, packed with features that make her stand out from other competitors.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messerschmitt Yachts GmbH (Company)">Messerschmitt Yacht Design</a> have unveiled the renderings for a new 78.8-metre superyacht concept, MTT-Shield. The concept was created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> in collaboration with Swiss design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messerschmitt Yachts GmbH (Company)">Messerschmitt Yachts</a>. She was designed for long-range journeys across all oceans, described as an oceangoing ‘long bonnet racing car’. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262194/image/large-044eb13941c2061b56e7fba0bd70b4b7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262194">MTT-Shield offers three different entry points. Guests can board at the stern thanks to a large twin platform and twin staircases ascending to the main deck aft. Alternatively, guests can also enter via the hydraulic foldable gangway on the starboard side. The third major access point is the large helipad, featuring broad staircases on both sides that lead to a hidden relaxation area in front of the wheel house. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262188/image/large-f2174d1c3483f189dbb013534f807611.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262188">Inside, MTT-Shield provides a sumptuous interior and several lounges to ensure a comfortable stay onboard. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, passengers are spoiled with splendid panoramic views of the ocean. The main saloon features large sliding doors on either side to fill the space with fresh air. The central elevator connects each of the four levels, allowing for easy access throughout the yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262192/image/large-ec2f821ea18661565946ce9498f9b4ea.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262192">Her six-stateroom configuration includes a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, with the remaining guest staterooms situated on the lower deck. The spacious owner’s suite benefits from a private office, dressing room, and a balcony, creating a private hideaway onboard. She is able to accommodate up to 18 crew to ensure her guests have a comfortable cruising experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262191/image/large-881ffdb9a6ba1f510577553646482102.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262191">MTT-Shield’s exterior boasts numerous luxurious amenities, perfect for lengthier cruises. On her lower deck, guests can wind-down in the fully-equipped spa, which contains a plunge pool, hammam, and a sauna. Her generously-sized tender garage is able to store a plethora of toys, so guests can turn the ocean into their own personal playground.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262190/image/large-d031fb666e06d2a390673752cd5c5aba.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262190">Up on the main deck lies more lounging areas, including a large Jacuzzi, and an alfresco dining area for 12, shaded to block any uncomfortable sunlight while dining. A bar, ideal for evening cocktails, is located next to the dining area. Her sundeck features a fitness area, another Jacuzzi, and more seating options, so guests can sit back and relax after a satisfying training session.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262195/image/large-2b7cfd9f4716a88dd5cff69aa84d8db5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262195">Performance-wise, the motor yacht is able to reach a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Nobiskrug unveils new 79m superyacht concept MTT-Shield

Nobiskrug and Messerschmitt Yacht Design have unveiled the renderings for a new 78.8-metre superyacht concept, MTT-Shield.

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MTT-Shield: Nobiskrug and Messerschmitt Yacht Design unveil new 79m superyacht concept

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has acquired a 70,000 square-metre located production site in Ravenna, Italy, which was financed entirely with equity raised by the company’s listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> is a world leader in the design, construction, and sales of luxury yachts. Led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> owns and manages seven shipyards across Italy and has recently announced the acquisition of a new production facility in San Vitale, province of Ravenna.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205162/image/large-55c378269a7c50145cf5561442898726.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205162">“Ravenna is the right home for Wally sailing yachts and the expansion of our other brands, starting with the extraordinary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a> Yachts<a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti InFYnito 9026.97m (88'6&quot;)">&nbsp;INFYNITO&nbsp;</a>range. We choose Italy again and invest not only to become stronger but also to hold the flag high for an industry that is a symbol of our country: luxury yachting and the extensive entrepreneurship and artisan craftsmanship network that is the admiration and envy of the entire world,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> CEO, &nbsp;Alberto Galassi. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220951/image/large-395cb676eccc2227c5cd58d5e78808e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220951"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">The Ferretti Group</a> will invest a total cost of 80 million euros towards the 70,000 square-metre site, including a dry dock. The initial acquisition investment cost the Italian company around 40 million euros, while over the next three years, a further 40 million euros will be needed to craft new production spaces and an R&amp;D centre.&nbsp;This acquisition underpins the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group’s</a> ambitions and growth strategy, with this recent facility looking to enable them to increase their production by 20%. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group&nbsp;</a>CEO Alberto Galassi explains how this “acquisition keeps a promise” as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> “have big plans and picture a state-of-the-art production site from every point of view: worker well-being, positive social impact, and environmental protection.” The new space is conveniently close to their Forlì headquarters and Cattolica shipyard. Other investments from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> have included expansions across the La Spezia and Ancona Superyacht Yard, which aligns with the Italian company’s five-year growth strategy.

Ferretti Group expands and acquires a Ravenna site

Ferretti Group acquires a production site in Ravenna, forming part of their five-year growth strategy.



Ferretti Group acquires 70,000 square-metre production site in Ravenna, Italy

Unique superyacht beach clubs

SuperYacht Times has rounded up some of the best Superyacht beach clubs featuring wellness spas, swimming pools, cocktail bars, and much more. 

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A closer look at 5 unique superyacht beach clubs

The 26.42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> was sold in an in-house deal by Brandon Barnes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>, who represented both the buyer and the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254430/image/large-a0023b2be0985dcb1a2d8b5155130bb1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254430"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> was delivered in 2016 from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow’s</a> shipyard in China. She was fully designed by her builder, who provided her with the finest equipment and the newest generation of technology. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254437/image/large-04598ded75d11d7f95f1da2542fa1b39.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254437"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> features a functional layout with a spacious and modern interior. Her main saloon is surrounded by windows and contains a white L-shaped sofa accompanied by armchairs, a wide-screen television, and a bar forward. She can accommodate up to eight guests across four sumptuous staterooms, including a full-beam master suite with plenty of storage space. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254428/image/large-dd644a92e665bfe35bffc068bcc687b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254428"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254427/image/large-20f7b4c9f320669aa0e95fd6bcd351b6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254427">Her exterior decks offer numerous seating options, including a wet bar equipped with a grill area and fridge, sunbeds, and an alfresco dining table.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254423/image/large-56b84ad6e71c941b2c8cb4815bd47601.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254423">Performance-wise, the 131 GT motor yacht is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, allowing her to reach a top speed of 29 knots and a cruising speed of 24 knots. At the time of her sale, she had a last-known asking price of $3,695,000.

26m Marlow motor yacht Never My Love sold

The 26.42-metre Marlow motor yacht Never My Love sold with a last-known asking price of $3,695,000.

Yachting Dinner Night, the culinary event dedicated to the leading players of the contemporary superyacht scene, arrived for the second time in Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Italy. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261856/image/large-eec070df5f80b9517b72715376fdaa6f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261856">The previous two editions in Pietrasanta and Amsterdam were a great success and inspired curators <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Towant (Company)">TOWANT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates (Company)">Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates</a> to replicate the event once again. The dinner was held on 14 March.Five shipyards competed against one another to present the best dish to an audience of nautical-architectural practices, international design brands and the press. As “chefs”, the shipyards are the protagonists of Yachting Dinner Night, with each proposing a dish that tells something about its history, philosophy or projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261852/image/large-d7a00d30a1e0cc0e4594379d2d9efc9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261852"><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>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, Amer Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> took to the kitchen for the first Yachting Dinner Night of 2023. But before guests were invited to sit down and enjoy the curated dishes, a presentation of both Yachting Dinner Night and its protagonists was held nearby at Barbara Paci Art Gallery, a contemporary gallery in Pietrasanta historical centre. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261858/image/large-84d8562ed31eb60691909eb4135aada9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261858"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261860/image/large-ba54d365d65d7465b248ce2cd191c475.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261860"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261862/image/large-f038aec91cc2bd29865690bbf6c60a60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261862">The dinner itself was hosted at the vibrant kitchen that conjoins the gallery, Ristorante Filippo. The shipyards arranged a five courses menu of creative dishes: Sinergia, a typical capponada from Liguria; OSS-Paragus Bake, a silver-plated fish &amp; asparagus that pays tribute to Heesen’s Dutch origins; The Blooming Effect, a green risotto with flowers from Sanremoen tradition; Muscoli a km 0, mussels from La Spezia, Italy; and The Origin of Beauty, a special dessert to celebrate Benetti’s 150th birthday.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261863/image/large-85f4db16e99c3b81f62cbe1f2175dfe9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261863"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261853/image/large-010395619f68ac51dc8ee1ff8dd596b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261853"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261855/image/large-af00dac7a67359fda6ad2c1efe1cc516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261855">Cesana, Dornbracht, Flos, Model Maker Group and Videoworks, as well as representatives from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, formed the jury. While the media, including a representative of SuperYacht Times, had a separate vote for the press award. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261857/image/large-e93a29bcd270f8332c10e6858b5daa66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261857">The votes were cast and, while all shipyards were awarded merit and praise for their participation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> was the unanimous winner, claiming both the Yachting Dinner Night Award and the Press Award.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57183" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A recap of the Amsterdam Yachting Dinner Night (2022-11-28 11:00:00 +0100)">A recap of the Amsterdam Yachting Dinner Night</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261859/image/large-adf7ce7d3cb26ba833f12d9d578956d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261859">Yachting Dinner Night once again proved to be a great success, promising to become a staple event that moves from location to location. Organisers <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Towant (Company)">TOWANT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates (Company)">Ceragioli-Storåkers</a> are already planning the next dinner, which will be held in the Principality of Monaco. This convivial event, aimed at engaging guests, has aroused a lot of interest in building and nurturing networks in the world of yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261861/image/large-f9ff5e3309acce59c6501543a20bce15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261861">

Yachting Dinner Night in Pietrasanta before YARE 

Yachting Dinner Night had a successful third event, held in Pietrasanta Italy. Benetti was named winner with its desert Origin of Beauty. 

A third success for Yachting Dinner Night in Pietrasanta

After a three day battle is customary high winds and bright sunshine, the 33.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Denship A/S (Company)">Royal Denship</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the St Barths Bucket 2023 over this weekend. 25 yachts competed between the five racing classes that took part in this year's event; Les Gazelles, Les Elegantes, Les Mademoiselles, L'Esprit 1 and L'Esprit 2 (the Corinthian Spirit Class). <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, the 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a>, a regular on the race circuit, took home the prize for best owner driven performance, while her sistership the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a> 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1226" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prana51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2006">Prana</a>, was awarded best starter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262098/image/large-a9663124253318752df558799d73ca73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262098"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262018/image/large-d987aa7f202ad57c9f622d7c1de9f44b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262018"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262068/image/large-da7bd64052ae4e40c41a7d94b6f1afe1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262068">Race Day 1The first day of the regatta saw the fleet sail counterclockwise in an 28-25 knot northerly, with the conditions forcing three yachts to withdraw from the 20-26 nautical mile course.&nbsp;“After our light-air training this week, today was a wake-up call, but expected,” said Tom Whidden, helmsman for the smallest yacht in the fleet, the 28 metre ketch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>, which won Les Mademoiselles. “It was really rough in the corner on the other side of the island, on the way to the rock (a natural mark of the course named Ile Fourchue), but we were happy with the crew work and the boat management.” Whidden has won the Bucket before on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>&nbsp;and twice more on different entries (including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, last year). He added with a chuckle, “You see, the captains of these boats tell you they will kill you if you break anything, so you have to be careful with your resources.” &nbsp;(<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, sailing this year against Whidden’s team, retired due to a headstay furler that broke near Ile Fourche.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262024/image/large-7b2364e42cda9f5e3493ba2c97459efa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262024"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262022/image/large-55d4467729a449d63a85cf4909f28a41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262022">Peter King, navigator aboard the 52 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, which won L’Esprit 1, said his team “didn’t have the best start but made up for it later and didn’t break anything.” This is King’s fifth time competing in the Bucket and first time sailing in the “Corinthian Spirit” class. More important, it is the first time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a> has ever raced period, so the yacht’s owner is delighted. “The owner loves to drive, so he drove the whole time and did a great job,” said King.The 44-metre schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>, one of the most elegant yachts in the L'Esprit 2 fleet, recorded a 43.5 degree of heel on its winning sprint. “We were taking a lot of water over the deck but we were under control,” said guest crew Jakob Havrlant, who counts this as his first Bucket but says it won’t be his last. “Some of the sloops were catching us upwind, but we were a reaching machine on the other legs. It was a perfect race for us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262032/image/large-3b5b9f18e2aeb1b28744676f0fdc61b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262032"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262031/image/large-0ec3a3f6dab99fc18126e6e86b5123fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262031">Race Day 2The second day saw yet another high wind event with 25-27 knots over the 23-26 nautical mile course. “It was a lot of wave action and wind, with gust of 25-27 knots,” said Steve Rowland, the owner/driver of the 34 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>, which now leads Les Mademoiselles after suffering a steering problem and finishing fourth yesterday. “It made for a lot of hard work, but we won, so I guess that was a good thing!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262028/image/large-63d1c5872098bfe93ae5d3dd11b57f38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262028"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262030/image/large-4420de271e2f182aa983a156bd435a38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262030">The yacht was the fourth to cross the start line, but was the first to cross the finish line, despite an issue with her spinnaker during the opening leg. She managed to peg <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> to cross the line first, followed closely by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262103/image/large-eb6046c44b2cb0daea1b7999db055ee6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262103"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262104/image/large-2e8fe29f68d01d3f44b25d15f34e30d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262104">In Les Gazelles class the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> took the top spot, overtaking the Day 1 winner, another <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>. “Yesterday we got stuck behind some other boats and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>, faster on the reaches, beat us right at the end,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>’s Captain Will Glenn, explaining that today, with longer downwind legs than yesterday, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> had an advantage. “It is what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>&nbsp;is designed for, and tomorrow’s course has lots of downwind in it, too, so we are confident we can win.”In the L’Esprit 2 Columbia once again took the top spot, with the 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/401" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q52.0m (170'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Q</a> close behind her and 56.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Melek56.01m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2010">Melek</a> taking the third position.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262038/image/large-cc10bb13691545eabe92a582675dd8ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262038"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262057/image/large-864b8c3fbf9a53d71b6cfac7007f653a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262057">Race Day 3The wind on this last day of the three-day series toned down ever so slightly to 18-24 knots, giving sailors somewhat of a reprieve from the 20-26 knots that prevailed on Friday and Saturday. In all classes, the leaders of Day 2 held their own to clinch overall victory on the final race day.“The wind and sea state was definitely at the upper end for some boats, and certainly for the Race Committee making decisions,” said Race Chairman Peter Craig. “Typically, we sail around the island on Sunday, but we made a decision to keep the boats in the lee of St. Barths for the larger part of today’s race with a course option that was newly added to the Bucket this year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262059/image/large-752263cd59cbb776f083830aeaf328c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262059"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262060/image/large-e591bf54e38666089bf3a4465ed2aa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262060"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the six-boat Mademoiselles to take overall victory in that class with a 4-1-1 score line. “I’m over the top about it,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>’s owner/driver Steve Rowland, explaining that this is his fourth Bucket with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> and his first class win, not to mention overall victory, which is decided by a number of factors including performance and time differentials. “We were in a three-way tie going into today with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>, so we knew we had to beat both of them. I tried not to think of anything but getting to the finish line once we had passed Bequia (the 28 metre ketch that started ahead) in the final miles of the race and had <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> (the 37 metre sloop that started behind) gaining on us from behind.” (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> finished second and third, respectively, in overall results.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262087/image/large-eefdccb01be2ca2a8ff27ac454f9585f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262087">In the L’Esprit 2 Corinthia Spirit Class Columbia held her own and was the only class winner to also win every one of her races. The 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was her closest competitor, taking the second position. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262015/image/large-673bdaf099414fbd8852e797abee99af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262015">“In both the first and second races, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was ahead of us,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>’s tactician Tony Rey, “and I have to give credit to our crew members who handled the spinnaker, because we were able to pass them back both times on downwind legs.” On day one, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> started first and finished first, putting others on alert that this was not just a modern-built recreation of a 1924 fishing schooner that would be slogging around the course. “The boat’s like one of those old flexible flyer sleds you might have had when you were a kid; everything moves and bends but it keeps moving ahead,” said Rey. “We had a mix of traditional schooner sailors and grand prix sailors working together. Our navigator Nacho Postigo helped bring some digital know-how to an analog boat and tracked our progress over the last three days; it was nice to see how we improved as a team.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262092/image/large-9842c9b7f11fc4741ac716d38bb4b863.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262092"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262094/image/large-8f33ee74c55528b13ccf3ce367b5faa7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262094">

St Barths Bucket 2023 results

The St Barths Bucket 2023 came to a close over the weekend with Nakupenda taking the top spot.

St Barths Bucket 2023: Nakupenda winner, with Red Dragon and Prana awarded special prizes 

After previewing its latest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Future Concept earlier this week, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has unveiled the full details of the 81.75-metre superyacht Pure.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207081/image/large-22dd31e4d3621cfba36f57c9025775f8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207081">Inspired by past <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Future concepts, Pure is the culmination of technologically and ecologically-forward innovations utilised by the Dutch shipyard in the past. The concept was developed by designers Jan Schaffers and Tanno Weeda and in close collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207085/image/large-ccf9f7812554afbab431510be3be1b00.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207085">“At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> we are used to designing totally bespoke yachts for clients with every aspect driven by their individual desires. Pure synthesises all the know-how gained in recent times over the types of spaces and exteriors which owners ask for in the purest way possible, following the red thread of these wishes. Many of us are inherently reluctant to truly explore what our actual needs are and Pure takes a deep dive down this path. To slightly paraphrase the famous Steve Jobs quote, ‘people don't always know what they want until you actually show them’, explains designer Jan Schaffers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206780/image/large-d39c169f0568f81427606a2fac3d2813.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206780">Characterised by openness, one of Pure’s most focal aesthetic and social points is her three-deck atrium. The complexity of the design – though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> claims it can be “built tomorrow” – is centered around two interior structural components, which are also home to the main deck bar to port and the main stairwell to starboard. The indoor-outdoor atrium is adorned with a massive glass facade which creates a sense of openness, but also provides privacy among her balconies and terraces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207082/image/large-ea08e5d597f4d18cf87394b9739df941.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207082"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207080/image/large-856d35a6ae917437b5b3846609a9a13d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207080">The five-deck superyacht features ample deck space including a sun deck with a spacious Jacuzzi, a fire pit, a bar situated amidships, and an al fresco dining area. Her generous beach club is accessed via two curved staircases from the main deck aft to the yacht’s transom. Amidships, a retractable Jacuzzi can be deployed allowing guests to enjoy the water from directly above the sea. With two tender garages situated on the foredeck, the remainder of the main deck is dedicated to dining and lounge facilities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207084/image/large-9968aaa0a62b703dac7aa97ad1f7b9fb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207084"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206781/image/large-b6affdeb501db7370199d4375f5ef1fc.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206781">Pure does not have a wheelhouse in a traditional sense. The yacht is operated from a concealed command centre where all of the yacht’s operations are simulated and displayed on screens.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207072/image/large-e787673d191f761997eedb4eb9b6adf5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207072">“We recognise that the Command Centre is a controversial proposal that may lead to resistance, but such solutions are already common on subs and naval vessels,” says Bram Jongepier, a senior specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>. He continues, “Superyachts revolve around their owners and many prefer to have a forward facing stateroom with panoramic views in the place where a wheelhouse normally is. Placing the bridge higher up impacts the profile. The Command Centre is a viable solution and at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> we see this as a big topic for discussion within the industry.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207069/image/large-c4c202a731aa6ee7c712a6832da7ac77.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207069"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207070/image/large-490b32dafe1057b0c069495cda22bfce.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207070"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207071/image/large-0757b25ac2c7081e8524a49bc0783654.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207071">Pure’s designers have forecasted three different propulsion systems that will likely become available in the coming years. With an initial possible delivery of 2024, two upgrades in 2027 and 2030, respectively, can sport alternative forward-thinking systems.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207077/image/large-4c03b420a5949951385443b8f5ee80fc.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207077"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207075/image/large-63a5ea5644a1b92ab922af08201fc80e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207075">The first would utilise a diesel electric energy hybrid with a battery pack and generators which run on fossil or renewable diesel fuels. The battery pack would provide enough energy for Pure to cruise for 120 nautical miles on a single charge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207086/image/large-7389d01a8861a8f64272edeabe6d3b7d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207086">The 2027 rendition of Pure&nbsp;would – technological developments permitting – sport a hybrid of battery packs and generators which run on methanol. A challenge presented by this would be to provide methanol fueling infrastructure in yachting hotspots.The 2030 edition of Pure would sport all-methanol fuel cells with batteries, which are currently available on the market, but do not currently yield a better efficiency level than diesel engines.

Feadship unveils its latest Future Concept the 82m superyacht Pure

As the latest in its ‘Future Concept’ series, Feadship has unveiled the 82m hybrid concept superyacht Pure.

Feadship’s latest ‘Future Concept’: The 82m hybrid Pure

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Feadship Royal Dutch ShipyardsHeadquartered in the Netherlands, Feadship partners with owners across every continent. They often describe building a Feadship as one of the most thrilling – and fun – experiences of their life. As the saying goes, ‘There are yachts and there are Feadships.’There are several key reasons why Feadship has achieved this iconic status. Firstly, it builds purely custom superyachts. What does that actually mean? In a nutshell, every yacht it builds is totally unique. Clients arrive with a vision, and Feadship starts with a blank sheet of paper to translate that vision into bespoke reality.No two Feadships are the same. Each one reflects the style of its owner, how they like to relax and/or party, their ideas of the ultimate travel experience, the places they would like to discover and so much more. Feadship combines all these parameters into one package and adapts the design process to every individual client. It’s what the shipbuilder calls ‘pure custom’ and it involves embarking on an unforgettable voyage through the entire process.Clients building a yacht for the first time can rest assured that Feadship will leverage on the many hundreds of times it has guided people in making a lifelong ambition come true. There is an inherent quality to every Feadship that you can only really feel when you step aboard. This is the result of a relentless pursuit of perfection in every aspect of design, construction and engineering. Feadships are the product of perfect craftsmanship passed down the generations and are renowned for holding their value.Together, this is what makes up the Feadship Experience… An investment in your pleasure that will live with you forever.<a href="https://www.feadship.nl/media/video/v-iB190CN7k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Feadship TV</a> <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v-iB190CN7k?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

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