One of the most iconic superyachts ever launched is the 97.20 metre superyacht Carinthia VII. With her smart navy blue hull and gleaming white superstructure she is instantly recognisable, though what most don’t know is that she is actually part of a much bigger story.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/158206/image/large-e0e4ec4f9758e4dc2bb28919aa4486a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158206" class="legacy">The story of the Carinthia yachts began more than 50 years ago. They have been cruising the oceans of the world since the early 1960s and although two of the seven yachts met an unfortunate watery grave over the years, at least three of these vessels are still going strong today. Commissioned by the late German entrepreneur Helmut Horten and, in later years, his wife, Heidi, here yacht historian Malcolm Wood tells the story of the Carinthia’s.Helmut Horten made his fortune after introducing the supermarket concept to his home country following a business trip to the United States. It was an action that quickly made him into one of the most affluent men in Germany, and by the late 1960s, his Group boasted a €1 billion turnover. This accumulation of wealth of course opened many doors for Horten, including the opportunity to freely invest in his love for yachting.The details of the first two of the Carinthias fleet are obscure, though widely assumed to have consisted of smaller vessels for use on the Ruhr and Rhine rivers. Carinthia III, on the other hand, was Horten’s first real superyacht. Measuring 24.60 metres she was built by the French shipyard Chantiers Navals de l’Esterel in 1961. She was designed by André Mauric, and was later sold and renamed twice; Brionie and Venezuela. One thing all the Carinthia’s have in common is that they are all notably fast yachts and though Carinthia III was one of the slowest in the fleet, she still boasted a top speed of 23 knots. She was last reported to be in Greece in 2006.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/158207/image/large-9ffe69aa09a71028150ea24c0a220c89.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158207" class="legacy">Carinthia IV&nbsp;saw Horten upgrade in size by almost 18 metres to 42 metres, to a yacht that was also the fastest Carinthia with a top speed of 34 knots. Built by the same French shipyard as Carinthia III, she was completed in 1964, with Horten again assigning her design to Mauric, this time in collaboration with the now-iconic Jon Bannenberg. Again, number four in the series of yachts was sold and renamed, this time to Sylvana C. She was outlived by her original owner after being consumed by fire in Greece in 1981.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/158208/image/large-8b1e7a14d9d42dc67574ba1f6894cc45.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158208" class="legacy">Tragedy too taints the fate of Carinthia V. Seeing another extension in length from her predecessor, this vessel was built at the German shipyard Lürssen, a brand a little closer to home for Horten. Measuring 67.85 metres, Bannenberg was responsible for her design this time in collaboration with Lürssen, marking a departure from the French shipyard Horten had previously favoured for his Carinthias. Still a fast yacht for her size at 27 knots, she met her end after striking an uncharted rock near Corfu in 1971, the same year she was completed.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/158209/image/large-7d5c4a201bf3756645d4e07d8b8524dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158209" class="legacy">Horten didn’t grieve over the loss for too long, however, and promptly ordered a replacement that was delivered just two years later in 1973. Again built by Lürssen to an almost identical design of Carinthia V, Carinthia VI&nbsp;measured 70.68 metres, and was one of the largest yachts in the world at the time. She was later sold and renamed The One. Since publication, tragidy struck The One recently when the yacht caught fire in Marmaris, Turkey. The current state of the vessel is still unknown and if what has remained of her is salvagable.This article is featured in the fifth issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. Subscriptions are <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">available here</a>.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/156855/image/large-72faf7adda6346b9b356617e501f10b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156855" class="legacy">By Malcolm Wood

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Carinthia IV yacht

Carinthia V yacht

Helmut and Heidi Horten: a fleet of Carinthias

Travelling to Sydney, Leona Caanen speaks with Luke Geelan, family man and owner of the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>&nbsp;fleet.Growing up with a passion for boating, and especially fishing, is Luke Geelan, Sydney native and owner of the 35.05-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>. Having spent most of his life around the water, it seems only natural for Luke to have moved into the world of boating. Overtime the yacht has come to resemble not only a connection to his past, but also to his future, getting to enjoy it with his family and friends, as well as sharing it with charter guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388213/image/large-0b83e89d1054e69437b37ff303a35921.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388213">A family passionGrowing up on a river in Sydney, Luke was introduced to the rhythms of tide and weather from an early age. “I’ve grown up with a passion for boating, my father taught me to water ski and sail as a young child” Luke shares. Over time, Luke exchanged sailing for wakeboarding and eventually game-fishing, depending his passion for being out at sea. This passion has remained a constant factor in Luke’s life, deepening even further once he could share it with his own kids.A few years ago, Luke sold his business and decided to step into boating in a more deliberate way by acquiring the 35-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyds Ships (Company)">Lloyd Ships</a> in Australia in 1986. Purchasing her in 2024, the yacht allowed for Luke and his family to explore the Australian coast with more comfort, as well as for them to get to share their passion for the sea. “My two boys are especially big on game fishing, and my daughter is very passionate about snorkelling and marine life”, says Luke. By acquiring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>, it allows for the family to share their passions with one another.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396937/image/large-131bb2f788c31defa0822382f533d318.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396937">A three-part refitAs <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> is from the 80s, she was in need of an upgrade when Luke purchased her. The refit has been phased and purposeful, with 2024 seeing the first of the three phases. The yacht spent September to November at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3255" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Gold Coast City Marina &amp; Shipyard</a> where the bridge was upgraded, soft furnishings replaced and extensive paintwork completed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388209/image/large-c74eb7958e3e321e611bea0e2d9fee9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388209">The second phase was centred around remodelling the saloon, with new flooring, carpeting and ceilings, as well as mechanical enhancements. Other upgrades included a beach club installation, complete with an inflatable pool, protective netting and a shaded cabana, which has proved particularly popular with charter guests. Possibly the most meaningful addition during this refit have been the zero-speed stabilisers, “my wife suffers from really severe seasickness, the stabilisers are essential in making the yacht comfortable for my family,” Luke shares.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388210/image/large-06ec6524534531dc1f3ac942dd743803.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388210"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>’s third and final refit will take place in 2027 and will see an upgrade of the crew quarters. Originally, Luke had hoped to finalise the refit this year, but the yacht’s agenda, both in charter and personal use, is almost fully booked for the calendar year, and Luke wants to ensure there is enough time for the refit: “Our crew is so amazing, I'm super lucky to have what I believe is the best crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388187/image/large-fde4622fb25e3e416358ace496ed0104.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388187"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>&nbsp;juniorYet the 35-metre motor yacht is only half the story. Six months after acquiring the mothership, Luke secured what he describes as Australia’s leading game fishing platform: a custom-built 17.7-metre (58’0”) Assegai sportfisher. Designed specifically for marlin fishing along the country’s east coast, the yacht is equipped with a gyro stabiliser and, more recently, a Furuno Omni Sonar System capable of scanning 360 degrees around the vessel to significant depths, providing a technological edge in a pursuit that still relies on instinct and patience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396954/image/large-96857bf8151cfcd655d86dc3d061d704.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396954">The reason for acquiring the fishing vessel to cruise alongside the mothership are his sons. Luke shares that “my sons and I have been game fishing together for the last five years or so,” and have even partaken in various competitions in- and around Sydney. “We’ve won a couple of state titles and other competitions,” a hint of pride sits in Luke’s voice. “My children in particular, have a passion for fishing, and I've just shared that passion, and supported it”, he adds.Lukes really enjoys fishing with his family and friends, on a recent trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the Shore Thing 58' landed a 1,223 pound Black Marlin. Yet Luke is quick to note that they’re conscious about the way they fish. “We only catch what we eat; everything else goes right back in the ocean. We’re not hunters, we just fish for the joy of it.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388186/image/large-a98a34adf0095495d9e5f32f36eb458e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388186">The joy of cruisingSome of Luke’s most cherished moments onboard are those with friends and family. “We hosted my 50th birthday onboard,” Luke shares, having chartered the yacht to Whitehaven Beach, located in the Whitsundays, “there were about 40 guests, all friends and family.”&nbsp;Possibly Luke’s favourite memory is the recent Christmas holiday onboard. “Spending time with our family and another family, sitting around and just having deep belly laughs over some beautifully cooked meals by our chef onboard.” Luke describes this as delightful and quite possibly one of the most memorable times onboard. “Your kids grow up so quick, getting to share such a beautiful time together and feeling like, as your kids become young adults, that you can really share laughs and stories. It was just special.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396938/image/large-04bc34860fd9bc9b421321a8d9f42e09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396938">The beauty of being on a boat is that it ties everyone together, whether that is his own family and friends, or guests who charter the yacht, for Luke, the joy of owning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> lies in “getting to share the joy with other people.”The yacht and her fishing counterpart offer not just a sense of luxury, but a space for guests to create memories and experience the beauty of the Australian coastline as they cruise <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> between the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays and the Sydney Harbour.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388177/image/large-2991a957e2fdb4ef0038789921600aa2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388177">

Owning the shore thing fleet 

A look inside Luke Geelan's charter fleet: his 35m Shore Thing and the 58' sport fisher chartering around Sydney.

"The joy of owning Shore Thing is getting to share it with others"

For owner Paul Andrews, the search for the right yacht was a journey that spanned more than a decade. However, when he first came across the 25.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> online, something about her caught his attention. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394762/image/large-d54e9461baa90d5794ad964df495e456.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394762">“I first saw her in a video while I was searching for yachts,” he explained. “She was located in Thailand at the time, which was quite literally on the other side of the world from me, but her presence immediately stood out.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394534/image/large-bfddc47ecaf6a83efc8300953b5b19d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394534">Originally launched in 1967, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> was the largest aluminium hulled sailing yacht in the world when she first hit the water. Built as a classic world cruising yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> had circumnavigated the world three times, with voyages to the Antarctic and Arctic regions when she entered the market in 2022. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394541/image/large-c96b4ebc0ab5a9453459421e627799d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394541">“The beam, the proportions and the sheer character of the yacht caught my attention straight away,” recalled Andrews. “I wasn’t specifically searching for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a>, but when she was built, she was engineered to a commercial, almost military-grade standard and built to navy specs, which gave her a genuine pedigree, strength and a fascinating story behind her.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394543/image/large-0b87ef55ef9559c3dc95e76eca2db6c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394543">However, when Andrews finally travelled to Thailand to inspect the yacht in person, the initial impression was far from ideal. “It was raining heavily and she looked tired and neglected.” But returning the following day to see the yacht in clear conditions revealed a completely different vessel. “Her lines were beautiful and the potential became obvious. She simply needed vision and attention.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394544/image/large-f191bd60c4deb3732c009830efb76fc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394544">In 2015 under the ownership of her previous owners, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> had started a refit programme spanning more than $1 million, which lasted five years and saw her receive a full teak interior refit. “It was clear that previous owners had already invested heavily in the yacht,” added Andrews. “The teak interior joinery was exceptional and the hull structure was sound. However, the layout did not fully make use of the yacht’s size.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394540/image/large-3bd64f4dfb231598384875f28fc57a05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394540">With the help of Martin Holmes and his team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lee Marine International Brokerage (Company)">Lee Marine</a>, Andrews took a boat from Langkawi, Malaysia where he purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> and started the process of refitting her in Phuket. “My vision was always to maximise the yacht without taking away the character that makes Firebird special,” he explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394689/image/large-066bcffa01ddea4816fadbefefba6fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394689">“Rather than remove that character, the refit focused on respecting the craftsmanship already onboard, while improving the functionality and layout for modern cruising. So the very first thing I wanted to do was lay a completely new teak deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394684/image/large-59c92dfa1c2c4dfaf499558c82520e13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394684">The refit saw beautifully laid teak installed throughout, which instantly transformed her appearance and the feeling underfoot. From here, Andrews had a large swim platform and gangway at the stern installed for easy access, as well as an alfresco dining area for 12, with a large three-metre teak L-shaped sofa added and a circular seating area for eight at her stern.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394683/image/large-ccd9dbe381bbc98da19e89f67500eafb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394683">Additional work saw her saloon and guest staterooms reworked to create a larger and more comfortable interior, while technical works included the installation of a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raymarine UK Ltd (Company)">Raymarine</a> navigation suite, electric furling systems and the recommissioning of her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Detroit Diesel (Company)">Detroit Diesel</a> engine and generators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394537/image/large-a9744df0db0cb9126710320c8ad8f685.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394537">&nbsp;“I was involved in every stage of the project!” beamed Andrews. “Working alongside skilled craftsmen in Thailand allowed the ideas I had for the yacht to be executed properly.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394682/image/large-6c7c43f1ab3dc6151b36ef4b9e0c6d90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394682">“The region has an impressive concentration of marine specialists including riggers, carpenters, sailmakers and marine engineers. The quality of teak craftsmanship in Thailand is also exceptional and the cost of skilled labour is significantly lower than in many other parts of the world. By chance I also discovered a local boat carpenter whose family had been building boats in the region for generations. His team worked tirelessly and played a crucial role in transforming the yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394536/image/large-a684c5dbb17405c08f59b474c49fe63e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394536">A large portion of the refit work was carried out at Premier Superyacht Shipyard near <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Haven Marina (Company)">Yacht Haven Marina</a> in Phuket. The yard operates an 890-tonne travel lift and regularly handles vessels significantly larger than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a>, so during her haul-out, hull works, repainting, mechanical servicing and installation of the bow thruster were completed at the yard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394535/image/large-fe228dc87c3eb4c006007450d0644190.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394535">The refit started almost immediately after Andrews had stepped onboard and he remained involved throughout the process. “After studying the layout of an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> 85, I realised it might be possible to alter the companionway arrangement and open access to unused space within the yacht. By cutting through the bulkhead at the end of the galley we created a new passageway that allowed an entirely new guest stateroom to be built.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394687/image/large-2e193db0a4b19958ca9e5ecb0fbbb3b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394687">The result allowed for unused areas to be converted into additional guest accommodation, while maintaining the logical flow through her companionway and saloon areas. Thanks to this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> is now able to comfortably accommodate up to 13 guests, while still feeling spacious. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394691/image/large-d359643ead180961dcf469e992df6a3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394691">“The onboard experience is exceptional now! <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> is incredibly comfortable and she has become a wonderful place to spend time. I have several comfortable homes on land, but I genuinely did not expect living aboard a yacht to feel this enjoyable.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394775/image/large-19d12ff20ebf8798893858104887e523.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394775">From a technical standpoint the most important upgrade was the installation of a Max Power bow thruster. At 71 tonnes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> is not a small yacht and the thruster significantly improved manoeuvrability for docking. Paired with electric furling systems, her sails can now be easily controlled from the cockpit, &nbsp;which means the yacht can be sailed comfortably by a small crew. “Together with the bow thruster and upgraded navigation systems, the yacht is now far easier and safer to operate,” added Andrews.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394782/image/large-7d015b051a954c975849eb73b943caa0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394782">Currently available for charter, Andrews noted that there had already been interest from charter clients in the Seychelles and the Maldives. “It would feel rather selfish to keep such a yacht entirely to myself! Our goal is to have her operating in the Greek islands by 2027.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394781/image/large-71d773016ba60ca5be3610663cfc2a04.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394781">The refit took approximately 18 months to complete, with the project bringing the yacht a new lease of life. “I have restored historic buildings and classic cars before, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> has been the most rewarding project of them all! Working on her felt almost like giving a living vessel a new chapter in her life. I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of that transformation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394773/image/large-89483fb30e91ef0842117ed871bea925.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394773">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> has had an extraordinary life with many different owners over the decades, with each leaving their own mark on the vessel,” concluded Andrews. “If I had to describe her in just a few words, I would say she is an iconic, unique superyacht and I hope she continues to bring joy to many future owners and guests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394763/image/large-26cc3acdb14ea54697eb754a850e1393.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394763">

Firebird: 26m Palmer Johnson yacht refit

Inside the 18-month Thai refit that transformed the 26m Palmer Johnson sailing yacht Firebird into a modern cruising yacht.

Firebird reborn: Behind the Thai refit of a classic 26m yacht

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 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> sold in a deal with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1550" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marine Marketing (Company)">Marine Marketing</a> introducing the buyer, alongside Nathan Farrelly of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">Edmiston</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="One Brokerage Australia (Company)">One Brokerage Australia</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397051/image/large-5a5dce9decb30e6d016cb98d7fde34c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397051">Delivered in 2018 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> 5000 Semi-Displacement series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a>, with interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cristiano Gatto Design (Company)">Cristiano Gatto Design</a> and naval architecture by her Dutch builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration, with her master suite situated on the main deck forward, while her VIP suite, two doubles and two twin staterooms can be found on the lower deck.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which propel her to a top speed of 23 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. At the time of the sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> had a last known asking price of €28,500,000.&nbsp;

Daisy D: 50m Heesen yacht sold

The 49.8-metre Heesen superyacht Daisy D sold, with a last known asking price of €28,500,000.

50m Heesen superyacht Daisy D sold

The 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> sold in a deal with Iain Lawrie of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a> introducing the buyer and Michael Zaidan of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Borden and Associates Yacht Sales (Company)">Borden &amp; Associates Yacht Sales</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397019/image/large-1adf3cf22ae9625acf3be275898f7595.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397019">Delivered in 2001, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/326" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jack Hargrave (Company)">Jack Hargrave</a>. Spanning 180 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration.&nbsp;In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> can reach a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, thanks to twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Detroit Diesel (Company)">Detroit Diesel</a> engines. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> had a last known asking price of $1,450,000.(Image courtesy of Merle Wood &amp; Associates.)

Sunday Money: 31m Hatteras yacht sold

The 30.48-metre Hatteras motor yacht Sunday Money sold with a last known asking price of $1,450,000.

31m Hatteras motor yacht Sunday Money sold

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

Standardising the bespoke: The engineering behind custom superyacht equipment

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

The fourth 53.25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> YS53 yacht support <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> has been delivered to her owner, following her launch in March 2026 from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> facility in Antalya, Turkey. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397013/image/large-c33b6dbec1e5da99757b484375d47d5b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397013">Designed to operate either alongside a mothership or independently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> has been crafted in-house by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, which were responsible for her interior, exterior and naval architecture.&nbsp;Created around family experiences, shared moments on the water and operational purpose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> will now serve as a purposeful extension of her owner's fleet, where she has been developed to provide additional space, support and flexibility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397012/image/large-e7a8adfa9276e3affbe8d0454cf3c3d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397012">"From the outset, &nbsp;there was a clear vision for how the owner wanted to use YS53 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> and the role she would play within the fleet," explained Rob Dolling, Owner’s Representative. "Together with Damen Yachting, we were able to translate those wishes into a vessel that is highly functional, personal and closely aligned with the owner’s programme."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests, as well as 10 crew plus her captain. Her interior reflects the owner’s personal style, combining timeless elegance with Old English influences throughout. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397011/image/large-c5c4c4fd9fd1617d2fa194c1f00b061d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397011"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> boasts the brand’s signature axe bow, while her reinforced deck supports touch-and-go helicopter operations. With a generous open main deck of more than 200 square-metres, this versatile space can be used for large tenders, toys and specialised equipment.This is complemented by a 15-tonne crane, enabling the handling of substantial tenders and heavy loads. With a volume just shy of 500 GT, she can accommodate up to eight guests, along with a crew of eight.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397010/image/large-d904abeb9d80368dab56f223768c6958.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397010">"As the fourth Yacht Support 53 delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, she reflects the versatility of the Yacht Support range within modern superyacht ownership and has been created with a very clear purpose," concluded Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive USA.Crafted with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which provide her with a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 19 knots. Once her sea trials are complete, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> will prepare for delivery to her owner. &nbsp;

Rafter: Fourth Damen Yachting YS53 yacht on sea trials

The fourth 53.25-metre Damen Yachting YS53 yacht support Rafter has been delivered following her launch in Antalya, Turkey in March 2026.

Fourth Damen Yachting YS53 yacht support Rafter delivered

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> has completed the refit of the 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Classic 120 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a>, following a comprehensive programme of works spanning structural modifications, onboard systems, technical upgrades, exterior areas and interiors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396976/image/large-40153e77114e1432e88b74a33b05ac53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396976">Built in 2009 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a> forms part of its Classic 37 series, featuring exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefano Righini Design (Company)">Stefano Righini Design</a>, interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a> and naval architecture developed in-house by her builder.The refit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a> commenced in August 2025 shortly after the yacht was acquired by her new owner and was completed in approximately six months through the coordinated efforts of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>'s project management team, specialised technicians, skilled craftsmen and interior designer Laura Rossi. According to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>, the programme was undertaken with the aim of improving operational efficiency, enhancing the onboard experience and extending the yacht's service life.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397008/image/large-c77ef9362600c70fc7acbd85faee16f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397008">From the outset, the owner and project team sought to preserve the yacht's original layout and distinctive character while improving her functionality, comfort and the perception of space. On the main deck, the refit scope included the installation of new full-height windows in her main saloon alongside the reconfiguration of the staircase area between the main and upper decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397007/image/large-91d720dd0c041da15a467ac85b61b3da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397007">Laura Rossi oversaw the interior redesign, introducing what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> described as "greater fluidity, brightness and visual continuity." A new transparent balustrade around the staircase would allow natural light to flow between decks, while satin-finish glass panels replaced selected opaque surfaces in the corridors. New fabrics and materials were also integrated throughout the guest accommodations to enhance comfort, durability and ease of maintenance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397009/image/large-f3728f4818fd2bd0f7063bd374fc9a4e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397009">"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a> does not deny what she has been, nor does she try to become something else," commented Rossi. "The project was conceived to lighten, simplify and enhance the yacht's original identity, creating spaces that are brighter, more fluid and more natural to experience every day."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397006/image/large-04998d04550196299f04c73e269ea5f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397006">In addition to the living areas, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> carried out a myriad of technical upgrades involving the main engines, generators and essential onboard systems. The entire lighting system was replaced with energy-efficient LEDs, while the bridge and onboard electronics were updated to make them easier to use and improve navigation safety. Exterior works included restoring the teak decks, reconfiguring the sundeck after removing the existing Jacuzzi and completely repainting the hull and superstructure.&nbsp;

Lusben completes refit of 37m Benetti yacht Kos

Lusben has completed an extensive refit of the 37m Benetti Classic yacht Kos.

37m Benetti yacht Kos completes extensive refit at Lusben

The 25.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> sold in a deal with David Legrand of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> introducing the buyer and Derk Jan Rolff of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5652" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Yacht Connection (Company)">Holland Yacht Connection</a> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/346966/image/large-acba5ebb2d4596b138324b59ae61deb9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/346966">Delivered in 2003 as part of the Moonen 84 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/240" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marimecs BV (Company)">Marimecs</a>, interior design penned in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/241" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="René van der Velden Yacht Design (Company)">René van der Velden Yacht Design</a>.Spanning 115 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests across a four stateroom configuration on the lower deck, with her full-beam master suite situated amidships, alongside a VIP at her bow and two twin staterooms.&nbsp;In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, which provide her with a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> had a last known asking price of €2,200,000.&nbsp;(Image courtesy of Holland Yacht Connection.)

Moon River: 26m Moonen yacht sold

The 25.75-metre Moonen motor yacht Moon River sold with a last known asking price of €2,200,000.

26m Moonen motor yacht Moon River sold

As contemporary superyacht design continues to prioritise light, openness and seamless connections to the sea, glass has evolved from a purely functional element into a defining aesthetic feature and, with the use of significantly larger glass panels, has become an essential structural component. Expansive glazing now shapes not only the visual identity of a yacht but also its engineering framework, requiring a far more integrated and technically rigorous approach.For German specialist <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a>, this shift represents both an opportunity and a responsibility – to ensure that increasingly ambitious designs are matched by uncompromising structural integrity, durability and precision.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/293944/image/large-ecdb75ea245212d313561b3fadf7f87c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/293944">Integrating glass from the concept stageLarger glass surfaces have fundamentally changed how glazing is approached in yacht construction. No longer a late-stage addition, glass must be embedded into the superstructure concept from the earliest design phases, with engineers analysing how forces move through the pane, adhesive bond and surrounding structure.Unlike static architectural environments, yachts operate under continuous dynamic loads, with hull flex, vibration and thermal variation all influencing performance. Safety margins must therefore reflect real marine conditions, while thickness, laminate composition, bonding strategy, edge detailing and installation methodology all need to be considered from the outset.Early collaboration is essential. By working with designers and naval architects at the concept stage, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a> helps ensure that visual ambitions are achievable without compromising technical feasibility, long-term serviceability or structural integrity. This proactive approach allows glazing to do more than fit within a design – it helps shape the structural logic of the vessel, balancing elegance with engineering robustness.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286853/image/large-74c88213b1c3eba82cf06fc659c13e71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286853">Bonding as a safety-critical interfaceOne of the most significant technical challenges is bonding glass – which is inherently brittle – to aluminium or steel structures that move, flex and expand differently under load and temperature change. The adhesive joint must do more than hold the panel in place: it must accommodate movement, transfer loads safely and maintain integrity under UV exposure, salt, humidity and vibration.“The real challenge is not only the glass pane itself, but the interface between glass and a structure that is constantly moving at sea.”As panel sizes increase, this interface becomes even more critical, since minor mismatches in movement, geometry or application can have amplified consequences. Bond thickness, surface preparation, laminate compatibility and UV protection must therefore be precisely controlled. In superyacht glazing, adhesive design is not a detail – it is part of the safety concept, and a well-engineered bond line underpins both structural integrity and long-term durability.Simulation and real-world performanceFinite Element analysis helps validate glass performance, particularly in complex or non-standard applications, by modelling the interaction between glass, adhesive and supporting structure under realistic marine loads. This allows engineers to identify stress points, optimise designs and support conditions, and mitigate deflection risks early in the project lifecycle.Unlike building façades, yacht structures are subject to continuous movement, making accurate modelling essential. Long-term factors such as moisture ingress, ageing and laminate degradation must also be assessed, as they can directly affect load-bearing capacity.As glass panels grow in size, tolerances become increasingly critical. Millimetre-level deviations in shaping or installation can influence load distribution and compromise both structural performance and visual alignment. Handling and installation of large panes have therefore become technical operations in their own right, requiring precise three-dimensional measurement and meticulous execution.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/333152/image/large-73662ca86854e3909e622abf8863c6a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/333152">Ensuring long-term laminate integrityLong-term durability begins with material selection. Because traditional PVB interlayers, which are widely used, can be vulnerable to humidity and temperature fluctuations, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a> uses a specially developed resin interlayer designed for enhanced moisture resistance at sea, thereby preventing delamination.Chemical toughening further improves optical clarity, reduces distortion and avoids the anisotropy often associated with thermally toughened glass. Strict quality control from raw material selection to lamination, sealing and final inspection ensures each pane meets superyacht standards.Consistency in bespoke productionFor bespoke glazing, consistency depends on rigorous process control across the entire project chain, from early consultation and three-dimensional measurement through to production and installation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a>’s integrated approach reduces variability and ensures consistency across the entire project chain, even when each pane is uniquely specified.Combined with stringent inspection protocols and a commitment to rejecting substandard components, this enables the delivery of reliable, high-performance glazing systems.Engineering next-generation glazingLooking ahead, the trajectory of superyacht design points towards even larger, clearer and more seamlessly integrated glass surfaces. However, the next phase of innovation will be defined not by scale alone, but by the ability to balance ambition with practicality. Manufacturability, optical quality, structural safety, durability and ease of replacement will all play an increasingly important role in shaping future designs.As glass cements its position as a defining element of modern yacht design, its successful application depends on far more than aesthetics. Structural integration, bonding expertise, advanced simulation and uncompromising material quality must come together from the very beginning.In response, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a> continues to invest in expanded production capacity, advanced handling capabilities and earlier involvement in complex projects – helping today’s most ambitious glazing concepts to be realised safely, durably and with the clarity expected of the next generation of superyachts.

Tilse yacht glass in design

Larger glass surfaces have fundamentally changed how glazing is approached in yacht construction. 

Engineering transparency: The evolving role of glass in superyacht design

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396837/image/large-d8ba973efacc6a431309d036f5b1a3df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396837">The 95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Golden Yachts Ltd. (Company)">Golden Yachts</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari&nbsp;</a>was recently seen anchored in Athens, Greece, ahead of Posidonia 2026. Several other superyachts, including the 60.98-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13282" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Madeleine60.98m (200'1&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2025">O'Madeleine</a>, were also spotted in the area during the international shipping exhibition, which took place from 1 to 5 June.Delivered in 2020, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari&nbsp;</a>remains the largest yacht built by the Greek shipyard to date. She forms part of a fleet of distinctive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Golden Yachts Ltd. (Company)">Golden Yachts</a> projects, alongside notable vessels such as the 87.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project X87.6m (287'5&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2022">Project X</a> and the 77.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11076" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malia77.7m (254'11&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2023">Malia</a>, which was launched in 2023.Her exterior and interior design were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/76" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Vafiadis (Company)">Studio Vafiadis</a>. Spanning 2,700 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari</a> offers a range of standout amenities, including a touch-and-go helipad positioned on the forward upper deck, an expansive sundeck complete with a DJ booth, bar and Jacuzzi, and a dedicated wellness area featuring a massage room, Turkish hammam and Finnish sauna.Accommodation is provided for guests across a collection of marble- and mosaic-clad staterooms, comprising nine double cabins and four twin cabins.Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari</a> cruises comfortably at 16 knots and can reach a top speed of 20 knots. She is currently en route to Split, Croatia, according to AIS Data.

Golden Yachts yacht O’Pari in Athens

The 95-metre Golden Yachts superyacht O’Pari was recently seen anchored in Athens, Greece.

95m Golden Yachts superyacht O’Pari in Athens

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