It is no secret that Nick Edmiston is a fan of classic yachts. He has played a central role in the sale and refit of several notable vintage motor yachts over the past 20 years, including&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Bird31.59m (103'8&quot;)">Blue Bird</a>&nbsp;(1938), <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)">Nahlin</a>&nbsp;(1930),<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">&nbsp;Malahne</a> (1937), and now 71-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida 1929</a>. Built by Krupp Germaniawerft for the millionaire yeast magnate Max Fleischmann, the yacht has sailed under a number of high-profile owners since her launch nearly 90 years ago. Earlier this year, she was delivered to her latest owner following an extensive 18-month restoration at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, UK. SuperYacht Times talked with Nick Edmiston and broker Alex Busher, who acted as liaison between Edmiston and the new owner, about the challenges associated with restoring and managing classic yachts. We began by asking how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida</a> came to change hands in 2016.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/41790/image/large-3fd05144629a31880d61507719312e72.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41790">Nick: I’d known the yacht for years, ever since she was called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Sarina</a> and owned by Loel Guinness, who spared no expense to make sure she remained in excellent shape. The last owner had been hanging onto her with the thought of taking a long cruise, but that never happened. After several years when she was effectively mothballed, he decided to sell her and we brokered the deal with the new owner. Like all restorations, the worklist grew as the project progressed, but he was determined to bring her back into top condition with a view to chartering and taking her around the world.&nbsp;Alex: The restoration was really needed. She’d undergone a previous refit in Turkey in 2000, which hadn’t addressed some of the major issues. After a survey of the hull, we very quickly realised the underwater profile would have to be stripped down to the frames for the first time in almost 90 years. The fact she was still intact is a testament to Germany’s shipbuilding prowess, but we ended up replacing the tanks and 60 percent of the hull, using over 100 tons of marine-grade steel in the process. At one point there were 70 welders working on her: when the old funnel was removed and engine room gutted, you could look down through the decks and see the bottom of the dry dock.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/41793/image/large-8c32b0bf15e6a5c652a2cda1ff3183d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41793">Why the decision to go to Pendennis for the refit?Alex: Several reasons. Besides having a slot available, Pendennis has experience of refitting other classic motor yachts, including<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">&nbsp;Malahne</a> and<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fair Lady42.0m (137'10&quot;)">&nbsp;Fair Lady</a>. They had also completed a short refit of the yacht in 2011 when she was called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Dona Amélia</a>, so had a lot of prior knowledge. Brexit had just kicked off and sterling had taken a hit, so the exchange rate was a consideration. Another factor was that the yard is very discreet and a bit off-radar down in Falmouth, which suited the owner who wished to maintain his privacy.&nbsp;Considering the high cost of restoration and maintenance, what kind of owner decides to invest in a classic yacht?Nick: &nbsp;Someone who knows how to appreciate tradition and elegance; someone who leads a very stylish lifestyle and has a passion for maintaining an asset of historical significance. That’s not everyone by any means. And once they’ve spent the money, they’re not going to recover it immediately, if at all. In the long-term, the paint job might be a bit cheaper as you don’t have a high-gloss metallic finish, but they require constant attention and tend to have big crews, so that’s an added cost. There’s definitely more work involved and you have to have a loyal crew prepared to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/41792/image/large-8bca09e70d639b0d3767e1d759409cde.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41792">Alex: With classic yachts, it’s all about their history: the stories behind the owners and the places they’ve been to. We tend to think of explorers as a new trend, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida</a> was originally built for Fleischmann with an 8,000-mile range for exploring the Pacific and was named after the native Haida people of Alaska and British Columbia. The current owner had been following her for the last 15 years or so, and it was either this yacht or none at all. He wanted character and soul, not a replica or a new build. It’s a bit like living in a stately home rather than a brand new hotel, which is why he wanted to keep the original Krupp engines, the beating heart of the vessel and the oldest working diesels on any yacht today. They have no gearbox, so to reverse they have to be stopped and restarted using the old telegraphs still linking the bridge to the engine room. Stripping and rebuilding them with custom-made parts was a huge job in itself.&nbsp;How did you decide on Adam Lay for the new interior design?Alex: The owner had very clear ideas of what he wanted and had spent a lot of time researching online and in magazines. He put together four large mood books of his own and toured antique fairs all over Europe for period accessories, which is still ongoing. But we needed someone to fine-tune his ideas and bring it all together to produce a traditional décor with a nod to contemporary lifestyles. Adam had been involved in the refit of the J-Class&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a>&nbsp;and is a very good listener. The owner liked his low-key style and attention to detail, but what swung it was when Adam started sketching in front of him. He was very impressed with his draughtsmanship skills.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/41791/image/large-35a900be03ce0739b16f2783f969fabb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41791">What concessions were made to modernity during the refit?Alex: Although the owner wanted a sympathetic restoration, he was aware of modern charter requirements. So a hot tub was added on the top deck and a hammam spa on the lower deck, the galley was upgraded, new AC installed, along with new custom tenders [restored to their original position amidships] and new cranes for launching them. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida 1929&nbsp;</a>is the only classic motor yacht of her size available for charter with accommodation for 12 guests and a private owner’s deck. The other classics like<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)">&nbsp;Nahlin,</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Talitha82.6m (270'12&quot;)">Talitha G</a>&nbsp;and<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)">&nbsp;Shemara</a> are all private.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">&nbsp;Malahne&nbsp;</a>is available for charter, but she’s a lot smaller.&nbsp;What other classic yachts are out there waiting to be saved?Nick:&nbsp;There are a couple left worth getting hold of, but I’m not going to tell you which they are in case someone else gets to them first! There was a sister ship to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)">Shemara</a> that went to Japan, and another lovely old motor yacht that once belonged to the Courtauld textile family that went to Sierra Leone as a presidential yacht. Sadly the former was broken up and the latter sank before my people could get to them. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)">Nahlin</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">Malahne</a> probably wouldn’t be around today if I hadn’t stepped in. The challenge is finding the right owner in time and then a yard with the wherewithal to restore them, which is not cheap by any means. Ultimately, you have to have a passion for it.

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Haida 1929: talking classic yachts with Edmiston

Leona Caanen sits down with Rick and Rebecca Szelc, the owners of the 122’&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>&nbsp;motor yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>, to learn more about their love for the sea, their adventures onboard the 37-metre, and why she’s for sale.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382924/image/large-2b32f2fc69c7bc21ae4c70cda2218e36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382924">A love for the waterWhile growing up in vastly different places, Rick in the Great Lakes area and Rebecca along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, the two share a deep love for the water. “Growing up,” Rick shares, “I was always fresh water boating with boats under 30 feet.” Rebecca, instead, could be found (spear)fishing, snorkelling, or at the beach: “I fished off the beach, off of bridges, anywhere. I developed a love for it.”&nbsp;When not fishing, Rebecca spent much of her childhood snorkelling and scuba diving, obtaining her PADI certificate at just 12 years old. “I’m fascinated not just by the fish, but by the corals and reefs and the entire underwater environment. It brings you such peace and calm,” adding that &nbsp;“if I’m near or under the water, that’s when I’m happiest.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395447/image/large-b135c7290df34a505d963856c0579d1a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395447">For Rick and Rebecca, owning a yacht has always been about sharing their love for the sea with their community. “The yacht allows us to share our passion and love with friends and family in a way that we just couldn’t before,” Rebecca shares, “having grown up with a love for the sea, being on a yacht has only amplified that passion.”Rick shares “what is really joyous in our life is that we have similar passions, we both really enjoy being onboard. The alarm goes off at 5:30 and Rebecca will go fishing, and I’m just up for a cup of coffee”; a serene glimpse into life onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>, their 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382939/image/large-13d291311d75d42e63f6db9ff710acd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382939">Purchasing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> isn’t the first yacht that the couple has owned; that would be a 35 Formula. While they didn’t own it for long, acquiring it was eventful enough that the boat hasn’t been forgotten.Living in Texas at the time, on a regular Saturday morning in January 2015, whilst out for breakfast “I threw Rebecca a curveball, as I always do,” Rick laughs. “I said, ‘what would you like to do for the rest of our lives?’ to which she replied, ‘I’d like to order breakfast and not think about the next decades of our lives together.’“ Rick continued his brainstorm, “what if we did something in Naples, Florida?” to which Rebecca laughingly replied, “okay, can I order breakfast now?”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393421/image/large-5f33d7eece57325c28391897d8eef9c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393421">Later that same day, Rick mentioned he had great news, he had purchased the 35 Formula in Naples, Florida. Flying down to Hamilton Harbor, they set out to spend the next few days onboard the new yacht. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the most uncomfortable night of sleep Rick ever had, leading to him putting the boat up for sale.Throughout the next few years, Rick and Rebecca exchanged one model for the next in the journey to find the perfect yacht for their adventures. The 35 Formula was exchanged for a 44 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5727" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tiara Yachts (Company)">Tiara</a>, which was eventually upgraded to a 64’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>. Because of the limited space onboard for crew, eventually Rick and Rebecca decided on an 80’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>, before exchanging that for the 100’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>. Onboard their various vessels, they have explored much of the southern coast of Florida, as well as the Bahamas. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382944/image/large-9210f5f0dab1395f5343ac08e2c398b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382944">In 2021, the timing seemed right to step out of yachting. “It’s not about how much the elephant costs, but rather how much you have to feed it,” an acquaintance told Rick. “Rick will now always advise his friends to buy their last yacht first” Rebecca shares. “Don’t buy 10 boats on your way to the last one!” Rick laughs, adding “but we’ve made a lot of brokers very happy over the last ten years; we probably paid for some home down payments and fancy meals as a result of all our boating adventures.”Whilst seriously considering leaving the yachting world and selling the boat, a 122’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> in pristine condition came on the market. “It’s a special <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta</a>,” says Rick, “she’s just so beautifully crafted and she has a timeless design.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> is widely known as the “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> of the US,” says the couple, “we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase her.” She was built in 1997 by the all-American yard and has been properly cared for by her various owners over the years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284541/image/large-83b17ef9687251543f7916d050dda159.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284541">High probability of adventureWhen coming into ownership of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>, they renamed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>. “It’s always difficult to name a yacht; you want a name that’s not too long and is easy for when you’re pulling into port,” Rick notes. The reason Rebecca and Rick decided on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>, is because, to them, everything in life has a probability: your friendships, relationships,” shares Rick. “Even in investing, which is my line of business,” he adds, “we make decisions based on 70 percent certainty. Living life means not having perfect information and taking risks.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382945/image/large-4691d16221dd7aa7aa2f7dac280538eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382945">“His philosophy in life is that there are no certainties; it’s just a series of probabilities and it’s how you manage them that determine the outcome” Rebecca says. ”It’s human - we all make decisions and you hope you make good choices, but things happen and life changes course,” Rick adds, “that’s how we came up with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>.”Rick and Rebecca have many happy memories on and in the water, yet some of the highlights have taken place onboard the 37.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>. Specific stand-outs are their trips to the Bahamas, specifically to the Exumas. “I just couldn’t get over the colour of the water and the various shades of blue; every shade of blue you can imagine was there”, Rebecca recalls.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382930/image/large-6b046cd52c5594a080bb1e1577132b4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382930">They were onboard with some friends who had never been to the Bahamas, “one of them was a yoga instructor, so we gathered on the aft deck and she hosted a yoga class while we were anchored in this beautiful water.”Shortly after finishing the yoga flow, the first mate mentioned that there’s a little river running through the mangroves towards a little island that serves as a sanctuary for turtles. Rebecca recalls how “we jumped in our little 17’ dinghy, one of those rigid inflatable boats, and the mate took us on this tour through the mangroves and we came upon so many turtles, I lost count after 55.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395448/image/large-53940afe3e6bdc115b22c2595f1624a6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395448">That specific tour ended in a little lagoon with a beautiful, white sand beach. “You’re seeing fish and birds and we spent the afternoon snorkelling. It was a perfect day on the water,” Rebecca shares. There is something really joyful about getting to share experiences with friends and loved ones, and sometimes it is these small moments, snippets of a trip, that become stand-out memories.The duo has worked hard to make their yacht feel not just like an adventure vessel they share with friends, but also to make her feel like a home. They’ve decorated the interior spaces with some of the art pieces they love, half a dozen of which have been commissioned specifically for the yacht including pieces by artist Bette Ridgeway. “Art makes a house a home,” Rick shares, “Bette’s paintings fit so perfectly and really add an extra charm, a bit of a newer feeling, to the 1997 yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382947/image/large-79c7b6b37992a228c650d15b0abcc15e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382947">A shared passionBeing onboard superyachts didn’t always come naturally, for Rick nor for Rebecca. Rick shares how “both Rebecca and I are self-made; it was unusual to have someone care about me, ask me ‘can I help you?’ - things like that.” After ten years, the couple has gotten the hang of it, “we realised that, what these folks, the crew, do for a living, it’s because they share the same passion that we do.”“Our team, our crew, they want to get off the dock. They don’t want to get paid to sit at Old Port Cove in Palm Beach. They want to go somewhere,” shares Rick. “I really enjoy it when they take the fishing boat out and go diving or spear fishing with us.” Rebecca recalls how, a couple of weeks ago when cruising around the Bahamas, their engineer said ‘this is my happy place’. “When you bring in people and give them a memory, something to share, it shows not just the opportunity of where a vessel can take you, but also of the community out at sea.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382959/image/large-6174f809cc01abda573d02360838f0f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382959">Why sell?“When we bought her five years ago, we didn’t have a home in Harbor Springs nor in Palm Beach, and in those places we have a few smaller boats, so really it came down to how much time we can use it to justify ownership and costs,” shares Rick. While selling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a> is a question of logistics, the couple is focused on enjoying the yacht while still theirs.&nbsp;The hope is that someone will buy <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a> who is equally as impressed with the work done by the American shipyard and will care and share the yacht in the same way that Rick and Rebecca have done. The yacht is a labour of love and, when cared for, can embark on many, many more adventures.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382142/image/large-33d07d628b6c8b865ff523abf68f14c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382142">

ownership delta marina probability

The love, passion and purchase of the 122' Delta Marina Probability, currently for sale. 

Rick & Rebecca Szelc of 37m Probability: "It's always been about sharing our love for the sea"

Born into a Romany-Gypsy family in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, is Alfie Best, self-made businessman, father, and owner of the 27-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>. A life shaped by ambition and an unrelenting belief in self-made success, Alfie Best has managed and navigated various enterprises in the United Kingdom, before eventually passing the baton and settling down in Monaco. Leona Caanen sits down with Alfie to discuss his entrepreneurial journey that eventually led to owning a superyacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394909/image/large-1cc1e789b82e0d5ad527fa41b674b295.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394909">An entrepreneurial spiritOne thing becomes immediately clear about Alfie, is that he is proud of his origins and especially proud of his family. “I come from a very supportive family, as in, I have a very good mother and father, and have an extremely good family now, which has helped me along the way.” For Alfie, life wasn’t always easy, especially growing up as what he describes as a Gypsy; people judge you based on preconceived ideas, rather than who you are. Yet that element seems to have never bothered Alfie, rather it is precisely this that fuels his work ethic.With the odds against him, Alfie built his wealth starting with nothing. At the age of 14, having dropped out of school two years prior, Alfie ran a business buying and selling vans and cars. By the age of 20, his company nearly went bankrupt, but, unafraid to put in work where needed, Alfie picked up a second job in a phone store. Within weeks, he had opened his own store and over time another twelve more. A decade later he exchanged phones for real estate and established the company he is most widely known for: Wyldecrest Parks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394910/image/large-fa857286131e1bbd6e35e7b6ae3ffe93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394910">What started as a residential mobile home park, has expanded throughout the entirety of the United Kingdom, with over a 100 mobile parks, for residency and holidays. The expansion across the UK is in part due to Alfie’s daughter, who has taken over the family business. “My daughter runs the Wyldecrest Mobile Home Park, and I’m very, very proud of her, she has taken the reins and ran with it.” His son also works in the family business, but in sharing the name and not wanting to live in his father’s shadow, he has positioned his focus on his own entrepreneurial journey.The parks are specifically designed for people over 50 wishing to enjoy their retirement. “Simply put, we supply affordable homes”, shares Alfie, yet the reality has proven more complicated than that. &nbsp;Running Wyldecrest Parks has not been without its challenges over the years, with the company facing a period of public scrutiny and regulatory hurdles as it expanded.&nbsp;Alfie, however, appears unphased by the criticism, viewing such obstacles as symptomatic of what he sees as the UK’s lack of support for entrepreneurship: “[the UK] encourages socialism, and it doesn’t work because it stops rewarding competition”. Continuing business as always, Alfie’s focus remains on “supplying affordable homes in the United Kingdom. I know all my employees by name, and I love meeting all my residents as often as I can.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394988/image/large-ba1891d28ddb056b75d435af485bd1be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394988">Sharing the know-howWith his daughter managing the business in the UK, Alfie has focused his energies on his next entrepreneurial venture: Best Wealth Network - a mentoring platform where successful entrepreneurs can share their know-how with others. “Our mission is to provide unparalleled support, resources, and mentorship to help our members,” shares Alfie.The organisation focuses on providing unparalleled support, resources, and mentorship to “help members achieve their financial goals and lead extraordinary lives. We have people who have done it, lived it, earned it, and bear the scars of their experiences,” Alfie shares, emphasising that he seeks to work with individuals who are not just good at what they do, but have also experienced struggles along the way and understand how to navigate challenges.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394906/image/large-f9149d6ef6d4d332a56b13d886968363.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394906"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>&nbsp;as a businessWith a desire to navigate a new challenge, Alfie embarked on his next big business adventure of running a successful 27-metre charter yacht named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>. Both Alfie and the yacht are currently based in Monaco.With the support of both his parents and his children, and an entrepreneurial mindset, Alfie purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a> back in 2022 with the goal of having it primarily operate as a charter vessel. “I purchased the yacht to start a charter business. Of course, I enjoy it too, but I’m careful not to love it too much: I believe that if you fall in love with what you own, it ends up owning you.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394901/image/large-2d2ce23e691ce4f5e9961b046da97c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394901">For Alfie, yacht ownership was never solely about indulgence. It was about positioning, branding and the extension of a commercial vision into another arena; he explains, “everything we do is business. It’s a charter vessel. When I go onboard with my family, I pay to use the yacht. We don’t take free vacations on it.”When searching for the right charter yacht, it was clear from the get-go that it had to be a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>. “It’s been a historic British brand, which, at the time of my purchase, was very important to me. A British brand supporting another British business”, Alfie notes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394904/image/large-e36cf7c2a3ff5d11af7e45d96599b655.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394904">Yet it wasn’t just Alfie’s patriotism that made him pick a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>, “the workmanship on a Sunseeker is second to none. On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>, we have an electronic platform and a truly phenomenal Beach Club that also made the decision to purchase very easy.”Currently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a> is for charter with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Nautical (Company)">West Nautical</a> whilst Alfie is working to expand his fleet, and has already scanned the market for the perfect fit. The next yacht he is in the process of purchasing is “a 155 footer able to cross the Atlantic, so we’ll be able to charter in the Caribbean, the Americas, as well as the South of France and the Mediterranean.” Ultimately, the goal is to have a charter fleet of five yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394908/image/large-3c5ce969ece65f57218f3a921406ca1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394908">

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Alfie Best: From Gypsy to superyacht owner

Currently cruising around the Caribbean is the 35.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a>, owned by tech entrepreneur Lee Mandel. After a recent refit, including a full repaint of the superstructure in a non-metallic grey, this gem is meticulously maintained; mainly due to the diligent care provided by her owner, captain and crew. With over six years of ownership also comes vast experience regarding charter and caring for guests. I got the pleasure to chat with Lee about why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a> is so special.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312481/image/large-2d82503d7ec1f9be4b35a5662a388ebe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312481">Tell me a little bit about how you came to own&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a>“That's a very easy question to answer. I had a technology company for about 20 years, and our main focus in that company was building school safety and security technology. We took the company global over a couple of years, and we probably saved a lot of lives with the technology that we developed in the USA. When I had the opportunity to sell the company in 2019 to help it grow, I took it.&nbsp;At the time, I was about 39 years old, and I said, I need to do something, something different, to keep me busy and motivated. One of my passions outside of work is boating; I've been a boater my entire life. I boated as a kid growing up. I have such found memories with my family and learning how to boat with my grandfather and father. I figured if I was going to take the plunge into yacht ownership, why not turn it into a business? I purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a> as a true business model.I spoke to a lot of people and experts, they said, ‘Look, this is not a profitable business model.’ Well, then I'm going to be the first one to make it a profitable business model. So that's how it came about. Whenever I go do my annual or semi-annual inspections on the vessel, it brings me back and reminds me how hard I worked to get to this point in my life. It's a passion for me, but it's also something that brings me a lot of pleasure when I see guests having the vacation of their lives and hear the great feedback that guests give me after they have a wonderful time with their families and friends; yachting truly brings them together.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365511/image/large-0fa4c668da228d126c9b500a19bb98b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365511">Then this is much more of an exciting business project for you?“Yes, I call it a passion business. Many yacht owners don't run their yachts as a business; they'll do it for pleasure and hopefully they can get some benefits out of it. I took the opposite approach, for me this is truly a business. When it comes to how you run a business like this, it’s truly the hospitality business at an extreme level. When you run a hospitality business, you've got to be able to analyse what the guests experience and step onboard from time to time: like a secret shopper, so to speak.&nbsp;I'll have different people from different walks of life on the vessel two or three times a year to get an idea of what the experience is like, and give feedback and guidance to my team. This is how we come up with our maintenance periods and determine what needs to be upgraded. When a guest comes on they're not going to necessarily tell you what is wrong. If something is not up to par you may never hear back or they may never book the vessel again. Maybe the issue wasn’t bad enough for them to complain, but it wasn't good enough for them to want to come back. I try to mitigate that by being a secret shopper, or I should say, a secret yachter. I do this to really get an idea of the true guest experience and make sure it's up to par, and make necessary adjustments when needed.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382796/image/large-a9563b92513a997506375bac60686296.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382796">Would you say, considering everything you’ve noted, that your business model has been successful?“On average, we do 20 to 25 term charters per year, which is incredible. We focus on maintaining the vessel. When people come on, they say, ‘There's no way this yacht is doing 20 to 25 charters. There's no way this crew or this captain has done this amount of charters.’ This is how I truly measure success.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365512/image/large-464ce55cef09b4d12fe71cb58a12143e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365512">What is your relationship like with the crew?Treating this like a true business, we follow the chain of command: the captain reports directly to me, the crew reports directly to the captain. Captain Sean's been with me for over five years now and he’s an incredible captain; this is a very busy program, and I had to find someone who wants to run and treat it as a business the way I like to run it. Being a captain is not just about driving the yacht, in fact that's the easiest part. Rather, being a captain is like being the COO of a company, and that COO reports directly to me as the CEO of the enterprise. I treat Sean as I do other COOs of my other companies and we have frequent meetings. He also works with my financial team, who handles billing, accounting, purchases, and expenses. Honestly, Sean’s incredible, he brings these guests such pleasure and joy when they have their vacations and the feedback we get is just incredible.There is a book on the vessel, we call it our guest book, where guests can leave feedback or messages. We’ve already filled two of them because every one who steps onboard notes how incredible of a time they’ve had and that they’re eager to come back, or how it brought their family and friends together, or sharing a once in a lifetime experience. Reading these is a great feeling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382793/image/large-54de1df21c2bc03a22104a10a924093d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382793">The formula in yachting I would say is 20 percent the vessel, and 80 percent the crew. The vessel is a means to transport people from point A to point B. You must maintain it, and keep up with it. You have to make sure it's clean and everything's working and operating, which sounds easy, but it's harder than it seems. I would say 80 percent of charter success is the crew: It's all about the crew and how comfortable they make the guests feel. The entire crew is full time. To support the crew we’ve created our own version of a rotational program where we work with the crew to support them and give them ample time off.The crew truly is family to me, and we do our best to treat them as such. Like I said earlier, the success of the program is all about our crew. They are the ones who really put it all together. Captain Sean is a great leader and wonderful at interacting with the guests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365515/image/large-bfc73ee5ed3088ed4660dabc0a6e2763.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365515">Where does&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY Yachts</a>&nbsp;come into all of this? Why partner with them?‘When I purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a>, I had never purchased a vessel of this size. A friend of mine recommended <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a>. I remember standing on the swim platform of my private vessel with this thought to go pursue this business idea. I called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a> at 07:30 in the morning and this gentleman named Mike Scalisi picked up the phone. He became my broker in the purchase and, since then, we’ve had an incredible relationship, both business and friendly. Mike then introduced me to Susan Harris, who is our charter yacht broker. Since <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a> was already a part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a> charter fleet, Susan mentioned how she’d love to keep it in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a> family. I explained to Susan how I intend to run this charter yacht as a business, wanting to do 20 to 25 charters a year. Together with Katie and Kimberly from marketing, we sat down for a meeting, and I fell in love: They are incredible and passionate people that were willing to take on the challenge and made it happen.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365517/image/large-0dd58c493415c69a87d14fd7aaae53d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365517">Looking aheadI’ve considered upgrading and getting a larger vessel, possibly even a second vessel in the fleet. My dream is to have a vessel that literally goes around the globe every year, and guests can fly into different places. We can even work with our repeat clients to say, ‘Hey, do you want to visit Tahiti’, or ‘would you like to go to the Amalfi coast,’ we can figure out ways to fit everyone into that equation in different destinations around the globe.For now, we're thrilled with what we're doing. We're thrilled with the response from the guests, and the experiences that they've had. You know, to me, it's a passion: when I sold my company, it's something I always wanted to do, and now we're doing it successfully and we continue to move onward and upward.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312482/image/large-6f334043a3bc98dc01fcfbb9f82cc070.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312482">This article was first published in the <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/p/from-tech-to-charter-lee-mandel-on-owning-tail-lights" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Yacht Charter Market</a> newsletter. You can read more <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.

From Tech to Charter: Lee Mandel on Owning Tail Lights

From tech to charter: How Lee Mandel turned a motoryacht into a business

From Tech to Charter: Lee Mandel on owning the 35m Tail Lights

How an owner turned a lifelong pursuit of independence into a yacht that embodies mobility, mindfulness, and modern design.While the Alpine mountains are what shaped Hubert’s upbringing, it has been the sea that he has longed for. Symbolising the feeling of freedom, shaped by endless horizons, a life at sea seemed like a faraway dream, until he built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380635/image/large-1ae8e216482167578cd998845390bedb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380635">The value and design of freedom<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> is a 82-foot (24.9-metre) motor yacht catamaran with an aluminium hull and superstructure. Designed for circumnavigation without a crew, Hubert and his wife spent most of their year onboard the catamaran.Becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 28, Hubert shares how “freedom has always been my greatest value.” It’s a word, and a feeling, that echoes through the entire yacht. With her broad 9.9-metre beam and sharp, sculptural lines, she appears not so much constructed as carved out of the very water she cruises. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380633/image/large-de8b5bd6db94db1858ca097bb00b837d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380633">Beneath her sleek exterior lies a philosophy of life: to live deliberately, travel far, and design each day as it comes. “Living a free, self-determined life has always been my goal. Added to that is my love for long, distant journeys,” notes Hubert, “Both goals can be achieved onboard a yacht.”With a professional background in architecture, Hubert approached <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>’s design with the same sensitivity he would apply to any living space: focusing not just on form, but on feeling. “Design is more than aesthetics,” Hubert shares, “It’s about the energy a space gives you.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380634/image/large-432b430f980389af1ac7a82506e33a4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380634">Onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>, the energy is one of openness and calm. Her interiors, conceived by in collaboration with the owner, are defined by scale and contrast. “Open space,” the owner explains, “is true luxury, whether in a villa or a yacht. Space for big thoughts, big dreams.”Every detail onboard serves that philosophy. Natural textures and clean lines meet in harmony: polished metals reflect soft leather tones, while wood grains ground the modern geometry. “We need contrast in life,” the owner says. “It gives us balance.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380637/image/large-1ce9b5f5227bc011ebed0ef4138398c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380637">Onboard living The catamaran can accommodate up to six guests and, while it has space for two crew, can also be manned by the owners themselves. “An 82-foot catamaran undoubtedly requires a lot of maintenance and care. The living and deck areas alone are enormous,” Hubert shares, “but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> is our home; we enjoy working, and we love this very private life.”&nbsp;Most people to step onboard Sitara would travel with a crew, which is more than possible. The 82-footer motor yacht is also designed to be sustainable: the yacht houses “a sophisticated, reliable and highly efficient propulsion system powered by conventional diesel engines (VOLVO IPS). At 7 knots we consume only 21 litres of diesel - incredibly low for a yacht of this size!” Hubert says. With a fuel tank capacity of 15,000 litres, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> can easily make long voyages. Additionally, she houses 34 solar panels, which power the onboard batteries: “After our first season, the 15 kW generator had only operated for 100 hours. That’s peace of mind.” The hybrid setup not only minimises noise and fuel consumption but also reinforces the yacht’s core ethos: quiet, conscious freedom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380640/image/large-592cbaeb0d151e6982d27e22f4aac6e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380640">A Home That AdaptsFor the owner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> was never meant to be static, not in design, purpose, or spirit. “Flexibility was essential,” Hubert notes. “Life changes, and the yacht must change with it.” To that end, the yacht’s layout is remarkably versatile. The office can transform into a guest cabin, utility room, or even crew space. Color schemes and finishing touches can be easily updated; Sitara’s current accents are a vivid orange, but the palette could shift to white, turquoise, or even deep red with minimal effort. “You can change the entire atmosphere without needing to change the architecture.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380638/image/large-bf5f0075b9085f38179373aa7d910797.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380638">This adaptability mirrors the owner’s mindset, which values change over permanence. Even while Hubert and his wife currently live onboard, they know that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> may soon find a new owner. The yacht is currently listed for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a> at €5.9 million, though for now, she remains their floating home. “We took delivery in 2024 and spent our first season in the Mediterranean,” Hubert shares. “Now, we’re exploring the Eastern Mediterranean. Part of living freely is deciding where you live, and when.”The reason Hubert’s put his dream yacht up for sale is because “the excitement in my life is new challenges! As an architect, you're used to designing things for people and creating new living spaces. I can't and won't ignore this inner drive.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380636/image/large-d83c63f2e56ac341eee637ad3ecf374c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380636">Looking AheadWhat comes next for someone who has built their dream yacht? The answer, fittingly, is creation. “Building <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> reawakened a creative joy; that is something I want to keep developing.”Hubert envisions a future in which he gets to design yachts for others seeking a life of freedom and impermanence; for people who “want to escape the daily grind and live self-determined lives. A yacht isn’t a possession,” Hubert reflects, “It’s a platform for freedom.”Looking towards his own future, which is defined solely by a big question mark, Hubert feels excited. “Where and how we'll live after the sale... isn't yet decided. In any case, we'll be living a ‘free life’." Possibly in the cards is a sailing yacht: “My heart still beats for sailing,” Hubert admits. “But for a couple, handling a sailing yacht over 50 feet can be demanding. A motor yacht offers more safety, less effort.” Ultimately, it’s not the yacht that determines your freedom: it’s your mindset.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380641/image/large-fb4b896142af1c083a5394e34f001a52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380641">The Spirit of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>On the water, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> appears effortless: her twin hulls slicing through glassy blue, her aluminium surfaces catching the sunlight. Yet within her calm precision lies an entire philosophy. She is more than a vessel; she’s a statement about what it means to live without anchors, to chase horizons without losing one’s center.“Freedom reaches its limits sometimes, with authorities, or repairs, or reality itself,” Hubert notes, “But every system has limits. What matters is how you live within them. That’s where life truly begins.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380632/image/large-eda54183c8fb3baf47091b0aef03c19a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380632">

Building Sitara, an 82-foot catamaran: From dream to reality

How an owner turned a lifelong pursuit of independence into a yacht that embodies mobility, mindfulness, and modern design.

It is not every day that one is invited onboard a superyacht with more than a century of history. The 50.29-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> is no ordinary vessel, built in 1906 by the Scottish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ramage & Ferguson (Company)">Ramage and Ferguson</a>, she has a storied past, having served with the British Royal Navy in both World Wars.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373893/image/large-bc3383c62d81626c1b1dc806c5e6069c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373893">Over the decades, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> has been owned by a succession of prominent figures, including Richard Burton, who famously gifted her to his wife Elizabeth Taylor, as well as Peter de Savary, Vijay Mallya and, most recently, Shirish Saraf, who acquired her at an auction in 2019.SuperYacht Times Features Writer Enrico Chhibber met Saraf at Monaco Classic Week, following the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/269" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cannes Yachting Festival - 2025">Cannes Yachting Festival</a>, to discuss how he came to acquire the yacht, his preferred cruising destinations, and his perspective on India’s emerging presence in the global yachting sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373921/image/large-b541572dd3028e8d9ad8b2b08ad58193.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373921">From encounter to ownershipUpon stepping into the main saloon, I was greeted by Saraf and invited on a tour. Being onboard felt like walking through a museum, or being transported back in time. “She carries with her a story,” Saraf said with pride, noting that she had “survived two World Wars,” had welcomed “practically every Hollywood legend” and “all of Bollywood, really,” and that “Prince Philip stayed onboard with the Queen when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> was the headquarters of the America’s Cup for Peter de Savary.”“I saw her truly as something very special, not just a yacht, but a piece of art. She is art on sea, you know,” said Saraf.Saraf first encountered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> in 1996, when she was moored in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek</a> under the ownership of Vijay Mallya. “I had just finished a round of golf with her captain during a tournament,” he recalled. “He asked if I wanted to come onboard. I went with my father, but at the time I never imagined I would one day become her owner.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373924/image/large-8cf25ddbb56bcaae13e9cd5c2cc3779c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373924">By 2004, Saraf had begun to take a greater interest in boating. He owned a small day boat and began spending more time at sea, often cruising the Mediterranean during the summer.When the opportunity arose in 2019, Saraf acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> at auction in Sri Lanka. What captivated him was not merely her form, but the layered history she embodies. He emphasised “the fact that she is still recognised. I was at the restaurant La Réserve de Beaulieu, and the general manager came out because the bar displayed photos of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> and Elizabeth Taylor arriving for Princess Grace’s 40th birthday in 1969. It is all there, in French, on the walls.”When Saraf took ownership, his priority was to restore <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> to her former glory while preserving her historical character. The first phase of her restoration began in Colombo, followed by a more extensive refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> in Montenegro, where Palazzo Morelli oversaw the interior works. Most recently, she spent the winter in Malta for further refit, managed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1372" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Coast Marine (Sea Waif) (Company)">West Coast Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373894/image/large-c86bbac206a52e1597866767881a0b98.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373894">Favourite cruising destinations&nbsp;“For me, it’s all about the water quality. I never really like to stay in the marina. Normally I’m anchored in the middle of the sea, somewhere quiet with friends, without too many buildings in sight,” he recounted.Saraf expressed a clear preference for the Mediterranean over the Caribbean, highlighting Corsica, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, including Panarea and Stromboli, along with Malta, Montenegro and Croatia. “The Turkish coast is my favourite,” he added. “Gocek and all of those areas are really lovely.”Beyond the Mediterranean, Saraf has spent extended periods in Sri Lanka and has cruised the Lakshadweep islands. One destination he still hopes to visit is &nbsp;Raja Ampat in Indonesia.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373915/image/large-3bd8fddc2e0c0f222003bed879c5e4aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373915">India’s potential as a yachting destination and marketThe conversation then turned to India’s potential as both a yachting market and a cruising destination. Saraf offered a measured view of the country’s role in global yachting, distinguishing between its growing base of yacht owners and its limited appeal as a cruising ground. “Over time that will happen,” he said, referring to Indian ownership. “The typical Indian businessman is only now, after twenty years of economic growth, reaching a stage of wealth and maturity where yachting becomes a realistic pursuit. The second generation is beginning to grow up with friends who already have yachts.”Saraf added that “Indians tend to be more cost-conscious than the rest of the world. If you look at it purely from an economic perspective, superyachts shouldn’t be owned.” He went on to explain that ownership, for him, is driven by emotion rather than calculation. “This is something you love,” he reflected. “Why do I own <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> and not charter? Because where do I find the crew? The crew brings the soul to this life, they’re like family. From the moment you step onboard until you leave, it feels like home. Having my own yacht also means I am the master of my fate.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373917/image/large-fbf40af47a28e0c7504c07a623b3cb54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373917">From a cultural perspective, Saraf also noted that many wealthy Indians spend more time in London than at sea. “Indians are not really people of the sea,” he observed. “They haven’t had that exposure. I did, because I grew up in Oman, but in India, apart from Goa or Kerala, where would you go?”On India as a yachting destination, Saraf maintained that the country’s lack of infrastructure and bureaucratic constraints continue to limit its potential. “There is not much water to cruise around there,” he explained. “You can keep your yacht in the Maldives, which is good, but most Indians prefer to stay in a resort rather than cruise.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373922/image/large-90666725ab450b2de9a5cb7c1ea3b918.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373922">He went on to describe how limited marina capacity, regulatory hurdles and security restrictions continue to make yacht cruising in India challenging. “There is not even basic infrastructure yet,” he said. “Even Goa does not have proper facilities. Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, regulations have become stricter. Owners must now notify the Coast Guard weeks in advance, and in places such as Lakshadweep, each island requires a separate visa, and approvals can take months.”Looking ahead When asked whether he planned to acquire another yacht, Saraf replied with characteristic clarity. “No,” he said, later revealing, “I do have plans to put <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> on the charter market.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373895/image/large-32b425e760c7fd2ed70a317a359b4fc6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373895"> His approach reflects both pragmatism and reverence. As custodian of one of the world’s most storied vessels, Saraf views ownership less as possession and more as preservation, ensuring that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a>’s legacy, from her Royal Navy service to her Hollywood chapter, continues to endure. Images of Shirish Saraf provided by Captain Saini Surendra

Shirish Saraf on Kalizma preserving a century of history

Shirish Saraf reveals how he came to own Kalizma, and reflects on India’s potential as a superyacht market and destination.

Inside Shirish Saraf’s journey with Kalizma, the century-old superyacht

It isn’t every day that the superyacht press finds itself on a video call with one of the most influential figures in technology. But when Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve and now shareholder at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, appeared on screen for a private roundtable with a select group of journalists during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2025">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, the atmosphere was one of curiosity and anticipation. For an hour, he spoke candidly about his unlikely journey into yachting, his vision for research-led fleets and why he believes there will always be interesting technologies and opportunities to build more boats.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/372661/image/large-efbaa1c91bfa6988f938d8e2732895dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/372661">“I wasn’t interested in yachts at all,” he admitted with disarming honesty over the call, explaining how a surprise charter onboard the 77.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> (ex. Mirabella) for his ex-wife’s 50th birthday turned into the start of a lifelong passion. “I thought I was going to be miserable. Instead, I discovered this incredible way to spend time with friends and family.”That first charter led to many more. Then came ownership. Then, inevitably, came shipbuilding. Today, Newell not only owns a growing fleet, but also lives full-time at sea. “Other than a couple of months in 2021, I’ve been living onboard ever since the pandemic,” he said, leaning back in his chair on screen. His three cats, he joked, are just as bemused as he is when the captain informs them which vessel they’re moving to next.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/319785/image/large-4bb2a8fa9dff74386dd0cf81c8991888.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/319785">The scale and diversity of Newell’s fleet is unusual, even by superyacht standards. He counts the 78.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rocinante78.5m (257'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2008">Rocinante</a> as his first acquisition, the 72.15-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> yacht <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> as a support vessel, and both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak91.5m (300'2&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> and the new-build 111-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> as those included under his ownership. Beyond the traditional yachts, however, lies an array of research platforms, including the 68.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tacoma Boat Building Co (Company)">Tacoma Boat Building</a> vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dagon68.28m (224'0&quot;)Tacoma Boat Building Co1985">Dagon</a> which operates as a full-ocean-depth surface platform and the 55.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1643" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Auroux (Company)">Auroux</a> vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hydra55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Hydra</a> which is designed for coastal studies.&nbsp;He also has a 35-metre sportfisher in development at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachting Developments (Company)">Yachting Developments</a>, that will travel with the main boat and the support boat, and has signed an agreement with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vard Group AS (Company)">Vard</a> for the 100-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RV6000100.0m (328'1&quot;)Vard Group AS2028">RV6000</a>, which will carry a 6,000-metre-capable remotely operated vehicle for submarine rescue and ocean science, and the research vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/17142" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RV11000162.0m (531'6&quot;)Vard Group AS2030">RV11000</a>, which is still in development.&nbsp;While the fleet is diverse, the vision is consistent that yachts are not just used as platforms for leisure, but as tools for exploration and science. Through Inkfish, his marine research organisation, Newell supports scientists with access to deep-sea technology, from advanced ROVs to mapping equipment. “Our focus is to be a service organisation to the scientific community,” he explained. “We ask scientists directly, what’s helpful? Sometimes that means getting them to critical parts of the ocean. Sometimes it means grants to process the data we collect. The point is to be led by science, not by ego.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367974/image/large-ea8d38f7ced1d8b2d5c392d963d93997.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367974">At one point during the call, he described how high-school students had boarded his research vessels, watching specimens being prepared, and later wrote to ask when the boats would return. He smiled as he recounted their excitement: “That’s the impact I want to see. When the community says, ‘You’re coming back? Hooray!’ then we know we’re doing it right.”If his research ambitions are ambitious, his philosophy as a yacht owner is just as striking. Newell has imported the mindset of a software engineer into yacht design, thinking in terms of productivity and user experience.On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a>, for instance, the deck is not teak but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolidt (Company)">Bolidt</a>. “I’d rather the crew spend less time polishing decks and more time interacting with guests,” he said. “It’s about maximising the valuable experiences onboard. Do you want your crew polishing chrome, or taking your child out on a Jet Ski? To me, it’s obvious.”That approach extends deeper, with crew actively designing tenders, galleys and operational spaces. “We started by asking our dive team to design their own tender. The results were so good that we realised, the more you involve the crew in design, the better the outcomes.” On screen, he gave a small shrug as if to say the idea was obvious, though it represents a radical departure from how most yachts are conceived.Few yacht owners speak as comfortably about CNC machining, AI models or pressure vessels as they do about cruising grounds. For Newell, technology is not an accessory to his yachting, but the foundation of it. A self-taught machinist who once kept a five-axis CNC mill in his living room, he now funds advanced material research. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367451/image/large-26f50ff0e23faff563f5ba25af0026b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367451">One project in partnership explores aluminium oxynitride, a transparent ceramic stronger than titanium. “It’s so strong that titanium becomes the gasket material,” he said, eyes lighting up through the video link. The aim, to build a fully transparent, full-ocean-depth submersible hull.Newell was also an early funder of OpenAI, and speaks enthusiastically about applying machine learning to shipbuilding. “Putting stress and strain gauges everywhere, collecting time-series data and comparing it to model predictions, that’s where AI can validate and improve design. It’s about putting shipbuilding in front of the wave of technological advancement.”Examples already in place include pathogen-detection systems onboard to identify influenza or RSV, and discussions around bridge systems that use augmented reality to detect submerged objects at night. “Machine vision is already better than humans in many cases,” he said. “It’s just about integrating it in a way that enhances safety.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/372683/image/large-fde494e79d89a678a296d7074c300d04.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/372683">Gabe Newell acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> in August 2025, stating he intends to support and reinforce its existing culture, which he views as effective, principled and forward-looking. The investment in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> itself stemmed not from a cold business calculation, but from a sense of belonging. Building <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a> with the yard’s CEO Marcel Onkenhout and his team created a natural partnership for Newell.“It didn’t feel adversarial. It felt like collaboration,” Newell explained. “I was fanboying all over Marcel and his team. The quality made me root for them. Eventually it was like, how can I be part of this team too?” The result was a formal stake in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, but with a philosophy that profit alone is not the driver. “The goal is to create happy customers. Profit is just the signal that you’re doing better than others. My focus is on how to make already brilliant yachts even more valuable to owners.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365665/image/large-908318675f42f6a91544e68f54985a77.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365665">For Newell, the process of designing and building yachts has become as much a joy as the finished vessels themselves. “I’ll actually be sad when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a> is delivered, because I’ve loved working with the team,” he admitted via the video link. Asked whether he will always be building yachts, he admitted that it's an ongoing conversation and that there will always be interesting opportunities to move technology forward in the industry, in ways that might be too risky to ask another owner to take on. “In those cases, we could look at a speculative project or something I’d build myself, which gives the yard more design freedom. But it depends on what the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> wants to try.”It is a revealing answer. For an industry often shrouded in secrecy, Newell brings not only capital and innovation, but a refreshing openness. He jokes about his cats, shares anecdotes of his children, and speaks earnestly about wanting yachts to be seen as good actors in the communities they visit.Marcel, speaking towards the end of the call, agreed wholeheartedly. “What has always bothered me most in 30 years is the secrecy and gossip,” he reflected. “In the years ahead, we want to lead by example, and transparency will be part of that.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367971/image/large-02a0541df7b4d8e25e92bf73af030e34.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367971">Gabe also noted that many of his peers in the American tech world “aren’t nearly as aware of yachts and yachting as a lot of people in Europe,” and that simply getting them onboard could be transformative. “It’s a little like shooting fish in a barrel,” he said with a grin. “There are so many people who would never think about yachts, but once they experience it, they’ll realise it has an important role to play in their lives.” For Newell, the challenge lies in making the sales process experiential, because simply getting potential owners onboard, he argued, is often enough to change perceptions entirely.As the call drew to a close, he turned the tables on the assembled journalists: “What do you want <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> to do?” It was a fitting end from a man whose career has been built on questioning assumptions, listening closely and then reimagining what is possible.

Gabe Newell: Life at sea and building the future with Oceanco

Gabe Newell speaks about his fleet, Oceanco investment and vision for yachting innovation.

From gaming to yachting: Gabe Newell on life at sea and building the future with Oceanco

“If you want to be able to get into all your favourite spots quickly and get closer, she is the ideal yacht and exactly why we went for her,” says the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a>, a 49.9-metre Mangusta yacht that has redefined how his family experiences the Mediterranean. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367574/image/large-946d4c233c9ecedda022b0dc7bc580df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367574">Launched in 2012, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> is part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine</a>’s Mangusta 165 series, a platform renowned for its speed, low profile and distinctive Italian styling. Now offered to the charter market for the first time, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> is more than a high-speed cruiser. With an ambitious cruising track record and a layout refined through experience, she reflects the priorities of a hands-on owner: comfort, flexibility and, above all, the freedom to move. We spoke with her owner to find out how he fit an expansive Mediterranean tour into only a month and to understand why he thinks that sets the yacht apart. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271359/image/large-5d40be1faa32636734c08bad1fcdb44a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271359">A four-week grand tourIn just four weeks, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> completed an ambitious Mediterranean itinerary that would have been logistically unfeasible for most displacement yachts. Embarking in Monaco, the crew collected the owner in Portofino before cruising south via Elba, Corsica and Sardinia. An extended stay beneath Capri’s dramatic limestone cliffs was followed by a passage past Stromboli to Taormina in Sicily, and onwards to the Ionian Islands in Greece, with pauses at Zakynthos, Ithaka and Anti Paxos, before turning north to Montenegro and Croatia, where the voyage concluded in Dubrovnik.“It was probably the best of Italy, the best of the Ionian and the Croatian coast – all in one cruise,” the owner reflects. “We covered a huge amount of ground, but it never felt rushed. That’s what this boat makes possible.” Cruising comfortably at 25–30 knots, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> can achieve in hours what other yachts require a full day to cover. The 100-nautical-mile passage from Monaco to Portofino, for instance, took just four hours – a journey that would take double that for most vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368442/image/large-419c5a1f868642b4c3fe67a399d82bbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368442">Flexibility was key. The ability to adapt to weather or shift plans spontaneously made the experience all the more enjoyable. “We tend to plan as we go. If the weather’s not great where we are anchored, we have the flexibility to move elsewhere quickly. If something looks promising on the chart, we make a detour. You’re not locked into a rigid itinerary.”This responsiveness, paired with a shallow draft and high cruising speed, allowed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> to access small harbours and anchorages that many tri-deck yachts simply cannot reach. “We’ve taken her into places like Bonifacio, Portoferraio, Hvar – even backed her into Portofino. That’s a real experience, arriving at those spots by sea in a yacht of this size.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367659/image/large-8932eb38eb98815ce07278dc03827d06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367659">Capable of speeds over 30 knots, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> has been designed to make the most of every moment aboard. “We’re often travelling with limited time, just a few weeks, sometimes days. Being able to move quickly between locations changes the whole dynamic. From Monaco, you can be in Saint-Tropez in just over an hour, or dash across to Portofino for lunch. That opens up destinations most people would rule out for a short trip.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367664/image/large-73c5e0e34d6a141c5f019e8986ce01bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367664">While her performance is impressive, comfort has not been sacrificed. The yacht features four guest staterooms, including a full-beam master suite, as well as a fifth convertible cabin that doubles as a cinema lounge. Recently updated, this space now features a full bed and privacy curtain, ideal for families travelling with children or extra guests. Importantly, this adjustment was made without removing the onboard gym, maintaining wellness facilities that are often the first to go on similar refits.“She’s not configured for large parties, we cruise as a family, usually just the five of us. But the layout works brilliantly. The cinema can be set up for guests, and we still have a proper gym. It’s balanced.”Noise and vibration levels are also notably low, even at speed, particularly with the new set of gyroscopic stabilisers. “We’ll often watch movies in the master at night while underway. You don’t notice the motion, it’s very smooth.”What the owner values most, however, is the sense of proximity to the water. “I’ve been on a lot of yachts where you feel quite detached – you’re up high, behind glass, away from the sea. This is different. You really feel like you’re part of the journey.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367571/image/large-9ffd197f2db7188bdc9a807b27196bd1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367571">That connection is especially apparent on the sun deck and the forward lounging area, where new awnings now allow for shaded relaxation just metres from the sea. “That front area’s become a favourite of ours. You’re right there at the bow, low to the water, watching the coastline slip by.”The aft deck, too, offers wide views and clean sightlines, especially when manoeuvring in or out of port. “It’s a practical deck, but it’s also emotional – you feel the movement of the boat, the close link with the sea. That’s hard to find on larger yachts.”Though discreet by nature, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> has earned quiet recognition among those who understand performance. She shares her model line with another Mangusta favoured by a well-known Formula One team principal – a detail not lost on her owner.“It’s not something we shout about, but it says a lot. Someone who leads a high-performance racing team chose the same model, clearly, they saw the same potential in the platform.”That connection reinforces what the owner has come to appreciate first-hand: the Mangusta 165 is a yacht built for action, not just appearance.“It’s not about being seen,” he says. “It’s about being able to see. To experience more. To go further and faster without being weighed down by a slow, heavy platform. That’s why we chose her and why we’re excited for others to do the same.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271376/image/large-fd1f4873c11279a94d8a50010db5e831.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271376">For those seeking a charter experience shaped by real ownership insight, where performance, comfort and freedom intersect, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> offers a rare opportunity. She is a yacht for guests who value movement, intimacy and access. Whether it's a high-season sprint along the Riviera or a month-long exploration from Monaco to Montenegro, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royale X49.9m (163'9&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2012">Royale X</a> delivers on her promise: to open up more of the Mediterranean, more quickly and with style.

Royale X high-speed Mangusta 165

We take a look at Royale X and her Mediterranean capabilities for charter.

Ownership insight: Exploring the Med at speed aboard 50m Royale X

Launched in 2011 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2343" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phithak Shipyard and Services (Company)">Phithak Shipyard</a>, the 31.6-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> is a striking aluminium sloop designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a>. Since 2018, she has been the pride and joy of her current owner, who acquired her with a long-term vision to combine exploration with environmental stewardship. In this interview, her owner Philip Hermans shares the story of his time onboard – from scientific ambitions to family adventures – and reflects on the yacht's enduring qualities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361817/image/large-e03a26e2adfc6f68ceb344cccc48ec48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361817">What inspired you to purchase <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>? Was it love at first sight, or did you have a specific vision in mind when searching for a yacht?From an early age, I was drawn to the sea. I started sailing dinghies and small yachts before life and work took precedence. While based in Singapore with my family, we enjoyed unforgettable sailing holidays across the Pacific – from Tahiti to Tonga, and throughout Southeast Asia.In that period, I pursued competitive sailing with an X99, leading a crew to victory in the International Straits Regatta Cup. But my ultimate dream was to own a large yacht for retirement – one that would allow me to explore remote waters and combine cruising with scientific research.My vision included using the yacht for a programme focused on sustainability and marine science, particularly phytoplankton and microplastics. I maintained ties with my alma mater, the Free University of Brussels, which recognised my efforts in bridging academia and industry.The yacht also had to be safe and comfortable enough for my wife, Kristin, who was initially hesitant about life at sea. We began searching in late 2017 and soon discovered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> in Phuket. Her robust build, elegant design, and proven charter record immediately captivated us. It truly was love at first sight. Though I hadn’t yet retired, we chose to acquire her, retain the crew and charter operation, and begin preparations for our long-term project, Pacific Passion. Our adventure officially began in January 2018.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361818/image/large-8a0f5c00293d8350728d850c0ad81fb7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361818">What were the key features that initially drew you to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>? How does her design enhance comfort, performance, or style?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>’s pedigree was instantly apparent. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a> and built to American Bureau of Shipping standards, she boasts an aluminium hull and topsides, a Maxspar carbon mast and boom, and top-tier sailing systems by Harken, all hydraulically powered.The technical specifications were impressive, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> propulsion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raymarine UK Ltd (Company)">Raymarine</a> electronics, and a 16-foot Castoldi (now Williams) diesel-jet tender. But what truly stood out were the lifestyle features: a well-appointed galley, hotel-quality mattresses, an entertainment system, and a suite of water toys from paddleboards to scuba equipment.The yacht’s beam and freeboard create a sense of spaciousness, enhanced by the two-deck interior layout with high-quality finishes. Crew quarters and a large lazarette with platform access were practical additions, while the full-sized engine room was a rare asset for a vessel of this length.Safety was another strength, with bulkhead doors ensuring watertight compartments and a robust firefighting system. The total package made <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> an ideal platform for both exploration and refined living.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361813/image/large-2bb5cab537f2fedcb6ab0a93b79015a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361813">Did you make any modifications or upgrades to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>? How did these changes improve your experience on board?Since her acquisition, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> has undergone extensive upgrades – both technical and cosmetic – to support the Pacific Passion project. These enhancements significantly improved safety, performance, and liveability.We installed the latest Raymarine Axiom navigation systems, upgraded communications for global operation (A1 through A4 areas), and fitted a high-capacity internet system with dual Starlink terminals for redundancy. Her sailing rig was completely overhauled under the guidance of Maxspar’s owner, improving efficiency and reliability.Sustainability was a major focus. We added custom solar panels generating 4 kWp, upgraded the battery system to 21 MG LiFePO4 units, and ensured full AC and DC coverage across the vessel. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engine and gensets were overhauled to zero engine hours.Further improvements included a full Sonos audio system, upgraded TVs and server-based entertainment, and new galley appliances. We also invested in a comprehensive MCA1905 Cat A 10 medical chest, covering all foreseeable first-aid scenarios. Altogether, these upgrades exceeded €1 million, positioning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> as a highly capable and self-sufficient yacht ready for extended cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361815/image/large-a520dbec73646b9493ff87a9c6e1d25b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361815">Where have you sailed with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>? Any favourite destinations or hidden gems?Pre-retirement, our cruising time was limited to a few weeks annually. During that period, we explored Southeast Asia – from Indonesia’s Anambas Islands to the Philippines’ Palawan region and the waters around Phuket.Retirement allowed us to expand our horizons. We cruised across Indonesia to Bali, Lombok, Komodo, and Flores, and ventured as far as West Papua. Each leg revealed new highlights, from pristine coral reefs to quiet anchorages untouched by tourism. The diversity and beauty of the region were astounding.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361816/image/large-249cc8eec9c56ef9c11ca5c1a3d30858.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361816">Do you have a standout memory that captures the essence of life aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>?Life on board has been defined by quiet rituals and awe-inspiring moments. One of my favourites is waking just before dawn to watch the world awaken from the deck – a peaceful, energising way to start the day.Evenings were similarly treasured, with a sundowner in hand an hour before sunset, reflecting on the day’s adventures. Perhaps the most unforgettable chapter was our time in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The biodiversity, warm waters, and dramatic landscapes created a sense of wonder I’ve rarely experienced elsewhere. We stayed for two months and plan to return for another three to explore Misool and the remote Forgotten Islands.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361814/image/large-a1c2a34d43e4cbe2b5fc1417d3a5c766.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361814">How does <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> perform under sail and power? Any notable experiences in different sea conditions?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> performs admirably under both sail and engine. We typically switched to motor power if the speed dropped below five knots in under 12 knots of wind. In favourable conditions, she reached speeds of up to 11.5 knots under sail – impressive without a spinnaker or gennaker.Under power, the optimal cruising RPM is 1250, consuming 20 to 22 litres per hour for a consistent seven-knot pace. This proved ideal for passage planning. Her high freeboard and displacement contribute to a smooth ride even in challenging sea states. She has comfortably handled wave heights up to four metres, and our seasoned captain – who also sailed with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>'s first owner – has reported no concerns, even during squalls typical of the region.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361809/image/large-ee450b94b2af8f30788a76045d91c4ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361809">What’s motivating the sale of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a>, and what kind of owner do you believe would be her perfect match?The sale follows a fulfilling execution of the Pacific Passion project. Initially planned as a four-year circumnavigation including Alaska, Antarctica, and the Americas, the programme was revised due to Kristin’s discomfort with harsh conditions in higher latitudes.We opted instead to focus on tropical cruising between 15° North and 10° South – a region with warm, safe waters and rich cruising grounds. This revision brought the end date forward to December 2025.To date, we’ve sailed over 16,500 nautical miles. As our family shifts priorities – including time with grandchildren – it feels like the right moment to pass the torch. The ideal next owner will be someone who values craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and the joy of discovery. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> offers a turnkey solution for those seeking adventure without compromise.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361811/image/large-9e18768a0353c7fdc1bda3033273ea9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361811">If you could summarise your ownership experience in one sentence, what would it be? And what advice would you give the next owner?Owning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> has been a deeply enriching experience – a chance to explore the world slowly, thoughtfully, and comfortably, all while reconnecting with nature and the people I hold dear.To her next custodian: cherish the moments, respect the sea, and embrace the freedom she offers. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> is more than a yacht – she’s a vessel for transformation, reflection, and unforgettable memories.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/361808/image/large-b72ee5227309dd33e521aceb8da5fa52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/361808"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silverlining31.6m (103'8&quot;)Phithak Shipyard and Services2011">Silverlining</a> represents far more than her specifications or pedigree. She is a proven platform for exploration, a home at sea, and a testament to the thoughtful stewardship of her current owner. Now offered for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser Yachts</a>, she is ready to inspire her next chapter – and her next owner – with the same grace, performance, and purpose that have defined her journey so far.

Silverlining yacht owner interview

Philip Hermans shares the story of his time onboard from scientific ambitions to family adventures and reflects on the yacht's enduring qualities.

“Discovering the world, one sunrise at a time”: Life aboard the 32m yacht Silverlining

The 33.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> – Greek for “swordfish” – was originally built in 1974 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/548" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chantier de L'Estérel (Company)">Chantier de l’Estérel</a>. Her naval architecture was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/549" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="André Mauric (Company)">André Mauric</a>, while her exterior and interior design took shape on the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Jon Bannenberg</a>, lending her a timeless charm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344728/image/large-87def9ff9f1cde07fec070a7ee8c81c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344728">In the early 2000s, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a>, the only <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/548" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chantier de L'Estérel (Company)">Esterel</a> 105 model in existence, underwent several refits. Her most recent transformation however, began in 2022, upon her acquisition by new owners, Mr and Mrs Kourtesis. Under the guidance of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apostolos Molindris & Associates (Company)">Apostolos Molindris</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> was gutted and rebuilt with completely new interiors, while her original engines were refurbished.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348777/image/large-1fbf35146c392175691975a57de64d86.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348777">In April 2024, her most recent and significant refit was completed in Perama, Greece. With a new lease of life, the yacht has now also been made available for charter through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>. In this interview, Mr Kourtesis shares his family’s experience of owning and refitting this classic motor yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348772/image/large-cb9b179967a1d49c0364ab7dafb58a4c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348772">How did you get into yachting, and what inspired you to purchase Xiphias?My life and career have always revolved around the sea. As a sea captain in the merchant marine fleet, coming from Andros Island – a place with a deep maritime tradition – I grew up with great respect for the art of shipbuilding and the sea in general. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> represents a perfect harmony between my work and personal passion – a vessel with a rich history and cultural significance that demanded our care.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234703/image/large-3e78ee54c3f786e9e7f4713f6844333f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234703" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Our family’s decision to own a superyacht had to do specifically with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Xiphias</a>, not just any yacht. She is a piece of history, representing timeless craftsmanship. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Jon Bannenberg</a>’s design speaks for itself. It embodies a refined elegance that few can replicate. She stood out not only for her undeniable beauty but also for the legacy she carries, which resonates with our family’s roots and values.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344738/image/large-951bbc2327f5da620be21abe0a2e3e5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344738" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Her connection to Andros and her former owners’ made her acquisition even more meaningful to our family. Growing up, we admired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> as she graced the waters during her time with her original owners. The sight of her approaching the port of Andros Chora would spark a wave of excitement across the island—especially among the children. For us, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> is more than a yacht; she is a cherished symbol of our childhood and a deep connection to our roots. This was more than a purchase; it was a commitment to preserving something extraordinary.What guided your decision to refit Xiphias, and what was the scope of the work done?We felt the responsibility to restore <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> to her former glory while equipping her to meet the demands of modern yachting. It was about respecting her heritage, honouring her design, and ensuring she remained a safe, comfortable, and exceptional vessel for years to come. This was not a project of convenience but one of passion and respect, driven by the belief that a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> deserves nothing less than excellence.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344814/image/large-19e0c66afb15588965506f83d80ffd32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344814">The refit was extensive, addressing both structural and aesthetic elements. We reinforced the aft deck with a steel structure, replaced all teak decks, added a new exterior staircase, modernised the bridge with state-of-the-art systems, and installed zero-speed stabilisers to enhance comfort at anchor.Internally, the interiors were redesigned to reflect a modern yet understated luxury, staying true to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg</a>’s original vision. Every decision was influenced by a commitment to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> retained her authenticity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344795/image/large-0117d88cf354f1823f549dc9cf6bd47a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344795" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">What collaborators did you work with during this process, and what was your experience like?We had the privilege of working with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apostolos Molindris & Associates (Company)">Apostolos Molindris</a>, the man behind the refit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)Canadian Vickers1943">Christina O</a>, another iconic yacht with a similar heritage. He was responsible for the interior design, and a skilled team of shipyard professionals worked on the technical and structural aspects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344788/image/large-fe2a18ccd9acb8566345d46f049dde77.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344788">Among them was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mistral Composites SA (Company)">Mistral Limited</a> and their project-in-charge, Pepe, whose dedication and craftsmanship ensured that every detail was executed to the highest standard. Their expertise and shared respect for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a>’ heritage made them invaluable partners. The process was demanding, but the outcome exceeded our expectations and made us proud.What was the most surprising challenge you encountered during the refit, and how was it overcome?Balancing the yacht’s historical integrity with modern updates was the most significant challenge. Preserving her unique design required a meticulous approach, particularly when integrating new technologies and amenities. Through careful planning and close communication with the team, we ensured that every decision respected the yacht’s legacy. The result is a seamless blend of heritage and modernity that we are proud to share with the world.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344806/image/large-6697e887e8b1125e514337ba22c4e2a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344806" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">How has the refit enhanced your experience onboard?The refit has elevated <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> to an entirely new level. The technical upgrades, such as the zero-speed stabilisers and a fully electronic bridge, along with state-of-the-art smart suite integration by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3897" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crestron (Company)">Crestron</a>, have improved performance and safety. Meanwhile, the redesigned interiors and expanded deck spaces provide an atmosphere of comfort and elegance. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348779/image/large-e7e14a346c7707354d8be3a44e77256b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348779"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348775/image/large-70f235d6b7204f11160f4268b136b532.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348775" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sailing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> now is a unique experience that combines the charm of a classic yacht with the sophistication of contemporary yachting. Spending time in Andros in particular feels like a homecoming, uniting the yacht’s story with the island’s rich maritime tradition.&nbsp;Beyond Andros, as a family, we enjoy venturing to quieter parts of the Aegean, where the natural beauty and tranquillity of the sea remind me why I have dedicated my life to it. Every journey aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> is an opportunity to reconnect with the essence of yachting and the timeless allure of the sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344754/image/large-b4d3e0ff013e47921cdaf07a5d754bda.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344754">What impact has the refit had on the popularity of charters onboard Xiphias?Since the refit, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> has gained significant recognition as a charter yacht. Her compact size and remarkable fuel efficiency make her ideal for charter, enabling smooth navigation through shallow waters and granting access to secluded bays often unreachable by larger yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344775/image/large-225e15cac356006397dc78e20f74f255.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344775" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Despite her size, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xiphias33.2m (108'11&quot;)Chantier de L'Estérel1974">Xiphias</a> boasts an impressive interior volume of 147 GT, offering guests the comfort of expansive living spaces, complemented by generously proportioned decks perfect for relaxation or socialising.Her classic aesthetic, combined with her enhanced amenities and the crew’s exemplary hospitality, makes her a sought-after option for discerning clients. She offers a rare combination of historical significance, modern luxury, and the ability to explore the unique beauty of the sea, which has undoubtedly contributed to her growing popularity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344781/image/large-fc226af22168729cf552d0d7ba0476ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344781">Do you have any advice for first-time yacht owners, especially those considering a refit?My advice is to approach yacht ownership and refitting with patience and respect for the vessel’s character. A yacht is not merely a possession; it is a legacy. Surround yourself with experts who share your vision and understand the balance between preserving history and embracing modernity. Success lies in meticulous planning, clear communication, and a commitment to maintaining the vessel’s unique identity.This article was first published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-52" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 52 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download at this website.</a>

Owner Insight: Mr Makis Kourtesis on restoring 33.2m Xiphias

Owner Mr Makis Kourtesis on the joys and challenges of refitting the 33.2-metre Xiphias.

Restoring a legacy: Mr Kourtesis on his 33m yacht Xiphias

Owner insight: The 36m Ocean King yacht Vãyus 

Sophie Spicknell takes a tour with the owners of the 36m Ocean King yacht Vãyus to find out more about their family ‘home away from home.’ 

Owner insight: Onboard the 36m Ocean King yacht Vãyus 

The largest yachts in Saint Tropez

We take a look at some of the largest yachts recently in Saint Tropez below.

Spotted: The largest yachts in Saint Tropez

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> has announced the launch of the first 49.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto Fast 50/0149.9m (163'9&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2026">FAST50 yacht</a> from its shipyard in La Spezia, Italy. The yacht is the debut unit in the Italian shipyard’s new FAST50 series, introducing a new generation of aluminium superyachts combining high-performance, generous volumes, and aggressive styling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395886/image/large-26d5b7f1e0ee1e363785c3eb868454d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395886" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto Fast 50/0149.9m (163'9&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2026">FAST50 yacht</a> was first unveiled as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>’s flagship fast yacht concept in February 2024, combining the performance capabilities of the shipyard’s historic aluminium builds with the volumes and liveability typically associated with larger displacement yachts. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto introduces Francesco Paszkowski-designed X50 and FAST50 superyachts (2024-02-08 15:45:00 +0100)">Read: Baglietto introduces Francesco Paszkowski-designed X50 and FAST50 superyachts</a> According to her builder, the model has been developed to reinterpret through a contemporary lens the legacy of iconic Baglietto fast yachts such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1635" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adler36.0m (118'1&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.1987">Adler</a>, Pachamama and the Compasso d’Oro-winning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2036" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monokini44.0m (144'4&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2013">Monokini</a>. “With the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto Fast 50/0149.9m (163'9&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2026">FAST50</a>, we wanted to reinterpret <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>’s most authentic DNA- that of the large, high-performance aluminium yachts that shaped the shipyard’s history- translating it into a contemporary platform capable of combining performance, comfort and extraordinary liveability,” commented Fabio Ermetto, Chief Commercial Officer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>. “This project perfectly represents our vision: sporty yachts with a strong identity, yet architecturally and technically advanced, and deeply tailored around the owner’s lifestyle.” Built entirely in aluminium, the FAST50 features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a>, who also collaborated with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6365" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Margherita Casprini (Company)">Margherita Casprini</a> on the interior design. Her naval architecture was crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture (Company)">Pierluigi Ausonio Naval Architecture</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395885/image/large-0f0cbb8a980f43063a7800f391c1bc74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395885" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Throughout the project, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> has drawn inspiration from the automotive sector, with integrated air intakes, sports car-inspired stern fairleads and a bespoke “Porsche Chalk” hull colour developed using a custom Boero paint cycle.A key feature of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto Fast 50/0149.9m (163'9&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2026">FAST50</a> is her two-level stern, which is fitted with several innovative features introduced on the T-line, including the yard’s signature fold-down bulwarks that extend the beach club area closer to the water, alongside a hidden transformer replacing the traditional passerelle to keep the yacht’s sleek look. In addition, the yacht’s indoor and outdoor areas are seamlessly connected thanks to her full-height windows and Baglietto’s signature “cut-out” bulwarks, which strengthen connection to the sea.On her upper deck, a veranda that opens on three sides hosts a panoramic dining room, while her foredeck features a lounge area, sunpads and a Jacuzzi located at the bow. Moreover, a rooftop, rare for yachts of her category, serves as a private retreat where guests can dine, lounge, and relax.Furthermore, a stern garage with a flooding launch system is capable of accommodating a tender up to seven-metres, alongside a second garage forward.The yacht's interiors have been designed to complement the exterior design. Lacquered surfaces, experimental woods such as burnt oak, and artistic lighting all harmoniously contribute to her contemporary design profile. Lightweight materials were favoured over heavier marble and natural stone to support the yacht's high-performance credentials, with even the exterior handrails crafted from titanium to optimise weight.Unlike many of the shipyard’s earlier fast yachts, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto Fast 50/0149.9m (163'9&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2026">FAST50 yacht</a> has been developed across three full decks, featuring a wide-body owner's suite on the main deck.&nbsp;At an interior volume of 499 GT, accommodation onboard is arranged across four staterooms, including two VIP staterooms and two twin staterooms on the lower deck, all with en-suite facilities. Crew accommodation comprises four dedicated quarters, captain's quarters and a spacious crew mess.In terms of performance, the yacht is powered by four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which are expected to deliver a top speed of 30 knots.&nbsp;

First 50m Baglietto FAST50 superyacht launched

Baglietto has launched the first 50m FAST50 yacht from its shipyard in La Spezia, Italy.


<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> has announced that it has agreed upon a lease of construction facilities within the Maritime Industry and Business Park Volkswerft Stralsund in Germany. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395892/image/large-3ca38fdddd01e9ee25c8a081829cb148.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395892">Located in the Hanseatic city of Stralsund, Volkswerft Stralsund the 34-hectare site was purchased by the city in February 2022, with the council working to develop it into a maritime industrial and commercial park.The Maritime Industrial and Commercial Park Volkswerft is already home to around 20 companies and offers extensive hall space, heavy-lift capabilities of up to 1,000 tonnes, direct water access and a highly skilled regional workforce.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395889/image/large-a9056b5f718fa19673449bfbc198222e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395889">“Stralsund offers exactly the kind of environment we were looking for,” explained Henning Dörries, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a>. “This is more than simply additional space, itis about creating the right environment to deliver ambitious projects efficiently and effectively.”Volkswerft Stralsund offers 97,000 square-metres of hall space, 32,000 square-metres of equipped office space and 24,00 square-metres of equipped workshop space and offers access via road, rail and inland/sea shipping.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395893/image/large-0f32488cbf3c13ffc99a8b3423fba5fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395893">“We are proud to welcome their success and expertise in the superyacht sector to our maritime industrial and commercial park,” said Volkswerft Stralsund. “Our facilities offer ideal conditions for conversion and new-build projects.”“The combination of infrastructure, expertise and maritime heritage available in Stralsund makes it a natural fit for our future plans,” concluded Dörries.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> has unveiled several superyacht concepts over the years, including the 75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64397" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts & Phathom Studio unveil 75m superyacht concept Alyra (2025-10-02 14:45:00 +0200)">Alyra</a> designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5530" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phathom Studio (Company)">Phathom Studio</a> and the 115.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/61224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First Look: Dörries Yachts unveils 115m H2-designed superyacht concept Zephyr (2024-08-12 11:15:00 +0200)">Zephyr</a> yacht designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395888/image/large-55c7722186f293194a8fedc63a57e1bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395888">

Dörries Yachts construction facilities at Volkswerft Stralsund

Dörries Yachts has announced that it has agreed upon a lease of construction facilities at Volkswerft Stralsund in Germany.

Dörries Yachts agrees lease for new shipyard in Germany

The 29.6-metre Sanlorenzo motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10797" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kapusha29.6m (97'1&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Kapusha</a> has been sold. Andy McDougall of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8615" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MXG Yachts (Company)">MXG Yachts</a> introduced the buyer, while Dmitry Lukin of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Nautical (Company)">West Nautical</a> Middle East represented the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395804/image/large-a388d13b778e3f2e96d4d2837d4f9bbc.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395804">Delivered in 2021, she features interior design created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a> and naval architecture penned in-house by her builder. Inside, her Soho-inspired palette marries warm woods, tailored textiles and stone detailing.She can accommodate up to eight guests across four well-appointed staterooms, consisting of a full-beam owner’s suite, VIP and two twin suites. Moving outside, guests can socialise in the flybridge, while multiple dining and sunbathing zones are spread out throughout the exterior areas.In terms of her technical aspects, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10797" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kapusha29.6m (97'1&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Kapusha</a> is fitted with zero-speed fin stabilisers, hydraulic stern thrusters and a Raymarine Diamond navigation package.At the time of her sale, she had a last known asking price of €7,250,000.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Nautical (Company)">West Nautical</a>.

Sanlorenzo yacht Kapusha sold

The 29.6-metre Sanlorenzo motor yacht Kapusha has been sold.

30m Sanlorenzo motor yacht Kapusha sold

The 24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/440" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Soyaslan Denizcilik Ltd (Company)">Soyaslan Denizcilik</a> explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICE 24.0m (78'9&quot;)Soyaslan Denizcilik Ltd2023">Ice</a> is currently for sale with Carla Ansari and Marco Fodale of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354795/image/large-33f498ae79075cf1bf8fa94117bb0e36.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354795">Built by Turkish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/440" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Soyaslan Denizcilik Ltd (Company)">Soyaslan Denizcilik</a> and delivered in 2023, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> presents an opportunity to acquire a yacht designed for long-range cruising and onboard comfort. She features exterior design and naval architecture developed by her builder, while her interiors were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BAZ Yacht Design (Company)">Baz Yacht Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354801/image/large-dc122f4a3a04eb796892efa5a009f5e4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354801" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Constructed with a steel hull and GRP superstructure, her exterior emphasises her expedition credentials. Outside, she is defined by an upright bow, wide superstructure and generous walkaround decks well-suited for extended cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354799/image/large-4e067fb9a38de0599b583e93285f3168.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354799" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICE 24.0m (78'9&quot;)Soyaslan Denizcilik Ltd2023">yacht Ice for sale</a> benefits from generous outdoor living areas fitted for alfresco dining, relaxing, and lounging while soaking in panoramic views of the ocean. An onboard tender is also available, allowing guests to explore remote anchorages.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354807/image/large-fa4c37488daf7913f4725445eb0de8c1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354807" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Stepping inside, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICE 24.0m (78'9&quot;)Soyaslan Denizcilik Ltd2023">yacht Ice for sale</a> features a contemporary interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BAZ Yacht Design (Company)">Baz Yacht Design</a>, defined by a combination of light oak finishes, white cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling glazing that lets in abundant natural light. Her open-plan layout emphasises her practicality and light, creating a bright atmosphere suited to long voyages.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354798/image/large-3c8cccb907f98c044b34afa2ca09241e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354798">With a beam of 7.15-metres and volumes spanning 165 GT, accommodation onboard the yacht for sale is arranged for up to 10 guests across a five-stateroom layout, including a main-deck owner's suite. Dedicated quarters are provided for a crew of three, including her captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354797/image/large-dbea0c536faebf472526bf8fb32f043e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354797">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICE 24.0m (78'9&quot;)Soyaslan Denizcilik Ltd2023">yacht Ice for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a> engines, delivering a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 12 knots. Moreover, she offers a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles at 10.5 knots, and is equipped with stabilisers for comfort underway and at anchor. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354808/image/large-4332370bcabe792bcde6109a1c367bbc.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354808">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> is currently located in Italy, Imperia. All images provided courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>.&nbsp;

24m Soyaslan Denizcilik explorer yacht Ice for sale

The 24m Soyaslan Denizcilik explorer yacht Ice is for sale with Fraser.


Italian designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marco Ferrari (Company)">Marco Ferrari</a> has revealed a new 80-metre superyacht concept known as M80, featuring hybrid electric propulsion and an Ice Class 1D hull designed for expeditions into remote and high-latitude waters.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395711/image/large-5e2bb926c4e68013000d72b0f1317676.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395711" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Constructed entirely in aluminium, M80 has been conceived as a modern explorer yacht that boasts a lightweight hull and superstructure, with a low-profile silhouette and a focus on energy efficiency.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395733/image/large-1a9a4714cf0993822813cc29e30e09d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395733">The M80 is designed for owners who seek adventure, spanning from tropical paradises to the icy frontiers of polar and sub-polar regions.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395719/image/large-b84e3131fde03314cc27569f8e7f4f80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395719">At the heart of her design is a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, elevated by twin Azipod contra-rotating thrusters and dynamic positioning capability. The yacht has been developed to maximise efficiency while reducing emissions and onboard noise levels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395727/image/large-a4837ca59b87942deeb203ec6ef20a03.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395727" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Three operating modes have been proposed. In Zero Mode or also known as Silent Mode, M80 would operate fully on electric propulsion, delivering vibration-free navigation with zero local emissions for up to eight hours, which would enable access to environmentally protected areas.In Eco-Hybrid Mode, diesel generators operate at optimal efficiency while electric motors provide propulsion, reducing fuel consumption by an estimated 25 to 30 percent. Meanwhile, Boost Mode combines diesel and electric power to maximise performance when required.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395731/image/large-33077a8f7a2790cde018026b550701fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395731">Among its unique features, the M80 boasts an underwater “Nemo Lounge, giving guests a view into the ocean’s depths. In addition, an extensive array of tenders and toys supports exploration and adventure, including two 11-metre tenders, Jet Skis, aerial UAVs and remotely operated underwater vehicles for subaquatic discovery.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395710/image/large-a74c0ecaa984d5a5b600f8054b710e24.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395710">The concept also incorporates a range of sustainability-focused technologies, including glass elements with integrated photovoltaics, advanced heat‑recovery systems and compatibility with HVO biofuel, which the designers say can cut emissions by up to 90 percent compared with conventional marine diesel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395728/image/large-811c3e2ad5d43adb8b3999943f2c3651.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395728">Outside, M80 is characterised by angular lines, tiered deck arrangements and a continuous band of dark glazing that stretches through most of her superstructure. Renderings depict the yacht operating in both tropical regions and polar environments, which reflect the designer’s emphasis on her versatility and global cruising capability.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395732/image/large-7195234a8e71f1b3e271ecf59b638cc5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395732">In terms of outdoor living, her amenities include an aft infinity pool overlooking the stern and a forward Jacuzzi wrapped around by sunpads. A touch-and-go helipad located on the bow supports rapid transfers of guests between destinations, while the yacht's relatively shallow 3.75-metre draught allows access to shallow cruising grounds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395718/image/large-aebceaa67499330e5bfd597898e7c678.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395718">The owner’s private full-beam apartment is the highlight of M80’s guest accommodations. The suite includes a study, library, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom and a dedicated outdoor balcony offering direct access to private deck space. With a beam of 13.5-metres, the yacht is arranged to accommodate up to 14 guests across seven staterooms, supported by a crew of 22 alongside her captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395709/image/large-1077afc5c96b3929c70ee9374bc96865.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395709">M80’s guest areas are intended to maximise connections with the surrounding sea. Her full-height glazing that introduces plenty of natural light, while sliding glass doors seamlessly connect her main saloon and dining spaces with the exterior decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395713/image/large-8b0b4a1791ec3fd064de018dfdd57445.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395713">In terms of performance, M80 is projected to reach a top speed of 26 knots and deliver a cruising range of more than 5,500 nautical miles.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395735/image/large-17f7211a0f105b1ad2a4a7ebd3ec8cf9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395735" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">

M80: Marco Ferrari unveils 80m explorer concept 

Designer Marco Ferrari has unveiled the 80-metre M80 explorer yacht concept, featuring hybrid propulsion and Ice Class capability.

M80: New 80m hybrid explorer yacht concept with underwater ‘nemo lounge’

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagaria (Company)">Lagaria</a> has unveiled the 90-metre motor yacht concept Platea. Developed by Monaco-based yacht design and architecture studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagaria (Company)">Lagaria</a>, Platea reconfigures the traditional yacht layout by minimising interior volume and placing emphasis on expansive exterior living spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395696/image/large-94a0a1cd747c02edba683d1e932fefe0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395696">Unlike most yachts, which prioritise enclosed volume, the design takes a different approach. &nbsp;Platea’s design compresses the indoor programme to free up the deck. This creates a floating beach club of unusual generosity, where the main deck becomes one continuous social landscape. In this area, an open-plan bar, lounge and dining space extends directly onto a large sheltered terrace complete with an oversized pool, Jacuzzi and full-service bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395703/image/large-b3de0009761cfa44415a389b655c992e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395703">In terms of accommodation, guest staterooms are positioned on the lower deck. This decision reflects the designers’ intention to prioritise communal spaces over private volume. Since staterooms are used primarily for sleeping and bathing, this allows prime deck areas to be dedicated to social and experiential use.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395702/image/large-c922893b880df550ce74538eaf7ab22a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395702">Moreover, the wheelhouse is located aft of midship, inspired by Scandinavian well-boat design. This opens up the central section of the yacht, creating an uninterrupted social zone, while still maintaining full operational visibility through wing stations. Platea’s owner also benefits from a private apartment with its own balcony. The stateroom is positioned aft for enhanced privacy and separation from guest areas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395697/image/large-46e1abf3cbcf2a55d9af45504a59ea42.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395697">“These are not purely aesthetic decisions, but part of a broader commercial thesis,” said the design studio. “At approximately 20 percent lower gross tonnage than comparable 90-metre charter yachts, Platea is designed around the idea that experiential quality, not enclosed volume - is what ultimately drives charter demand.” By prioritising exterior living spaces, the design reinforces its focus on experiential value over internal volume.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395695/image/large-940d9b0039e45cbf9fcf3287eeac9d05.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395695">“Platea distills what defines <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagaria (Company)">Lagaria</a> at its best: original thinking, a rigorous design logic, and a deep curiosity about the relationship between space and experience - pursued with respect for the sea and the operational realities that come with it,” the studio concluded.

Platea unveils Lagaria yacht concept

Lagaria has unveiled the 90-metre motor yacht concept Platea.

Platea: The 90m Lagaria yacht designed around outdoor living

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a> has completed an €8.5 million redevelopment of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/380" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gouvia Marina (Company)">Gouvia Marina</a> in Corfu, Greece. According to the company, this will significantly expand its capacity while introducing advanced digital infrastructure and sustainability measures aimed at elevating the overall yachting experience in the Eastern Mediterranean.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395689/image/large-38e449166c2a07114a44956609a710fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395689">Strategically located between the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/380" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gouvia Marina (Company)">Gouvia Marina</a> is the largest marina in Corfu. The upgrade adds 104 new berths for yachts up to 50 metres, alongside expanded onshore storage, improved accessibility and upgraded visitor facilities. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a> added that the redevelopment is part of its long-term strategy to enhance operational capacity, while strengthening the marina’s position as a gateway for Mediterranean cruising.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a> Greece Regional Director Ioannis Koutsodontis said: “The upgrade of Gouvia Marina goes far beyond infrastructure. It is a complete transformation that combines construction excellence, technological innovation and sustainability, while creating a premium destination that is open, vibrant and closely connected to the local community of Corfu.”A major component of the project is its digital transformation. Smart Pedestals have been installed at every berth, allowing remote monitoring and management of electricity and water consumption through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin’s</a> mobile application. The marina’s digital infrastructure has also been fully upgraded, with enhanced Wi-Fi coverage across all areas to ensure seamless connectivity for visitors and crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395692/image/large-305427b9f29343bcc3d15c050094d5c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395692">Sustainability and ESG principles have been embedded throughout the redevelopment. The marina now features high-pressure water filtration systems, low-energy LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, enhanced fire detection systems and improved accessibility, alongside extensive green landscaping designed to integrate the site more closely with the surrounding community.A key milestone of the project is the installation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/380" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gouvia Marina (Company)">Gouvia Marina’s</a> first on-site solar power system and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin’s</a> first in Greece. The 100 kilowatt-peak photovoltaic installation is expected to generate around 167 megawatt-hour of clean energy annually, covering approximately 20 per cent of the marina’s electricity needs.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a> Greece Head of Sustainability and Health and Safety Korina Kostakaki commented: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/380" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gouvia Marina (Company)">Gouvia Marina’s</a> new solar installation reflects <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin’s</a> continued progress on its decarbonisation pathway and marks our first Greek marina to generate renewable energy on site. The project complements the five megawatts of solar capacity already deployed across our marinas in Turkey, Croatia and Italy, supporting our SBTi commitment and our ambition to reduce emissions by 42 per cent by 2030.”The redevelopment was supported through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a> concluded that the project represents a wider contribution to the modernisation of Greece’s nautical tourism sector, supporting sustainable investment and long-term competitiveness.Photos provided courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a>.

D-Marin Gouvia Marina upgrade

D-Marin has completed an €8.5 million redevelopment of Gouvia Marina in Corfu, Greece. 


D-Marin completes €8.5 million Gouvia Marina upgrade in Corfu

The 26.7-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13610" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Zone26.7m (87'7&quot;)Sanlorenzo2024">Blue Zone</a> has been listed for sale with of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>. The <a class="outbound" href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> forms part of Sanlorenzo’s SX88 series, featuring a design focused on open living, a strong connection to the water, and effortless movement between decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367319/image/large-a2922d0b2d194410ad91e0143eb58d6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367319" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> in 2024, the <a class="outbound" href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is built with a GRP hull and superstructure. She features exterior styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Officina Italiana Design (Mauro Micheli) (Company)">Officina Italiana Design (Mauro Micheli)</a>, while her naval architecture was developed in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>. Her interior was crafted by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367335/image/large-6715c2df657572daebc1f97fff537974.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367335" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367329/image/large-aa3eb3e0329c3a60eb4d7d447703e78e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367329">Outside, the <a class="outbound" href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=sanlorenzo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Sanlorenzo yacht for sale</a> is defined by angular lines, wraparound glazing and a plumb bow. Meanwhile, her oversized stern platform and beach club area reflect the crossover design philosophy that has become synonymous with the SX range.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367330/image/large-0f6d097483d9284017f7cd847235aae3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367330">One of the yacht's standout features is her flybridge, which is fitted with a retractable roof and opening side windows, allowing the space to transition between an enclosed skylounge and an open-air deck for entertainment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367332/image/large-8e3ba00842da27fa7ab3067354d0b3e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367332">Stepping inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13610" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Zone26.7m (87'7&quot;)Sanlorenzo2024">Blue Zone</a>’s full custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a> interior embodies a contemporary aesthetic defined by light oak finishes, soft neutral tones and elegant stone detailing. The yacht’s panoramic glazing lets in abundant natural light throughout her living spaces. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367348/image/large-d7729c1523fc5401ee902a85ae79a2f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367348">With a beam of 7.21-metres and an interior volume of 115 GT, &nbsp;accommodation onboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13610" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Zone26.7m (87'7&quot;)Sanlorenzo2024">yacht Blue Zone for sale</a> is arranged for up to eight guests across four staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite. Dedicated quarters are provided for a crew of two, including her captain. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367345/image/large-2939e62a3f425089aac718638750fc44.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367345">In terms of performance, she is powered by triple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> engines, delivering a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 23 knots. Further highlights include electric zero-speed stabilisers, a premium <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raymarine UK Ltd (Company)">Raymarine</a> Diamond navigation package and an upgraded secondary 28 kilowatt generator.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284607/image/large-bb359b0b3d7c19e5a4e4fafa895c6008.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284607"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367321/image/large-ba87eaf4c8a769a142981c8b6d7b11ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367321">

27m Sanlorenzo yacht Blue Zone for sale

The 26.7m Sanlorenzo motor yacht Blue Zone, from the SX88 series, has been listed for sale with Northrop & Johnson.

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

Heikki Bergman Propulsion House CEO Interview

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

Owner Experience

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