There are few topics as likely to divide a room as artificial intelligence. But beyond the gimmicks, pitfalls and burning ethical questions, it has serious potential to transform the superyacht industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362847/image/large-f014d6cbccbe128a626fb7b2c5a9b9bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362847">As AI pervades every aspect of our daily lives, from Siri and Alexa to the Internet of Things, smart home domotics and online shopping recommendations, you might be wondering how the advances being made in AI are relevant to what we do in the superyacht industry. In fact, AI can already be found in all sorts of applications, from shoreside yacht management software to collision detection systems, while the rise in sensor data has ushered in machine learning for predictive maintenance. But one area in particular has garnered the headlines: design.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2740" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olesinski Ltd. (Company)">Olesinski Naval Architecture</a> based in Cowes has been a pioneer in the development of AI in yacht design, having taken its tentative first steps a decade ago. Since then, working with research fellows from the University of Southampton and, subsequently, with The Alan Turing Institute, the studio has incorporated AI into several areas of its workflow, including the optimisation of interior layouts. The idea was not to see if AI could replace designers, but rather how it could serve as a tool to speed up the design process – by eliminating design dead ends, for example – or inspire alternative solutions. These AI functions took a big step forward with advancements in large language models (LLMs) capable of understanding and generating natural language and other types of content to perform a wide range of tasks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181595/image/large-e5e6e452b34965e9b55d91ea9c2d8589.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181595">“These models have grown far more powerful, are now context-aware and, most importantly, accessible,” says Bill Edwards, head of R&amp;D at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2740" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olesinski Ltd. (Company)">Olesinski</a>, who believes they are fundamentally transforming how we interact with technology. Tasks like research, ideation, code generation, and problem-solving can now be approached with significant assistance from AI-driven tools.&nbsp;“The influence of AI is seen in the software and systems we use daily, making everything from routine communication to complex technical work faster, and more intelligently,” he says. “Multi-modal AI capabilities are also accelerating. Text-to-image and image-to-text models, as well as voice and video-based systems, are transforming creative and interpretive workflows, and for a design-centric field like naval architecture this evolution holds tremendous potential.”Exploration, Optimisation &amp; ValidationAs these technologies become increasingly integrated into CAD and simulation software, we will likely witness more seamless, AI-driven concept exploration, optimisation and validation cycles.&nbsp;What’s more, rather than just making headlines with interesting but wholly unfeasible yacht concepts, generative AI could play a significant role in more technically oriented design.“One of the most complex aspects of yacht and ship design, as well as one of the most time-consuming, is the routing of distributors – pipes, ventilation ducts, and cable trays – but also the interaction of distributors with other elements and equipment, the fulfilment of regulations, and the objective of optimising design, fabrication and assembly,” offers naval architect Dr Rodrigo Perez Fernandez, senior director of software engineering at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1981" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siemens (Company)">Siemens Digital Industries Software</a>, and professor at the Marine Engineering School at the Technical University of Madrid. “The application of AI techniques will assist the designer in taking decisions and adopting routings that both optimise the design and minimise the design time.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362848/image/large-518a1c286d0e158bec21350580025b9e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362848">Powerful search and optimisation algorithms are available to assist with these problems. An example algorithm is cMLSGA developed at The University of Southampton, which is at the heart of one of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2740" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olesinski Ltd. (Company)">Olesinski’s</a> systems and is used widely in ship route planning optimisation software.&nbsp;Alongside LLMs, development of large quantitative models (LQMs) will also have an impact on the more technical aspects of design. LQMs are not based on learning from language, but through physics, formulas and theories.“The idea is to combine knowledge of physics with machine learning methods to improve the way in which we perform and make use of our simulations involving fluids,” continues Edwards. “Building bespoke models for decision-making, whose success depends less on the volume of data, is something we are currently exploring in collaboration with Zack Xuereb Conti from The Alan Turing Institute.”“We recently had an introductory meeting with a start-up with whom we believe we can run breakthrough, AI-based CFD in the future,” adds Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a>. “It’s not proven yet, but there’s no question it will happen. And we’re already using AI as a tool of the trade and for inspiration.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362849/image/large-c460168fe1cf585884d90d0ee027808d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362849">Building BetterAs designers turn to AI and it becomes more deeply entrenched into CAD software, it stands to reason that shipyards could also take advantage of the tech. Indeed, AI is already playing a role in industrial automation, and many aspects of that are applicable to the superyacht segment.“The shipbuilding industry is increasingly embracing AI and related technologies to improve several aspects of ship design, construction, operation and maintenance,” says Dr Fernandez. “And while it may not be fully integrated in all shipyards, there has been notable progress in adopting AI solutions.”&nbsp;AI algorithms can analyse huge amounts of data, including historical design data, performance metrics and environmental factors to suggest more efficient and innovative ship design, manufacturing and production. Notably, AI-driven automation is being employed in many yards to streamline manufacturing processes.“Robots and AI-powered machines can perform repetitive tasks more efficiently, reducing production time and cost,” continues Dr Fernandez. “Additionally, AI can be used for quality control, and even to pass on knowledge as experienced older workers leave.”Harnessing AI as part of the design process to optimise technical design clearly implies a more holistic approach to the concept and construction workflow. It is perhaps particularly pertinent for production builders looking to streamline their assembly lines, but also for custom builders looking either to reduce tooling for one-off parts, or offer &nbsp;reduced delivery times through simplified component design. For example, AI is used in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to help streamline core business processes such as finance, HR, manufacturing, supply chain, sales and procurement.&nbsp;“For us, the use of these techniques has certainly had an impact on the way we design, engineer and optimise aspects of the projects we work on,” says Edwards, but adds a caveat: “The data needed to train and inform systems certainly exists, but structuring this data and architecting the systems to tackle problems still represents significant effort. Their success or failure depends entirely on the quality of the problem presentation, and on how sophisticated the approach is in representing it in terms of these variables, constraints, and objectives.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314552/image/large-9e0820ea4c94b6908bb981d840a7d870.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314552"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12135" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf X42.75m (140'3&quot;)Rossinavi2024">Seawolf X</a>AI in the operational phase of a superyacht has been around for a while, in particular for the predictive maintenance of mechanical systems. But the advent of new hybrid-electric yachts introduces more scope for AI in energy monitoring, highlighted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi’s</a> 42.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12135" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf X42.75m (140'3&quot;)Rossinavi2024">Seawolf X</a>.The catamaran has an AI system developed by Videoworks in collaboration with the University of Pisa that essentially serves to monitor energy consumption and usage on board, as well as the status of the yacht’s energy reserves. By creating different user profiles, the system can recommend different courses of action to maximise energy efficiency and mitigate both energy usage and environmental impact, while also flagging up when the power grid is at capacity, so crew activities such as laundry operations can be delayed in order to prioritise guest requirements. It works by tapping into the yacht’s existing systems architecture.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243150/image/large-8771c8c82ed7b2eacb775adfd7360943.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243150">“On a yacht you have a lot of very high-tech systems, each optimised and each with sensor actuators,” explains Sergio Saponara, director of the Department of Informational Engineering at the University of Pisa. “The idea is to create a sort of manager that grabs the data coming from the different subsystems and, thanks to the use of AI algorithms, gives it added value in terms of monitoring and control. The real challenge is trying to keep the best trade-off between the comfort of the user from the point of view of climate control, for example, while achieving greater sustainability on the other side.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> AI constantly analyses how the ship functions, learning from behaviour observation, dialoguing with crew members, and then predicting the needs of guests on board while recommending low-impact behaviours to sail with environmental awareness.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243155/image/large-d49a77649e44c0561b4e456cf9ca237f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243155">As with any AI, a key factor behind the system is data, and as the old adage goes, ‘garbage in, garbage out’, getting good data with which to train the AI is critical. Some of that data comes in the form of a digital twin – essentially a computer-modelled version of the components on board, such as a chiller unit.“AI algorithms need to train on something – you need a story,” says Saponara. “But if the technology is new, how do you create that story? Creating a digital model of a yacht allows you to fill the AI with data. You analyse the chiller in a model, then you combine it with all the other models to create the whole ship.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362843/image/large-691f9f74e2466b2f9f8cee759128b1a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362843">Help from HefringHefring Marine uses a similar base model idea to a different end in its Intelligent Marine Guidance System (IMAS), which uses sensor data, AI and edge computing (an emerging paradigm that refers to a range of networks and devices at or near the user, enabling processing at greater speeds and volumes, leading to greater action-led results in real time) to deliver insights on operation and navigation such as real-time routing, fuel efficiency, and even optimal speeds for reduced slamming and wave impact.“We started this at the end of 2018 as a research project into how high-speed vessels handle in different conditions and sea states, and to get some independently verified data that the OK Hull we were developing at Rafnar was better at mitigating impacts,” begins Karl Birgir Björnsson, co-founder and CEO of Hefring.&nbsp;Hefring approached the University of Iceland for help, and a professor of mechanical engineering there, Magnus Þór Jónsson, joined the project and is now Hefring’s CTO.Comparing a number of different hulls, many of which were in use in the Icelandic tourism sector, the team discovered that it was both the hull and the operator’s behaviour that influenced the vessel’s motion, and consequently the effect on passengers. “It was about showing operators the data in some sensible way, so they could make better decisions,” says Björnsson.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362845/image/large-a546430fd0770ca2a49b4c4dbc744fc1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362845">In order to predict the likely impact slamming, the team had to figure out how to predict the sea conditions ahead of the vessel based on the motions the vessel had already been exhibiting. Further, the AI had to learn not only the characteristics of that one vessel, but be able to adapt to different sizes and types of vessels.&nbsp;“The model needs some parameters to work with, such as specifications, dimensions and engines,” says Björnsson. “Then it can start learning based on the data that comes back. Having a base of comparable vessels means we can use that as a base layer, or as a pre-trained model that we can use as a starting point.”The system has already shown impressive results, recommending courses of action that mirror experienced vessel operators, and inspiring confidence in less experienced operators even when the action seems counterintuitive – such as speeding up to reduce vessel impacts in a seaway.“What's made us capable of deploying AI quite well is that we have a good sense of what we want to get out of this,” says Björnsson. “I think that's a good rule of thumb. Whether it's supervised, partially supervised or unsupervised learning, you should have an idea of what you want the AI model to deliver.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362844/image/large-e9a9d68cb3ccd859a2ea5191e01e6e66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362844">Edwards predicts that the extent and nature of the use of AI in the superyacht industry will naturally evolve along with the tech in leaps and bounds, spawning completely new ideas about how these techniques can be utilised.“Sometimes this represents evolution and slipstreaming of a process that was already occurring,” he explains. “This can be truly revolutionary, performing a task in a fundamentally different way or seeding the invention of a completely new product related to our industry.”One thing is for sure: data-driven approaches are becoming more prevalent everywhere. Whether it be for understanding how our products perform in the real world and feeding this back into the design, simulation and optimisation processes, or improving and optimising manufacturing processes and monitoring the effects, AI is here to stay.This article was featured in <a href="https://issuu.com/superyachttimes/docs/how_to_build_it_-_issue_7_spring_2025" target="_blank">Issue 7 of How To Build It</a>. You can read all the articles from this edition <a href="https://issuu.com/superyachttimes/docs/how_to_build_it_-_issue_7_spring_2025" target="_blank">here</a>, and stay up-to-date with all previous editions <a href="https://issuu.com/superyachttimes" target="_blank">here</a>.

How AI is transforming the superyacht industry

Bill Edwards

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Sea Cat yacht renderings

Seawolf X yacht exterior design

Karl Birgir Bjornsson, CEO and Co-Founder of Hefring

Hefring Marine Founders

Hefring IMAS Control and Sensor Unit

Olesinski new building

Olesinski AI

Videoworks AI

SuperYacht Times explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the superyacht industry — from design to operations.

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

How human-centric light design is transforming wellness at sea

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

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

What data reveals about a superyacht’s operating environment

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

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

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

How is virtual modelling transforming superyacht design and operation

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

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

Standardising the bespoke: The engineering behind custom superyacht equipment

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

Project YB256 is a 45-metre steel and aluminium motor yacht under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort Shipyard</a> in the Netherlands. The first collaboration between the family-run yard and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Naval Architects</a>, the yacht’s retro styling masks a modern and highly capable cruiser engineered for long-distance voyaging.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396216/image/large-6096248c4df8137326bee068ed36838f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396216">The impossibly picturesque village of Monnickendam on the western shore of the Markermeer, a vast freshwater reservoir not far from Amsterdam, has been home to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort Shipyard</a> for more than a century. Wedged into a narrow strip of dockland between the old town centre and the water’s edge, space is as precious as the custom yachts it builds, but over the years the management has perfected a choreography of space and timing to ensure multiple projects can progress without tripping over one another.“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> is just a few kilometres down the road and we’ve often wanted to work with them, but the stars never aligned,” affirms Klaas Hakvoort, fourth generation director of the shipyard with his brother Albert Jr. “In this case, the client wanted Dutch pedigree, was happy with our pricing, and the complexity of the project was a perfect match for a custom builder like us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396206/image/large-71da8891dd01ddb5eed6ecc0455c82e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396206">Project YB256 was inspired by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6037" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue II55.99m (183'8&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2020">Blue II</a>, the 56-metre expedition vessel with classic lines by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Turquoise Yachts (Company)">Turquoise Yachts</a> in 2020. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> partners Andre Hoek and Ruurt Meulemans translated the client’s admiration for the retro-influenced yacht into a more compact platform that would echo the same timeless elegance free of nostalgic mimicry, while embracing modern technology and efficiency. The owner’s exacting brief included full wheelchair accessibility, an elevator connecting all deck levels, and transatlantic capability.“The hull and superstructure were conceived to balance classic proportions with today’s efficient hydrodynamics,” says Ruurt Meulemans. “Computational fluid dynamics [CFD] analysis informed every curve, refining the bow shape and optimising volume distribution to reduce resistance as much as possible and improve wake flow to the twin propellers. The objective was a smooth, efficient ride across a transatlantic cruising envelope of close to 4,000 nautical miles – no small achievement for a vessel under 400 gross tons.“<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396218/image/large-f219694742e3fedf1f00ff2c0b5c4003.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396218">Meeting these requirements called for some clever engineering based on robust, proven solutions. Finite element analysis (FEA) guided the placement of bulkheads, stringers, and the keel to ensure structural integrity under long passages without compromising interior volume. The challenge was compounded by hybrid-assisted propulsion comprising twin 1,000-hp MAN diesel engines paired with electric motors and supported by a lithium-ion battery bank.The system integrated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3869" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eekels Technology BV (Company)">Eekels Technology</a> allows for flexible operational modes. Electric mode provides a few hours of silent propulsion at low speed, ideal for manoeuvring in harbours or environmentally sensitive zones. In diesel mode the electric motors can function as shaft generators to reduce fuel burn on extended passages. The electric motors also add redundancy for additional peace of mind far from home. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> had direct experience of the latter: during sea trials of 61-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia61.0m (200'2&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2024">Asia</a>, an electrical fault caused an engine shutdown, but the gearbox-mounted e-motors allowed the crew to manoeuvre safely away from an offshore wind farm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396210/image/large-bfbd4613c1cb6d84c9fb37fa9b5d37a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396210">The battle for spaceA signature feature of the yacht is the continuous ribbon of wraparound glazing on the main and bridge decks – 17 tonnes of it. The bulwarks are also glass and the hull windows incorporate a dot-fade pattern that blends with the white hull from a distance. Combined with the classic sheer line and bronze-metallic funnel, the green-tinted glass adds a touch of understated elegance that hints at an era that never quite existed – but should have. The wheelhouse windows are not full-height, but the aluminium surfaces beneath will be clad with glass and the same green reflective finish to create the visual effect of uninterrupted glass.&nbsp;Extensive glazing has a downside, however: heat. Solar load becomes a critical issue, especially for a yacht destined for hot climates. One option is to increase HVAC capacity, but a smarter one is to engineer better insulation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> chose the latter. A two-year development programme with glass specialist Royal-Maritiem sought the ideal balance of solar control, privacy, clarity, structural strength, and colour uniformity. Each double-glazed laminated pane is filled with argon gas and coated with a low-emissivity metal film tuned to deliver the desired green tint. The result is a 50 precent reduction in heat transfer compared to conventional marine glass.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396219/image/large-043a6cfbb4c2ee18f77e9eca62c4d295.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396219">But heat is not the only issue. Full-height windows also eliminate the storage units and hidden cavities normally used to route ducting, wiring, and AC trunking, pushing the technical infrastructure inward. As a result, space became the defining constraint and the build team had to fight for every cubic centimetre. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> has deep experience of designing sailboats where space is always at a premium, but it was up to the shipyard to find ways to integrate complex systems into tight envelopes.“Nothing fitted, so we had to make it fit,” says Klaas, which could be the unofficial motto of the project. “By the time everything is installed, the engine room will be very full, but accessible and maintainable. Not cluttered – engineered.”The electrical switchboards span the full height of the engine from port to starboard across, an unavoidable result of the hybrid system. The engine room itself relies on seawater-fed heat exchangers because there wasn’t room for conventional air-cooling systems. The pool doubles as a tender bay with a dump tank and its own dedicated crane compartment that closes flush with the teak deck. Under the sunbed on the foredeck is a two-storey garage for the crew tender and a pair of PWCs. Add the elevator, wider side decks and interior passages sized for wheelchair access, and every available every void had to serve a purpose.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396209/image/large-486995c89e482f3860ee5f1204771fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396209">Hidden in plain sightThe metallic bronze faux funnel is more than a charming styling cue; it also highlights the kind of engineering concealment that defines the whole project. Since the yacht has underwater exhausts, there was no need for a traditional dry stack – nor was there space to route ducting up to one. Instead, the funnel became the home of the fresh-air unit that draws in and purifies outside air for the HVAC system. Fitting it inside that tight volume meant some early design assumptions had to be reworked.&nbsp;Routing the air quietly around the yacht from high up in the vessel posed further challenges. The onboard noise targets are uncompromising and the owner’s suite is engineered for a harbour maximum of 44 decibels, although <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> typically achieves lower. Underway, the expected levels sit in the low 50s – quiet enough that the only audible sound should be the soft splash of water along the hull. Modern superyachts achieve such low mechanical noise levels that airflow has become the primary acoustic concern, not the engines or generators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396212/image/large-a2aeb88e2ca030f7dc36a4bed74abb21.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396212">“You won’t hear machinery these days – you’ll hear air moving through the ducting,” confirms Klaas. “That’s why we focus obsessively on silencing ducts, bends and terminations.”Consider the HVAC ducting for the crew quarters. To reach the lower deck forward, it has to pass under the bed in the owner’s stateroom, negotiating several dog-leg bends in the process. Air accelerates noisily through tight turns due to mass conservation and pressure shifts, so the yard routinely uses flexible elbow sections with larger diameters and internal damping to reduce turbulence and suppress sound. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396214/image/large-892daf254a9606fb0d0d5fed5e58dda4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396214">Elegance with an edgeThe aluminium superstructure was built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alu-bouw Fryslân BV (Company)">Alubouw Fryslan</a> in Franeker and joined to the steel hull at Buijs Shipyard – the hull builder – before being towed to Monnickendam, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> has its own joinery division and stainless-steel department that produce most of the fixed furniture and deck hardware in-house. Klaas points out the custom-engineered hinges used for the exterior doors as an example of the shipyard’s hands-on approach. During development, these hinges were tested in the most practical way imaginable: by suspending 40 kg weights to a toilet door heavily used by shop-floor workers. Any weaknesses that surfaced were corrected before installation.&nbsp;Another example is the aluminium hull platform that folds out from the topsides amidships and connects to the main deck by way of a boarding ladder for tender access. The platform being assembled in the metalworking department uses a hydraulic rotary or slew drive – more compact than conventional rams and able to generate high torque in tight spaces, it is a solution that has been refined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a> over years of building canoe-stern vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396211/image/large-9d9af2d4a7ba3a495473f7ac81ad923c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396211">Although capable of crossing the Atlantic, YB256 will primarily be used for short, comfortable runs with the frequent returns to port and high hospitality demands typical of most operational profiles. Every aspect of the interior has been conceived with wheelchair accessibility in mind, including a transformer-style platform in the stern. Guest and crew flows remain fully separated, which is not always the case on yachts of this size. The lower deck houses two full-beam VIP suites arranged around the main lobby and elevator; a third space will be used as an office/gym with a built-in recess for a running machine. The bridge deck is reserved for the owner’s sky lounge, while the captain’s cabin has been relocated to the lower deck. Crew areas have been configured to maximise discretion and operational efficiency with service and storage areas scaled to support day-use cruising.After touring the shipyard and the yacht, the lasting impression is that YB256 is not just a modern yacht in retro clothing. It is a study in constraint-driven design and smart engineering by a shipyard for whom “custom” is a vocation, not a marketing term. Its timeless elegance is more than skin deep, the result of many difficult decisions made in the belief that contemporary and classic can comfortably coexist – both in appearance and in engineering.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396220/image/large-95656d748cc09cc4e461acdaecb835d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396220">

Inside the build of a 45m Royal Hakvoort superyacht

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

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

The landlocked yard building limousine tenders

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

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

Heikki Bergman Propulsion House CEO Interview

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

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

If home is where the hearth is, then the galley is certainly a fundamental element of any superyacht. Whether enjoying a 10-course taster menu or a teppanyaki treat on deck, food is central to the onboard experience. We take a look at how to avoid second-rate cooking spaces and equipment.When people talk about superyachts, the highlights always seem to revolve around the same things: the beach club, the sundeck, the pool, the master stateroom. The galley barely gets a second thought, until you spend time on board –&nbsp;then the food and its service take centre stage and any issues to do with layout, design or installation become belatedly obvious.Naturally, safety is paramount. Galleys present a host of hazards from deep fryers and steamers to rotating equipment and sharp blades. Fire suppression, hygiene, ventilation, materials, and so on, are governed by classification society rules, but small details like having rounded internal radii instead of sharp corners in stainless steel cabinets help prevent dirt accumulation and make cleaning much easier for galley staff. Ergonomics and design are equally important.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394386/image/large-95000aca9788e63f3727ba677f1045e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394386">“The galley layout is defined according to the capacity of the yacht, considering both guests and crew,” says Costanza Pazzi, project architect at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>. “It is usually designed with three clearly distinct areas: washing, cooking, and preparation.”Separate traffic flows for clean and dirty dishes help prevent cross-contamination and accidents. Adequate lighting is a sometimes overlooked consideration, especially for galleys on the lower deck with smaller windows where the artificial lighting should emulate daylight temperatures (4000K-5000K) to show the true colour of the food being prepared.“Each custom superyacht galley is different,” Pazzi continues. “The spaces dedicated to galley and pantries should be discussed as part of the technical specifications at contract completion, with guidelines coming directly from the owner’s team. A fundamental requirement is that ducting and systems need to be defined in the general plans from the outset.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394417/image/large-7799ab22eb4f8b77c27d0e82de2c9dc0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394417">Experience counts“The galley is not just one room – it’s an entity,” says Brennan Dates, a chef with more than 25 years’ work experience on superyachts. Currently head chef aboard 87.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project X87.6m (287'5&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2022">Project X</a>, he also consults on galley design through his company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Galley Designs (Company)">Superyacht Galley Designs</a>. His refit and new-build galley projects includes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ecstasea85.95m (281'12&quot;)Feadship2004">Ecstasea</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mogambo73.51m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2012">Mogambo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9442" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dragonfly142.0m (465'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Dragonfly</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>, the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise99.9m (327'9&quot;)Feadship2020">Moonrise</a> and second <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11108" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise100.7m (330'5&quot;)Feadship2025">Moonrise</a> yachts, and a 100-metre-plus vessel currently under construction.&nbsp;“Where does the food come into the boat, especially on larger yachts when you’re &nbsp;talking about shell doors and pallets of produce?” he asks. “How does the food get stored, and where is the cold storage located? Which deck is the galley on? Where are the pantries and which decks are the guests eating on? Some food is stored in the galley, then it gets prepped, possibly stored again, then gets heated or reheated, plated and served, and now you’re talking about pantry flow.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394418/image/large-c4c49eab3aaeeb1639265cfacfe9f9ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394418">It’s also important to consider the operational profile of the yacht, because there’s a difference between a purely private yacht and one that’s going to be busy chartering. Is it going to be doing extended cruising to remote locations, which may require bigger dry stores and cold rooms?“I can walk into a galley and within five minutes know if there was a yacht chef involved in the build,” says Dates. “But no one’s really listening to chefs at this point, and I think that negatively impacts on the whole guest experience, but also the crew.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394416/image/large-f89be51556d3eb7510c568074aeb1395.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394416">One thing for sure is that dumb waiters are mostly a thing of the past, with crews preferring to use the space for additional storage or fridges. Dates further warns against the use of domestic kitchen appliances on board in what are essentially commercial kitchens, where stuff tends to break down much faster. “Rational is the number one in the world for ovens, and MKN is up there,” he advises. “There’s a precipitous drop after those two.”On-deck delightsThese days, the galley is only one centre of chef action on board. There will likely be outdoor cooking stations in the build plan, particularly on charter yachts. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hadar136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Hadar</a>, for example, features an extensive outdoor kitchen on the bridge deck aft, where guests can watch the chef working a wok station, a coal-powered Spanish Josper grill, a rotisserie, and pizza/teppanyaki/tandoori ovens.&nbsp;“At a bare minimum there needs to be a sink and refrigeration, just for basic sanitation,” Dates says. “If you can have a little trash compartment that’s sealed away that’s useful, and then it comes down to equipment – there’s a really good oven by MKN that fits under the counter and which takes care of its own exhaust and accepts standard 535x325 millimetre gastronomic trays.”“There is an ever-increasing demand for the inclusion of pizza ovens, particularly for yachts over 60 metres,” adds Pazzi, “There is also a trend for a table in the main galley where guests have the chance to see the chef working and enjoy a food tasting, aimed at creating a sensory experience.”&nbsp;Open-plan, country kitchen-style layouts are increasingly popular on smaller yachts, and on “galley-up” catamarans where the cooking area become an integral part of family life on board. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> 64Steel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6178" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Attila64.0m (209'12&quot;)Sanlorenzo2019">Attila</a> even has a custom-made barbecue pit inside the main deck dining area for preparing Argentinian-style steaks. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394422/image/large-e484db9dd7caca3e714a505d18be3385.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394422">Breathing easyAlongside cooking comes the risk of odours, which can quickly infiltrate indoor guest areas if ventilation and extraction aren’t properly designed. During the design of the second <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11108" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise100.7m (330'5&quot;)Feadship2025">Moonrise</a>, for example, the owner requested a taller mast so galley fumes are not blown back onto the sundeck after being vented.&nbsp;&nbsp;The air extraction system in the pro-spec galley aboard the 76.6-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4734" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Albatross76.6m (251'4&quot;)Piriou2015">Albatross</a> highlights how smart design can maximise energy efficiency. Extractor fans typically suck the air out of a room, which has to be replaced anew with fresh, treated air. But when the outside temperature is -20°C that could mean firing up another generator just to reheat the air because the galley is in use. On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4734" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Albatross76.6m (251'4&quot;)Piriou2015">Albatross</a>, the cowling above the cooking hobs also creates a curtain of treated air that effectively isolates the cooking area, saving HVAC energy while containing cooking odours and maintaining a constant temperature in the galley. A similar system has been installed on the all-electric sailing yacht Project Zero.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394426/image/large-b6d6a20d4c21394ec767a94b34324a08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394426">Galley design extends to the handling of waste produce, which includes both garbage and wastewater treatment. The latter is particularly pertinent, because food contaminants and grease can wreak havoc with onboard water treatment systems (this topic is specifically addressed in <a href="https://issuu.com/superyachttimes/docs/how_to_build_it_-_issue_9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 9&nbsp;</a>of How to Build It).&nbsp;“Fat, oil and grease (FOG) need to be separated – this is very important not only for the wastewater treatment process, where they can affect the biological process or clog filters, but also to prevent clogging of pipes,” confirms Georgios Kariofilis, Sales Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hamann AG (Company)">Hamann</a>. “Having a grease trap and a pre-filter system is the first step to avoiding such problems.”Organic trash handling, typically resolved by storing garbage in a refrigerated room or in a deck locker, is also making advances. Dehydration plants, such as those offered by Evac and Eco-Smart, remove water content from food waste by heating it to around 80ºC and evaporating it off as steam. The sterile and odourless residual food waste is roughly 15 to 20 percent of its former volume and can be stored more easily on board for later disposal or composting. Essentially, it means you don’t need as big a trash storage room.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394420/image/large-a3eda501d5fdaf6da7497de827b67522.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394420">Ask an expert&nbsp;The advice from designers and chefs is basically to bring in an expert at the layout stage of design, and to argue for more space rather than less, no matter the size of yacht. Speciality companies like UK-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="GN Espace Galley Solutions Ltd (Company)">GN Espace</a> offer expert advice for superyacht galley layouts and equipment spec, including full commercial galleys and upgrades such as adding a robust powder coated finish to stainless steel doors to match the rest of the yacht.Large or small, yacht designer Guido de Groot argues that the galley is generally in full-time use – especially on charter vessels. He compares the 10 guests plus eight crew aboard the 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lalabe35.31m (115'10&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2025">Lalabe</a> with a 50- or 60-metre vessel that might have 12 guests and 14 crew.“It’s a similar number of guest and crew, so you can’t just halve the size of the galley on the smaller yacht,” he points out. “It requires a lot of smart thinking to get everything into a more compact space.”“Give the galley and associated areas the space they deserve,” insists Dates. “Is luxury jamming the galley in the bottom of the boat and having food travel up four decks, or is it spending resources to have the galley on the main deck nearer to where guests will eat? Because that’s what I would want.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394419/image/large-c9630b9438c0f3772c24b74a369972a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394419">Shipyards looking to streamline the planning process with standardised solutions sometimes argue against bringing in a consultant chef at the design stage. All chefs have their own routines, preferred equipment, likes and dislikes, but individual chefs do not stay with a yacht indefinitely. The galley, on the other hand, will remain for many years, or at least until a major refit. &nbsp;“Not including a superyacht chef in the build is like building a race car and not talking to the driver because they’ll want different buttons in different places,” counters Dates. “It doesn’t make any sense to have someone who’s never done the job be the one to put it all together.”

Why superyacht galley design matters to the onboard experience

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

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

Inside Baltic Yachts’ first carbon catamaran build

Inside the build of Zeteo, Baltic Yachts’ first catamaran featuring carbon construction and hybrid propulsion.

Inside the build of 33m Zeteo: Baltic Yachts’ first carbon catamaran

More than a speculative future concept, the AERA catamaran represents the convergence of mature technologies assembled with an emphasis on simplicity and sustainability. Research and testing have shown the project is both feasible and buildable. The focus now is on systems integration and production scaling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371664/image/large-bcc3594f61ee7b5986053ac54a532b0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371664">Developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> in collaboration with sister company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artemis Maritime (Company)">Artemis Technologies</a>, and designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/43" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cor D. Rover Design (Company)">Cor D Rover</a>, AERA is a technical study into the feasibility of combining wind-dominant propulsion, low-drag hydrodynamics and alternative energy systems within the constraints of a large luxury yacht.&nbsp;The 50-metre catamaran builds on the shipyard’s Project Tidal Shift, an internal innovation initiative that identified increased utilisation of sail power and systemic reductions in energy demand as the most effective pathways towards sustainability. From the outset, the project followed an engineering-first methodology in which energy demand and drag were reduced before alternative energy sources were applied. This approach informed decisions across platform selection, structural engineering, rig design and onboard energy systems.“Early concept development did not initially assume either a multihull platform or a wing sail,” says Herman de Jong, innovation manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>. “Our initial investigations focused on automation of conventional rigs and the use of delivery sails to reduce dependence on costly sail inventories.”Collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artemis Maritime (Company)">Artemis</a> introduced the possibility of wing-based propulsion, with early consideration given to soft wing concepts derived from high-performance foiling monohulls. These were ultimately rejected due to the large structural loads required to shape the membrane, the resulting rig forces transferred to the hull, and the limited suitability for the operational profile of a superyacht. A rigid wing sail was identified as aerodynamically superior, functioning as a true air-foil with 10 times lower drag than a conventional tube mast (even with the sails lowered), while also allowing passive feathering when unloaded.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371695/image/large-f6fba2ad9ba66c269310feeea6a26fee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371695">Active control“Wing sails have been proven in racing environments such as the America’s Cup and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6878" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SailGP (Company)">SailGP</a>,” argues Dr Iain Percy, founder and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artemis Maritime (Company)">Artemis Technologies</a>, himself an AC veteran and double Olympic champion. “The challenge here is adapting that performance into a reliable, low-maintenance system suitable for a superyacht. To do that, a significant part of the development has focused on active control to manage performance, comfort and manoeuvring across a wide range of conditions.”Initial testing of the wing concept was conducted using a free-standing, rotating carbon-fibre wing mounted on a J22 test platform. The trials confirmed the wing’s ability to passively align with the wind and maintain low drag, but also revealed some dynamic coupling between the wing’s oscillatory behaviour and the natural roll frequency of the monohull. These findings convinced the team to focus on a multihull configuration, as the increased initial stability of a catamaran minimises roll-induced excitation of the wing system and the loads on the two sets of bearings inside the yacht, although <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> does not preclude monohull applications in the future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371647/image/large-3db5887279a6542cf289be78a33db442.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371647">“The wing sail concept is better suited to a catamaran platform as the rig remains upright and is not subjected to large heel-induced load variations,” explains de Jong. “By limiting heel angles, the vessel also avoids one of the primary deterrents for owners transitioning from motor yachts to sailing yachts, not to mention the absence of flogging sails and running rigging.”The wing comprises a thin aerodynamic Mylar skin supported by a carbon-fibre framework of spars, ribs and transverse plates, which manage the global bending and torsional loads much like the wings of an airplane. Controlled flexibility is incorporated into the design to allow the wing to twist under load, improving lift distribution and reducing peak stresses. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371658/image/large-87c2c4becc7abb55160fd76750f46e73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371658">AutomationAutomation is fundamental to the operational viability of the wing system. Conventional sail handling is replaced by wing rotation and deflection of the four trailing-edge flaps, actuated by hydraulic cylinders at the root of each flap. Sensor-driven software continuously adjusts the wing’s angle of attack and flap configuration in response to wind conditions, reducing crew workload and minimising the risk of human error. The control algorithms are the result of CFD models developed in collaboration with Artemis, drawing on experience from high-performance sailing applications.&nbsp;Feathering is a critical safety feature, so if the active system fails the wing naturally aligns with the wind and minimises drag. In extreme or turbulent conditions, it is designed to depower automatically to a low-load, low-drag state without requiring crew intervention. Although it’s designed to remain upright in all weather conditions, a hydraulic hinge mechanism allows the entire wing to be lowered to reduce air draught for bridge clearance or maintenance purposes. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393334/image/large-cbf9c3c68a163712f4ddc521e251b194.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393334">From a lifecycle standpoint, Dr Percy points out that a wing sail replaces a consumable system with a permanent one. Conventional sails degrade and require regular replacement, whereas a properly designed wing can last for the life of the yacht. This permanence shifts cost and maintenance considerations away from periodic sail replacement towards upfront engineering and long-term reliability.“Manufacturing feasibility has also been a central consideration throughout development,” says Bart van der Meer, sailing system engineer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>. “Each rib of the wing requires a unique mould due to the changing airfoil geometry along the span. We expect production-scale moulds are expected to be fabricated from milled aluminium to ensure dimensional accuracy and repeatability.”Although these challenges are not trivial, they are a question of process optimisation rather than unresolved technical risk.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393329/image/large-e0fb3f469c6062ee583c2c1998445a5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393329">Built like a bridgeStructurally, the AERA catamaran departs from conventional multihull architecture through the use of principles derived from cantilevered bridge design – notably the historic Koningshaven Bridge (also known as ‘De Hef’) close to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/43" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cor D. Rover Design (Company)">Cor D Rover</a>’s studio in Rotterdam. The triangulated geometry spans large distances between pillars, enabling open-plan interiors and extensive glazing without visually dominant pillars.&nbsp;The asymmetrical geometry of the vessel is a functional response to spatial and structural requirements rather than an aesthetic gesture. Although the deck levels appear unsupported, structural integrity is maintained through clearly defined global load paths disguised in features such as staircases. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371698/image/large-b28b9a6de23b265903ea61bfe20d603d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371698">“The geometry follows the forces rather than being applied as a stylistic layer,” explains <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/43" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cor D. Rover Design (Company)">Cor D Rover</a>. “Structural cut-outs allow semi-open areas to remain outside the tonnage calculations while still contributing to stiffness and spatial articulation. Despite this unconventional arrangement, the enclosed volume is carefully controlled at approximately 1,880 cubic metres, keeping the vessel below the 500 GT threshold.”Material selection for the hull and superstructure is centred on aluminium, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability, and compatibility with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s expertise in working with lightweight aluminium alloys. Weight control is particularly critical for a catamaran, as increased mass directly raises wetted surface area and drag. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artemis Maritime (Company)">Artemis Technologies</a> was closely involved in optimising the hull forms to balance hydrodynamic efficiency with superyacht functionality.“Our naval architects actually found the constraints of the superyacht design space to be a valuable tool in refining the hull shapes,” says Dr Percy. “By working within a predefined functional window that takes into account accommodation needs, utilities and other essential factors, they were able to focus on local optimisation and maximise the efficiency of the hull design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393335/image/large-11dc06fc86174d979606f874bfc85d4a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393335">Energy generationEquipped with two retractable, forward-facing, azimuthing thrusters, AERA’s energy generation is organised around a hybrid diesel-electric architecture and 580-kWh battery bank for efficient integration of multiple power sources. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> installed a similar system on 60-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sarissa59.7m (195'10&quot;)Royal Huisman2023">Sarissa</a> in 2023, but on AERA has added compressed hydrogen tanks for supplying a low-temperature PEM hydrogen fuel cell. With Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register, the system is designed to provide approximately 72 hours of silent hotel-load operation.As with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sarissa59.7m (195'10&quot;)Royal Huisman2023">Sarissa</a>, hydrogeneration plays a primary role during sailing with under-hull generators optimised for operating speeds between 11 and 12 knots. At these speeds, continuous power output of around 40 kW is achievable, sufficient to cover hotel loads and allow generators to remain offline. The fixed, low-drag hydrogenerators deliver optimal performance without the added complexity of retraction mechanisms – a solution that aligns with AERA’s ethos of simplicity and high efficiency.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393328/image/large-15f017ba3b5bb5892a3a52ed2dc5ad1c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393328">“Our simulations show that during a typical cruising week, including one visit shoreside when shore power is available, the yacht will not need to run her variable-speed gensets for hotel loads,” says Jidde Looijenga, innovation manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>. “They are needed only during motoring or motor sailing to generate electricity for the retractable propulsion system. Naturally, they can also run on HVO for substantial reductions in CO₂ and Nox emissions.”Together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/43" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cor D. Rover Design (Company)">Cor D Rover</a>, the shipyard team is exploring the integration of wind turbines to generate electrical power at anchor or in port. Any such system would be supplementary rather than critical and, as the designer notes, “would need to operate with very low noise and vibration to be acceptable in a yacht environment.” These ideas are not on the project’s critical path, but they illustrate potential future extensions of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s renewable energy strategy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393332/image/large-3aaca815d143ace4293d0ef4519ca552.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393332">UsabilityBeyond technical feasibility, the AERA concept also addresses usability and the owner experience. The combination of automation, reduced manual sail handling, and increased comfort is intended to make sailing more accessible and as straightforward as operating a motor yacht.&nbsp;“Combined with reduced fuel consumption and lower operational emissions, this positions AERA as a bridge between motor and sailing yacht ownership,” says Looijenga.Overall, the catamaran represents a convergence of proven technologies and disciplined system integration rather than reliance on untested innovations. With its emphasis on simplicity, sustainability and lifecycle efficiency, the concept demonstrates that a wind-dominant, low-emission superyacht is technically achievable within available engineering and classification frameworks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371693/image/large-d494cdf4de75a63242521821d563f54f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371693">

Royal Huisman AERA catamaran

Royal Huisman's 50m hydrodynamic luxury yacht 

AERA catamaran: The wind-dominant, low-emission sailing superyacht

The 89-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 828 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milky Way89.0m (291'12&quot;)Feadship2026">Milky Way</a> has been spotted on sea trials following her launch from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Royal Van Lent shipyard in Amsterdam, the Netherlands earlier this month. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398534/image/large-2e8b5478414d4bb2fb17f5a9f8cc3b63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398534">Construction on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milky Way89.0m (291'12&quot;)Feadship2026">Milky Way</a> began in 2023, with the yacht seen outside the shed for the first time in May 2025, when her hull was launched from the NMC hull fabrication shipyard in Nieuw-Lekkerland, the Netherlands.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/63248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Exclusive: 89m highly-secretive Feadship 828 superyacht seen for the first time (2025-05-05 15:15:00 +0200)">89m highly-secretive Feadship 828 superyacht seen for the first time</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398536/image/large-cb5582a74ec9c13f521b6bc92bdfa76a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398536"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398532/image/large-32e1710606893ca622886d5babd738be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398532">Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milky Way89.0m (291'12&quot;)Feadship2026">Milky Way</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, with interiors by British design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>. The design brief was focused on creating a highly flexible multi-use yacht, with technical support for the project provided by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6940" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Occam Marine (Company)">Occam Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398531/image/large-4f27fe1d0894b7acf3f419cc37e0d877.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398531"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398535/image/large-855af65ace08c6f81e87016851873fc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398535"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milky Way89.0m (291'12&quot;)Feadship2026">Milky Way</a> is defined by a purposely long bow, which is designed to optimise her exterior deck spaces, while her interior incorporates soft, flowing lines to create a cohesive spatial experience throughout. New images show an infinity symbol on her stern, suggesting that she could be renamed Infinity, however she still displays both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milky Way89.0m (291'12&quot;)Feadship2026">Milky Way</a> and Royal Van Lent 828 on AIS. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398528/image/large-2f9766f29abba62a444d06e89151916d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398528"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398530/image/large-e172d1824dd68c0decfc2cde171baae3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398530"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398529/image/large-8e93fbe0bcd04463104484f7cb49d96e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398529">According to <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht iQ</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has several yachts in-build, including the 143.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 831 superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65813" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bow of secretive 140m+ Feadship yacht seen for the first time (2026-04-09 15:45:00 +0200)">Project Maestro, which was seen for the first time in April 2026</a> and the 101.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 1014 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/66132" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="101m Feadship 1014 superyacht on sea trials (2026-05-21 14:30:00 +0200)">Destiny, which was spotted on sea trials in May 2026</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398533/image/large-9e2d7fb2eb57f2359795b6a61d3a195a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398533">

Milky Way: 89m Feadship 828 yacht on sea trials

The 89-metre Feadship 828 yacht Milky Way has been spotted on sea trials following her launch earlier this month. 

89m Feadship 828 yacht Milky Way on sea trials

The 46-metre Cheoy Lee motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> has completed a comprehensive nine-month refit at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2860" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Port Denia (Company)">Denia Shipyard</a> in Spain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398485/image/large-b9c427ff38d909a5d64405de09d566e2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398485">Following her sale in 2024, where Yannick Altevolmer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/120" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Drettmann Yachts (Company)">Drettmann Yachts</a> introduced the buyer and Jarrett Hiebert 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> represented the seller, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> underwent a refit with Yannick Altevolmer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/120" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Drettmann Yachts (Company)">Drettmann Yachts</a> managing the project, in close collaboration with Captain Troy Norton.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/340223/image/large-897e753d8c3e4a7b4a24cfdab922f5ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/340223">The refit saw the exterior of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> transformed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascoli International (Company)">Pascoli International</a>, with her red paintwork replaced with a new elegant navy-blue hull. Previously named Qing, she featured exterior design and naval architecture both crafted by the Canadian studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/52" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ron Holland Design (Company)">Ron Holland Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398483/image/large-8c3e988d6e44614c468d30638ec8275a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398483">Further works saw extensive technical upgrades, a complete overhaul of her generators and numerous improvements to her onboard systems and operational efficiency. The work aimed to modernise the yacht's exterior appearance, while carrying out scheduled maintenance works.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398481/image/large-49eb603ab2a4b3c6f373efb7a010d1b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398481">Her underwater hull was fully sandblasted and recoated, all three Northern Lights generators were completely rebuilt, a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hamann AG (Company)">Hamann</a> sewage treatment system was installed, while the anchor windlasses of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> underwent comprehensive servicing together with numerous maintenance and reliability upgrades.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398484/image/large-9188a99958fb85ae46b6285bf7123d26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398484">Interior work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> saw her galley completely rebuilt to improve the crew's day-to-day workflow, new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantalupi Light Engineering (Company)">Cantalupi</a> lighting was installed throughout the vessel, and further enhancements were carried out to improve operational efficiency and onboard comfort.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398486/image/large-f4cd786987bdce45ffc6cef667c15731.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398486">Spanning 485 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> can comfortably accommodate up 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration, with her master suite situated on the upper deck, while two double and two twin staterooms can be found on the lower deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398482/image/large-63a188cb9ce7d6682fc28c12c43095bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398482">The swim platform of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> was also upgraded with a new teak deck, as well as a new sun awning system by Multiplex across her three decks. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/120" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Drettmann Yachts (Company)">Drettmann Yachts</a> acted as the owner's representative, overseeing every stage of the project through to her delivery.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398487/image/large-363fc01b72758b722cb526899d09b35a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398487">“This refit was about translating the owners' vision into a completely refreshed exterior while preserving everything that makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Avalon 10146.0m (150'11&quot;)Cheoy Lee2011">Avalon 101</a> such a capable explorer yacht," said Yannick Altevolmer, Managing Partner at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/120" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Drettmann Yachts (Company)">Drettmann Yachts</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398488/image/large-49664d198fee14cd8180262bba8c63ac.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398488">“The new paint scheme has fundamentally changed her visual presence, while the extensive technical work completed ensures she continues to be prepared for reliable operation and extended cruising.”(All images courtesy of Drettmann Yachts.)

Avalon 101: 46m Cheoy Lee yacht completes refit

The 46-metre Cheoy Lee motor yacht Avalon 101 has completed a comprehensive nine-month refit at the Denia Shipyard in Spain.

46m Cheoy Lee yacht Avalon 101 sports new navy-blue hull following 9-month refit

The 28.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fatsa28.93m (94'11&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Fatsa</a> has been sold. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EKKA Yachts (Company)">EKKA Yachts</a> represented the buyer in the transaction, while Victor E. Iliadis of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1550" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marine Marketing (Company)">Marine Marketing</a> acted on behalf of the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368083/image/large-f0d90bc4c457e763da48ec3ecb1215a1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368083">Delivered by the Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> in 2021 as part of its SD96 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fatsa28.93m (94'11&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Fatsa</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a>, with interiors penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5443" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Patricia Urquiola (Company)">Studio Patricia Urquiola</a>. Her naval architecture was developed in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fatsa28.93m (94'11&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Fatsa</a> follows the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> SD96 design philosophy. She boasts generous volumes, expansive glazing throughout her contemporary living spaces, all resulting in a bright interior with a strong connection to the surrounding seascape.&nbsp;Constructed with a GRP hull and superstructure, the motor yacht has a beam of 7.6-metres and an internal volume of 180 GT. Accommodation onboard is arranged for up to 10 guests across a five-stateroom configuration, while dedicated quarters sleep up to five crew members, including her captain.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fatsa28.93m (94'11&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Fatsa</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, delivering a cruising speed of 13 knots and a top speed of 18 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fatsa28.93m (94'11&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Fatsa</a> had a last known asking price of €7,450,000.

 29m Sanlorenzo motor yacht Fatsa sold

The 29m Sanlorenzo SD96 motor yacht Fatsa has been sold with a last known asking price of €7,450,000.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mirazur Capital (Company)">Mirazur Capital</a> has acquired a majority stake in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a>, one of the Mediterranean's leading superyacht marinas, marking a new phase of growth for the Barcelona-based facility.Headquartered in Monaco with a presence in Madrid and Luxembourg, the alternative investment firm is executing a long-term strategy to build and consolidate a network of premium marinas, with the Mediterranean as its primary market. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mirazur Capital (Company)">Mirazur Capital</a>’s strategy aims to elevate operational excellence and quality of service in the industry. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398467/image/large-1c6311f5f283007030dbde43a2c73cb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398467" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">With continuity remaining a priority, the existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> management team, led by General Manager Ignacio Erroz, will remain in place to oversee the marina's continued development.The acquisition follows <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a>'s transformation since 2021, during which the marina has invested more than €20 million to expand its capacity for large vessels while strengthening its international standing and raising its quality, operational efficiency and sustainability standards.Situated in the heart of Barcelona, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> features 73 berths, including a 400-metre quay, one of the longest in the Mediterranean, alongside the capability to accommodate superyachts of up to 190 metres in length. With this, the marina has established itself as a key destination for some of the world's largest yachts.Commenting on the acquisition, Ignacio Erroz, General Manager of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a>, said: "The involvement of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mirazur Capital (Company)">Mirazur Capital</a> is a recognition of the work carried out by the whole team over recent years and gives us the means to continue growing, whilst maintaining the excellence that defines us."He added: "We are embarking on this new phase with the ambition of consolidating Barcelona's position as one of the world's leading centres for the sector."For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mirazur Capital (Company)">Mirazur Capital</a>, the acquisition represents another step in its strategy of investing in premium marinas located in world-class nautical destinations, with a focus on long-term growth across the Mediterranean."It is rare to have the opportunity to invest in a truly irreplaceable asset: a unique location in the heart of Barcelona, an internationally renowned brand and an extraordinary team," said Marcos Pellejero Ibáñez, Managing Partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mirazur Capital (Company)">Mirazur Capital</a>.

Mirazur Capital acquires majority stake in Marina Port Vell

Mirazur Capital  is now majority shareholder in Marina Port Vell, with the goal to expand network of premium marinas across the Mediterranean.


The 92.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> has been delivered following an extensive rebuild at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> facilities in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands. According to AIS, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> is now cruising in the Celtic Sea and is heading to Clydeport Greenock in Scotland. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398463/image/large-050de1065025ed4ff6952e91c599aa4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398463"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> completed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="93m Oceanco superyacht Draak completes comprehensive rebuild (2026-02-09 08:00:00 +0100)">rebuild in February 2026</a> and was spotted on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/66069" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="93m Oceanco superyacht Draak on sea trials following rebuild (2026-05-12 15:45:00 +0200)">sea trials in May</a>. Previously known as Tranquility, it was revealed in September 2025 in an exclusive interview with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> shareholder and co-founder of Valve, Gabe Newell that he was the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a>.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64326" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="From gaming to yachting: Gabe Newell on life at sea and building the future with Oceanco (2025-09-25 13:30:00 +0200)">From gaming to yachting: Gabe Newell on life at sea and building the future with Oceanco</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398460/image/large-2eff96593979b4eb78dced783496d3ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398460"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> will now operate as a support yacht for Newell’s 111-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> yacht <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 ability to now carry a dedicated dive tender, as well as provide accommodation for additional crew and guests.Originally launched in 2014, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398464/image/large-6ec2eb7932df22d40c75a481835ce76a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398464">Her rebuild saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s original design team work closely with her owner’s representative <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YTMC Limited (Company)">YTMC</a>, her co-makers, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vedder GmBH (Company)">Vedder</a> for her interior outfitting, as well as the crew of both Draak and <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>.The rebuild of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> included the removal of her upper deck aft helideck to allow for additional space on her main deck aft. This allowed for the accommodation of a large tender deck equipped with heavy-duty C-davits, while a 12.6-tonne jib crane was integrated on the upper deck aft to support hoisting manoeuvres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398461/image/large-05cf0e2ebe700fe6e464b912855fd989.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398461">A new boarding platform was extended for added safety, with the addition of retractable fenders and swim stairs, which increased her overall length by one-metre. Her former beach club and spa area has been converted into a fully equipped dive centre with a decompression chamber, while the main deck saloon has been transformed into a large crew mess.Inside, her main saloon has been converted into a chef’s lab, with facilities for preparing and hosting intimate dining experiences for both crew and guests. In terms of accommodation, new adaptive cabins now provide additional high-end crew accommodation capacity when required.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398462/image/large-b7e6468ba27dba6aeb0ed10725e5d70f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398462">New images show a similar deck pattern for the decks of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak92.8m (304'6&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> as her mothership <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>, suggesting that her teak decks have been replaced with the same <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolidt (Company)">Bolidt</a> decking on her main deck and beach platform. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398465/image/large-9d5064d778da5349962ba4ef243cd0c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398465">

Draak: 93m yacht delivered following extensive rebuild at Oceanco

The 92.8-metre Oceanco superyacht Draak has been delivered following an extensive rebuild at the Oceanco facilities in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands.

Gabe Newell’s 93m yacht Draak delivered following extensive rebuild at Oceanco

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame BGX83/0125.3m (83'0&quot;)Bluegame 2026">first 25.3-metre Bluegame BGX83</a> has begun sea trials off Rapallo, Italy, following her global debut at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Boot Düsseldorf - 2026">boot Düsseldorf</a> earlier this year, where she was presented as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame (Company)">Bluegame</a>'s largest crossover yacht to date.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398437/image/large-6171b50fa2e61260bf18deb975311183.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398437">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame unveils flagship BGX83 yacht at boot Düsseldorf 2026 (2026-01-18 15:00:00 +0100)">Bluegame unveils flagship BGX83 yacht at boot Düsseldorf 2026</a>Developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame BGX83/0125.3m (83'0&quot;)Bluegame 2026">Bluegame</a>, part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Group, the BGX83 is the flagship of the Italian builder's BGX range and what the shipyard describes as the "ultimate expression" of its crossover philosophy.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65162" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65162" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65162" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank"></a> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398459/image/large-ec1a469f82e2a5cfa136e8de092ba8d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398459"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398456/image/large-e73bdf99e67864fa4db054b92810eaa3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398456">With the concept originating from the vision of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6236" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Santella (Company)">Luca Santella</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame BGX83/0125.3m (83'0&quot;)Bluegame 2026">Bluegame</a> founder, the yacht features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a>, with interiors penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/78" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lissoni & Partners (Company)">Piero Lissoni</a>. Her naval architecture was crafted in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame (Company)">Bluegame</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398450/image/large-884da175f78919a3c501133277611162.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398450"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398451/image/large-3f56c3f5b223e0ae5390bc97eb8b88fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398451" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The BGX83 evolves the crossover philosophy of its predecessors, the BGX73 and BGX63, aiming to fuse onboard liveability with an immersive cruising experience. The vessel has been developed around an owner-centric approach, combining what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame (Company)">Bluegame</a> describes as "superyacht" volumes, with the practicality of an 83-foot platform. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398428/image/large-b8fd8190d7fb54d9e4df30d35e553551.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398428" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398448/image/large-69dfe4be0690d5439c0c3b276fc8a0e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398448" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In her significantly enlarged stern, guests can enjoy waterside activities at her beach club that expands with a hydraulic swim platform, alongside a folding starboard-side terrace linked to her aft saloon.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398452/image/large-34178dbe2716f899117f363a2e765976.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398452" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">At water level, her aft saloon creates what Santella describes as "a genuine apartment on the water where the perception of inside and outside disappears." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398454/image/large-7a629b2f1907f6a20965338b4148c3ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398454" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398453/image/large-6b96a6310bfdc64d24029e7b7b9d0a5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398453"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398442/image/large-f75d327bd042d923a2f2ab2f04e255b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398442" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398443/image/large-01b908560a9818b5ba452176119f6770.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398443"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398444/image/large-a681d66b493d5594a68bfed9b01b00af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398444">Her main deck adopts an asymmetric layout, which frees up space for a dining area and a customisable outdoor bar and galley. Inside, her upper saloon benefits from 360-degree glazing and opposing lounge areas that maximise natural light and the panoramic ocean views.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398446/image/large-c838514110f9a9acdec28884d111cf7d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398446" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398447/image/large-abf23235d36540e4b45344b713927e5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398447"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398445/image/large-e7aa476ee53f00ad4fe17b6788fb76ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398445" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame BGX83/0125.3m (83'0&quot;)Bluegame 2026">BGX83</a> is powered by triple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> engines, delivering a cruising speed of 28 knots and a top speed of 30 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398431/image/large-70ec34b87fcfa190f3c550742d966bc8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398431">According to <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht iQ</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame (Company)">Bluegame</a> has several yachts in-build including the 22.7-metre BGM75.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398435/image/large-0348420578215979e79f32084b6acdd8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398435"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398430/image/large-82be7194656e7b0d4b7b1b4840b62507.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398430">

First 25m Bluegame BGX83 yacht on sea trials

The first 25m Bluegame BGX83 yacht has begun sea trials off Rapallo, Italy following her global debut at boot Düsseldorf 2026.

First 25m Bluegame BGX83 yacht on sea trials in Rapallo

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> has announced the launch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a>, the second hull in the 73-metre flagship 74Steel superyacht series.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398425/image/large-0a4aaae912c71a54933137aa427328be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398425">Launched from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> facilities in La Spezia, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> has been developed following more than four years of close collaboration between her owner and the Italian shipyard.Built on the same engineered platform and diesel-electric configuration as the first hull, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11729" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silver Fox72.0m (236'3&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Silver Fox</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> introduces several new features including, a living tree rising through two decks, a submerged aquarium carved directly into her hull, a transformative Ocean Resort and a reflecting pool.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398426/image/large-68783925f1f636a9e772b2ad1dd833c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398426"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a>, with interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Paolo Ferrari (Company)">Studio Paolo Ferrari</a>. “With this yacht, we chose to rethink onboard architecture from its very foundations,” explained Tommaso Vincenzi, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>.“The 74Steel yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> represents a decisive step forward in the way we conceive space onboard. From the integration of living nature to the transformation of technical volumes into experiential environments, every choice stems from a clear architectural vision. Innovation here is not about excess, but about coherence and balance.”Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65815" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo unveils second 74Steel yacht Virtuosity with living tree spanning two decks (2026-04-10 09:30:00 +0200)">Sanlorenzo unveils second 74Steel yacht Virtuosity with living tree spanning two decks</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390497/image/large-974396b60b24ffda79c830be6057a633.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390497">The main deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> is home to a living Ficus Nitida tree which rises up through two decks. The feature was selected before the yacht was even in-build, with her design growing around this.Two lateral skylights at floor level provide both light and growth to the tree, with the precise species and dimensions selected to allow for full compatibility with the available space and with its expected long-term growth.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390495/image/large-aa017393881f1f66433e89c81fa7d3c8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390495">The main deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> includes a stern pool, which leads directly to her main saloon. Seating has been arranged forward, aft and outward, with a bar area positioned towards her bow, alongside a triple-height lobby which connects all three decks, via a staircase and lift, with a custom wine cellar situated on her starboard side.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390500/image/large-f3fdfbc13219c2d808dedb704ceaf3e1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390500">Forward, the guest area includes two guest staterooms, one VIP and the first owner’s suite of approximately 80 square-metres. The suite has been arranged with the bed pointing towards the window which allows for large dressing room and bathroom areas.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> also boasts a private owner’s deck, with a cinema lounge at her stern, while her bow spans approximately 140 square-metres of interior and exterior space, with the second owner’s suite, a reflecting pool, removable seating and a sensory shower.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390498/image/large-51b924f236e6ede2938f372b6721108a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390498">The bridge deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> includes a 42 square-metre winter garden veranda, requested by the owner and developed by the shipyard, together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon international Project</a>. This space includes a single formal dining table and bar area, supported by a lobby with a walk-in wine cellar.Also on this deck are two additional guest staterooms, while her captain’s cabin is positioned adjacent to the wheelhouse. Forward of this space is her touch-and-go helipad and sport deck, which extends her functionality.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390499/image/large-f60d5d412971b9e926030c77807ad3a2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390499">The lower deck of Virtuosity is known as the Ocean Resort, with her beach club extending 18 metres from the beach platform to the first bulkhead. The result exceeds 230 square-metres and is approximately forty percent larger than the first hull of the 74Steel line.Fold-downside platforms and a walkaround are paired with a 28 square-metre glass-bottom pool, which functions as a lounge dedicated to water toys by day and transforms into a club space by night, thanks to the presence of a DJ booth. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390501/image/large-f6f15f01c00ae14f7ece7bf873f11acf.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390501">Ahead lies the Aquarium, measuring approximately 35 square-metres comprising a hammam, sauna, massage room, cryotherapy and posarium, with an opening terrace. A partially submerged glazed section of the hull transforms the side shell into a window below the waterline, allowing guests to watch the marine landscape floating outside.The sundeck of Virtuosity includes an enclosed gym, with opening glazing at her bow, stern and sides. The space also integrates a pool and a seating area aft, conceived for informal dining and relaxation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/390494/image/large-ad62c9f3e93474325d4b1f37706a41f4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/390494">“Our collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12396" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Virtuosity73.0m (239'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2026">Virtuosity</a> proposes a fundamentally new vision for life at sea,” added Paolo Ferrari of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Paolo Ferrari (Company)">Studio Paolo Ferrari</a>. “Interior architecture and custom furnishings were developed in parallel with the ship itself, while at its centre, a living tree rises through a vertical opening.&nbsp;“Inspired by the tonal atmosphere of the Mediterranean, the material palette reinforces clarity, proportion and restraint. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to innovation, the 74Steel reflects our belief that a yacht can transcend function and become something more experiential and more human.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398424/image/large-efb832e15216a88eb91101371ea5f9ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398424">

Virtuosity: Second Sanlorenzo 74Steel yacht launched

Sanlorenzo has announced the launch of Virtuosity, the second hull in the 73-metre flagship 74Steel superyacht series.

Second Sanlorenzo 74Steel yacht Virtuosity launched with living tree inside

The 32-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="#OMG32.0m (104'12&quot;)Sunseeker2001">#OMG</a> has been sold, with Grant Ninneman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> introducing the buyer and Michael Bass of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5923" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flagler Yachts (Company)">Flagler Yachts</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/192380/image/large-171e6b0d801ce7e85d66f44d506db950.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/192380">Built in Dorset, England in 2001, she features naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/353" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Don Shead Yacht Design (Company)">Don Shead Yacht Design</a>, with exterior design created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ken Freivokh Design (Company)">Ken Freivokh Design</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="#OMG32.0m (104'12&quot;)Sunseeker2001">#OMG</a> has benefitted from a $2.4 million refit, which included a complete $110,000 replacement of all hydraulic lines, and a 6000-watt sound system, HD televisions, and a satellite dish.At a volume of 161 GT, she can accommodate guests in her master stateroom with an oversized head and dressing area and her guest and VIP staterooms. The latter is fitted with a king-size bed, steam shower, and walk-in closet. Moving outside, guests can enjoy the spa tub, bar, grill, and alfresco dining on her sundeck.In terms of propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="#OMG32.0m (104'12&quot;)Sunseeker2001">#OMG</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, giving her a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 32 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="#OMG32.0m (104'12&quot;)Sunseeker2001">#OMG</a> had a last known asking price of $1,500,000 and was located in Miami, Florida.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>.

Sunseeker yacht OMG sold

The 32-metre Sunseeker motor yacht #OMG has been sold.

32m Sunseeker motor yacht #OMG sold

The 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Florentia52.0m (170'7&quot;)Rossinavi2020">Florentia</a> has been listed for sale with Josh Gulbranson and Alex Krykanyuk of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398323/image/large-1594561085361ada38778e1b7ef7e847.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398323">Delivered in 2020 by the Italian shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Florentia52.0m (170'7&quot;)Rossinavi2020">Florentia yacht for sale</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/76" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Vafiadis (Company)">Studio Vafiadis</a>, interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A++ - Carlo Colombo Architect (Company)">Carlo Colombo Architec</a>t, with naval architecture crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A++ - Carlo Colombo Architect (Company)">Arrabito Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398325/image/large-fb4c1e946360ab9168e6aa479f8196bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398325"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398388/image/large-d0a15ac34935f41dd66dbcff4adb7831.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398388">Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the yacht has a beam of 10.35-metres and a draft of 2.7-metres. Built as a completely custom project, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Florentia52.0m (170'7&quot;)Rossinavi2020">Florentia</a> reportedly has only been used during the summer months and has never been chartered. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398397/image/large-6953f867d293f7162db2ded807be225f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398397"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398381/image/large-9d766fa667ac7380f2cdcbf3dffe2646.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398381" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Outside, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Florentia52.0m (170'7&quot;)Rossinavi2020">Florentia yacht for sale</a> boasts sharp lines with expansive glazing and tiered aft decks, strengthening the indoor-outdoor lifestyle onboard. Wide walkaround decks and multiple lounge areas encourage relaxing and socialising, while her sundeck houses a Jacuzzi, sunpads and shaded seating areas arranged for guests to soak in the sun and the panoramic ocean views.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398386/image/large-0ab68b72265589352b6518c1b42b03aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398386"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398384/image/large-55f32c18ebc3a90d73e50882033bdd32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398384"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398380/image/large-c4ec7105bf4717669e33683b32230240.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398380" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Furthermore, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> features a side-loading tender garage, leaving the beach club solely as a leisure area for guests. Meanwhile, her sky lounge can be converted into a cinema with a ceiling-mounted projection system.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398404/image/large-852da657a38f6a9a285b34d105122d9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398404" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398379/image/large-080bbe0b7a9fee51956d4672555d2f7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398379" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398382/image/large-cddae24a11648cce68716d8439f84962.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398382" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Stepping inside, the interiors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Florentia52.0m (170'7&quot;)Rossinavi2020">Florentia</a> embody a contemporary styling defined by warm woods and calming neutral tones. Her main saloon is decorated with minimalist furnishings with touches of marble and integrated lighting all contributing to an elegant and residential ambience. Moreover, floor-to-ceiling windows draw in abundant natural light and unobstructed ocean views throughout her living spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398376/image/large-ed6790920cfe4760b36d3c3c07ebb0d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398376" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398375/image/large-d1b052b914659f54c4387f52f4b1ee89.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398375"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398389/image/large-d9a56772dee50ecfbfe713e0936b111b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398389"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398372/image/large-746f368092680845fa3a941907c94e3e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398372" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">At an interior volume of 810 GT, accommodation onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=rossinavi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Rossinavi yacht for sale</a> is arranged for up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms. Dedicated quarters are available for a professional crew of 11 across six quarters, including her captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398336/image/large-44b1f74ecab05244c2e2e842e7b8d3a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398336">One of the yacht’s standout features is her sundeck VIP suite, which is intended as a second master stateroom, complete with a private forward terrace and bathtub. Meanwhile, the primary owner’s suite is located forward on the main deck, fitted with a fold-down balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and a full-beam bathroom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398367/image/large-9240a764aa31556cf80e211a32b17981.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398367" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398330/image/large-9240ba4569f684caa68d694af4831e29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398330"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398400/image/large-5a620a65bd29b8d2d45aa98195826c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398400"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398396/image/large-a5168e0162772a499fbd2e925ff0bc0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398396">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Florentia52.0m (170'7&quot;)Rossinavi2020">yacht Florentia for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, delivering a cruising speed of 13.5 knots and a top speed of 17 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398324/image/large-3ceae82f93241d631d2ff4bded2d535b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398324"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398326/image/large-9db402237373b7bb015d1dd57f847506.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398326" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">

52m Rossinavi superyacht Florentia for sale

The 52m Rossinavi superyacht Florentia is now for sale with Fraser, featuring an 810 GT interior volume.

52m Rossinavi superyacht Florentia on the market

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398279/image/large-9b976d0164c9b5dafea2a995648f4274.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398279">Two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyachts were spotted at anchor off Papeete, Tahiti, last Wednesday. The line-up included the 126.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>, the 78.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odisea78.2m (256'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2026">Odisea</a>, the 100-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11246" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pi100.0m (328'1&quot;)Feadship2025">Pi</a>, and the 84.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>.Delivered in 2003, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> to an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a>, with naval architecture developed in-house and interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/249" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd (Company)">Jonathan Quinn Barnett</a>. Spanning eight decks, the explorer yacht's standout features include a large swimming pool, cinema, fully equipped gym and basketball court, alongside two helipads and a pair of submarines.By contrast, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odisea78.2m (256'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2026">Odisea</a>, delivered earlier this year, showcases <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen's</a> signature elongated bow, with both her exterior and interior designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>. Measuring 2,500 GT, she offers a teak-lined infinity pool, a glass-enclosed main-deck lounge that opens on three sides via three-metre sliding doors, and an expansive aft entertaining area complete with a fire pit and dining space for up to 20 guests.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship's</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11246" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pi100.0m (328'1&quot;)Feadship2025">Pi</a> was delivered last year and features a steel hull paired with an aluminium superstructure. Her exterior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan (Company)">Jarkko Jämsén of Aivan</a>, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a> developed her naval architecture. She is distinguished by a near-vertical bow, flowing sheerline and sculptural aft staircase, which cascades down to an extended swim platform with direct access to the sea.Completing the quartet, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> was delivered in 2023 with exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> and interiors created in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>. Defined by crisp lines and expansive tinted glazing, she features an underwater Aqua Lounge, a beach club with direct sea access, and an observation lounge framed by floor-to-ceiling glazing.

Feadship and Lurssen yachts in Tahiti

Two Feadship and two Lürssen superyachts were spotted at anchor off Papeete, Tahiti, last Wednesday. 