During a recent trip to Rome to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Designing your own yacht with Giorgio M. Cassetta (2022-05-13 14:00:00 +0200)">shoot a video about Cassetta Yacht Designers</a>, we collected more insights into its founder’s way of working than we knew what to do with. So we decided to write this article as well. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta Yacht Designers</a> is based in a quiet residential district of Rome, close to the city’s historic centre but far enough away to avoid the crowds of post-pandemic tourists. The basement is dedicated to a communal kitchen and lunch during our visit was a delicious, home-cooked pasta amatriciana washed down with a glass of red wine. We settle down to talk in a light-filled space that doubles as a meeting or living room. Seated between an enormous glass table and a grand piano, there is a low wooden table in front of us. Atop its untreated surface is a model of a small sailing boat, also in wood. Although dwarfed by the models of modern superyachts that line the walls, the unpretentious hull lines stand out for their simple grace.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236383/image/large-64531e26e7616334e319fe1ddcbcf5e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236383">“I was seven years old when I made this with my father more than 30 years ago,” explains <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> fondly. “Of course, he made most of it and I helped him, but it was my kick-off in the world of yacht design, although I have several boat drawings from when I was aged three or four.”&nbsp;He has certainly come a long way since those very early beginnings. The studio that bears his name currently has a dozen projects up to 68 metres due to launch by the summer of next year, including four with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, three with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a>, two new designs with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alpha Custom Yachts (Company)">Alpha Yachts</a> in Turkey, a 52-foot model with Cigarette Racing Team, a 45-metre yacht design with <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>, and a 34-metre with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a>. All in all, they have around 20 different yacht projects in various stages of design. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171291/image/large-ebf0482011df9f1d58d3bae8e71c707e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171291"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> is best known for his work with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, an ongoing collaboration that takes in production models like the Mediterraneo 116 and full-custom projects like 107-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luminosity107.6m (353'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2020">Luminosity</a>. When the latter began in 2014 the owner’s team had an overall concept and general arrangement, but there was no exterior shape or aesthetic.“I’m sure you’re aware of how complex a PYC [Passenger Yacht Code] project can be when it comes to the exterior design and all the things that have to be incorporated into the design to be compliant,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a>. “My role was to protect the overall vision and bring the project to life. They knew what they wanted and the diesel-electric hybrid propulsion was there from the start, but it was incredibly innovative and challenging at the time. Fireproof glass windows on that scale, for example, simply weren’t available until <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> invested in the research to test and patent them.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219979/image/large-910df104c92fcac3ae8eda1074138ea5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219979">Although the full-custom projects like Luminosity tend to grab the headlines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> and his team enjoy the complimentary and equally challenging process of designing production or semi-custom boats, which tend to be more conservative but are accompanied by more marketing considerations. Are existing or new clients being pitched? Is the aim to expand into bigger boats or add an entry model to the fleet? These are the sort of questions that have to be addressed before the design process can get under way.&nbsp;“A full-custom yacht is a very different beast,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a>. “There is the personal relationship with an individual and it’s very important that that relationship works. These people are making a tremendous financial investment outside of their field of expertise, so they are trusting individuals like me to guide them, which is not what usually happens in their business dealings. So there has to be trust and empathy among all the players if we are to achieve the best result possible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213724/image/large-df462fa4134d1fe7d241710763893112.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213724">Key to achieving the best result, whatever the project or whomever the client, is what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> calls “quality of thought,” a concept he tries to instil in his co-workers. In simple terms, it means leveraging acquired knowledge to push boundaries, but always within the realms of what is realistic or even desirable. And just as important is knowing when to stop. &nbsp; &nbsp;“There are no textbooks for this job and most people out there designing yachts have learnt from personal experience,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a>. “Rule number one is to make the best use of your previous experience to make your next project better. That doesn’t mean seeking perfection, because that would make every project never-ending. You need to know when to stop, but at that moment you’ve learnt another set of skills from where you can start the next time.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213734/image/large-13d614ae6ffcdf7f0cea897d4e9286a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213734">This grounded philosophy of design is one reason why we don’t see concept projects from the Cassetta studio. Another reason is that they have enough design projects on the go without adding to the workload.“Not all those projects see the light of day, of course, but we’re focused on the ones that are most likely to get built,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a>. “Concepts can be fun as an intellectual exercise, but they can also be misleading for our clients, who might think something is possible when it’s not and has to be massively toned down, and for ourselves. I like to think that being hardwired into reality helps us to work around the technical constraints and ultimately leads to a better product.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> has honed this pragmatic approach over the course of his own career. At the beginning of his collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, for example, he was presented with quite conservative briefs and had to fight to introduce more innovative design solutions. Today, he has managed to inject a contemporary and refreshing aesthetic into yachts that still retain the familiar <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> brand feeling. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171292/image/large-19e1ca948a5123b422bafcd5d0888828.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171292">“Once the trust set in we started having more fun and I had way more freedom,” he explains. “So I would say that everything I did for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> up to around three years ago was a transition phase. Now the challenge is how to take what we have today into the future while retaining the aura of yachts that don’t follow but lead in terms of elegance, comfort, safety and functionality.”Allied to this forward progression is the studio’s expanding interior design department. The only yachts currently in the water with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> interiors are the first two Spritz 102s from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alpha Custom Yachts (Company)">Alpha Yachts</a>, but that is set to change very soon with eight interior projects of up to 60 metres now on the go.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203541/image/large-50f64d214fe23e557c73fed7609bb825.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203541">“I’d had many requests from owners in the past, but I always felt I didn’t have the resources to provide the high-end service they deserved,” he says. “Then I realised I was being short-sighted, because I have a background in interior design, my mother who works for me has been an interior designer for decades, and my team, which is now 12 strong, was keen to approach that side of the business. Given the will and the in-house talent I decided to open up that new avenue and hired new people to create a dedicated interior team.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta</a> is deeply suspicious of the celebrity status conferred on some designers. Large yacht design is by definition a team effort and the notion of the creative genius working alone is a myth largely created by the media. More than just aesthetics, it requires management skills and all-round knowledge of ship design. &nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ewOELLhgMA?&amp;t=60s&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>“Designing a yacht is not just drawing; it’s about managing complexities,” says the designer. “We have to have a holistic vision that is clear from the beginning and it is our job to defend and protect that vision through the refining process of signing the contract, building it, launching it, and possibly even after that. That means our expertise is not just confined to the design, but everything associated with the construction of a yacht.”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>.

Interview with Giorgio M. Cassetta

Luminosity yacht exterior

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Alpha Spritz 140 yacht rendering 

Tankoa T450 yacht exterior design

Triumph yacht anchored 

Giorgio M. Cassetta yacht designer

We travelled to Italy to speak with Giorgio M. Cassetta to find out about his studio.

At the studio: In conversation with Giorgio Cassetta

What gulets are to Turkey and Croatia, dhows are to the United Arab Emirates. Wrought with tradition with builds dating back aeons – the dhows are an integral part of UAE culture and heritage and are still widely used today. This tradition has spurred on a strange phenomenon: wooden dhow-inspired superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262478/image/large-608b9781f319d0cefba1295d8e9e0f70.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262478">The first dhows that danced across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean were much thinner than they are today. Over the years they’ve stretched and expanded to offer more volume and more stability, but originally they were incredibly slender, packed with goods, darting from port to port.Fisherman and pearl divers had different requirements and needed space to carry their equipment and daily catches. Importantly, they also needed space for more people. These beamier boats are a common sight across the UAE and many are so engorged, swallowing entire restaurants to offer fine dining experiences for hundreds of guests at any given cruise.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262477/image/large-c292da7f2fb1c4adcbbbe9af10bd0569.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262477">The wooden superyachts infuse the two traditions. “The DNA of these superyachts relate just as much to the original dhows as they do to the wide beam and voluminous modern ones,” Mahmoud Itani of IR Yachts told SuperYacht Times. “In this region, onboard space is really important as people want to go out with large groups of friends; usage is very different to Europe.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263196/image/large-96a02755f154b9edeb1b5b06b318e78d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263196">"These yachts are hard to trace as they’re custom-built for individual clients and rarely go on the market – or to any shows, for that matter. “I’ve been attending and organising the Dubai International Boat Show for more than 10 years now, and I can’t remember ever seeing a single superyacht on display that was built out of wood,” Itani reflected.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262487/image/large-807cf5d601fc605e401b8d6626a29e8a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262487"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262484/image/large-ab44a56f02225eb532c9637ba2f5eaf7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262484"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262485/image/large-675093ccd1a8dc465dee62fd80015b59.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262485">It makes sense too, as these yachts are rarely – if ever – put up for charter, kept in private use away from the public eye. Boat Shows aren’t relevant for the shipyard’s marketing purposes either, as these wooden dhow-inspired superyachts are invariably single units and quite often the only one built and delivered by that particular shipyard.“There are a few boat builders in the UAE that would build one of these yachts, but the design rarely comes from their in-house team. After meeting their own design team, the client will then approach a shipyard in either Al Jadaf or, more recently, Dubai maritime city,” Itani explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262497/image/large-ea48a1afc0b6a7773c138f1d503e36bb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262497"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262494/image/large-c54ef33378f581c876b5bc98b37142df.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262494">We believe there could be as many as 10 in and around the region, the largest of which is on the market listed with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a>. The unnamed 50-metre Full Custom wooden superyacht was delivered in 2020 and undertook a maintenance appointment last year, which included a complete repaint with a high gloss clear coat. She has a price tag just shy of $10,000,000. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262495/image/large-cd1ea84bdb62b5b43d893603b165ecb0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262495"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262489/image/large-5b4877b6688fbd54f48378f2720c19d3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262489"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262488/image/large-a0442a0dcfd95fee7c06e74c1b204bc5.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262488">Unlike the other wooden dhow-inspired superyachts, this 50-metre has a unique construction that utilises fibre and teak planks. She’s constructed with a teak hull and GRP superstructure, which has then been clad with teak for that traditional look and feel. Henderson Marine International designed and engineered her.With a beam of 10.56, she’s a metre and a half wider than the average 50-metre motor yacht built after 2018. And once onboard it’s the first thing you notice. She’s cavernous and has been styled with the more familiar trappings, all sourced from Italy at “no expense spared,” as central agent <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a> explain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262479/image/large-3b074acd794dfdc3701713a1994606a3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262479">The main saloon is home to many seating areas for socialising, a breakfast bar, two screening areas and a formal dining area. She has six staterooms and can comfortably accommodate as many as 12 guests. She can also host five crew in five cabins.When asked about the buying profile for this superyacht, Bret Noble of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a> anticipates the most attention from Qatar. "There are many well-built traditional dhows in the region," Noble explained. "Qatar is really the number one region for these boats. But they're also not an uncommon sight in and around the UAE. The 50-metre Full Custom superyacht is unique though and interesting for the Australasian market."&nbsp;The second largest known wooden superyacht is the 47.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4428" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tiger47.55m (156'0&quot;)Unknown2009">Tiger</a>, delivered in 2009 and currently berthed in Abu Dhabi. Then there’s the 47.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7265" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Adaam 47.5m (155'10&quot;)Unknown2016">Al Adaam</a> and 47-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7266" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Maqam 47.0m (154'2&quot;)Unknown2016">Al Maqam</a> (pictured below), both delivered in 2016. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262693/image/large-0c6ce6794e310131951dfbb44d5f1cac.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262693"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172073/image/large-e19ea236eda006e4340ba9d522119e78.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172073">One of the earlier wooden superyachts to hit the water was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Touch Wood II44.2m (145'0&quot;)Saif Mohd. Belqaizi Ship Building2011">Touch Wood II</a>, &nbsp;delivered in 2011 by the artisan shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Saif Mohd. Belqaizi Ship Building (Company)">Saif Belgaizi Ship Building &amp; Carpentry</a>, which typically builds traditional dhows and bespoke furniture. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Touch Wood II44.2m (145'0&quot;)Saif Mohd. Belqaizi Ship Building2011">Touch Wood II</a> spans three decks, with an interior volume of 450 GT. She’s constructed from Indian teak.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/8033/image/large-b475c2f0f3a18d756c6476fa0baa9f5b.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/8033"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/38038/image/large-f1b6ff6365126f6113fa7098f8a92d83.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/38038">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/42027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="More details about Dubai mystery yacht Touch Wood (2014-03-23 23:00:00 +0100)">More details about Dubai mystery yacht Touch Wood</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Touch Wood II44.2m (145'0&quot;)Saif Mohd. Belqaizi Ship Building2011">Touch Wood II’s</a> predecessor, the 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dijer37.0m (121'5&quot;)Unknown2005">Dijer</a> (ex. Touch Wood), was built at a different shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7070" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obaid Bin Juma Bin Suloom (Company)">Obtain Bin Juma Bin Suloon</a>, the Guinness world record holder for building the largest wooden dhow. Dijer is believed to have been delivered in 2005 with a volume of 400 GT. “I’ve been onboard,” Itani said. “She’s pretty dark inside as even her interior is made of wood. But she’s very big and the guest areas are incredibly spacious.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/38040/image/large-7aaf4812d505544f87bc43c731162d78.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/38040"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/147576/image/large-d6e1c2e0c149a385332f95df5acf93df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/147576"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263195/image/large-bc5267867735c226255b439fc1bbc729.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263195">These yachts are also built to a different class – Tasneef, a local classification society – &nbsp;that allows them to be built in a certain way. The owners have even more flexibility with their designs and can put further emphasis on the cabin and guest areas. “They’re also not powered by large <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines either,” Itani added. “They’re low power, low consumption vessels that are extremely quiet when underway.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/26802/image/large-8c94a518774372581e9243490ccf1635.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/26802">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/41945" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The unusual superyacht Touch Wood in Dubai (2014-03-05 23:00:00 +0100)">The unusual superyacht Touch Wood in Dubai</a>The three smallest are perhaps more dhow than yacht, but the list comprises 33.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5991" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Emadi 33.2m (108'11&quot;)Al Mannai Marine2016">El Emadi</a>, 31.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5990" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project B31.2m (102'4&quot;)Al Mannai Marine2015">Project B</a> and 30.35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5992" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaska30.35m (99'7&quot;)Al Mannai Marine2015">Alaska</a>, all built by Al Mannai in Doha, Qatar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20780/image/large-b5c6fb3008083a22eb4aca0d66cfef2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20780"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20785/image/large-2b3de5ac8e41635ef57d697b8f1f5437.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20785"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/2130/image/large-73300e66f02149625432dc2bec0150eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/2130"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/2129/image/large-24e22c65dd02060d3f18d86eb4150f8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/2129">If anyone has information about any other dhow-inspired wooden superyachts, please reach out to <a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" target="_blank">news@superyachttimes.com</a>&nbsp;

dhow-inspired wooden superyachts

What gulets are to Turkey and Croatia, dhows are to the United Arab Emirates – and they've created a new phenomenon: wooden dhow-inspired superyachts.

The classical charms of the wooden dhow-inspired superyacht fleet

Rooted within a deep tradition of yacht building in the United States, yet far outliving many of its contemporaries, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor Shipyards</a> has expanded exponentially over the past 75 years since its foundation. Famed for its expertise in yacht building, with yachts such as the 85.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/28" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquila85.6m (280'10&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2010">Aquila</a> under its belt, as well as its knowledge for refit, maintenance and yacht repair, the company has built a reputation of excellence over the decades.Having grown from its original yard in New York, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/28" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquila85.6m (280'10&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2010">Derecktor Shipyards</a> now span the East Coast with four major facilities. Its most recent acquisition is the reputed shipyard in Fort Pierce in South Florida, which came under the management of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/28" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquila85.6m (280'10&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2010">Derecktor Shipyard</a> in 2019. The yard offers a totally unique experience for yacht crew during refit and maintenance. We spoke with Justin Beard, Marketing and Sales Development Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/28" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquila85.6m (280'10&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2010">Derecktor</a>, to find out a little more about this titan of American yachting. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251765/image/large-20e7c52020c060c2309484b9b543e89a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251765">What were the origins of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor Shipyards</a>&nbsp;and how has it continued after Bob Derecktor?When Bob was in high school, sometime during the 1930s, he designed a 26-foot sloop and built it in his family’s backyard in White Plains, New York – using oak for the frames, fir for the deck and pine for the mast. With the help of a friend, he sailed it to Nova Scotia for the summer.After a couple of years, Bob left college to focus on his passion. He built a 38-foot schooner and sailed it from New York to Baltimore, where he took a job at the Owens Boatyard, advancing quickly through the ranks to become foreman. Eventually returning to the New York area, he worked at the Edgar Johns Shipyard in Rye and Minnefords in City Island, building minesweepers designed to detonate underwater mines during World War II. Bob soon joined the effort himself, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in the early 1940s.&nbsp;During 1947, shortly after returning from the Navy, the young boatbuilder established Robert E. Derecktor, Inc. on Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck, New York. Surrounding himself with talented employees who would continue to grow along with the company, over the years he expanded the yard, following the ebbs and flows of the boatbuilding business — transitioning from wood to aluminium, from cruising boats to race boats, from sail to power, then to larger yachts and commercial boats.Today, four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a>’s facilities span the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. from Maine to South Florida, offering vessel owners and operators everything from marina space to superyacht construction. Over more than seven decades, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> has made a name for itself on the global yachting stage, highlighted by the launch of the motor yacht Cakewalk (now Aquila), which at 2,998 tonnes, is the largest yacht ever built in the U.S.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251762/image/large-edb6290204fc28da2a664f527cfda01c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251762">How did the business evolve from those early days?Transitioning from wood to aluminium, from cruising boats to race boats, from sail to power, then to larger yachts and commercial boats, and now a leader in hybrid vessels… It’s quite the evolution over time. But more than that, from the beginning; has been the driving passion to create, to build, and to innovate - to do things in different and better ways.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251763/image/large-7b5036e878eb4014ff2d8eab901cb78c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251763">Why do you think&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a>&nbsp;has continued to succeed and expand while so many American shipyards have disappeared?Remaining flexible to shifting market demands has driven <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a>’s continued success throughout these seventy-five years. We take pride in the ability of our people to excel in multiple disciplines while continuing to deliver superior craftsmanship, whether working on an ultramodern superyacht or a rugged commercial vessel. This is evident throughout our history where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> regularly adopted new and revolutionary ways to do things in different and better ways.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251772/image/large-ba7a9f9617057bc1fa1b2b7aa243871c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251772">How does the team manage the shipyards and marinas across the various states?&nbsp;Each <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> yard is uniquely different and structured to serve specific clientele under direction of knowledgeable general managers and experienced tradespeople. Paul Derecktor, President and CEO, works alongside our executive team setting our course for the future, while other business functions like business development, marketing, sales, accounting and purchasing are all centrally managed.The New York yard is a repair and refit hub for the region’s commercial fleet, along with power and sailing yachts under 40 metres. Additionally, the yard continues Bob Derecktor’s legacy of delivering innovative commercial vessels as a leader in hybrid construction and is ideally positioned to support the development of the nation’s emerging offshore wind farm industry. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> Robinhood in Georgetown, Maine, is a relaxing destination marina with a yard capable of accommodating sail and power yachts up to 34 metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251769/image/large-8459974c1b884b2fb60ea9ce56f4898f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251769"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> Dania, Florida, is widely recognized as a global leader in expert superyacht repair or complete refit. Our combination of experience, professional project management and never-ending attention to detail is renowned for producing unrivalled results and customer benefit. From our deep, protected 17-acre site to our 900-tonne mobile boat hoist, Dania is set up to handle virtually any project up to 65-metre with minimum stress and maximum efficiency.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> Ft. Pierce was specifically designed and developed with the 75-metre, 900-tonne and up fleet in mind. It’s home to the largest mobile boat hoist in the Western Hemisphere – a massive machine with a 1500-tonne hauling capacity. This new global port of call offers the same superior service and project management <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> clients have come to expect and is conveniently located 45 nautical miles north of West Palm Beach, FL, in the quaint beachside town of Fort Pierce. Situated directly inside Fort Pierce Inlet, the facility offers deep water access to the Atlantic Ocean with unlimited overhead clearance, it’s now an ideal choice for the global fleet of superyachts and large sailing yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251770/image/large-2ed1e5c9d6494c35283f1b5367fe8e66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251770">What are the plans for the new facility in Fort Pierce?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> has invested significant resources into Fort Pierce and is committed to creating a shipyard capable of rivalling any in the world. The MBH 1,500 and access to South Florida’s extensive network of specialised marine vendors and subcontractors is imperative, as is the community where captains and their crews will call home during their yard period. Fort Pierce, with its laid-back atmosphere and old Florida vibe, is a special place we believe everyone will enjoy. We welcome the yacht industry to come check it out, one might be surprised at what we have to offer.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251773/image/large-bdde7c5251b78a392a7c30479f6d081b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251773">Will the new construction sector continue to be a focus of the business – do you foresee this expanding as other shipyards close down?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> is more than capable of building a sophisticated luxury yacht, but committing to such a project would depend entirely on scope and yard capacity. Fort Pierce offers more flexibility in accommodating a wider variety of vessels and available workspace. While we haven’t launched a yacht since Cakewalk in 2010, we would certainly be open to discussing opportunities now or in the future. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> will remain an industry leader in the construction of commercial hybrid electric vessels. We are actively developing sustainable propulsion solutions for new build projects and the repowering of existing vessels.With eyes and minds firmly set on the future, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> will continue to be a stalwart of the American yacht building industry and a reliable face for yacht owners arriving in the U.S. from the world over. We look forward to seeing them in their element this October at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - 2022">Fort Lauderdale Boat Show</a>!This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

The history behind Derecktor Shipyards

Bob Derecktor’s shipyards have been a stalwart of American yacht building for 75 years, we found out a little more about this historic company.

At the shipyard with Derecktor Shipyards: Born in the USA

As the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> sailing regatta comes to a close,&nbsp;SuperYacht Times&nbsp;spoke with Graham Newton, Captain of two-time St Barths Bucket overall winner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a>, about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> glory, the legacy of the regatta, and sailing in the island’s waters.&nbsp;Widely regarded as one of the finest cruising grounds in the Caribbean, if not the world, sailing in St Barths is a thing of beauty. Situated in the French Antilles, St Barths is one of a collection of islands famed for exemplary sailing conditions against a magnificent backdrop of bold, blue-green waters and pristine coastlines.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/28959/image/large-45b45ded11729e2ad9bb0299ca040bbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28959">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a>, one of the world’s most prestigious invitational sailing regattas that welcomes the finest sailors and vessels to the island’s waters, is the pinnacle event. First held in March 1995 and returning year after year, this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket</a> marks nearly thirty years of the legendary regatta.Read: <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/st-barths-bucket-2023-results" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">St Barths Bucket 2023: Nakupenda winner, with Red Dragon and Prana awarded special prizes</a>The 66.7-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> took home the win in the two most recent editions of the regatta. She was victorious in her class — Les Gazelles des Mers — and won the Overall Bucket Winner title in 2019. After Covid19 put the event on hold for three years, Hetairos returned to St Barths to repeat history in 2022, also winning an additional title of Best Starter, awarded in recognition of the yacht that executes the closest start over the course of the regatta.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/71811/image/large-69584f9a0dd3a99d386cb49ba0467feb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/71811">Captain Graham Newton has been with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> since 2014 and captained her in her two-time Bucket wins. “The first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> I competed in was in 2002, and I have since done more on various different boats,” Captain Graham Newton recalled. He continued, “I have been with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> since 2014, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> is a highlight of our programme.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262012/image/large-8ca2c0bde90e6d6fc9b15d7397d9c7fe.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262012">The 66.7-metre ketch-rigged sailing yacht was brought to life by heavyweight <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a>, designed by the Amsterdam-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> in cooperation with <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> across the pond in San Diego. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> built a super lightweight vessel that gives <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> her great performance and generates so much power,” Captain Graham Newton explained. Shortly into Newton’s time onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> underwent a rectification period at the Dutch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a>. “A lot of her systems and her hydraulics were changed. That time in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> really transformed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> into the reliable machine that she is today.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/56544/image/large-0ad7a6e288a9bad34d5cc67f7464f33c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/56544">According to her captain and her track record, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is a weapon on the water. “She is a powerful beast, and you have to treat her with a lot of respect. If you get it wrong, it catches you out pretty quickly, that’s for sure.” Her emerald green hull stands out against the water, both for its distinctive colour and long, regal waterline.&nbsp;“She is a big, powerful boat, with a long waterline,” Captain Graham Newton explained. “I’ve sailed a lot of miles on her now — probably about 120,000 — and she’s a fantastic boat to sail. She effortlessly eats up the miles, especially out on the ocean.” Indeed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is the largest carbon composite ketch in the world and a force to be reckoned with out on open water. Her ketch rig and lightweight design allow her to cruise powerfully with an air of effortlessness. “She’s a wolf in wolf’s clothing,” laughed Captain Newton.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220440/image/large-0ba37b7249d9bcf1aad6899073675e2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220440">A native to open water cruising, preparing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> for a regatta takes effort and expertise. “We put a lot of effort into preparing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetarios</a> for the racecourse,” explained Captain Newton. “It takes us about three or four weeks to transform her from a proper cruising vessel to being race ready. This is a long process, we change the sails and remove a lot from the vessel and set up different systems.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/80402/image/large-467ee25945d9b0cae92db14063587e0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/80402">Indeed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is often almost double the size of her competitors and when she races must undergo intensive preparation to shift her compatibility from open-water cruising to regattas. “There is a huge amount of workup, training and time and effort put into trying to take home a win,” Captain Newton explained.But when put against more typical purpose-designed performance style vessels, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is victorious. “In our class, we race alongside other high performance boats. It is a really challenging class to win, and to then win the overall title is not easy. To do it twice in a row, is an incredible achievement,” Captain Newton reminisced. “Her owner had been chasing a grand victory with the boat for a while, so to be able to deliver that to them back in 2019 was fantastic, and then to follow that up with a win last year was pretty special.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220437/image/large-3bf65e9b112b8897a9d3e97ee517a9f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220437">Hetairos</a> has 11 permanent crew members, and welcomes an extra 24 bodies exclusively for racing. “The core of the racing team have been with us for many years,” Captain Newton explained. “Having the core crew the same again and again makes such a massive difference. The race crew that we have are a really nice bunch of people who have a lot of respect for the permanent crew. There are no egos there, everyone is there on merit, and there is a fantastic camaraderie.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220435/image/large-dfacd9d3d71d43c5a89f1866662c0563.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220435">Camaraderie is the life force of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a>. Looking back to August 1986, one can observe the humble beginnings of the Bucket Regattas, the very first of which was a hastily thrown-together affair in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The originary seeds of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket Regattas</a> were sown in a spirited discussion that took place at a high-society birthday celebration between several yacht owners concerning optimal yacht design and individual sailing prowess.With undisputed bragging rights to last an annum hailed as the grand prize, the following day seven sailing yachts raced on a make-shift 15 nautical mile course around Nantucket Sound. However, participants soon learned that camaraderie formed at sea between like-minded individuals was the greatest prize of all. After a nearby bucket was deemed the perfect commemoration, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket Regatta</a> was born, and the spirit of camaraderie remains the beating heart of the regatta.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/29460/image/large-0ec115066e113aada7f13d410a0a338b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29460">The course itself is demanding, spanning just over 23 nautical miles. “It is a challenging place to sail at times, especially when you go around the island on day one and three in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket</a>. Particularly last year, when it was very windy,” said Captain Newton. “Out on the eastern side of the island you get big seas and it is pretty breezy.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/29482/image/large-bedbc7adaa16fcaec8401eb16f2b4713.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29482">For casual sailing, Captain Newton recommended, “The group of islands off the north coast of the St Barths make it brilliant for sailing, as there are some pretty interesting routes.” Here, sailors can find a rugged sailing ground home to a wealth of secluded bays and uninhabited islands and islets. “It is a pretty spectacular place to sail,” Captain Newton continued, “You get a mix of the flat water on the Leeside and big waves out to the east.”St Barths is a charming and flirty Caribbean island with a reputation for its luxurious feel and glitz-studded, lively atmosphere. “St Barths is particularly busy during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket</a>,” Captain Newton laughed. “It feels like the Caribbean French Riviera. The island is home to spectacular beaches and beach clubs, making it good fun.”

Hetairos yacht captain's interview

SYT spoke with Graham Newton, Captain of two-time St Barths Bucket overall winner Hetairos, about St Barths Bucket glory and sailing in St Barths

St Barths Bucket: Two-time winner Captain Graham Newton on the glory and the legacy of the regatta

Francois Zuretti is one of the elder statesmen of yacht design. In a rare interview opportunity, SuperYacht Times was invited to visit his home and studio in the south of France.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251947/image/large-a36ab6a395be1d60a171671d61215df0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251947">Modest, unassuming and a little shy, Francois Zuretti may be one the most prolific and distinguished names in the world of superyacht design, but he likes to keep a low profile. In fact, our recent video profile of the French interior designer was the first of its kind, period. Not that he is in need of the publicity, having worked with all the top shipyards on some of the largest superyachts afloat.Zuretti began his design career in the mid-‘70s with&nbsp;Triad Condas, a Paris-based company specialising in the interior design of Middle Eastern palaces, which led to him working for the King of Morocco. He set up his own studio in 1987, first in Geneva before moving to Nice to be closer to his yachting clients on the French Riviera. Interestingly, he chose not to relocate to Monaco, not least because he wanted his company to retain its distinctly French identity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207091/image/large-d9a7f07880c0f54ee7b05372ceeb1db7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207091"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/13573/image/large-0c51f21446e9cbaee949065f50e04469.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/13573">Zuretti’s first yacht interior was for Eco (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/901" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeus74.5m (244'5&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1991">Zeus</a>), the iconic 75-metre motor yacht designed by Martin Francis and delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm + Voss</a> in 1991. While Eco was in build, he was also working on 46-metre Shamwari (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mistress46.0m (150'11&quot;)Benetti SpA1991">Mistress</a>), the first project in a string of collaborations with the Italian builder that culminated in 65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ambrosia65.0m (213'3&quot;)Benetti SpA2006">Ambrosia</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s first diesel-electric superyacht in 2006.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ambrosia65.0m (213'3&quot;)Benetti SpA2006">Ambrosia</a>’s sumptuous Art Deco interior for a client in Hong Kong may be lavish by today’s standards, but at the time it was considered the height of luxury for its rare and expensive materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Zuretti’s personal tastes could not be more different and are best reflected in his own home, which he designed himself. Decidedly modernist and rational, the stunning building is set into the hills between Cap-d'Ail and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174091/image/large-ad1b7760b6be3a55da0ed04ceb3dfb13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174091">“Tastes have changed over the past 20 years, but the market has changed more,” says Zuretti from a sitting room with stunning views of the coast through floor-to-ceiling windows. “New clients have brought new developments. Before my clients had a stronger relationship with the sea, the boats were smaller and people were closer to the water. Life aboard a 45-metre yacht is centred around the sea, but on a 150-metre superyacht you need other activities like spas and cinemas. We’re working on a project at the moment that has a full-size tennis court, for example. I’m not sure it’s all good for the yachting business, but it has certainly helped to develop new materials and concepts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223388/image/large-074e023730e2605abe0ba60d1240f0b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223388">Zuretti started out with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> but quickly moved on to work with the leading north European shipyards, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lurssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Sadly, most of these yachts are strictly private and the designer is unable to discuss them, but his studio has been involved in multiple projects over 100 metres. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> is a more recent client and Zuretti devised the interior of its 78-metre custom project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Energy77.8m (255'3&quot;)Amels2022">Energy</a> with exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>that left the shipyard last July. The studio describes the project as “the perfect combination of good production processes and bespoke design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174094/image/large-41a16e4a10044301f253ba0c6f1e6eff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174094">Watch:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design (2022-09-12 14:00:00 +0200)">Video: At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design</a>Zuretti is still the creative heart of the company that bears his name, but the daily operations are overseen by his general manager, Sebastien Gey, who is responsible for a 50-strong multinational staff that occupies an entire floor of a stately building in the Belle Epoque style close to the seafront in Nice. A civil architect and designer, but also a naval architect and passionate sailor, it is Sebastien’s job to manage a team that has up to a dozen superyacht and residential projects on the go at any one time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261469/image/large-f07ee8303e98a7c24f4cbff8ad5e5c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261469">“To offer the best quality you need the best team,” says Sebastien. “We have very talented designers, architects and project managers. We create all our own renderings in-house, and we have the best people for that as well. Managing all these people and bringing them together to realise projects for our clients is challenging, but a talent we need to have as a company is to find the right people and build a good team.”The residential and yacht design teams worked in separate offices, but a few years ago it was decided to bring them together to encourage the exchange of skills and ideas (Zuretti explains, only half-jokingly, that the move also avoided petty in-house rivalries as the yacht designers were prone to think of themselves as a cut above their residential design colleagues). Since the beginning, however, the company has remained true to its name and avoided the temptation to expand into designing yacht exteriors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261468/image/large-0a0c6af22bd2981b49240226df114d60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261468">“The temptation is always there, of course,” says Sebastien, “but we are most successful when we work with the best exterior designers. We try to be the best for the interiors, so the combination means we can create the best project for our clients.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261467/image/large-9cc7a2078af026e6b7d4c7378fbbf676.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261467">A custom interior is the result of an owner’s personal taste and the designer’s creative vision, but whatever a client’s preferred style, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a>aims to bring to each project what Sebastien calls ‘veracity’, or a thorough understanding of the chosen style.“We’ve worked on very classic and very contemporary, even minimalist, interior designs,” he says. “In each case, you have to approach the project firstly with passion, but also with knowledge. So we thoroughly study a particular style to capture its reality. Of course, it may have to be adapted to suit the spaces and dimensions, but we’re always looking for veracity – this is very important.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261465/image/large-92fbebb785ce71627038cd6797c9d0b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261465">One of Zuretti’s sons, Matthieu, works in the company as procurement director &amp; quality manager. His job was made especially difficult when Covid precautions made it more difficult to meet in person with suppliers, and the challenges continue post-pandemic at a time when supply chains are so unpredictable.“Two thirds of our meetings need to be face-to-face, because you have to see the materials and see how something works.,” he explains. “Pictures or videos can never give you the same feeling you get by opening the door of a cabinet, when you can feel if it works smoothly or there is something rattling inside. You need to be on site to control the quality.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261466/image/large-92717969b1d93f562038b141e8b30e38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261466">After more than 30 years in the business and now aged 70, Zuretti is looking to take a step back and prepare Matthieu and Sebastien to take over the running of the business – by no means a straightforward task for someone addicted to design that finds it hard to delegate. A new office in Dubai has been tasked with developing the Middle Eastern market and the firm is growing its superyacht clientele in the Americas. Having designed so many custom furniture pieces over the years, the studio is also pondering its own branded line of high-end furniture. &nbsp;“I have so many stamps in my passport from around the world, but each of those represent a day or two spent with a client,” he says. “I was always too busy to explore the countries I’ve been to, so now I’d like to enjoy life a little more. I think I still have a lot to offer my team, but I have to learn to leave them alone to create the Zuretti of tomorrow. I’m already surprised sometimes at what a great job they do without me!”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with Francois Zuretti

In a rare interview opportunity, SYT was invited to visit his home and studio in the south of France.

At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design

Valentina Zannier has spent the last 21 years at the Italian design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, working her way up from junior assistant to her current position as Chief Interior Designer. Today Valentina works on some of the most coveted superyachts in the world – we met during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show</a> where the recently delivered 115-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> was demonstrating to the world exactly what the designer has to offer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260405/image/large-656894b2bf2925e80648de81532b4bdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260405">Having originally studied architecture at the Università Iuav di Venezia, her flair for interior design may be something of a surprise, but Valentina explains that art and design was always her passion. However, at 18 she followed her parents advice, shying away from art school at the last minute to take on a ‘more serious’ path through academia. Six years into a role at an architectural firm, one or her colleagues mentioned that their neighbour (a designer) was looking for someone who was talented at sketching by hand. The design studio turned out to be <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, and despite never having seen a superyacht, and suffering from interminable seasickness, she took the role, never looking back. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204398/image/large-37dac33c78cf5e7d480b0d005876bd51.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204398">In her two decades, Valentina has worked on some of the industries most recognisable yachts, and as the negotiations for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> began, Valentina and the team were in the final stages of delivering <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a>, the military-esque 141.63-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> which was launched in June 2020. Valentina explains, “The design and completion of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a> was an intense period for the studio, the owner’s had a singular vision for how they wanted their vessel to be completed and I worked closely with them for many years. It's a project we are all very proud of, and I hope we will be able to share with the industry one day!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257545/image/large-d758009f3b2febb498ff2d214d9c7953.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257545">Like many designers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>’s calibre, it is a rare thing when owners allow the interiors of their yacht to be shared, with many of these larger superyachts remaining with a single owner for decades and operating privately. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, therefore, offers Valentina a unique opportunity to showcase her style and the work of her team. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257551/image/large-46df41a62f9211255742c9f6d882c1e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257551">“I had worked with the owners of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> on their previous superyacht, the 86-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quattroelle86.11m (282'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Quattroelle</a>, which they sold shortly after her launch in 2013. At the time of her sale the owner’s reached out to us and said they would return to the yachting industry and when they entered negotiations for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, we were involved from the start. Her interiors [which were first unveiled earlier this year when she joined the charter market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht &amp; Ship</a>] are bright, open and romantic and truly encapsulate my personal style.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257540/image/large-3b1bb9fecfe467d82a7c80480481151b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257540">Organic forms and open spaces decked with opulent materials and furnished in a rich yet comfortable style define <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s expansive interiors, which become more formal the higher you go. Each deck is home to a distinct aesthetic, with sometimes surprising material choices that were really embraced by the owners. A perfect example of this is the winter garden on the upper deck which is home to a full rattan dining and lounge set by Italian designer Bonacina. Traditionally associated with English kitchen gardens, rattan is perhaps a surprising choice for a superyacht, but one which finds a harmonious place aboard this extravagant superyacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257534/image/large-abe47563960f322611788d24d50dc10a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257534">As Chief Interior Designer, there is always one project that dominates the studio’s attention, but fortunately for Valentina, creativity has always flowed freely. “Once I am comfortable with a project, I find that the creative elements come very easily to me. Of course we are occasionally asked to do things we don't agree with, but after 20 years at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> and with many repeat owners, our clients truly trust in us and our advice, which is a wonderful thing.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257527/image/large-58da62133418348a423e0cd3908cf44c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257527">Projects like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a> and the 106.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, which was delivered in 2018, redefine the concept of custom. Not only are the yacht exteriors new and innovative, but every iota of the interiors are custom designed and created, from the furniture, to the carpet threads. With many projects in the pipeline and a number currently under negotiation, Valentina and her team are busy despite the finalisation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, but any spare time is spent researching and developing new materials and design motifs to be employed in future projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/103519/image/large-a565345fb3ac5d428369ec0a4127b345.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103519">When it comes to impressive portfolios, that of Valentina and of the entire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> team really takes the biscuit. Valentina has built her career aboard some of the most impressive superyachts in the global fleet, and she is currently working on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> Sportiva 66-metre which is due for delivery in 2025, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> project and two vessels under construction in Turkey. We certainly look forward to what comes next and make sure to view the entire interior shoot of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> on SuperYacht Times.&nbsp;This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 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>.

Interview with Valentina Zannier of Nuvolari Lenard

Francesca Webster interviewed Valentina Zannier, Chief Interior Designer at  Nuvolari Lenard about how she built her impressive career. 

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Interview: Two decades of design with Valentina Zannier of Nuvolari Lenard

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> is an Italian shipyard with a dynasty that spans the best part of a century. Despite being founded in 1945 in Limite sull’Arno to build and repair smaller yachts, by 1956 the yard was moved to Darsena Pisana as it had started signing projects too large for its facility.&nbsp;The shipyard has had an illustrious history, delivering more than 700 yachts &nbsp;– the largest of which being the 43.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1655" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cap de Quers43.6m (143'1&quot;)Cantieri di Pisa2006">Cap de Quers</a>. The 27.43-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nasima 27.43m (89'12&quot;)Cantieri di Pisa2012">Nasima</a> was the yard’s last build, and following her delivery in 2012 the yard closed and was finally sold.&nbsp;The shipyard was bought 18 months ago and is back in business, with a fleet of new projects under its new leadership. SuperYacht Times sat down with CEO Marco Massabò to hear all about it.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260833/image/large-8899422b8b6ae0ea4429c0654f8f493f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260833">What is your background prior to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>?&nbsp;Yachts have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father was a wood master and started working at a shipyard in Imperia, Italy, 70 years ago. I love boats and have professionally sailed for many years, competing from the Optimist to the Maxi yacht regattas – I’ve had a long collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a>.&nbsp;In 1992 I met Luca Bassani, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>, and worked alongside him for 20 years. The brand was missing a refit yard in Italy, so I bought and founded one (WS Shipyard) in Savona. It's been very successful. I then moved into consultancy around 2010, working with clients both in yachting and shipping.&nbsp;I was working with some major players – it was a nice life. But around a year and a half ago, Enrico Gennasio (president and owner of the Alfagomma group) told me he was going to buy <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>, asking if I wanted to work with him.&nbsp;A great opportunity. I immediately got to work, spending time with naval architects and exterior designers, dreaming up the best yachts we can bring to market. The shipyard had great energy, and a number of great international designers came to visit us. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259110/image/large-dc2f2a0d48808d14b563a945716e4215.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259110"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;is back building yachts. Do these new models reflect a new vision?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> is an iconic brand. We’re not here to change the rules, we want to rewrite them. The yachts that we’ve started to build are different from what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> traditionally did. But we also want to be different from our competitors.&nbsp;Rather than starting from aesthetics, our primary interest is weight. We want to save as much weight as possible, to build and deliver some of the lightest yachts on the market. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> yachts are fast, agile, and incredibly sleek and all have shallow drafts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258737/image/large-8913f6c24d1edd5383a600b3c775dbbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258737">The 25m 80 Veloce – the first&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;yacht since 2012 – is scheduled for delivery this year. Can you say a few words about her?&nbsp;The 80 Veloce is our first yacht. We wanted to build something that embodies our new philosophy – and she’s crazy fast! She’ll be equipped with three 2,000 horsepower V12 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines that deliver a top speed in excess of 60 knots. The series has been well received and we already have clients signed for the second and third hull.&nbsp;She’s not for everyone though – which is why we’re about to present a Gran Turismo edition to the market. The 80 GT is based on the same lightweight hull yet with a more family-focused design. She’ll also be equipped with two engines, not three. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258738/image/large-72d27a22a4c507d152fcab6398958f5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258738"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;also presented the new Akhir series. Has this model line been well received and are you considering building on speculation?&nbsp;The Akhir series is a new design for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> which is offered in three sizes: a 31-metre, a 37-metre and a 42-metre flagship. Much like the 80 Veloce the idea is to keep the weight down as much as possible. The series has a contemporary design and we’re in talks about whether to build the first unit on speculation – it might happen, but I can’t confirm either way at this moment in time. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259105/image/large-50b2769c2995a007591094d39d092014.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259105">Why is weight such an important topic for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>?Any sailor will tell you the importance of weight – they just will. I’ve personally sailed around the world on some of the world’s most important and fastest boats, and every time their core attribute was weight. However, shipyards and designers rarely consider weight early on when they’re planning a new project. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> does things differently, it’s my absolute credo. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259106/image/large-848f31e2855eb67f5df5c8156f48eba3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259106">Choosing to build light implies a commitment to delivering yachts with shallow drafts. How else are you trying to maximise this across all your series?&nbsp;We’ll equip both the 80 Veloce and Gran Turismo series with waterjets. Waterjets are the safest way to arrive at high speeds and they can go in really shallow waters. And to overcome issues of sucking up sand (a particular issue in Miami), we’ve added a special sea chest. It's a simple, not crazy innovation.&nbsp;Coming from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>, I of course have taken inspiration from their model lines and I especially like what they’ve done with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> 118 Power – the James Bond yacht. But I’ve also listened closely to my friend and naval architect, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1206" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Marco Arnaboldi (Company)">Marco Arnaboldi</a>, who designed many fast boats, including the CDP80 veloce. He’s one of the best in the world when it comes to waterjet technology. We decided to follow him on our design – there isn’t anyone better! <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259100/image/large-e738a900d681e7e9b00f4677cfafd4fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259100">An automotive designer and America’s Cup engineer collaborating on your designs. How did this come about?It’s simple. We want speed and performance, so why not bring in the best? A typical motor yacht goes around 18 to 20 knots, yet a high-performance America’s Cup sailing yacht reaches speeds of up to 40 knots – it’s a big difference, even if you factor out the foils. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> we want to use this knowledge to study the possibilities of reducing as much drag as possible with our yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260834/image/large-1241be498043c5a2ee330d299e207c7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260834">For the past 18 months,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;has focused exclusively on refits. Why?&nbsp;We weren’t ready for new builds until now, we needed to establish ourselves. When we took over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>, it hadn’t been operating for 10 years. We invested around €1.5 million to renovate the facilities and in the past 18 months, we have worked on 27 yachts, which brings a good level of return for the business: building capital and our reputation.&nbsp;Working as a refit yard has also put us in direct communication with many captains, which is great for our Research &amp; Development. For the past 18 months, we’ve been learning the trouble points and how to build a perfect yacht, designed for the captain.&nbsp;We’ve continued to invest and we’ll soon announce a new facility.&nbsp;

CEO Marco Massabò on the return of Cantieri di Pisa

Cantieri di Pisa is back – and it's back with a number of new projects. SYT sat down with CEO Marco Massabò to hear all about it. 

Bigger, better, faster: The return of Cantieri di Pisa with CEO Marco Massabò

Today (8 March 2023) marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality in all industries.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227489/image/large-17c5e1deaf6f19225da98b84465e4c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227489">A 2021 report conducted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> into diversity within the yachting industry found that of 1,800 crew members employed by contributing management companies, only 28.7 percent of them were women. Even more shocking is that only 1.9 percent of these female crew members were captains.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting (2022-05-18 15:45:00 +0200)">International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260776/image/large-54de2a551f40fdfba32775b819bcfdd2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260776"></a>Across the industry there are women thriving on the challenge of changing these statistics. One of those is world-renowned captain and star of Bravo TV’s reality hit show Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy Yawn. “Looking back, I was never offered any career advice, I actually answered an advertisement in the newspaper under the jobs section. I didn't even know that there was a maritime school for people like me who did not graduate high school, until I heard about Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale.”&nbsp;Over the years, Captain Sandy Yawn has worked hard to prove her worth in a male-dominated industry. “In the past I was turned down for a new-build because the owner was from another country and didn't think a woman could be in command. That one made me laugh out loud! I would love to see more women take the helm and show the world that we are capable of taking command.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260781/image/large-a78356721ca8e8be38b32146d70c8cfe.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260781">Captain Sandy Yawn has built a name for herself and is well-known in both the maritime industry and from the American reality television series, Below Deck Mediterranean. The Below Deck franchise has grown in popularity and is currently on season seven, with Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm of the 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Home49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2017">Home</a> in the pristine waters of Malta.The show continues to highlight the job roles for women in the industry and is finding new ways to inspire them to want to learn more. “They are reaching millions of people and I am so happy to be on the show,” commented Captain Sandy Yawn. “It shows little girls and women all over the country and the world that they can have a life at sea!”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting (2018-03-08 14:30:00 +0100)">International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260762/image/large-443c3e685ed41251fb4979bd56bfdf5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260762"></a><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> Sales Broker, Annie Avery took up sailing from a young age with her family and brother-in-law Fred. “After a year of private sailboat cruising with my family in the Caribbean I decided I wanted to be a captain to really learn about responsibility,” reminisced Annie Avery. “I confided in Fred that I was uneasy about putting myself out there as a captain as I was worried about the machinery on a charter boat. He put his arm around me, swooped his other across the harbour in St. Thomas and said, ‘Annie, do you think all those guys on that boat went to Detroit Diesel School? No, I said. ‘That’s right and you’re going to learn just like they did,’ he reassured me.”Annie eventually traded her sea legs to become one of a handful of female yacht sales brokers in the world working with powerhouse Northrop &amp; Johnson. “As a yacht broker, my experience as a yacht captain prior gave me a good foundation for knowing the product I was selling and I have had wonderful advisors and cheerleaders along the way– which have been mostly men!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219126/image/large-206b550a22422538d353d3e1d1b64044.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219126">Over the years, Annie has seen the industry start to evolve with more women involved. “Progress is definitely being made, more women are now brokers, naval architects, captains, and managers than when I first started,” explained Annie Avery.“The first company that did hire me confided one of the reasons they did, was because they passed over a woman, one of the very first, who became a very successful yacht broker. I have also been in situations where assumptions were made about me as a woman. I considered it a good opportunity to intentionally stand in my own authentic power. I always remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote: “Nobody can make you feel inferior except by your own consent.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019 (2019-03-08 10:30:00 +0100)">Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260758/image/large-d114845098d9a706f89986d98c42100b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260758">The yachting industry is constantly changing with more women stepping up to the plate to take on managerial positions. One of those is Giovanna Vitelli, former Vice President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a> who was recently appointed Chairwoman of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/azimut-benetti-group" target="_blank">Group</a>.Commenting on the appointment, Giovanna Vitelli said, “I would like to thank my father infinitely for his trust and the teachings of a lifetime, as well as all the people who have made and will continue to make the history of our Group”. &nbsp;The shipyard stated, “The path forward of continuity in the family, strongly desired by the founder Paolo Vitelli, guarantees the stability necessary to seize all the opportunities of the future.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57093" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group (2023-03-07 15:15:00 +0100)">Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260756/image/large-7a29c7bb12f0ed57baa2fd9404a7187a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260756">Based in Fort-Lauderdale, Florida, interior designer Destry Darr Pethtel of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Destry Darr Designs (Company)">Destry Darr Designs</a> draws on her family legacy to provide a comprehensive menu of yacht interior design services. “I always had an artistic and creative eye but was also very analytical as a child,” commented Destry Darr Pethtel. “In school, I was always drawing – anything from Barbie dolls, to crazy hybrid fantasy creatures, to stylised renditions of yacht exteriors and very technical drawings of lighthouses and building facades. At a very young age, I thought I wanted to be an architect.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260775/image/large-7170215367ea40988422bb9882dee971.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260775">Prior to founding her firm in April 2004, Destry refined her skills as an interior designer for several world class, well-known yacht interior design firms. “LIke so many women, I juggled the responsibilities of raising a family and growing a business at the same time, but I have been blessed with tremendous help and support along the way - from my parents, grandmother and aunt, to my husband, Rodney, who left his own career to join me as our business took off.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260773/image/large-b67a6fdceedb6234a1757379417985d0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260773">“My philosophy is work hard, hone your skills, pursue what you love and figure out how to be the best at it. I’ve always operated with a vision of what I want for my business in the future and have seized the opportunities and taken the risks necessary to achieve these goals,” added Destry Darr Pethtel. “Building a strong reputation through this journey has been instrumental in our success as well. Taking a risk might be scary but it can come with a big payoff.” Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)">Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260760/image/large-b38f4461d79d96020f16ef126adc1226.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260760"></a>Like Destry Darr Pethtel, many women choose to pave their own path in the industry and a great example of that is business owner and Development Consultant of Onboard Monaco, Marcela de Kern Royer. “I faced many hurdles on my journey as I am an immigrant to Europe, so I needed visas and work permits to get started. On top of that English was not my first language so I worked hard as both a woman and a Latina to set up my business.”&nbsp;Monaco-based resident Marcela de Kern Royer combines a passion for yachting with a strong international academic background, along with her past experiences in asset management. She has gained excellent exposure to all facets of the industry, starting as a supplier and having experience in new-build, refit, brokerage, and yacht management.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260761/image/large-822c6f306d21c5327096e1c7bed8f814.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260761">“I was inspired by the role models of my parents as both of them were entrepreneurs and very successful business people. I combined what I love doing, with my inspiration from other powerful women from not just this industry, but all walks of life.”Marcela started in the industry at the age of 18 and has seen a shift in the roles of women since she began. “There are a lot more women in higher positions now than when I first started. I had to work through the career ladder to get to where I am today. Being a woman in this industry turned out to not only be my strength, but my superpower and because of that I am grateful to all my previous bosses, who were men. They all helped me get to the position I am in today, as they believed in me every step of the way.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260783/image/large-000e3ba5928e5d4613b24f1e7ae7ff58.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260783">As an influential person in yachting, Marcela de Kern Royer has created a powerful online community for yacht owners and professionals and operates a very impressive platform, but it has not been without its challenges. “As both a mother and a businesswoman, I have had my fair share of struggles to balance this lifestyle. But it is important to not give up and to remain resilient and persistent in everything you do.”"As Franklin D. Roosevelt said "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor," so cast off the lines and let your adventure begin,” concluded Annie Avery.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women in yachting

Today (8 March 2023) marks International Women’s Day, SYT takes a look at the inspirational women at the helm of change in the yachting industry.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change

Carinthia VII superyacht history and refit 

SYT investigates Carinthia VII's refit and looks into her full history. 

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An art collector's heirloom: The redesign of iconic Carinthia VII 

Yachts at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023

With the Palm Beach International Boat Show quickly approaching, SYT takes a look at some of the yachts attending this year’s event.

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The largest yachts attending Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">Tillberg Design of Sweden</a>, the titan of maritime design, is weighing into the superyacht sector with a newly formed yacht division – and it’s nothing short of exciting.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">Tillberg Design of Sweden</a> – aka TDoS – is a formidable force. Its prowess is well respected in the cruise industry, with a portfolio exceeding 300 major luxury projects. The studio has been steadily fortifying its presence in the superyacht sector in recent years – and it’s here to stay.&nbsp;Following the release of a number of astounding superyacht designs, and news of a merger with the Italian design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>, we thought it high time to catch up with Daniel Nerhagen, Yacht Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>, to learn more about this powerhouse from the cruise sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260362/image/large-9eb51267dae054d3bf8152d199ce214c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260362">What is&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>’ origin story?&nbsp;We were founded in 1964 by a true pioneer in the cruise industry: Robert Tillberg. The studio was initially eponymously named but quickly blossomed with a growing team, it was only apt for the name of the studio to encompass this change; hence, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a> was born.&nbsp;I’m lucky enough as a designer to have worked with Robert for a few years in the late 90s, but my experience isn’t unique in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a> studio. We have at least six or seven designers that have been working at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a> for more than 20 years now, and we’ve also seen a number of second generation designers join the studio. It is remarkable.&nbsp;This longevity of our studio is not only found in the team, but also with the principles that we stand behind. Sustainability is one such principle, and we’ve kept it as a lodestar since at least the early 2000s, as such I was slightly taken aback when I first came into yachting and I kept hearing that we need to change, when the commercial sector has been on this train of thought for many, many years now. Our in-house design team has spent years, if not decades, researching and developing green solutions.&nbsp;Even though cruise ships have predominantly been our forte, we have built a portfolio of exterior and interior designs of yachts over the years. Some of our first sailing yacht designs hit the water as early as the 1970s and we’ve had our yacht designs (exterior and interior) launched well into the 2000s.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260365/image/large-4b4011da67beba38853bfcc7b587f3d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260365"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>&nbsp;now has a strong presence in yachting, what drove this decision? A few years ago we designed a line of boutique “yachts” for The Ritz-Carlton with the level of luxury synonymous with its brand. The series of small cruise vessels each accommodates up to 298 guests across 149 well-appointed suites, brimming with state-of-the-art and top tier amenities. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was successful in its own right – but it also garnered a lot of attention from other companies. It opened the door, if you will, and led to a lot of round-table discussions in-house. We decided yachting may be a good move for us; and in 2018 we opened a dedicated yacht division at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>. A few years later when COVID-19 hit, the commercial sector pretty much ground to a halt, and we used this period to ramp up activities in this newly founded division. It was a busy period for us. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253660/image/large-38b63f56e9041d7bf538b99c991b9acd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253660">Does bridging the game between the commercial and luxury sector give&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>&nbsp;an edge? &nbsp;We’re experienced in designing vessels that may have around 5,000 guests onboard. We have mastered the logistics of embarking, disembarking and ensuring that the vessel is operational for that many people, which is extremely complex. Superyachts, on the other hand, have the luxury of time and can take a few days to prepare. Our experience and our designs will help streamline this whole process in new and novel ways.&nbsp;The commercial space also requires a keen eye for designing in the most cost effective way. Now, and this is important, we’re not talking about materials or the aesthetic here. We’re talking about the design and general arrangement itself. When you're building bigger boats everything that is expensive, exponentially explodes because you're building 100 suites instead of four suites. We then look at design in a different way.&nbsp;We’re a big studio with deep resources and we’re used to turning projects around quickly. We have a degree of versatility that small design houses can’t compete with. If a client approaches us for a new design we can always deliver, quickly. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253657/image/large-112cb977ff4a705d79ecb2bdc1e22803.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253657">Are there any new and exciting shipyards or suppliers that&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>&nbsp;can bring to yachting?&nbsp;This is an interesting topic because many of our longtime suppliers have two divisions in their company: one that focuses on high-end luxury and another that’s more commercial. We, naturally, work more closely with the commercial departments, but their colleagues are responsible for furnishing hotels, residentials and yachts. We have a strong network of suppliers built from the commercial space, but with access to top tier vendors.&nbsp;With the rate that yachts are growing in size, we’re moving into SOLAS territory – something that we’re very used to working with. The suppliers we use and the materials we source are SOLAS compliant and certified to meet these more stringent regulations.&nbsp;The commercial shipbuilders that we work with produce to the same standard as most yacht builders, if not a higher standard, as the vessels they produce need to be able to handle the wear and tear of 24 hours, 365 days of use – something unheard of in yachting. The quality of the materials aren’t to the same standard as what you’d find on a superyacht, naturally, but commercial shipyards have finessed the process to keep costs down. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224824/image/large-6b5bba40e3c9e3e7c47b5d72f45aaeb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224824">What motivated&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6755" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viken Group AB (Company)">Viken Group</a>’s acquisition of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>&nbsp;and how will it be integrated into your business?After watching the market and looking at our core skills, we realised that we were lacking a key area if we wanted to deliver everything to our clients; the know-how about the 60-metre and below segment. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a> is extremely successful in this segment and the studio designs both custom and production yachts – the latter is something we have never done before. Hot Lab is also based in Italy and has a strong presence in Turkey – two markets which we haven’t yet entered.&nbsp;Joining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6755" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viken Group AB (Company)">Viken Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a> has access to different markets, different clients and are given an opportunity to expand and add larger yachts to its portfolio. It was a win-win situation for both Hot Lab and us. With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a> in its folds, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6755" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viken Group AB (Company)">Viken Group</a> now offers yacht designs from 60-foot to 60,000 GT, and thanks to the recent acquisition of Thalia Marine it also offers naval architecture for this whole spectrum. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224823/image/large-798b566c622e2ca838de96e5adf73239.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224823">One of the first yacht concepts unveiled by your Yacht Division was Aegir 2.0 – can you tell us a little bit about this design?&nbsp;We champion sustainability and carbon neutral sailing – and with Aegir 2.0 we placed our best foot forward. The nucleus of the design came from the 106.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl </a>– which is one of the most efficient yachts on the market – and we wanted to not only meet, but surpass its commitment. We invited Derek Munro, one of the Product Managers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, to deliver a lecture series at our studios, and we learnt a great deal.Aegir 2.0 was born out of this commitment, and also from the realisation that if we were to really push for carbon neutral sailing then designers need to pen sailing yachts. We stepped up to the plinth and designed a wind-powered trimaran with hydrolics and a hybrid wind-electric propulsion system that recharges all batteries when under sail. While sustainability is at its core, Aegir 2.0 doesn’t skimp luxury. For one, it’s incredibly beamy so it offers more living space than that of a monohull from its category. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260364/image/large-22e3f619757645832b859a4a3b856c91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260364">Since Aegir 2.0,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TSoD</a>&nbsp;has released a number of unique concepts, can you share some of the inspiration behind these designs?&nbsp;Our conversations are fluid and our designs have come from the dialogues we’ve had in-house, and with our clients. The designs we’ve launched are pretty versatile, and to name but three, we designed the 60-metre explorer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Introducing the 60m explorer yacht concept Mimer (2023-01-10 15:00:00 +0100)">Mimer</a> a few years ago, the 120-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Desert Pearl: An impressive 120m Custom Built new-build superyacht concept for sale (2022-04-25 09:30:00 +0200)">Desert Pearl</a>, earlier this year and also <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Introducing Lycka: The 77m “happiness” superyacht by Nobiskrug & Tillberg Design of Sweden (2022-03-28 11:30:00 +0200)">the 77-metre superyacht Lycka</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>.&nbsp;As is the nature of the industry, most of our projects are wrapped in strict NDAs so I have to keep pretty guarded. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Introducing Lycka: The 77m “happiness” superyacht by Nobiskrug & Tillberg Design of Sweden (2022-03-28 11:30:00 +0200)">Lycka</a> I can divulge a little more about. An opportunity arose with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> to do a design around one of its platforms. We took one of their technical platforms, which is already developed, and reimagined the general arrangement and added our flair to both the exterior and interior design. This project is being marketed by both ourselves and Nobiskrug, so we’re pretty excited about this one. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221363/image/large-1ddd2c7dc4335ad8ddcd49b053d204eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221363"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221365/image/large-d8074dfb2569abced922475fe7fea3cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221365">How has the reception been so far about your concepts and have you had many serious conversations? I’ve spoken with many serious builders and it was pleasing to hear that they know our company and our work. But, it’s true, we’re a fledgling company in the yachting community, a community that is very protected. That being said, we’ve had a great reception so far and have cleared the first hurdles. Many new design studios have tried and failed to get into yachting – but we’re here to stay.&nbsp;This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 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>.

Interview with Tillberg Design of Sweden

Interview with Daniel Nerhagen of Tillberg Design of Sweden.

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Tillberg Design of Sweden: A new heavy weight in superyacht design 

The 42.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/763" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NQEA Yachts (Company)">NQEA</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Manta42.6m (139'9&quot;)NQEA Yachts2004">Flying Manta</a> has entered the market. Delivered in 2004 from Australia, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/flying-manta/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Flying Manta for sale</a> offers the perfect blend of performance with comfort and luxury.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/90514/image/large-63a9f487ef9167a0c35bde61b08e86a3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/90514"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Manta42.6m (139'9&quot;)NQEA Yachts2004">Flying Manta</a> features exterior design and naval architecture from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/763" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NQEA Yachts (Company)">NQEA Yachts</a> with interior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2145" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Furniture Manufacturing Company Of Australia (FMCA) (Company)">Furniture Manufacturing Company Of Australia (FMCA)</a>. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is characterised by her modern interior design with an emphasis on connecting her interior and exterior areas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263849/image/large-3c22efe579e7998fde1745c4cf575a55.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263849">Previously named Ophelia, the 354 GT <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> underwent a major haul out and refit from 2015 through to 2017 and has also recently completed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyds</a> survey in March 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263845/image/large-0af2a1991fb0d4de11dfdec669c7a314.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263845"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Manta42.6m (139'9&quot;)NQEA Yachts2004">Flying Manta</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests across six staterooms including her full-beam master suite on the main deck with an ensuite bathroom. Further guest accommodation is located below deck, alongside her crew quarters for a team of eight.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263847/image/large-6c133bc4c092ad0b9d29fe04a2f9fef9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263847"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263851/image/large-4c7883535c2d5fe37f5e5119616c58c7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263851"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263850/image/large-c07f62c58a5b9702444d9f3a0a652881.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263850">Some of the key features onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/nqea/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">NQEA yacht for sale</a> include her Lloyds certified helipad, side baloney and her massive swim platform that allows for direct access to the ocean. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263846/image/large-ea72a024c2af46f03785ea8b4fe95780.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263846">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Manta42.6m (139'9&quot;)NQEA Yachts2004">Flying Manta</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines that provide her with a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 21 knots.

NQEA’s 43m superyacht Flying Manta for sale

NQEA’s 43m superyacht Flying Manta for sale was delivered in 2004 from Australia.

43m NQEA superyacht Flying Manta for sale

The in-build 78-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht Ace 21 has been sighted for the first time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263855/image/large-e96f39453c7fa49db88f3c85660bafe0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263855">Her steel hull and aluminium superstructure have been constructed at Lunehalle I of Stahlbau Nord in Bremerhaven, Germany. She was then rolled out onto a 95-metre pontoon, ahead of her transportation to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen’s</a> facility in Rendsburg, where she’ll be outfitted. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263854/image/large-87e2d7bd81e77f214396f1abc8e1b547.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263854"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263853/image/large-a17d6cec6301fa51bba58afde662ca98.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263853">The 78-metre superyacht spans five decks and is expected to have around 2,500 GT of interior volume. She is the 51st largest superyacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and is likely scheduled for delivery next year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263852/image/large-41fe885de8661f831f40aae1a5880dc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263852"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263856/image/large-2b16c5bea759003a6ecc6802c207021e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263856">According to <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has 13 projects under construction, the largest being the 145-metre Luminance, scheduled to be delivered later this year. 2023 will see up to five further <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyachts delivered: the 122-metre Jag, 107-metre Icecap, 90-metre 1601, 82-metre Cali and 61.95-metre Cap d’Ail. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263857/image/large-7b5568288d2d69bbd9dbb2e856e60835.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263857">

78m Lürssen superyacht Ace 21

A new 78-metre Lürssen superyacht Ace 21 has been sighted for the first time. She is one of 13 projects the German shipyard has underway. 

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78m Lürssen superyacht Ace 21 spotted for the first time

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> has announced the sale of the third hull of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> 80 Limited Editions series, Project Zurich, with delivery scheduled for 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222029/image/large-0499c8fe4b686fa77a352b56bacca840.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222029">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a> with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, the 79.8-metre Project Zurich offers accommodation for as many as 14 guests across seven staterooms. She can also host 21 crew. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222022/image/large-9a6115986ae844a76f1498caf025fc05.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222022">Some of the standout features of the 2,175 GT superyacht include a touch-and-go helipad on the foredeck, a 200 square-metre sun deck and a dedicated owner’s deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222025/image/large-6b564f19a2ef129730ad8a31df18308b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222025"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222027/image/large-52d11091d4c74c30f5cf4138609a947b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222027">“It is almost a year to the date since we introduced the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> 80,” Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, commented. “The fact that we have seen not only positive reactions to the design since the launch but also a strong sales foothold within the first 12 months are a true testament to her modern design and trusted build pedigree. I am very much looking forward to embarking on the build journey with this experienced client.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222023/image/large-74bc8feecb60f7416704b1d568d91bd9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222023">The series was first revealed last year and the first hull is expected to be delivered in 2025. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222030/image/large-78116d512ca812495026f3de25b13103.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222030">

Third Amels 80 superyacht sold with 2026

Amels and Damen Yachting has sold the third Amels 80 superyacht with delivery for 2026. 

Project Zurich: Third Amels 80 superyacht sold with 2026 delivery 

The Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King (Company)">Ocean King</a> has launched the first 36.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8690" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King Ducale 12036.8m (120'9&quot;)Ocean King2023">Ducale 120</a>. The superyacht will now undergo sea trials ahead of her delivery in the coming months. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263778/image/large-0222047561b8f8f6cef2cca17451b341.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263778">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8690" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King Ducale 12036.8m (120'9&quot;)Ocean King2023">Ducale 120</a> offers features two swimming pools; a rare feature on vessels that size: one saltwater pool complements the ample aft beach club while the sundeck enjoys the presence of a heated freshwater pool. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263780/image/large-c3e9bf41549960fd807356a0ebeec624.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263780"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263776/image/large-b9d67a395fdd20148fdd745d2ef94375.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263776">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8690" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King Ducale 12036.8m (120'9&quot;)Ocean King2023">Ducale 120</a> features interior and exterior design by Italy-based design house <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/vyd-studio" target="_blank">VYD Studio</a>, with naval architecture penned by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/innave" target="_blank">InNave</a>. The yacht features a steel and aluminium superstructure with an interior volume of 334 GT.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263777/image/large-7192a55855093103f48cc2e31ecec872.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263777">The yacht features floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck with side decks and side opening doors. The owner's suite is to the fore of the yacht and features panoramic windows that offer excellent sea views. Guest accommodations are situated on the lower deck with two VIP and two double cabins.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263775/image/large-57903a588cef2b207992b63f490a27de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263775">Home to the helm and captain’s cabin, the upper deck spaces also extend to the exterior thanks to lateral folding doors that create a unique sheltered, yet open area where guests could enjoy unlimited relaxation with sun beds and sofas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263774/image/large-7b323bdb6c7e8fcc62fdfb85a948b722.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263774">Powered by two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8690" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King Ducale 12036.8m (120'9&quot;)Ocean King2023">Ducale 120</a> is expected to reach a maximum speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263773/image/large-686cdf7d2bbf8c91e03ea01bd94a64a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263773">

Ocean King Ducale 120 launched

The first Ocean King Ducale 120 superyacht has been launched in Italy.

First 37m Ocean King Ducale 120 superyacht launched

The 26.64-metre Ferretti motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini26.64m (87'5&quot;)Ferretti Yachts2014">Gemini</a> has crashed into the breakwater in Eceabat Marina, Çanakkale, Turkey, as it passed through the Dardanelles Strait.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263733/image/large-aa8dc378c7d0dbfbe8b28b51e096736c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263733">The cause of the incident or the extent of the damage is yet unknown, yet according to comments on the Turkishstaits Instagram page, the local Coast Guard, Çanakkale Port Authority officers and Teams from the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change have all checked the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263796/image/large-e9fcb55db40fa9ae426f4b9f2af561f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263796"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263732/image/large-87d62e31d17648361987049e91c6a442.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263732"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263797/image/large-9d142724728d8bbd0df94810e0ca32f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263797"> Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Full round-up of yacht fires and casualties of 2022 (2022-09-05 10:45:00 +0200)">Full round-up of yacht fires and casualties of 2022</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini26.64m (87'5&quot;)Ferretti Yachts2014">Gemini</a> was delivered in 2014 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti</a> 870 hardtop series. She’s constructed with a GRP hull and superstructure, and offers accommodation for eight guests and four crew. Twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines deliver a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 30 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263795/image/large-7c5216563b720e4f1fca1cbafafc76fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263795"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263798/image/large-b9435e0fbcec1293471dfdf30e3ce64c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263798"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263794/image/large-d2f0fc661526debed9b58bfc4d23c7f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263794">

27m Ferretti yacht Gemini crashes in Turkey 

The 27m Ferretti motor yacht Gemini has crashed into the breakwater in Eceabat Marina, Turkey.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> — Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta — has seen an influx of entries for its 27th edition, which will take place in Palma, Mallorca, from 21 until 24 June 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263724/image/large-c9f12b5e03a49f26656cbf76ea86f958.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263724">The 27th edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> will welcome a new 90-foot Class aimed at smaller, performance-orientated cruiser racers for the first time. The racing will take place alongside the classic Superyacht Class and long-established Corinthian Spirit Class, offering fun and competitive racing without the need for race optimisation.In the J Class, the 43.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>-built sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> will be out to renew her long-running rivalry with the 39.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, a veteran sailing yacht built in 1933 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> in the UK.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263723/image/large-99c1e63c996b20dfe45c8535c5475b2d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263723">Among the boats set to compete in this year's regatta is the 36.19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Silver36.19m (118'9&quot;)Alloy Yachts1995">Miss Silver</a> (ex Sovereign). Winner of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="New Zealand Millennium Cup 2021">New Zealand Millenium Cup 2021</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Silver36.19m (118'9&quot;)Alloy Yachts1995">Miss Silver</a> features naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/35" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Naval Architects Ltd. (Company)">Dubois Naval Architects</a> Ltd and an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232835/image/large-ccef6a806ec5efdd6c8305db611f92cd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232835">Returning to Superyacht Cup Palma after finishing runner-up in Class A in 2017 is the 32.64-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>-built sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a>. The modern and elegant sailing yacht features naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design</a>, and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>. A strong contender, often competing on the international stage, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a> has participated in a multitude of iconic races, such as the St Barths Bucket and the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a> will battle with stablemate, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">McKeon</a>-designed and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>-built 33-metre sailing yacht <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> (ex Missy), who took Class A last year on countback.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233090/image/large-68e02df9d8d2391270a8ec0ffcb76e4b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233090">Finland-based yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> is behind the 24.38-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> of the Swan 80 series, featuring naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>. Also built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, the Swan 100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4743" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onyx30.11m (98'9&quot;)Nautor Swan2005">Onyx</a> (ex Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II), will make her debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> may seemingly dominate this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> line up, with the 25.08-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a>, also built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, has also expressed interest in competing in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> Director, Kate Branagh, commented, “With these latest additions to the fleet we are optimistic that we will see at least 10 superyachts enjoying fun and competitive racing here in Mallorca this June, and maybe a few more.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233087/image/large-46e3217e34b7fc9543ab388ca7b9cf36.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233087">"It is also wonderful to once again welcome back our highly valued and long-standing sponsors and supporters, not least our Preferred Hotel Partner, St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts and the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, host venue for the Owners' Summer Barbecue, a highlight of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">SYC</a> social scene," Branagh continued.Destination Partner New Zealand, alongside Silver Partners or Friends of the Superyacht Cup including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/211" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros de Mallorca S.A. (Company)">Astilleros</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pantaenius (Company)">Pantaenius</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/35" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Naval Architects Ltd. (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>, RSB Rigging Solutions, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a>, will return to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma 2023</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233085/image/large-7a2475147aec276a706728989b2b3ca0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233085">"In 2022 we were able to celebrate renewing our long-standing and highly valued relationship as Preferred Hotel Partner with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">The Superyacht Cup Palma</a>, and we look forward to doing so again in 2023," said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President &amp; Continent Brand Leader for Luxury, Europe, Middle East &amp; Africa, Marriott International. "The traditions, legacy and exclusive service that St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts, part of Marriott International, offers is a perfect match with Superyacht Cup Palma, one of the most exclusive events Mallorca has to offer."The view is strongly echoed by Nigel Fyfe, New Zealand's ambassador to Spain, who said, "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> has provided the perfect opportunity to highlight our country's unique attractions, and New Zealand is proud to have been <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>'s Destination Partner for seven years in a row. It is a relationship we look forward to continuing into the future."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263722/image/large-23879ced108cc36690c214ae556f539d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263722">Many participating vessels will this year be berthed at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">SYC</a>'s long-standing race management partner located in the vibrant heart of the Mallorcan capital.

Superyacht Cup Palma regatta 2023 entry list

Sailing yacht entries for the 27th edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma regatta are lining up.

Influx of entries for the 27th Superyacht Cup Palma regatta

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a> has expanded its Palma de Mallorca office with the appointment of Tim Carbury as Sales Broker. Cadbury will help secure central agencies and assist in the sale of yachts across the Balearics and beyond, alongside existing Palma-based sales broker Sam Tucker and charter broker Caroline Hillier.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263731/image/large-5ae9f079cfd86c85c2233abcb9f97e47.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263731">&nbsp;“I’m delighted to have joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia</a>," Tim Carbury commented. "I’ve kept a close eye on this company’s growth and been encouraged by their proactive and client-centric approach. It’s a company I’m confident I can make a real difference to, and I have a firm belief in its future as one of the leading superyacht sales and charter companies.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a> also has offices in Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Palma and is backed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson Group</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson Group</a> has been present in Palma for more than five years now and has an 11-strong team, who provides yacht management, technical management and crew recruitment. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/104200/image/large-1b2569e8d622eeb7401beae5dc72ec0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/104200">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53123" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inside Moravia Yachting with Kurt Fraser (2021-06-15 09:30:00 +0200)">Inside Moravia Yachting with Kurt Fraser</a>Kurt Fraser, Chief Commercial Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson Group</a>, commented, “The company recognises the pivotal position Palma holds as a yachting hub for service and refit, as well as sales and charter, and we have grown our presence in Mallorca in a strategic way so as to better serve our clients’ needs. We can now assert the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson Group</a> as the leading provider for yacht management, sales and charter in the Balearics.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263729/image/large-602d456833fbd67a948f04f57ddcfb73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263729">

Moravia Yachting appoints Tim Carbury as sales broker

Moravia Yachting has expanded its Palma de Mallorca office with the appointment of Tim Carbury as Sales Broker.

Broker Tim Carbury joins Moravia Yachting Mallorca office

The 33.8-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a> has entered the market. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/silvertip" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Silvertip, for sale</a>, was delivered in 2001 from New Zealand and joins the market in immaculate condition after receiving a refit in 2021. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/189604/image/large-d279eb49149de9887d0799c3ea47b818.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/189604">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yacht for sale</a>, has a classical and timeless interior lined with Swedish pear wood thanks to the work of interior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Agnes Comar (Company)">Agnes Comar</a>. The exterior and naval architecture of the high performance sloop comes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Yachts (Company)">Dubois Naval Architects</a>. No element of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a>'s design was overlooked during the build to ensure that she delivers on all points of sail. She was refitted in 2012 and 2021 and in 2022 her 5 year Class Survey was completed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242111/image/large-9022d52aa0856121b42f7bdd8199bbe0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242111"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242110/image/large-5eea689490250cfb87780cbd95acda72.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242110">The 114 GT pedigree <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> can accommodate up to seven guests onboard. This accommodation for guests is comprised of a full-beam owner's suite and a VIP double and twin staterooms all featuring ensuites. The interior space onboard has been penned with neutral tones, opting for natural fabrics for a bright and airy ambience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242107/image/large-6ec02cd31f0efece634998100c2d2a75.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242107"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242108/image/large-da19919a2fd99dba8b90607885d748bb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242108">On deck, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a> has a protected cockpit for lounging and dining, sheltered by large awnings. The yacht also boasts a large lazarette for the stowage of water toys including &nbsp;water-skis, in addition to ample storage for the kitesurfing and dive equipment. She is also equipped with a 4.5-metre Aquapro Tender.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242112/image/large-fd833e312a6f1af2a36c71fce315affb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242112">If that wasnt enough, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a> is prized as an-established racing yacht having won a handful of top-tier regattas. She is the winner of the Millenium Cup in 2009 and 2012, as well as the winner of the best sailing yacht from both the International Superyacht Society and Show Boats Awards. With that being said, she is suited to world cruising or taking part in superyacht regattas across the world.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242106/image/large-073a34dae518a2e6e45a1ef3fb5a240a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242106"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52494" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q&A: Captain Tom Kinver on preparing 34m Silvertip for the win (2021-03-12 12:30:00 +0100)">Read:&nbsp;Q&amp;A: Captain Tom Kinver on preparing 34m Silvertip for the win</a>Performance-wise, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/yachting-developments/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Yachting Development yacht for sale</a> is powered by a 300 horsepower <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/lugger" target="_blank">Lugger</a> engine that provides her with a cruising speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 11 knots.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/242115/image/large-a62ade11923d85d48e4d038fdc10e062.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/242115">

Yachting Developments yacht Silvertip for sale

The 34m sailing yacht Silvertip has entered the market. 

Yachting Developments 34m sailing yacht Silvertip for sale

Delivered in 2020 from the Netherlands, the 81-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> immediately earned her place amongst the top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world. Her builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>, has released a new collection of never-before-seen images of the contemporary flybridge schooner, catapulting her once again into the spotlight.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263677/image/large-9dd66fe51213d93033ef3c305a2919f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263677"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> arrived on the superyacht scene during the global pandemic and is characterised by her contemporary lines and plumb bow. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley Design</a>, she features a long waterline and powerful Panamax rig.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263681/image/large-29257b81b18b7ec442a04e0491bd5296.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263681"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263764/image/large-51d4478332bb93dcdc69f896bf691193.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263764">“The essence of the yacht’s appeal is illustrated by long, uninterrupted lines of glass, a subtle sweep of superstructure and a blister to enclose the bridge,” said Mark Whiteley of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley Design</a>. “As the design developed we honed in on a faceted feature which helps give <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> her distinctive modern signature, lightens the overhangs and reflects the chine.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263753/image/large-eeb926b730a6786ce434e4ece152bc94.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263753"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263750/image/large-db1967c7af9ac8f1b41d9fbcc2811d01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263750"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> is currently the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht, with the inspiration behind her design coming from her visionary owner. He formulated his ideas while circumnavigating his first yacht, the 43.31-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5559" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ravenger43.31m (142'1&quot;)Royal Huisman2015">Ravenger</a>, previously named Sea Eagle (I).<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263745/image/large-831ff9bb2e0a2b1f3a9322470554c2d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263745"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263678/image/large-0d97a29ba2f75a419bde46034e63c665.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263678">The brief for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> was simple, to create an extremely comfortable and spacious yacht with good seakeeping and exceptional amenities for both guests and crew. Her owner requested an outstanding passage-making performance, functionality and reliability without unnecessary frills.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263674/image/large-780f8e551fccc15da76856fc403cc1b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263674"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> began her four-year build program with a year of intensive activity on design, engineering and construction planning before the keel was laid. The aim for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> was to optimise her waterline line length between the plumb bow and full transom to enhance speed and handling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263763/image/large-6555f0635b685a54d19b2b821e3d906d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263763"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263736/image/large-afc43a2e986ed35b39adeebce3e610c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263736">During her sea trials, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> comfortably recorded speeds of 21.5 knots in a moderate breeze. All three of her mainsails can easily be hoisted at once and she boasts a massive 2,580 square-metre sail area developed with the help of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>, Carbo-Link and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doyle Sails NZ Ltd (Company)">Doyle Sails</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263683/image/large-733abc24ecf2bf9cc84320cb9fad38f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263683">“The modern styling allows a beamy transom and almost full-length waterline, providing better sail keeping capabilities and promising faster crossings in greater comfort. Due to the higher stability, the yacht can sail with less heel, greatly improving the comfort on board,” explained Erik Wassen of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168401/image/large-bfc87b80dc9da97b504367d1e6fd29bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168401">When she was delivered, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> joined the 90-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)Royal Huisman2004">Athena</a> as one of the largest sailing yachts in the world. “Continual innovation, accumulated expertise and rigorous self-challenge have come together through our highly skilled and dedicated team to produce <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)Royal Huisman2004">Athena</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> and the currently in-build, 85-metre New World Sloop aka Project 410,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s CEO Jan Timmerman.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263741/image/large-981b452f3ad6a9e741b17303aa0eb448.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263741"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263679/image/large-e0aa2b0e7212cdac47a2966242d214a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263679">The flybridge deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> provides a considerable leisure and entertainment space for guests to enjoy, while the dedicated exterior helm stations have been styled to blend into the surrounding superstructure.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231095/image/large-62003cb8d18ad85cfcd1a8c486198125.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231095">“The proportions and low profile were driven by the owner’s request to have a continuous floor from the exterior dining space, right through the large main saloon to the forward dining saloon, with no steps,” explained Mark Whiteley.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263752/image/large-900a1c8790622b0413a94ae73b2ae3a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263752"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263686/image/large-5de1e8164dd8eae857e9577f199bc3b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263686">The interior and exterior spaces of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> are separated by a sliding wall with glass panels delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a> that slide from view into the garage for comfort and flexibility in all weather conditions.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263687/image/large-d62b6b97137ecab0439856631ec75648.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263687"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263770/image/large-1569eb52ea3c7c1a187b009a88abf0ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263770">The main saloon of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> is flooded by natural light, with informal seating close to the extensive media screen forward. She is also equipped with an inside/outside bar and a formal dining area that resides further forward. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231094/image/large-e08e9fb129e43d1715afc50d3de9b581.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231094">The guest accommodations are located on the lower deck with a six stateroom configuration for up to 11 guests. One of the guest staterooms can be converted into a gym, with stairs forward providing access to the half-raised bridge and downward to the crew accommodation forward for 14.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263700/image/large-4f6b91bd1360e1f6778593b26af6796d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263700"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263766/image/large-ad9b25d412f549b8ac58f2efac5ba848.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263766"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263765/image/large-182fcaf0f4eb39e01bf6850330f83cdd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263765">A key exterior design feature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> is her main mast which features a crow’s nest operated by the touch of a button to provide guests with stunning “sea eagle views”. The stern of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> is also equipped with an 8-metre guest tender, a large crane, a water scooter, and dive gear as well as a vast range of other equipment and storage.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263759/image/large-97a618f1f0bb63c76750c3b7181d09e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263759"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263684/image/large-4664c2a27712d845bce72916ff384d92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263684">Built for unrestricted worldwide cruising, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle II</a> is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 22 knots, thanks to twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> C32 engines. She currently operates under the name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman2020">Sea Eagle</a>.

Onboard the 81m Royal Huisman yacht Sea Eagle II

Royal Huisman has unveiled new images and details about the 81m sailing yacht Sea Eagle II.

yacht-features-hero#0

Royal Huisman unveils new images and details of 81m sailing yacht Sea Eagle II

meet Giorgio M. Cassetta of Cassetta Yacht Designers

Join us on a journey to Rome, Italy where Justin Ratcliffe meets with designer Giorgio M. Cassetta to discuss how to design your own yacht. 

Video: Designing your own yacht with Giorgio M. Cassetta

Italy

Cassetta Yacht Designers

Designer: Exterior Design

Designer: Interior Design

Benetti SpA

Naval architecture shipyard

Shipyards: New Building

Shipyards: Refit

Born from a passion for the sea, Tankoa Yachts embodies the concept of “thinking big”. Our infrastructures and expertise are focused on extraordinary semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up. Our vision: delivering first class yachts, one-off or small series, which natural extension resides in unseen before after-sale services. We assembled an absolute dream team of experts composed of some of the world’s most respected professionals from the construction floor up to the engineering and technical office and top managers. No wonder why the market sees us as a true “boutique shipyard”. Every single client is owed a personal, one-to-one, approach which consists first in listening to him and understanding his expectations, way of living and enjoying the sea. At Tankoa, we simply partner with each yacht owner in turning their Dreams into reality - charting new routes to incredible destinations.

Tankoa

Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.

United States

Founded by experienced yachtsmen, Alpha Custom Yachts is a family-owned company recognized for its elegant, unique, and innovative vessels built for today's yachting enthusiasts. Every Alpha yacht is custom-built by a highly-respected team of luxury yachting experts, following the highest standards of excellence in design, construction, and craftsmanship. As a trusted partner to distinguished owners, we provide global access to the best resources in the industry so they can embody their dream and experience the Alpha difference. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K6Kt2snXieo?&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Alpha Custom Yachts company photo

Alpha Custom Yachts

Designer: Naval Architecture

Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)

Taiwan

For more than forty years, Ocean Alexander has produced top-of-the-line, luxury yachts ranging from 14-36 meters. Innovative design, detailed craftsmanship and world class engineering has distinguished Ocean Alexander from the rest and is a brand and product that customers can trust.Ocean Alexander is a family-owned business steeped in a rich history. What began as a small operation in Taiwan has now transformed into a highly respected, international yacht brand with the core values of unrivaled quality and trust at the very center of its success. Decades of hard work, dedicated employees and an unwavering commitment to quality has taken Ocean Alexander from its humble beginning in Taiwan to being an established leader in the yacht industry.At Ocean Alexander, you’ll get nothing but the best. Every yacht is crafted with you in mind. To put it simply, your dream is our obsession.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/513875174" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Long Read

At the studio: In conversation with Giorgio Cassetta