Francesca Webster visits young Cowes-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/8312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen 8527.3m (89'7&quot;)">Arksen</a>, who are “balancing yacht luxury with adventurous capabilities”.At <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="boot Düsseldorf">boot Düsseldorf</a> 2019 Jasper Smith announced to the industry the foundation of an adventure inspired company and explorer yacht concept, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a>. Working with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5249" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wight Shipyard Co (WSC) (Company)">Wight Shipyard</a> on the Isle of Wight, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> set out to be a new type of yacht builder, designing and building yachts with a unique philosophy for ‘family first’ exploration. Today, the first unit of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> 85, Project Ocean, which is the manifestation of the shipyard's vision to be different, is nearing completion with construction of the second hull in the series recently announced. I went to visit the team to get a first look at the vessels currently in-build and to find out from Chief Operating Officer, Ewan Hind, what it is that makes these vessels so different. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213386/image/large-83679ea51f183ea24c8ccbbb7b8271fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213386"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213391/image/large-fc74a3afda91eca4c2e82e0e647f0e30.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213391">Stepping off the ferry in East Cowes we made the 50-metre trip to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5249" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wight Shipyard Co (WSC) (Company)">Wight Shipyard</a>, entering to a cacophony of grinding and welding. Specialist metalworking is the core of this yard's heritage and sitting to the right of the shed was the aluminium hull of Project Ocean, sparks flying as the welders forged on with their work. It is an exciting time here in Cowes. The first yacht for any new company is its symbol to the industry of what it is all about and it didn’t take long to realise that this bold explorer is going to find its own niche. To our left, the upper superstructure, which comprises the wheelhouse and upper saloon, was being assembled, to be welded into place in only a few weeks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111223/image/large-aec436ccc3f3aa1bbed6930bdb38f6ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111223">Ewan Hind and Executive Director Olly Hicks were leading the tour, evidently enthusiastic about the progress of the two projects. During the introduction we were shown the new renders of the interior for the first unit penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>. This yacht is owned in split partnership between a group of enthusiastic yachtsmen, a programme which is referred to by the team as an Adventure Syndicate. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213390/image/large-d9cbc906db7bbf30a789ee0fcf1afa11.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213390">This approach to ownership is one of the core pillars of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> philosophy, designed for families who are looking for an alternative to the traditional routes to yachting, recognising that aspects of ownership can be more taxing than enjoyable. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> is offering the chance to own it's explorer yachts with the team handling the after-sales elements of operation from crew management to maintenance planning and expedition support. It is certainly a unique offering and Smith’s support of it couldn’t be more clearly demonstrated. In fact, in the week that this piece was written the UK government also revealed it’s support of the shipyard, announcing it as one of the 158 companies that have converted their loans to equity through its Future Fund, aimed at supporting innovative UK-based companies.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178415/image/large-b573b10b8f69cf95d083084cc2704c7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178415">While the ethos and philosophy of the shipyard may be unique, it is also its yachts which are worthy of note. At 27.3-metres, this first unit is set to offer long-range autonomy with a hybrid propulsion package (future owners have the choice between hybrid or traditional propulsion methods). Featuring exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Humphreys Yacht Design (Company)">Humphreys Yacht Design</a>, the all aluminium yacht accommodates as many as 10 guests between four ensuite staterooms on the lower deck. These are comprised of two twins, one VIP and a full beam owner's stateroom and office to aft, with direct access to the engine room through the adjoining office. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178416/image/large-863a8c62efc5c26d1736dc6293ff2261.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178416">Everything about this yacht is different. There is no main deck master suite at the bow. Here, that space is set aside for all of the guests, with a dedicated seating area to best enjoy the views from this coveted location. The vessel has been designed to allow the owner and guests autonomous voyaging, though there are cabins for two crew members. Should the owner wish to sail unaccompanied, the yacht has been tailored to that end. For Hind, these vessels “balance yacht luxury with adventurous capabilities. They are capable, world voyaging yachts with a trans-oceanic range and that is at the core of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> philosophy.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178413/image/large-2a6b857cb7ac7e8d2d3d32e1acc1b8e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178413">While the interior layout is unique, the exterior design screams explorer. The large aft deck is an open space with room for a tender up to 5.5-metres, while a smaller crew tender and a host of toys are stowed in the lazarette/workshop to aft. There is a sturdy crane to port with a 1.2 ton capacity as well as a pair of outriggers which can hold the tenders and toys and clear the aft deck for socialising and lounging.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213388/image/large-30ddd4f24ca11ddf2477f95563391e1e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213388"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213387/image/large-ab9cec29413604ae3053a7c2df94c2fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213387">Taking the steps down to the boarding platform, the lazarette door folds down transforming into an impressive swim platform, larger than what would be expected for a 27.3-metre vessel. Surprising is something that can be said for the yacht as a whole. Head height throughout the 125 GT yacht is at least 2-metres and with Ewan leading our tour, a man of well over 6-foot himself, it was clear that despite her size she is a comfortable boat no matter your height.Recognising that technology may change in the years to come, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> has ensured that the vessels can be easily maintained and upgraded by fitting panels above the engines that can be easily removed. This will allow the yacht's systems to be upgraded over time, without the need for drastic changes to the hull, and this sense of sustainability is imbued across everything the team here is working on.&nbsp;An example of this is how the team has selected alternative sources for the construction materials used aboard the yacht with 70% of the yacht made from recycled Njørdal aluminum from Hyrdo’s foundries in Norway. In fact, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> itself is partly funded by one of Smith’s other ventures, a venture fund called Vala Capital, that puts funding into research and development of sustainable solutions. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178414/image/large-df633e48c623b980490c77a8b98d6539.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178414">This first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> 85 will, in part, be dedicated to research and conservation through the Sea Time Pledge run through Arksen’s philanthropic arm. Many of the materials used onboard by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> have been specially selected for their high proportion of recycled or sustainable components, such as soft furnishings that include natural materials and some made from recycled plastic bottles.&nbsp;Looking to the future, the shipwrights are now in the assembly stage of the second unit and designs have been released for different models in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> fleet, including the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> 65 and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> 75. Ewan notes that they have been receiving a very high number of serious enquiries, now more than 400, from potential customers who are drawn to the adventurous mentality of the brand. It will not be long before we see the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arksen (Company)">Arksen</a> afloat with this first unit due to be launched in Summer 2022 and it is no doubt set to be a yacht that changes the mindset of what luxury yachting can be.&nbsp;

In-build with Arksen's Project Ocean

Arksen 85 yacht render

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Project Ocean Arksen 85/01 yacht in build

Ewan Hind COO Arksen Shipyard

Project Ocean yacht in-build at Arksen

Francesca Webster visits young Cowes-based shipyard Arksen, who are “balancing yacht luxury with adventurous capabilities”.

In-Build: At the yard with Project Ocean

Building the Columbus 42 Crossover superyacht

Justin Ratcliffe returns to Palumbo Superyacht Savona to find out more about the Columbus 42 Crossover.

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Video: Building the first Columbus 42 Crossover at Palumbo Savona

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> has laid the keel of its 49.8-metre Project 20750, now known as Project Orion. The event took place last week, with ABS surveyors paying witness. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242714/image/large-557a4ba9d975df511bfda11d7d63108a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242714">"Laying the keel of a new yacht is always an exciting moment, and even more so when it is built as a speculative venture,” Friso Visser, CCO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> commented. “At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, we are pioneers in the construction of superyachts in small series, on proven hull designs, propulsion systems and engineering, with individual interiors. The idea of advancing the build by a year or two before the customer signs up reduces delivery time, along with the costs saved in design and development. It has proved to be a winning formula.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242712/image/large-b96b2cc3f8a71fa52e446996b8f36747.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242712">Project Orion features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a>. She’s a sub 500 GT superyacht that will be powered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s hybrid propulsion system, making her extremely quiet and fuel efficient. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> expects that when cruising at 12 knots, Project Orion will consume less than 100 litres of fuel per hour, excluding hotel load. This drastically reduces when in hybrid mode and cruising at 10 knots – as she’s expected to consume a remarkable 45 litres per hour. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242713/image/large-d6a150087087f94c13f60342d6c0b6b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242713"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cristiano Gatto Design (Company)">Cristiano Gatto Design</a> was the studio enlisted for her interior design, and created a unique contemporary feel that makes great use of her open bulwarks to flood the interior with natural light. Project Orion will be able to accommodate as many as 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms. Her master suite will be situated forward on the main deck, while her full-beam VIP, two doubles, and two twin suites will be found on the lower deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21191/image/large-fae728d5607d4a27a0bb12a871650445.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21191">Project Orion will be equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 12V 2,000 M61 (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Organization (Company)">IMO</a> III) engines of 600 kilowatts each. Two surprisingly small engines of a yacht this size, testament to the engineering of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a>, who have kept her lightweight and well balanced. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21190/image/large-3c3293e814b3954fff008092615c3840.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21190">The superyacht is on the market and scheduled for delivery in February 2025.

Heesen lays keel of 50m superyacht Project Orion

Heesen has laid the keel of its 49.8-metre Project 20750, now known as Project Orion. The scheduled delivery date is 2025. 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> is a small but mighty Dutch shipyard, situated in the very heart of the Netherlands in Den Bosch; not your first guess for the location of a yacht manufacturer building superyachts up to 50 metres in length. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> has been going strong for more than 40 years, and continues to build a steady stream of well crafted semi-custom superyachts that are rightfully stamped with the Dutch quality seal of approval. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208507/image/large-579f17b6a222c0d421a01f948e10dc62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208507">One of the most recent additions to the yards portfolio is the 34-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 110, a gentleman’s style yacht with graceful lines that harks back to the successful <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 84 and 97 builds. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/241" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="René van der Velden Yacht Design (Company)">René van der Velden</a> and with naval architecture and engineering by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>, the vessel has a stellar pedigree. The first yacht of the new design, hull YN202, is now in-build on speculation with a May 2023 delivery date, and the yard has reconsidered its traditional construction methods, tying in experts across the field of yacht construction to streamline the build process and reduce lead times. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208509/image/large-7a940916e9268d24764f604349588c02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208509">With facilities for the outfitting, carpentry and engineering onsite in Den Bosch, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a>’ hulls and superstructures have always been constructed at partner yards, but for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 110 the company decided to broach a new partnership. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Talsma (Company)">Talsma Shipyard</a> in Franeker, neighbouring Harlingen on the north east coast of the country, has a sterling reputation for its steel work. The hull of YN202 was built at the yard during the course of five months. Construction began in June 2021, utilising the traditional method of building upside down and turning the hull once complete. “At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Talsma (Company)">Talsma Shipyards</a> we always build our hulls upside down. This makes building easier, since the building floor and deck are both flat and it reduces the time spent working above the head,” the shipyard commented.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208510/image/large-319aa91f3b3c847a0825cc5e6103de36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208510">It is also advantageous from an access perspective, allowing the team to reach and fabricate small spaces, welding from a downward direction rather than upward. The easier it is to construct and fabricate on a large scale, the faster the production process, and the completion of a 34-metre hull in only five months is no small feat, in a large part facilitated by the decision to build upside down. For Nick Tot, Naval Architect with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> who manages the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> projects, the main consideration with the construction process is that the team have a level deck to build on, accounting for the addition of the bulwark once the vessel is rotated. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208512/image/large-74ced01b78a8fa4ed392be010e4024b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208512">Before the vessel is turned, stays are bolted to the keel of the hull so that when in sailing position, she is independently supported from the bottom. It then requires four cranes to synchronise the slow rotation of the hull, using straps to support it from each side to prevent it from overturning or flipping too quickly, which could cause major damage, both to the hull and to the surroundings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208513/image/large-db1483928952873d50f698f0858ae6ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208513">In order to calculate the placement of the straps around the vessel, to ensure it doesn't pivot fore or aft, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana</a> calculated the weight of the hull and the centre of gravity, feeding that information to the crane drivers. For the entire team, this is a major milestone in the construction of the vessel, and also a cool event to witness; John Bechtold, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>’s Project Manager of YN202 commented at the time “It is a very special moment to see the first hull of the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 110 ready in her sailing position.” For the team, the turning represented a demonstration of the success of the collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Talsma (Company)">Talsma</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>, and the end to the first construction phase which had been an intense and instructive process.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208515/image/large-a846bd2d51e677f7e9e9fba026d99c98.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208515">Once the vessel was right-side-up, she was floated at the yard and transported to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>’s facilities in Den Bosch and here <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana</a> once again stepped in. Nick Tot arrived on site to carry out the first inclination test for the hull, to ensure the original calculations were accurate for the weight displacement of the hull and superstructure. Tot explained how the inclination tests today very much resemble traditional methods. First the team measures the fore and aft draft to calculate the weight of the hull, then using weights on the deck which are moved from side to side, they can calculate the heel of the vessel using a very simple pendulum. The pendulum is made from fishing line or piano wire, a weight is hung from the end and then suspended in a trough of water and placed in the central line of the vessel. As the weights are moved across the deck, the team then records the deflection of the pendulum and uses that to calculate the heel. After the vessel is completed another final inclination test is conducted. “It is where theory and practice meet for us and of course the classification bureau is onboard with us during this final inclination test to ensure we are meeting the needs of the classification standards.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208758/image/large-cdf812ef628205af21450035715a40f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208758">Once checked and approved, YN202 was then towed all the way south, joining the Meuse River, arriving in Den Bosch at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> facility in December 2021. Here the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> team quickly got to work with the priming and sandblasting of the steel, beginning the insulation of the hull and the loading of the engine room. During the construction of the hull, another Dutch shipbuilder was working on the construction of the aluminium superstructure. Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Talsma (Company)">Talsma</a>, Willems Boven-Leeuwen is an expert in its field; aluminium construction. The partnership with Willems was also a new cooperation for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>, and together the shipyards worked with DIANA to build the yacht's deck with the extrusion deck method, the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> to feature this new construction technique. With Willems situated just up river, the superstructure was built and arrived in Den Bosch shortly after the new year. In March the hull and superstructure were joined, yet another major moment in the build of the vessel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/214860/image/large-43c09e7ec167cb838a57be86fe10b9d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/214860">One might consider that these various players from across the Netherlands, all involved in one build, might be a case of ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ but according to John Bechtold the reality is quite the opposite. “Imagine it instead as a collaboration of world-class surgeons. Of course we have to bring everything together and smoothly, but we looked for the best experts to build this vessel, like in an operation, not every surgeon can do everything, but you want the right person for the right job, and that is really what we have brought together for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 110.”&nbsp;Victor Caminada, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>’s Head of Sales added, “The result has been a faster build, of even better quality because every element of the vessel has been developed by specialists.” &nbsp;There is a real sense of something new and exciting coming together with the build of YN202, and it is clearly a wave the shipyard is continuing to ride. Since the takeover by the current shareholder’s Matthew and Louise Baxter in 2019, the company is driving even more closely toward the creation of premium semi-custom superyachts, and YN202 is one of the first fruits of this labour. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220649/image/large-7bcaf9e1ae3acc34348e86e82a1cd3af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220649">While the major stages of the yacht’s construction are now complete, the task turns to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>’s own team to complete the works. On site the shipyard has an extensive carpentry and design facility who are currently building the crew quarters, ready to be assembled in the coming weeks. All cabinetry and built-in furniture is constructed by the in-house carpentry team, and they are now working closely with the designers for the construction of that fixed furniture. The team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> also completes the paintings and installation of the entire interior, working closely with the architects to incorporate all of the clients specifications.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220650/image/large-32a2e423a537687b88784f6ea0754683.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220650">YN202 is currently on the market, and one thing the team are very capable of is the modification and adaptation of their hulls after purchase. An excellent example is the recent sale of the 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> Martinique which was built on speculation. The owner came into the project late and requested a new interior design, as well as the lengthening of the vessel by more than a metre, major structural work. The team were able to design the new interiors and begin construction in only two months, demonstrating the ability to be adaptable to the owner’s wishes. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220648/image/large-60850bda43047b2e6f82111803ccaaf6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220648">The first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 110 will be launched in 2023, representing the very best of Dutch yacht building expertise.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Turning tradition on its head with the Moonen 110

Moonen Yachts has developed new partnerships for the construction of the first Moonen 110, collaborating with the best of Dutch yacht design.

At the shipyard: Turning tradition on its head with the Moonen 110

Justin Ratcliffe was on site at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> shipyard in January to see 80-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos&nbsp;</a>come out of the construction shed and begin the last leg of her journey from concept to completion.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219304/image/large-ef2b72df11c499e6d72c4e98989f1464.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219304">It never fails to amaze me the lengths <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has to go through to get their superyachts to the sea. The shipyard is in landlocked Oss and every new launch has to be towed by tug over 100 kilometres along waterways and rivers to reach the North Sea. But given the sheer size of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> – soon to be officially christened <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> – the transfer to Rotterdam and then up the coast to Harlingen was more complex than usual and planning started many months in advance.&nbsp;The narrow waterways and low bridges en route to the sea mean there is a limit to how high and wide Heesen can build its yachts. At just over 80.7-metres in length and 1,700GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> has almost 50 per cent more volume than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>, Heesen’s previous flagship, which puts her on the very edge of those limits. Despite removing the propellers and the sun deck hardtop to reduce her draft and height, unusually high water levels in the rivers made the journey even trickier. Getting the yacht through without mishap required windless conditions and a cool head.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219305/image/large-162e92034c9dea56b5c0f01f70600f50.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219305">“There are several bridges along the way, but the most challenging is a narrow drawbridge at Macharen quite close to the shipyard where the tolerances can be measured in centimetres,” says Bob van Zundert, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> yard captain responsible for the transfer operation. “We’ve done it multiple times, but it’s a delicate operation because this vessel is bigger than we’re used to and just after the bridge there’s a lock that’s also quite narrow. There’s little room for manoeuvring so we have to be cautious.”&nbsp;There have been other challenges to building the largest and fastest all-aluminium superyacht on the water. Project managing such a complex project, especially during a pandemic that threatened to delay the production schedule, was like piecing together a vast jigsaw puzzle that could only be solved through carefully choreographed collaboration.&nbsp;“You can probably compare a custom build like this to three series projects,” says Arjan Veldman, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> Project Coordinator responsible for liaising between the shipyard and owner’s team. “Our guys can almost build a series boat from memory, but a custom project has a huge impact on management and organisational resources. I have to constantly balance client requests with the high quality we have to deliver and getting everything finished on schedule. Fortunately, we know the owner’s team very well as we’ve built other Heesen yachts together and that has made the whole process easier – and more fun.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172108/image/large-12b568a90673abbb12bf2eb8312d80a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172108">The low-drag, Fast Displacement Hull Form is the first to feature <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s patented “backbone” for additional longitudinal strength. Given the top speed requirement of 30 knots, the yacht had to be built of aluminium, which is much lighter than steel but also more malleable. To avoid the long, slender hull sagging and twisting in a seaway, the backbone system is basically a framework of 15-millimetre aluminium plate that runs the length of the keel to add longitudinal stiffness. The resulting structure is not only very light, but also immensely strong.&nbsp;“I was reluctant to commit to an 80-metre aluminium yacht until Heesen explained how the &nbsp;backbone works,” says Captain Chris Guy, who throughout the build period was also acting captain of 70-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>. “We did a lot of CFD research and, yes, it’s theoretical, but I have very few concerns about this boat travelling at 30 knots in a seaway. People say you can’t do certain things with an aluminium hull, but with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> we’ve been running at full speed in three-metre seas with guests on board and no problems at all. The backbone means <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> will be even more capable.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> is also the first Heesen to have a fully certified helipad on the foredeck for a twin-engine helicopter that doubles as an open-air cinema. In fact, for Captain Guy the cinema proved to be one of the most difficult features to get right.“The philosophy we’ve been pushing all along is that we cannot go backwards – everything should be better than on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>,” he says. “So we had to find a screen material that allowed us to have the biggest cinema possible without any annoying seams; we wanted a rear projection system with its own storage compartment in the forepeak, which means having sensitive electronic equipment in a place subject to the highest vertical accelerations and possibly salt water; and we spent a lot of time making sure it is all quick and easy to set up. I mean, this is not just a big screen; it’s full-on custom design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212124/image/large-06ff7cc97b453a3dba7597c39458ce52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212124">Another highlight of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> is her performance. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> was powered by two MTU diesel engines and a third engine driving a central booster waterjet. With over 16,000 horsepower at her disposal, she has an official top speed of 30 knots. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> is much larger and needs more power to reach comparable speeds, so the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen&nbsp;</a>engineers opted for four engines and two gearboxes coupled to the drive shafts and controllable-pitch propellers.&nbsp;Emission regulations have also become stricter since the launch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> in 2016 and the two inner engines are fitted with IMO Tier III-compliant SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) units for ‘scrubbing’ the exhaust gases clean of harmful NOx emissions. The yacht also has battery banks (570 kWh in total) used for peak shaving and to run full hotel services at anchor for up to two hours without having to switch on the diesel generators.“In the past I always had to tell the girls in the laundry that when they used a second dryer, especially when the chef was at work in the galley, they were effectively switching on another engine,” says chief engineer Jan Kamstra, who worked on 65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion I55.48m (182'0&quot;)Feadship1983">Galactica Star</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> before <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a>. “Peak-shaving batteries reduce generator use and emissions as well as fuel and maintenance costs, but it also means less smoke, noise and vibrations for guests enjoying their time on deck or in the water.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219342/image/large-a1a8ccd87e775bc964810a11ee6cace7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219342">Both Kamstra and Captain Guy were closely involved in drawing up the technical specifications for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> from the start, which meant they could integrate the best solutions based on previous operational experience. Humphree interceptors, for example, were a late addition on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> that resulted in better seakeeping and performance. On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> the interceptors extend across the whole transom to provide trim control and turn assist to reduce heel when changing direction at high speed. &nbsp;“The key is to optimise the specifications before you start building,” says Kamstra. “In this case we could apply everything we’ve learned on previous projects from the get go instead of making changes during production, which is never ideal. It’s a bit like building a house: as chief engineer I’m going to be living on board and operating the boat. That’s different to building a yacht and then passing on the responsibility of running it to someone else.”By the time you read this article, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> will have been reunited with her mast and propellers and be starting an intensive commissioning phase prior to sea trials in the North Sea. Following delivery to her owner in April, the next time we catch up with her will be when she makes her international debut as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">2022 Monaco Yacht Show</a>.

Project Cosmos completion

Justin Ratcliffe looks at the 80-metre Project Cosmos from concept to completion.

At the yard with Project Cosmos: The Final Phase

While the largest superyachts tend to capture the headlines, it is the smaller yachts that are often more intriguing. This is largely because innovation is a key driver of brand awareness in the sub-500 GT sector, the biggest and most competitive portion of the superyacht market. The first 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> B.YOND due to launch at the end of the year is a prime example of this disruptive thinking in action.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204041/image/large-0407e10cb8ab46e0aeae7598b94ce43b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204041" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The design of the steel and aluminium B.YOND series began with an in-depth volumetric analysis in order to maximise the onboard volumes, circulation flow, guest privacy and overall utility. This led to a radical reassessment of conventional layouts and a general arrangement comprising four deck levels instead of the customary three seen on other yachts in her class. Add to the mix a wide beam of 8.6-metres and the result is a yacht of just under 400 GT in a standard configuration, but because it offers a high level of flexibility for a semi-custom design can be appreciably more.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203461/image/large-c4da1ae31e4a12d16c7a1018bf040fa2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203461" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">“Uniquely in her class, the crew quarters and services are all on the lower deck and the four guest suites, plus the full-beam master stateroom forward, are on main deck,” says B.YOND project manager Costanza Gnemmi as we step aboard the first unit in build at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> shipyard in Livorno. “This means bigger windows, better views and more comfort because they’re further away from the engine room. There’s also the option of retractable terraces for the aft suites and master stateroom and the crew circulation is completely separate from the guest areas. You won’t find all these features together on any other yacht of this size.”<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50462" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti announces new B.YOND 37M (2019-09-30 09:30:00 +0200)">Benetti announces new B.YOND 37M</a><a href="#managed-by-system" title="Benetti B.Yond 37m: more details revealed (2019-10-24 14:30:00 +0200)" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50566" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti B.Yond 37m: more details revealed (2019-10-24 14:30:00 +0200)">Benetti B.Yond 37m: more details revealed</a></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204040/image/large-061887f89885a1a30a4f4e3bc3bee711.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204040">There is space on the lower deck for a good-size gym accessible from the guest staircase, but owners can choose to have a staff cabin or extra stateroom instead. Opposite the gym is a double captain’s cabin, although there is a smaller but perhaps more convenient single cabin behind the bridge that could alternatively serve as a ship’s office. In addition to a large galley (with a dumb waiter up to the sun deck) and dedicated laundry, there is even space for extra cold storage.There are more options available on the bridge deck. The aft deck lounge has side glazing but the stern can be left open to create an informal veranda-style space, or enclosed with glass sliding doors as aboard the first hull. It can also be used as the master stateroom with a private aft deck. In this case, owners can decide to shift two guest cabins on main deck forward to replace the master stateroom and have a media lounge or playroom in the vacated space amidships.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204042/image/large-b0c84bc9ad18119127af99129c83b1d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204042" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Another smart solution is the semi-open tender garage on main deck above the engine room with space for a 6.5-metre tender, a crew tender and other water toys. The beauty of this configuration is that it provides a much bigger garage than usual, frees up space in the transom for a beach club with a sauna, and still keeps the tenders out of sight. The bulwarks fold down during tender operations and as a semi-open space the garage is not included in the GT calculation.As well as the division of the interior volumes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> also looked closely at how best to move between them. Guests arriving by passerelle when moored stern-to take a short flight of steps up to the upper deck lounge, which becomes the main lounge area with a forward dining room. The crew, on the other hand, can take the steps down and through the open tender garage to deliver luggage to the guest staterooms and arrive at the service deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204039/image/large-4f20a35aa2091715ca606a816a63368b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204039">The B.YOND concept was initially conceived as a compact explorer and while the yacht certainly has the steel construction, tender space and autonomy of an ocean-going passagemaker, she does not readily fall into the typical explorer category. The robust exterior lines are by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefano Righini Design (Company)">Stefano Righini</a>, a long-term design partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut-Benetti</a>. The four decks sit high in the water in relation to her overall length, but there is something reassuringly purposeful about her profile nonetheless.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203460/image/large-5d2754539ee124b6ec1864f36d58b1bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203460"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut-Benetti</a> president Paolo Vitelli has been closely involved in the B.YOND project from the beginning. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> was one of the first shipyards to build yachts over 30 metres in fibreglass and in a way the B.YOND’s metal construction marks a return to more traditional boatbuilding methods. But in almost every other sense it represents a break with convention, including a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system for reducing NOx emissions and the option of a hybrid propulsion package by Siemens.“Eco-friendliness is a vital consideration and will only become more important,” said Vitelli in a 2018 interview for SuperYacht Times. “I cruise the Med each summer and I must say that some of our beautiful coastline is not as pristine as it should be. The industry has a role to play in conserving the marine environment for future generations, and by eco-friendly I don’t just mean fewer emissions, but also more efficient yachts that consume less fuel.”<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti develops 37m expedition yacht B.Yond (2020-10-22 10:30:00 +0200)">Benetti develops 37m expedition yacht B.Yond</a><a href="#managed-by-system" title="Benetti launches the first 37m Motopanfilo yacht (2021-07-30 17:30:00 +0200)" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53453" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti launches the first 37m Motopanfilo yacht (2021-07-30 17:30:00 +0200)">Benetti launches the first 37m Motopanfilo yacht</a></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/121626/image/large-c881fb261d79a3705d110f12c9f525bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121626">The B.YOND is a relatively small superyacht that makes a big statement about the future direction of yacht design. Flexibility, efficiency and sustainability rank alongside comfort, reliability and performance in the priorities of today’s owners and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> has made sure it ticks all the right boxes.This article was originally published in the Fall 2021 issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. To receive all future issues straight to your door, s<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">ubscribe to the newspaper here</a>.&nbsp;

Benetti B.Yond shipyard visit with SYT

Benetti’s new B.YOND pushes design boundaries for semi-custom yachts in her size category, Justin Ratcliffe finds out more. 

Benetti B.YOND: Pushing the boundaries

When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 130 sailing yacht 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</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel/Pugh</a> for Pierluigi Loro Piana, was irretrievably damaged in a shipping accident in 2019, many wondered what would be the veteran sailor’s next move. Most people thought he would build another custom sailing yacht, but what he actually did was go out and refit an explorer vessel.&nbsp;“I’ve known Pierluigi for over 40 years and we’ve designed several sailing yachts and chase boats for him,” says Mario Pedol of <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>. “After the unfortunate loss of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a>, we worked for half a year on a 57-metre concept for a new expedition yacht, but that would have taken too long from concept to completion. So the project was put on hold and the search began for a second-hand motor yacht capable of voyaging round the world with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> acting as the buyer’s broker. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202177/image/large-86587c5b1f2608d52c3bc9f541fd718f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202177">The choice of a motor yacht was based on the owner’s changing priorities. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> was a racer-cruiser and Loro Piana still enjoys competitive racing, but there is no doubt that a motor yacht offers more cruising comfort. An expedition yacht for cruising and a Maxi sailing yacht designed specifically for racing would provide the best of both worlds.&nbsp;<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="51m superyacht Masquenada completes refit at Lusben (2021-06-25 17:30:00 +0200)">51m superyacht Masquenada completes refit at Lusben</a></li></ul>Pedol tracked down 51-metre Aspire, an all-steel explorer launched as 45-metre Etra by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1094" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Penglai (Company)">Penglai</a> shipyard in China in 2006. Solidly built with ocean-going range, her specifications suited Loro Piana’s plans to tour the world with his family. Negotiations to buy the yacht began in the summer of 2020 and she arrived at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> shipyard in Livorno the following October. Having already worked on the yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> was ideally placed to meet the tight refit schedule and she was relaunched just nine months later as 51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>.&nbsp;On main deck the biggest and most obvious intervention requested by the owner is the redesign of the aft deck. The stern had already been extended during a previous refit, but Loro Piana wanted a terraced aft deck and an open transom with a transformer-style beach platform for easier access to the sea. A major job was removing the old deck crane and replacing it with a custom-built, 7.5-tonne capacity knuckleboom crane that folds away out of sight into a compartment below deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202175/image/large-d3c1055418ac6538e95e4b498636b0b0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202175">The crane hangar required replacing the aftmost hull block with a new 10-tonne section and naval architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2051" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NAMES by Francesco Rogantin (Company)">Francesco Rogantin</a> was engaged to reconfigure the underwater lines. The pulpit, bulwarks and stanchions were redesigned to allow for heli operations. The starboard access to the engine room is also new, as are the ventilation shafts with integrated chaise longues.&nbsp;With space for two or more tenders, including an amphibious Iguana, when the tenders and toys are in the water the flush aft deck provides an enormous lounging or party space. Boarding gangways on both sides are height-adjustable depending on whether a tender or the Maxi Dolphin–<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> chase boat is docking alongside.Another structural modification was lengthening the aft overhangs of the upper and bridge decks by 1.5 metres to provide more open-air deck space and more shade underneath. On the bridge deck this means there is now room for two Melges sailing dinghies to be stowed away in a covered bay that doubles as a sunbed, as well as some gym equipment. The upper deck aft is set up for al fresco dining and lounging. The top deck serves as an observation platform with a fitted BBQ-galley unit. The longer decks further lend the yacht a sleeker and more balanced profile.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199409/image/large-63af7a3df97d7ed4157a100babcffa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199409">Accommodation comprises two suites on the lower deck, three on main deck and a master stateroom on the upper deck forward overlooking the mooring station in the bow for a total of 12 guests including the owner. The bulwarks flanking the owner’s lounge on the upper deck have been cut down to offer better sea views and the voids fitted with teak-clad aluminium louvres controlled by electric motors for extra shade or privacy when moored in the marina.The sophisticated interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Interiors (Misa Poggi) (Company)">Misa Poggi</a>is based on contrasting dark and light wood joinery combined with saddle-stitched leather and brushed bronze accents. The overall ambience is warmly refined but also casually welcoming with parchment, bamboo and woven finishes adding an exotic touch.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202176/image/large-ae6f3677fd813c215f6e3f8be1e545d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202176">The lower deck crew quarters are surprisingly spacious. Services include a dedicated crew galley in addition to the pro-spec galley on main deck, cold and dry storage rooms, and a good-sized laundry in the forepeak.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> now has new electric steering with independent rudders as the crane compartment meant that the old connecting bar between the two rudders had to come out. The original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> 3508 engines only had 5,000 hours on them, but they have been thoroughly serviced and a new exhaust system fitted. Noise attenuation was a priority for the owner, so the brand new three Kohler generators are housed in sound-proof boxes and double mounted vibration dampers with structural reinforcements to avoid noise transmission through the hull. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202178/image/large-bab334390b8e7e01a920f06f37c4b139.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202178">“I wanted to keep things as ship-like as possible in the wheelhouse,” says Clinton White, the former captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> who is commanding his first motor yacht after more than 30 years of skippering large sailboats. “We installed an ECDIS [Electronic Chart Display and Information System] unit to replace paper charts, but other navigational equipment has mostly been upgraded or refurbished rather than replaced. The idea is have simple, fail-safe systems so the boat can be enjoyed rather than spending all your time maintaining or repairing it.”Looking resplendent at her June launch in a new light and dark grey paint scheme, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> has already departed for the Greek islands on her first Mediterranean cruise. The yacht will return to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> yard for warranty work at the end of September, after which the plan is that she will set off bound for the Turks and Caicos, Cuba and the Panama Canal at the start of a three-year voyage that will take her around the world.

51m explorer yacht Masquenada

SuperYacht Times went aboard the newly refitted Masquenada just before she set off on her first summer cruise in the Med.

First Look: 51m explorer yacht Masquenada

In 2018, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN Spa (Company)">CRN</a> announced it had signed a contract to build a new 62-metre custom superyacht. Less than a year later the client withdrew when he decided he wanted to build bigger. Re-inventing a one-off project designed around a specific owner is never straightforward and can put the shipyard in a tight spot, but construction has continued with barely a pause and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN Spa (Company)">CRN</a> is expected to launch her later this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194508/image/large-25008528529b8f83d0a1fbaf02ea491a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194508">The original owner had commissioned Alessandro Pulina of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Pulina Exclusive Interiors</a> to develop a mostly white interior as a blank canvas or neutral backdrop for a colourful art collection. Those involved in the project likened the highly personal and pristine look to something out of Star Trek.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194507/image/large-76176e20cf84f17d35f90534b1a7bb33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194507">“The shipyard naturally wanted to retain as much as possible of the interior that had already been built but give it broader appeal,” says Pulina. “The challenge was to create something that would attract a wide range of potential buyers without being bland or mundane.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178653/image/large-ecd221d77fcce6c2e91f712657981e17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178653">Together with the shipyard, the designer has pulled off a dramatic transformation and created a chic yet comfortable living concept based on premium materials and natural tones. The principal woods are brushed white pine and pickled oak, which are combined with Crema d’Orcia, Sahara Noir and Calacatta Gold marbles. Bulkheads and facades are broken up by vertical pine slats with an elegant kink where they meet the ceiling and sole, which also serve to disguise the AC outlets. The warm and welcoming ambience could not be more different from the stark original concept.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168590/image/large-76ea49e4a8d2915401f165956fcf052a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168590"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168589/image/large-5c58d4df73d40c49e723de93ab4ceaab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168589">“We’re interior specialists and I think that shows in the high degree of custom detailing and integration,” says Pulina. “When we selected the marble slabs, for example, we wanted high quality but also samples that had a pattern to their grain that would add richness to the décor.”The yacht’s crisp exterior styling with near-vertical bow by Frank Laupman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> has remained unchanged. Signature features include the 170 square metres of glass windows, and especially the full-height glazing in the lounges on the main and upper decks. Full-height windows also provide panoramic views from the master stateroom on the owner’s deck over the private foredeck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168582/image/large-03003c8b06942518c55c7aa204bda8a3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168582">“The foredeck is the owner’s open-air lounge and can feature a Japanese-style tatami table sunk into the deck like on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2751" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlante54.8m (179'9&quot;)CRN Spa2015">Atlante</a>, or a more conventional hot tub says Gabriele Piacenti, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN Spa (Company)">CRN</a>’s Senior Project Architect. “Crucially, this private area is out of sight of the wheelhouse on the bridge deck above.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168581/image/large-8c72d82fa49b11d8956262d951820c90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168581">The foredeck covers around 120 square metres and its size is difficult to appreciate until you stand in the bow and look back towards the master stateroom. Usefully, the crew can access both the mooring station and the side-loading garage (designed to take an 8.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Tender/9542" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva Iseo8.24m (27'0&quot;)Riva S.p.A. Tender">Riva Iseo</a>, crew tender and various water toys) directly from their own quarters on the lower deck.&nbsp;The owner’s bathroom has a spectacular layout and is accessed via a walk-in dressing room, with a glass-walled shower stall and a bathtub next to a window overlooking the sea and two decks below. When the sliding doors between the dressing and bathroom are open there is a direct line of sight from one side of the yacht to the other. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194506/image/large-a4748dad37368d5db3c66dae681dc8de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194506">CRN 138 is equipped with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">CAT</a> 3512C ACERT engines. “The original owner wanted an exceptionally quiet yacht,” says Marco Delpini, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN Spa (Company)">CRN’</a>s project manager. “Extra noise and vibration damping throughout means noise levels in harbour will be a hushed 45 decibels in the owner’s suite and 50 decibels in the main salon!”&nbsp;With charter in mind, the owner also requested six guest cabins on the lower deck in addition to a VIP suite on the main deck forward, which is effectively a second owner’s suite, and the master stateroom on the owner’s deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168594/image/large-0dbf80c84da2575b1e06c9e132fc63a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168594">This would have totalled 16 guests not including the Pullman bunk in one of the twin single cabins, a high number even when staff and supernumeraries are taken into account. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN Spa (Company)">CRN</a> chose to merge the two aftmost cabins to create a second VIP suite that takes advantage of the 10.80-metre maximum beam and includes a private lounge and walk-in wardrobe.&nbsp;“The original owner wanted the transom beach club to be fitted out as a music room where an entire band could gather for jamming sessions,” says Delpini. “Not surprisingly, we decided to create a more conventional spa with hammam, emotional shower, massage room and gym. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/105187/image/large-7d7f6458364216aecaf4580aec4bfdeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105187">CRN 138 is currently still for sale, but what is certain is that her new owner will be able to take delivery in double-quick time of a thoroughly modern, one-off superyacht designed and engineered for both private and commercial cruising.&nbsp;This article was originally published in the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52428" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First 2021 edition of The SuperYacht Times newspaper out now (2021-02-23 09:30:00 +0100)">Spring 2021 issue of The SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To receive all future issues straight to your door, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">subscribe to the newspaper here</a>.

CRN Shipyard on change and adaptation

Justin Ratcliffe visits the CRN shipyard in Ancona to take a closer look at Project 138.

In build: 62m CRN Project 138

King Shark&nbsp;is not quite<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">&nbsp;Rossinavi’s</a> biggest yacht; that title goes to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2550" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="High Power III70.0m (229'8&quot;)Rossinavi2011">High Power III&nbsp;</a>(formerly Numptia), which is the same length overall but of slightly higher volume. Nor is it the shipyard’s first diesel-electric yacht; that was Endeavour II in 2017. But, when launched later this year, she will rank as one of the custom builder’s most technically advanced projects to date.&nbsp;The brief&nbsp;King Shark is in build for a repeat client who wants to travel the world from the regular Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds to the much harsher conditions of the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions. Desiring the long range and autonomy of an explorer yacht, without the chunky styling that often goes with such vessels, he also wanted to make use of up-to-date propulsion technology. As the satisfied former owner of 49-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polaris I48.3m (158'6&quot;)Rossinavi2014">Polaris</a>, he went straight to the same design and build team: Enrico Gobbi of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1197" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Team 4 Design (Company)">Team for Design</a> for the exterior and interior, Giuseppe Arrabito for the naval architecture, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi&nbsp;</a>for the construction. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181176/image/large-91c044277e5998c39850a70a10c0b579.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181176">At 70 metres and 1,560 GT, new yacht King Shark is a step up from the previous aluminium <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polaris I48.3m (158'6&quot;)Rossinavi2014">Polaris</a> – and not only in length and volume. Cruising the freezing waters of the Arctic required a reinforced steel hull to meet category II requirements under Finnish-Swedish Ice Class Rules for summer conditions. The 10-metre limo tender, also in build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi,</a> is Ice Class category II as well.&nbsp; “Just as important is protecting the seawater cooling systems in sub-zero conditions,” says the owner’s representative, Albert McIlroy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Optimus Navis (Company)">Optimus Navi.</a> “The intakes for the sea chests are designed so that they can’t be blocked by ice; when underway the warmer cooling water from the generators is discharged into the sea chests; and when using shore power in port we have resistors that heat the water slightly to ensure it doesn’t freeze.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181173/image/large-3d43d6d4872f7589a40dc5378064fd06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181173">But the most significant divergence from the owner’s previous yacht is the diesel-electric (DE) propulsion, which is still a rarity on superyachts. In a DE system, diesel engines serve as generators to produce electricity for the hotel services and also for propulsion via flexible cabling to electric motors that drive the propellers. The absence of drive shafts means there is no need for gearboxes.Formulating a fuel-efficient vesselThe upside of DE is more efficient power management, flexible layout solutions, and less noise and vibration as there are no hard-mounted drive shafts. The downside is a higher initial cost and more space required for all the frequency converters and switchboards – valuable real estate that could otherwise be earmarked for owner or guest use.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181177/image/large-55da91b3517fe9180ea85d81140ec6bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181177"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181175/image/large-4a468c044359649363cb3508779b9854.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181175">“The owner saw the direction environmental legislation is taking and was interested in alternatives to conventional inline shafts from the start,” says Federico Rossi, COO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>. “This is something we encouraged because we believe diesel-electric on yachts is more about positive perception and the efficient use of energy rather than saving fuel.”&nbsp;King Shark&nbsp;has a next-gen version of the diesel-electric power plant with Rolls-Royce pods<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">&nbsp;Rossinavi</a> installed on 50-metre Endeavour II. Five Caterpillar gensets (x3 1,025 ekW and x2 337 ekW units) provide around 3.8MW of power for hotel and propulsion needs. Fixed pitch propellers were originally specified for the two azimuthing Rolls-Royce Azipull AZP85 pods coupled to Marelli 1,570 kW e-motors. However, the decision was taken to upgrade to controllable pitch propellers as they are more efficient across the full range of rotational speeds and load conditions. King Shark will have a top speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181168/image/large-212c5843a81b51e00155d38836253fae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181168">A separate technical room on the lower deck houses the water-cooled SAVe Cube electrical system. All the frequency converters, drives and switchboards are integrated into a standalone unit to save space and simplify installation, while also being easier to cool and requiring fewer connections. Engine speeds are adjusted automatically to the power demanded in the most fuel-efficient way. Another ‘ship-style’ technical room on the under-lower deck groups together equipment such as the boilers, Hamann water treatment and Ultrafog fire-fighting systems.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181184/image/large-961eef669907b44f8b9dff15aea9b057.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181184"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181183/image/large-4bd0e15956ec27d822904dc1dd8f867f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181183">“The advantage of diesel-electric from an operational standpoint is its versatility and redundancy,” says McIlroy, who has brought his operational experience aboard both merchant ships and superyachts to the project. “Depending on the power demand, we can use multiple combinations of diesel engines and if one goes down it doesn’t mean the end of a cruise. &nbsp;The 100 percent torque, zero-speed capability of the azimuthing electric pods also provides full dynamic positioning.” &nbsp;Because of the complexity of the DE system, McIlroy advised keeping it separate from the other yacht monitoring systems to make problem-spotting easier for the crew. All the main systems have back-ups, including the air-conditioning plant and the pumps for the water-cooled SAVe Cube, thrusters and generators. Despite all the extra hardware, the logical layout of the engine room and technical spaces means equipment is easily accessible for maintenance purposes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181182/image/large-d3394ca6bc83f293c47c2296ee1c2581.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181182"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181181/image/large-be11c150a9231e92e21b2e2a8b21d132.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181181"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi&nbsp;</a>introduced several upgrades to the build specs at its own expense. These included adding an oil storage tank in the stern for filling and discharging the pods, and watertight doors between the pod rooms to provide more storage space and avoid both rooms being flooded in the event of an accident. Soft patches in the pod room bulkheads means the Marelli e-motors can be removed through the tender garage and the SAVe Cube room if necessary.&nbsp;Hidden design surprises&nbsp;The muscular exterior lines are similar to Param Jamuna IV&nbsp;and Polaris in the semi-displacement Prince Shark series by Team for Design, but spread out over 70 metres and five decks (plus an under-lower deck) the effect is altogether more imposing. A defining characteristic of the design is found in the forward sloping windows on the owner’s and bridge decks (the yacht will have a semi-integrated Böning/Rolls-Royce bridge). Nowadays, even very large windows are flexibly fixed with adhesives, but with panes weighing around 500kg and angled at 45 degrees it was felt prudent to provide mechanical attachments as well. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181169/image/large-2402bdc44b89753036ed728044d98075.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181169"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181170/image/large-c2ae93516dfea62b25d24e8443f61532.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181170">In terms of layout, King Shark throws up a few surprises. The lower deck has the standard four guest suites and crew accommodation, but because of the SAVe Cube room and pod rooms, there is only space in the stern for a small beach club with sauna and day head. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181166/image/large-597a39f3807f7ef39475a37d0f30c8b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181166">Instead, the massage room, hammam and an enormous gym with full-height sliding glass doors have been relocated to the main deck forward, along with the first officer’s and chief engineer’s cabins. A sickbay next to the gym can double as a supernumerary’s cabin. Aft of the main lobby, which will feature a bespoke crystal chandelier in the stairwell between the upper and lower decks, is the main salon with an enclosed cinema room.The cinema room bulkhead features an onyx wall with a water cascade and overlooking the open aft deck is an oval sofa that can be transformed into a dining table for 12 guests. On the owner’s deck, the master stateroom has direct access to a private forward terrace with another water cascade. There is a VIP suite amidships and the sky lounge features a temperature-controlled wine rack separated from the salon by a wall of onyx pillars. Back-lit onyx features throughout the classic-contemporary interior design, along with Calacatta Lincoln and Marquinia nero marbles, high-gloss ebony and light Tay wood with a satin finish. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181193/image/large-c4e2dbfdd0f00e671d9f1d7f61081078.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181193"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181192/image/large-27ea1921aec0e23a5632b021139a8016.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181192"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181190/image/large-674c1aec71c8c6674d5422d0ac7eecdb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181190">King Shark is a technological feat&nbsp;One of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>’s strengths as a custom yard is its engineering expertise, which stems from its past as a subcontractor to other Italian shipyards before becoming a fully-fledged builder in its own right. Federico Rossi likens the aluminium and carbon-fibre passarelle to something Apple might design if it built boats. A fully retractable structure was unfeasible because of the pod rooms and crane crossbeams in the garage. The ingenious bespoke solution is a partially retracting gangway with integrated steps that fold out to mirror the portside transom staircase. The end section folds into the aft platform and, when extended, a teak-lined cover is raised on a scissor lift to fill the recess and sit flush with the decking. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181191/image/large-3443ffb7bc4b772145ed6537020cd614.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181191"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/181188/image/large-6c4f7f3ab99fb0c97776f9db0ce7a838.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/181188">“We’re a full custom shipyard and the big technical projects like King Shark allow us to draw on our construction experience and engineering expertise,” says Federico Rossi. “In a market where series builders are proposing 50-metre yachts, that means competitive advantage for us and added value for the client.”&nbsp;This article was first featured in The SuperYacht Times newspaper in the September/October issue. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

SYT investigates Rossinavi's high-tech yacht: Polaris II

Justin Ratcliffe visits the in-build King Shark, (now named yacht Polaris II) one of Rossinavi’s most technically advanced projects to date.

At the yard with Rossinavi's technical marvel: 70m King Shark

The commercial success of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">Cantiere delle Marche</a> (CdM) is based entirely on the niche market for pocket explorer yachts under 500GT. Earlier this year, we travelled to the shipyard in Ancona on Italy’s Adriatic coast to take a closer look at 39.37-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6830" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurelia 39.37m (129'2&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2020">Aurelia,</a> the first hull in its new Flexplorer series, before she <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First 39m Flexplorer yacht Aurelia launched by CdM (2020-09-04 18:00:00 +0200)">launched this summer</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89697/image/large-0dbc33f8211fccdd5fe6730e948c98d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89697"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174192/image/large-24ee6198c92aa7d42a0eee64357e6149.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174192">It is somehow appropriate that our first in-build story in a post-lockdown world came from an Italian shipyard that was founded in the wake of a very different global disaster: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">Cantiere delle Marche</a> celebrates its 10th anniversary this year after being set up at the height of the financial crisis.&nbsp;It is equally appropriate that Sergio Cutolo of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1181" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hydro Tec S.r.l. (Company)">Hydro Tec</a>, the naval architect behind the design of both the Flexplorer series and CdM’s very first Darwin Class of rugged explorers, celebrates 25 years in yacht design in 2020.In fact, the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurelia36.8m (120'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2011">Aurelia</a> decided to upgrade from his previous 100+ foot Darwin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6160" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hvalross31.1m (102'0&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2017">Galego</a> (pictured below, now known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6160" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hvalross31.1m (102'0&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2017">Hvalross</a>), which he describes as “probably the best vessel someone can have in the 100-foot range,” principally because he wanted to be able to carry a bigger tender without forfeiting interior space. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/65211/image/large-614e9a951d1043a40f42be222a8d6504.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65211">And this is where one of the Flexplorer’s standout features comes into play: the 3-tonne, carbon-fibre A-Frame crane for launching her 28-foot tender and various toys stored on the main deck.“A big tender necessarily means a heavy-duty crane and a lot of heeling when operating over the side of the yacht, and once the tender is in the water you still have a big piece of machinery taking up valuable space on the open aft deck,” says Ennio Cecchini, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>.&nbsp;“So the starting point for the Flexplorer concept was an A-frame crane that can launch and retrieve the tender over the stern with no heeling and, when not in use, fold away out of sight into the deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174186/image/large-9a992833e41422cf0b976f7df5d6c4ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174186">The 9-metre crane, which was custom-built in carbon fibre by Advanced Mechanical Solutions (AMS) in Ancona, was waiting to be installed at the time of our visit, but the teak-covered recesses in the deck that house the frame and hydraulic pistons were already in place: “It took around a year to fine-tune the overall design and especially the automatic system of flaps, because they had to fit perfectly flush with the deck and feel completely solid underfoot,” Cecchini points out.Another challenge was that the crane could not impinge on the ceiling height on the deck below where the owner, who is two metres tall, wanted a full gym and dive centre. Six skylights ensure the space is filled with natural light and although the crane housing is visible along the sides of the gym, a generous ceiling height of at least 2.15 metres has been maintained throughout the interior of the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174188/image/large-86a791842ee9e693828a75e5850bb61d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174188">The owner plans to travel the world with his family visiting some of the best surfing sites along the way and requested a storage unit with easy access to hold several surfboards. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> designed a watertight, stainless steel unit with its own drainage and fresh water supply for washing down the boards, which has been sunk into the aft deck under a flush hatch. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89737/image/large-acae6f0e1169fa695a60df3004205718.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89737">After the tender is offloaded, the whole aft deck becomes a vast beach club that covers more than 100 square metres when the two collapsible bulwarks are deployed. The yard is also looking at ways to rig a cinema screen between the two supporting arms of the crane.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174190/image/large-7e3c67941ccacb8900e2f439cf2ee570.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174190">As its name suggests, flexibility is central to the Flexplorer concept. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> builds its series explorer yachts based on common technical platforms, but customisation has been key to the brand’s market appeal and the Flexplorer series offers alternative layout solutions without the need for radical re-engineering.Clients can choose, for example, to have an infinity pool in the transom or in the middle of the open deck, which has the added advantage that when covered it can double as a handy hold for storing the deck furniture and water toys while underway.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89696/image/large-fa1651e7163889f991bdac7c4229b842.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89696">“Another client wants to keep two containers on deck,” says Vasco Buonpensiere, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> Sales &amp; Marketing Director. “One would have an openable side and serve as an artist’s studio with a sea view for his wife, while the other would be a classroom for the kids’ onboard schooling. The majority of our clients want a real explorer to voyage off the beaten track, but they may also want to anchor in front of La Voile Rouge in St Tropez. The Flexplorer is a yacht that fits every occasion.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89699/image/large-91f403bbab18671fe2572671efd4391e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89699">There is no doubt that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurelia36.8m (120'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2011">Aurelia</a> will be capable of ‘real’ exploring. In the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> conference room is a sample of the hull plating used for all its yachts. The heavy steel plate is 12mm thick – 4mm more than the standard required by Class. The extra-thick steel adds robustness, of course, but also weight low down in the vessel where it is most needed to enhance stability and comfort.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89698/image/large-0a1af6079002231e829bbeaa5e156017.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89698">Another prerequisite for an explorer yacht is a long range and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurelia36.8m (120'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2011">Aurelia</a> will be able to cruise 5,000 nautical miles powered by CAT C32 engines with a heavy-duty rating and a fuel capacity of 60,000 litres.&nbsp;Although similar in size to 42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7090" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crowbridge42.0m (137'10&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2020">Crowbridge</a>, the one-off explorer designed by Tommaso Spadolini launched in June, and the MG 115 by Francesco Paszkowski also due to launch this year, the Flexplorer has a specific hull design that can be lengthened up to around 45 metres. After initial CFD analysis, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1181" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hydro Tec S.r.l. (Company)">Hydro Tec</a> modified the bulbous bow to better suit the near vertical bow and tank-tested the hull at the MARIN institute in the Netherlands.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89695/image/large-38109e7b38b7029cc11ad0abc7c0b23d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89695"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurelia36.8m (120'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2011">Aurelia</a> is also the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> yacht to be fitted with two pairs of zero-speed stabilisers. “The four CMC stabilisers were introduced for reasons of redundancy, as well as more flexible operation and efficient performance,” says Sergio Cutolo.&nbsp;“Under way, the aft pair are usually stationary so there is less interference with the independent rudders, while at anchor all four are working to provide better roll damping. On future builds, we’re looking to integrate the stabiliser and steering systems so the two can talk to each other.”The layout of the guest areas is fairly conventional with four ensuite guest cabins on the lower deck and the owner’s stateroom on the forward main deck. But unusually the main salon is full-beam to starboard with a companionway on the portside leading to the stairs and seating area in front of the wheelhouse, which also provides discreet access fore and aft for the crew from the galley.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/120430/image/large-1db3e26bf400a6979a8a42028697db3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/120430">The interior design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurelia36.8m (120'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2011">Aurelia</a> promises to be unlike anything seen before on a superyacht (although the eclectic interior of the Baltic 175 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pink Gin VI53.9m (176'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2017">Pink Gin VI</a> comes close in terms of sheer individuality). The owner, a connoisseur of antique furniture, wanted to fill the yacht with objects that have a “beautiful patina” and materials such as concrete, iron, slate and glass for a vintage feel with a post-industrial twist.&nbsp;A centrepiece will be an all-glass, temperature-controlled wine rack that is integrated into the staircase and extends from the main lobby to the upper deck. “I am quite peculiar when it comes to interior design,” says the owner. “I actually do not like houses and boats furnished with what is normally shown in design magazines around the world; it’s like fashion – market-driven, and it doesn’t say much about the owner.&nbsp;“The cooperation with Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini has been fundamental in reaching a stunning result, which I think is going to be a first in yacht interior design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179875/image/large-16c747a7c28a2421a5e51f1c207ebec6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179875">SuperYacht Times was the first media group to visit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> after Italy opened up again for travel earlier this summer, so it was perhaps inevitable that the conversation eventually turned to coronavirus and its impact on yacht building. Although the phone did indeed stop ringing for a while, the market appears to have bounced back quickly for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM&nbsp;</a>and since the start of the pandemic it has closed new contracts for a Darwin Class 112 and a Flexplorer 140.&nbsp;Following the initial shock, it seems that prospective clients who were previously too busy had the time during lockdown to think more about their future yacht projects.“We discovered that clients had time on their hands and were eager to talk about boats,” says Buonpensiere. “I’m not saying that the market is booming, but we’re definitely seeing movement for both new build and used yachts. The reason may be that when clients are wrapped up in their work they tend to approach yacht ownership as a business proposition. But owning a yacht is not a business: it’s a lifestyle choice. I think the health crisis has probably heightened emotions and the realisation that family and friends are what matter most, which is what yachting is all about.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179876/image/large-d203fc34cd8ab64ba82c44ed32e6182e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179876">(Above: CdM's top management - Vasco Buonpensiere (left), Bruno Piantini (centre) and Ennio Cecchini)This article was first featured in The SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Exclusive: The build story of the 39m CdM Flexplorer yacht Aurelia

SYT's exclusive yard visit to Ancona to look at the 39m motor yacht Aurelia, the first hull in Cantiere delle Marche's new Flexplorer series. 

Completed in lockdown: The build story of the 39m CdM Flexplorer Aurelia

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s 111-metre superyacht Project Y722 has been seen out of the shed for the first time as she nears completion. The motor yacht began construction in 2020 at the Zwijndrecht facility in the Netherlands, and is currently the largest yacht in-build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273135/image/large-7622b0c659d4f0b822f6da83d26b90e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273135">Details surrounding Project Y722 have been kept tightly under wraps, since construction started on the steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Her naval architecture has been penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lateral Naval Architects (Company)">Lateral Naval Architects</a>, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Berryman Design Ltd (Company)">Mark Berryman Design Ltd</a> were responsible for her interior.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273134/image/large-9626611c8f66dc0a596dbb00be9c0d2d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273134"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273136/image/large-439d79f675237f14c103044a0ab2170e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273136">In terms of length, Project Y722 ranks as the third largest yacht to be built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, behind the 117-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Infinity117.0m (383'10&quot;)Oceanco2022">Infinity</a>, and Jeff Bezos’ recently delivered sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273137/image/large-50bb6ef9f5efc71fc5bbe2363c5d8352.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273137">

Oceanco superyacht Project Y722 nears completion

The 111m Oceanco superyacht Project Y722 has been seen out of the shed for the first time as she nears completion. 

111m Oceanco superyacht Project Y722 seen out of the shed for the first time

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> has announced its partnership with NEOM, the global development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia. The planned smart city is currently in construction and once complete will support the vision of establishing the area as a world-leading travel destination. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250919/image/large-834ab5a6be786201ca6248864772ee79.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250919">Through their partnership, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> will work with NEOM to develop and operate the prestigious marina at Sindalah. Positioned with direct access to the Red Sea, Sindalah will be the closest marina to Europe and the Mediterranean.&nbsp;Sindalah is expected to be a key project in supporting Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy, and the marina will offer 86 berths for yachts up to 50-metres. As well as this, additional serviced offshore buoys will provide anchorages for superyachts up to 180-metres.“Sindalah will be one of the most alluring and vibrant yachting destinations in the world, thanks to its strategic location, outstanding amenities and stunning natural landscapes,” explained Antoni Vives, Head of Urban Development at NEOM. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250918/image/large-35931dea9dd1c2769f1d6af559839d52.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250918">On land, Sindalah will offer guests high-end premium hotels options including Four Seasons and the Ultra Luxury Collection by Marriott. Other tourist attractions will include retail venues, ulinary dining from Michelin star chefs and an exotic golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones and operated by IMG.“This partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a> is one of many steps we are taking to achieve our vision of reshaping the global yachting calendar, with NEOM located one day’s cruising distance from the Mediterranean Sea.”Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56505" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Sea development: Sindalah, NEOM’s first island development with 86-berth marina announced (2022-12-05 14:30:00 +0100)">Red Sea development: Sindalah, NEOM’s first island development with 86-berth marina announced<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273050/image/large-3d985d97247e2118f83b87c08bb9ea4e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273050"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> currently offers a network of 23 marinas across 12 countries, and once established, Sindalah will also offer exclusive membership of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> superyacht membership program <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a> Trident.“Sindalah perfectly integrates with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a>’s global vision to connect the world’s most incredible yachting destinations across our growing marina network,” added Tom Mukamal, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a>. “The addition of NEOM to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a> platform provides superyacht owners, captains and charter guests unrivaled destinations, service and convenience. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a> is tremendously excited about the opportunity to promote this amazing new destination to the international yachting community.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273043/image/large-91d98ad2b2e78c4726181f722b5c486a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273043">NEOM is currently in-build, with the first destinations due to open in 2024. The project has been phased with OXAGON getting its first residents in 2024 and TROJENA becoming a place to live, work and holiday in 2026. THE LINE will be activated in 2026 and by 2030, around one million people will be residing in NEOM, with predictions that this figure will rise to nine million in 2045.

IGY Marinas partners with NEOM marina Sindalah in Saudi Arabia

IGY Marinas has announced its partnership with the NEOM marina Sindalah to develop yachting in Saudi Arabia.

IGY Marinas partners with NEOM marina Sindalah to develop yachting in Saudi Arabia 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243632/image/large-3d50ab60434244be48566f6dc3f3b2d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243632">The 41.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Iloilo41.8m (137'2&quot;)Feadship1986">Miss Iloilo</a>, previously named Golden Rule and&nbsp;Excellence, has been sold with Alan Kelly of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6930" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LIIR Yachts International (Company)">LIIR Yachts International</a> representing the buyer and Miles Clark of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243633/image/large-f1fddfafe36a2250f695f73030662287.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243633"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243634/image/large-31f69750b1dc27bfe8a93b9e61991006.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243634"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243631/image/large-40a4b70e1641484ab4df18b8e19e1ab5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243631">The motor yacht was delivered in 1986. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade Johnson Design,</a> with 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>. Up to 13 guests are accommodated onboard the superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Iloilo41.8m (137'2&quot;)Feadship1986">Miss Iloilo</a>, and she also has accommodation for 11 crew members including the captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207848/image/large-9943132e2775be61bfd1823f8d14c9fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207848"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243641/image/large-d3cd30e8cfe38849a5b905a68536feef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243641"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207846/image/large-7da9674d3e31131bd8a4cd2b2eca6b2d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207846">The motor yacht has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 13.7 knots. The yacht carries 43,112 litres of fuel onboard, and 8,210 litres of water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207845/image/large-e2c940e783ad00978c0d6e04c80a5914.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207845"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207844/image/large-939eb03d0cd528608e88d94985a58ff5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207844">She had a last asking price of $7,800,000.

42m Feadship motor yacht Miss Iloilo sold

The 41.8m Feadship motor yacht, Miss Iloilo, sold with LIIR Yachts International representing the buyer and Ocean Independence representing the seller

The 40-metre ketch sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4333" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alessandro40.0m (131'3&quot;)Ruth Yachting2011">Alessandro</a> is for sale. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/alessandro" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a>, which was built by Turkish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ruth Yachting (Company)">Ruth Yachting</a>, was launched in 2011. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273022/image/large-0a61029438fb1a8ef7c6c0b260be56d0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273022">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yacht for sale</a> features a ketch rig and wooden hull, with an 8-metre beam and volume of 143 GT. Designed in house by her builder, the sailing yacht features expansive decks with a large dining area, forward sunbathing and deck Jacuzzi. The yacht also features a fold down transom that transforms into a swim platform and offers easy access to the main deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260745/image/large-83c3a6edad2ba8d3a8d1b8dfca6188b8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260745"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260747/image/large-89d469262d367a1a5458789d4644b85d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260747"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260754/image/large-6b81363dcf26172b1b169d5f1d5b3dfb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260754">&nbsp;Able to accommodate as many as 10 guests between five staterooms, the yacht for sale has a full beam owner's suite, and four doubles. The owner's suite is extremely spacious, with a centralised, walk-around king bed, a number of lounges and a small table for working or dining.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260750/image/large-40cbdb82ed05d8947d0024b4edfc0b5f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260750"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260751/image/large-3bd882929bd654cb37762f8b1aa62421.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260751"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260752/image/large-eca222858d2411f14e717b63aa75914f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260752">The yacht's interior is well appointed and she features a comfortable and spacious main saloon and cockpit area, with a large dining table that can accommodate as many as 10 guests. The main saloon features a bar, lounge and dining area, as well as a steering wheel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260748/image/large-48bccaee4ddebfdf8afe3e09091d720a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260748"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260749/image/large-b068764eeaa049f9ec706c6494c2065f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260749">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/ruth-yachting/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Ruth Yachting yacht for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> engines to a top speed of 13 knots under power, and a cruising speed of 9 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260744/image/large-fb0b65dfa1cb862c527dff7b7e0d0555.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260744">She is currently located near Split, Croatia and is available for viewings throughout the summer.

40m sailing yacht Alessandro for sale

The 40m ketch sailing yacht Alessandro is for sale. 

40m ketch sailing yacht Alessandro for sale

The 31.39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Shipyard (Company)">Broward&nbsp;</a>motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Three Kings31.39m (102'12&quot;)Broward Marine1999">Three Kings</a>, previously named Depression, has been sold with Gary Goddard of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Staten Island Yacht Sales (Company)">Staten Island Yacht Sales</a> representing the buyer and Bill Bowers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2578" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="26 North Yachts (Company)">26 North Yachts</a> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179466/image/large-8fe8714f44db9274f2afb057add7c29a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179466"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208027/image/large-8404c35ce80fef74eae44767b3b9ef00.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208027"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194537/image/large-3b8e0cf6d988ebde96253762af352e78.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194537">The motor yacht was delivered in 1999 and is the seventieth-largest built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Shipyard (Company)">Broward</a>. She &nbsp;features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward Marine</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward Marine</a>. Up to eight guests are accommodated onboard the superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Three Kings31.39m (102'12&quot;)Broward Marine1999">Three Kings</a>, and she also has accommodation for four crew members, including the captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194530/image/large-a76d649f09cbb7eb618480f9b2be4399.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194530"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194529/image/large-47298ae68296d2e4829d457072a6c847.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194529">The motor yacht has an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Detroit Diesel (Company)">Detroit Diesel</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 15 knots and a top speed of 20 knots. The yacht carries 32,627 litres of fuel onboard, and 4,164 litres of water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194527/image/large-01ac63caba1e926af68ceb47c8bc4ff8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194527">Her last known asking price was $1,599,000.&nbsp;

31m Broward motor yacht Three Kings sold

31.39-metre Broward motor yacht Three Kings has sold with Staten Island Yacht Sales representing the buyer and 26 North Yachts representing the seller

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> has announced the appointment of George Whitehouse as Business Development Director at their global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273029/image/large-2f7927992266e1459efc765477101bac.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273029">George Whitehouse joins the company with a wealth of information and over 35 years of experience in the superyacht industry. Throughout his career he has worked as a captain for superyachts between 50 and 73-metres, as well as a Business Development Director at some of the most renowned shipyards.George has demonstrated his commitment to the industry through his roles at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/243" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rybovich Shipyards (Company)">Rybovich Marina &amp; Shipyard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1868" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savannah Yacht Center (Company)">Savannah Yacht Center</a> and his involvement with the redesign of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lauderdale Marine Center (Company)">Lauderdale Marine Center</a>."I am thrilled to join <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>," said Whitehouse. "With my experience and the exceptional team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">N&amp;J</a>, we will unlock the full potential of our organisation and elevate the positioning of big boats in the market."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219126/image/large-206b550a22422538d353d3e1d1b64044.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219126">As the new Business Development Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>, George will collaborate with all of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>’s Commercial Divisions. His role will involve driving business and focus on delivering outstanding results for clients, while leveraging his expertise in handling large vessels and optimising operational processes."Having George join the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> team is an exciting moment for us. His wealth of experience and expertise in the superyacht industry will undoubtedly elevate our capabilities and strengthen our position as a leader in the market," concluded Daniel Ziriakus, President and COO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>.

Northrop & Johnson appoints new Business Development Director

Northrop & Johnson has announced the appointment of George Whitehouse as Business Development Director.

George Whitehouse joins Northrop & Johnson as Business Development Director

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272814/image/large-7b3f52ce727ebe868996d1fe5d49078d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272814">Spotted last week docked in the Port of Málaga, Spain, is the 45.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2023">Milele</a>. Previously known during her build as Project Adur, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2023">Milele</a> was launched in May 2022 by the Monnickendam-based shipyard in the Netherlands. With a volume of 499 GT, she features interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a>, while her naval architecture comes from the boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>. Onboard, her main feature is her floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows on both aft decks, offering panoramic views from the main deck saloon and plenty of natural light. Entirely constructed out of aluminium, the fast-displacement yacht can reach speeds of up to 26.5 knots and cruise comfortably at 12 knots.

Hakvoort superyacht Milele in Málaga

The 45m superyacht Milele, built by Hakvoort, is seen here docked in the Port of Málaga, Spain.

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 2023">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a> officially kicks off in Porto Cervo today, 6th June 2023, with the Captains' briefing followed by a welcome cocktail for participants on the rooftop terrace of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229376/image/large-aba5ff01196e691acc17d974971205b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229376">The regatta will be accompanied once again by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> Rendezvous, and run by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a>, alongside the title sponsor Giorgio Armani. The 17th edition of the event will conclude on the 10th June. Twelve superyachts are currently moored in Porto Cervo marina, a fleet which from tomorrow will be sailing the waters of the Costa Smeralda and weaving through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, providing a unique backdrop to the racing.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts attending the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 (2023-06-05 17:30:00 +0200)">Yachts attending the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227719/image/large-79ba94574a5e14f23f8e077957aac6b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227719">The fleet has been split into two divisions, Superyacht and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>. The Rendezvous is a key part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 2023">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a> and sees owners and family competing in corinthian races, concluding with a sociable meet-up and dockside events. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229379/image/large-cea83b86c27ba776c36b132d65464510.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229379">Among the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> yachts, the SW105 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SØRVIND34.59m (113'6&quot;)Southern Wind2022">Sørvind</a>, whose name means "south wind", will be attending the event for the first time. Returning to the Rendezvous are yachts such as the SW102 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Egiwave31.78m (104'3&quot;)Southern Wind2015">Egiwave</a>, the SW100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freebird30.25m (99'3&quot;)Southern Wind2011">Freebird</a>, and the most competitive vessel in the fleet, the SW94 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6568" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aragon28.64m (93'12&quot;)Southern Wind2012">Aragon</a>.The Superyacht division is in turn divided into 'Combined Performance &amp; Cruising Class' and ‘Superyacht Cruising Class’, reserved for superyachts in accordance with the regulations of the Superyacht Racing Association. The winner of this class will be awarded the prestigious Silver Jubilee Cup. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229263/image/large-dea1766703f97de872f8b3033d9ee0ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229263">Racing will take place over four days, through Saturday 10th June, with the size of the participating vessels meaning there will be a particular focus on safety. The Superyacht Division will have staggered starts every two to three minutes for this purpose. The courses, as always, will use the islands of the archipelago of La Maddalena as natural marks. As for the classic floating buoys used for the start, offset and finish line marks, organiser the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">YCCS</a> will use MarkSetBot robotic buoys, which hold their position thanks to an electric motor teamed with a GPS system, with no need for anchors on the seabed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229378/image/large-dd64f1f46967cdc7810d78641fcbaea6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229378">The top-level fleet includes returning participants such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a>, a 33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">Malcolm McKeon</a> design which claimed victory in Porto Cervo in 2021 under the name Missy, as well as the modern <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 108 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">Win Win</a>, a 2022 participant, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inoui33.4m (109'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2013">Inoui</a>, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/53" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Philippe Briand Ltd. (Company)">Philippe Briand</a> for Switzerland's Marco Vogele, an owner who never misses the Superyacht Regatta. The Wallycento <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> will undoubtedly attract attention thanks to its aesthetic lines and technology - designed by Mark Mills with interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a>.&nbsp;“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta</a> opens our international sporting season, and I want to extend the warmest of welcomes to the owners and crews, many of whom return to Porto Cervo every year. Thanks to them and to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> for showing their appreciation for our event. And special thanks must obviously go to Giorgio Armani, for choosing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">YCCS</a> and uniting his name with the Superyacht Regatta. Fair winds to everyone!” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">YCCS</a> Commodore Michael Illbruck. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229454/image/large-97ab5de5db02f4d908ca88fc825cf786.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229454">The programme back on land will see the Giorgio Armani Owners' Dinner held on the evening of 7th June, without doubt the most glamorous and exclusive moment of the week, while the Farewell Party taking place on Friday 9th is also not to be missed, and is open to all the crews. &nbsp;The forecast for tomorrow indicates light winds, which are set to strengthen in the following days. The first starting signal is expected to sound at 11.30 a.m. for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> fleet, followed by the Superyacht division at 12 midday.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229452/image/large-7f6d1fcb4614897f4cca0cf579725d46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229452">SuperYacht Times' Editor in Chief, Francesca Webster, is attending this week's event and will be on site to update on the latest news throughout the regatta.&nbsp;

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 has begun, with the 17th edition featuring the Southern Wind Rendezvous.

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta returns with SW Rendezvous

Italy-based yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine</a> has announced the launch of the first hull in the Mangusta Oceano 39 series. The 39.2-metre motor yacht was launched in Italy, with her owner, the Magusta team and all the workers involved with her construction in attendance. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273018/image/large-1965135db3f79bb6c72a988df2926bb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273018">The Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht has been developed and engineered by the shipyard’s engineering department, in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Mancini Yacht Design (Company)">Alberto Mancini</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1365" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Verme Projects (Company)">Studio Verme</a>. &nbsp;The tri-deck yacht combines design and technology to create a strong identity in line with the Mangusta DNA.“We are so proud to see the first unit of this innovative new model in the water. The Mangusta Oceano 39 is a new three-decker characterised by huge glazed surfaces, where supporting structures and bulwarks have, conversely, been minimised, so as to offer the closest possible contact with the sea", explained Maurizio Balducci, CEO of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine Group</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/188409/image/large-dc6a18da7acaddc5482881a066708d14.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/188409">The Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht is described by the shipyard as “a modern villa on the sea,” and is characterised by her extensive and wide glass surfaces. She features a high volume normally found on larger yachts, with her interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine</a>'s technical department, alongside her owner.The first hull in the Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht series boasts floor-to-ceiling windows of her main and upper decks, which can be opened to seamlessly blend her interior and exterior spaces.&nbsp;Her aft area includes foldable terraces to provide direct access with the water, as well as providing guests with total relaxation in utmost privacy. Like other Mangusta models, the Mangusta Oceano 39 features a glass-bottomed infinity pool on her upper deck, which creates mesmerising water reflections into her master stateroom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/188410/image/large-eca8d66fba6f15e3739348ffbc840a87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/188410">In terms of accommodation, the Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht has a five stateroom layout, with her master suite situated on the main deck with a fully-automated balcony. Remaining guest accommodations include four staterooms on the lower deck with ensuite bathrooms.Performance-wise, the Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht 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> 12V 1,700 horsepower engines, which deliver her with a top speed of 16 knots, a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 2,600 nautical miles.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273017/image/large-3a9dfdba7620dc0cb60ddb5810ade0f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273017">The Mangusta Oceano 39 series yacht is also with fully-customisable interiors and 2,600 horsepower engines, which provide her with a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots.The next unit available for sale in the Mangusta Oceano 39 series will be hull three, with an expected delivery date of November 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/188421/image/large-38489f99eb5cd94c9aced23fdb3c6fdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/188421">

39m Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht launched

The first hull in the Mangusta Oceano 39 yacht series was launched in Italy. 

First 39m Mangusta Oceano 39 motor yacht launched

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207899/image/large-f6c61df52163211dd2da766676915a26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207899">The 46.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giaola-Lu46.8m (153'7&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2016">Giaola-Lu</a> has been sold with Arne Ploch from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> representing the buyer and Hans van Doornmalen and Antonio Yturbe of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">Edmiston&nbsp;</a>representing the seller.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24087/image/large-1f34bafc4eeea201b217ae946efe243f.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24087"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24085/image/large-5b488b09cfd708cae121a3f8d81e8fbc.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24085">The motor yacht was delivered in 2016 and is the 15th largest yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a>. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4305" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unique Yacht Design (Company)">Unique Yacht Design</a>. Up to 16 guests can be accommodated onboard the superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giaola-Lu46.8m (153'7&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2016">Giaola-Lu</a>, and she also has accommodation for 10 crew members, including the captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207892/image/large-bd6df747c79263573f78fd25bdef63c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207892"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24083/image/large-c2b655d6ae1296d35fa8459f0818e9fe.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24083">The motor yacht has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She 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 Inc</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 17 knots. The yacht carries 64,600 litres of fuel onboard, and 12,300 litres of water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23990/image/large-4cf3d3d63917fe0d77d6da72a3c44c19.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23990"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23989/image/large-4e60735bcf6a783f3c9473a8c5c2f07a.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23989">Her last known asking price was €17,200,000.

47m Bilgin motor yacht sold

The 46.8-metre Bilgin motor yacht Giaola-Lu has been sold with Camper & Nicholsons representing the buyer and Edmiston representing the seller

Build Reports

In-Build: At the yard with Project Ocean