New York natives Robert Book and his wife Amy are serious, serial boat owners. Obvious from their past record of ownership (“I think this one is number 17,” Bob tells me on board their latest 46.7-metre supertoy), but what makes them serious in their serial ownership is in the way they talk about yachting: the ins and outs of their multiple experience building boats from scratch and their intimate knowledge of not only the superyacht lifestyle, but the superyacht business. Their interest is invested, of course. Of the 17 boats they’ve owned over the past four decades, none have been in their possession for longer than two and a half years. And the vast majority have been sold on to their next happy owner without the seemingly inevitable loss of investment. So, how did this journey begin and how do the Books’ manage to continuously invest wisely in their passion?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/28775/image/large-7883b8aecf8c8b9b3607f38bc329f6cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28775"> First things first: consistently securing resale value. The most important aspect here, Book says, is choosing the right time to sell. “If you have a boat more than three years, it’s hard to sell. Two years old with 1000 hours on the engine? There’s a person out there who wants a new boat but doesn’t want to wait to build it. We had our Sunseeker for just 6 months… I know, it sounds crazy. But I’ve always made money from selling my boats.” The second golden rule? Keep her interior neutral, with accents of personality that can easily be altered to suit her new owner’s tastes. “One of the things about this boat that is so beautiful is that it is so light,” Amy explains as we sit in the upper deck lounge of the Heesen-built Book Ends. “We’ve brought in the accent colours, but anyone that wanted to buy this boat, they have this neutral palette in which they can bring in their own accents. When you have very dark wood or built-in prominent colours, it’s obviously harder to sell.”Years of experience resulted in the seasoned owners in front of me, but on to the second part of our question - where did this journey begin? Well, it all began in their native New York. Starting out with a 25 footer which the Books frequently used in New York area, they started climbing the size classes boat by boat to incorporate a growing family over the years, expanding their cruising grounds to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Florida, New England, Martha's Vineyard and other spots along the Eastern US coastline.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25818/image/large-d0c25269e8b87326f6b3bc438f99e97b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25818"> This year, however, the Books opted for a change of pace and headed over to the Mediterranean for six weeks of cruising - the most time they’ve ever spent onboard in one go. With this plan in mind, they also needed to change the kind of boat they were looking for the latest addition to the Book Ends fleet. Enter: Heesen. “I wanted to make a change in my boating habits,” Bob starts. “I had a 40-metre Westport before this which was fibreglass and semi-displacement - very Bahamas friendly. We always wanted to spend a summer in the Med, so we decided that with our new boat, we wanted to go full displacement, steel hull, Med-ready. We’ve also always had great admiration for the Dutch shipyards, they really build high-quality boats.”Built on speculation and sold just a few weeks before completion, Book Ends found her new owner in a classic case of right-place-right-time. Coming into the build at such a late stage has its obvious advantages, though one distinct disadvantage is the potential for customisation. Bob explains: “It was not easy to incorporate our changes, but there was already a lot to work with - the windows are amazing and let in a lot of light, there’s light wood throughout. We took a ton of stuff off and ripped a wall out here and there, but Heesen ultimately delivered.”&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/16907/image/large-2ae712f2246501e825efc0605d038b61.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/16907"> “One thing coming to a European boat from an American perspective was that they had no outdoor TVs anywhere on the boat,” Book continues. “We as Americans like watching TV. Especially on a Sunday, we want to sit outside and watch sports. We don’t just eat and drink all the time, we eat, drink and watch TV! So we changed that. There is still a lot we would change on the boat, but it’s little things, and every boat incorporates an element of compromise. And you know what? You won’t find a better-built boat than a Heesen.”So, Med-friendly boat checked off the list, but what about the destination itself? Will the Books be returning to their summers on the East Coast? The answer - surprisingly after endless summers spent in the States - was a definitive no. “We had so much fun and we had a lot of friends and family over flying from the States - they all wanted to experience the Mediterranean! We will never spend the summer anywhere else. It’s amazing - especially the Italian coast, Amalfi and Sardinia... it’s just spectacular.” &nbsp;For now, at least, the all-American Book family are converted.SYT: You purchased Book Ends while she was under construction, and took delivery just three weeks later. Tell us about your yacht search.&nbsp;When I sold my other boat I was shocked. It sold in less than 60 days! We quickly discovered that we didn’t want to wait to build a boat from scratch, so we spent two years and close to two million bucks on the search for a new boat. I took my whole crew with me on every shopping spree. They live on board - they are like a family and they need to be happy, and they also spot things that perhaps we wouldn’t. We were actually very close to signing a contract with an Italian yard, but it didn’t feel right.&nbsp;I came across&nbsp;Book Ends when I was in the yard visiting the Dutch shipbuilders. At the time they were around 10 months into the build, but I didn’t even want to look as I was looking for a 55-metre. Thom Conboy rang me a while later and said, ‘Robert, that 47-metres is finishing up at Heesen. Do you want to go and have a look?’ I told him if we can agree on a price, then I’ll be there in two days - basically, at this point, I wanted to be in the Med by the summer on my own boat or I was going to throw in the towel altogether. So after a long search, Thom rang me at just the right time.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25815/image/large-9f855f5f73701d28c8d8d97c911bafbc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25815"> SYT: As your first Heesen after a long history of predominantly American-built boats, how was your first stint on board?When we made the deal, I told Heesen that I needed the boat by mid-June to meet a friend in Monte Carlo. Now, I hadn’t looked at the distance from the Netherlands to Monte Carlo… turns out its 2,500 nm. So I was like, our maiden voyage is going to be 2,500 nm on a boat that has never been tested?! But what really impressed me was Heesen’s answer: ‘Well, it’s a Heesen. You just put the key in and go.’&nbsp;They lived up to their word. We met the boat in Monte Carlo. The crew had a tough time on the approach to Gibraltar with 18’ waves, but they told me the boat was great. Heesen really got it done. We did around 300 hours on her this summer.&nbsp;SYT: What are some of the key differences you’ve noticed between the boat building cultures?With US yards like Westport or Viking, they work like hell to get you as a customer but work even harder to keep you. In my opinion, the European yards need to adapt more to the North American culture of after-sales support. A boat is a big investment, and the experience should not end when you take delivery. You want the entire experience to be positive and the yard ultimately wants to sell me my next boat… you won’t get that with arrogance or a lack of support. I think that is more a problem with Northern European yards. &nbsp;The Italian shipyards are the nicest, most charming, most fun people to hang with… you feel like you’re part of an Italian family. But if you’re going to build a boat with Italians, you can’t get hung up on having it delivered on time. The difference with Heesen is that everything is clean, uniform. They even have a digital countdown to scheduled launch hanging over the project throughout construction. The culture is efficiency and attention to detail. With the Italians, well, if you have a good project manager then it’s fine. They do build great boats. Nick Candy’s boat, 11:11, for example, it’s one to see - the finest Benetti ever built.&nbsp;SYT: In terms of American shipbuilders, there are few big yards left. As an American buyer, would you like to see the U.S. shipbuilding industry rejuvenated?I don’t know, I think the market has passed a lot of the American shipyards by. There was a time that Burger and Broward owned the market on big boats. Delta builds big boats, but they’re fibreglass and very expensive. Westport, great quality, great people, but it’s semi-displacement, fast, light, and you outgrow that. So as owners have evolved, the American shipbuilding market has not. If you want to buy a steel hulled boat and you want to cruise the Med with a big stable ride, you go to Europe.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25821/image/large-b14fe9b309d59a4feddf18e4052a89f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25821"> SYT: Why do you think the American industry did not evolve like the European?A lot of the builders were not good business people… they were just good boat builders. They got by when things were fine, but things got tough. Americans do own certain niches to this day, but in general, they didn’t stay up to date with the market and I don’t know about their future. Now, if Westport really wanted to get into the market that Europeans hold, they’re going to have to build steel-hulled boats that can go anywhere in the world. I believe Christensen will start building steel-hulled boats. They are not going to give the market to the Europeans so quickly.&nbsp;SYT: Moving to the market as a whole, do you think the yachting world has recovered from the fallout from the Financial Crisis?&nbsp;I don’t think this industry is in trouble. I think it’s evolving, and the industry will expand and get stronger. It will be people with good financial power, good marketing skills, good communication skills.SYT: But what about the fact that the number of UHNWI in the world has risen, but the amount of clients has not?Well, look at where all of that new wealth is? Asia. You need more infrastructure there, but I know Asia very well, I’ve been doing business there 35 years. You build good infrastructure and people will come, but you need more. A lot of people in Asia have boats but they keep them in Europe.&nbsp;SYT: So let’s say Asian infrastructure dramatically improves - will it just attract more European and North American yachties?I think the Asian market will still pick up. I know a lot of very wealthy Asian people and I think they could really get into boating. You have some great marinas in Phuket already. Once one guy starts getting into it, then talking to his buddy, and they start doing it together… I’m very optimistic and I do not see this industry diminishing. It’s changing, its evolving, but it’s not decreasing. I think there will be fewer players in the game in the future, but they will be big players.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/14585/image/large-a683a0f22c44b44fc124626cb8ca4de8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/14585"> SYT: In terms of clients, how can we attract more people to yachting?In this world, it’s all word of mouth. My friend has a 201’ Hakvoort, Just J’s. We did our boating together for seven years in Newport, until last summer which we spent in the Med. He has a Nautica tender, a 48 footer with four engines on the back. Wherever we went, people went crazy to see that tender. So Nautica asked if they could take her to the Monaco Yacht Show. Do you know how many Nauticas they sold at the show? 12! So who is buying these boats if the market is diminishing? But to answer your question, it is very word-of-mouth promotion but I also think that people want to see a different product. You’re going to get younger people buying these smaller boats, and building up to the superyachts.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25829/image/large-081b03e5fdc5f87b7efaeaa5f8cd1ced.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25829"> SYT: And what about the next generation of owners?My son is putting our 6-year old grandson up for sailing school, and it’s the best way to learn. He already handles a tender all by himself. At show-and-tell at school, he does all the lines in front of his classmates, he makes pictures of the buoys… he loves it. It’s sheer, pure joy. So kids are the future of yachting, and you’re seeing kids being put through sailing schools in places like Asia, too. I think this is growing all over the world. I’m optimistic about the future of yachting. Photos of Book Ends by Jeff Brown / Breed Media<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a> This article was featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

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Robert H. Book 

Owner insight: Robert Book talks Book Ends and American ownership

“When I first chartered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> (ex Happy Day) with our family two years ago, I immediately appreciated her timeless elegance,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II’s</a> owner. The 31.62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht boasts the classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> silhouette, with a modern interior design, which oozes opulence and sophistication.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280521/image/large-1e67af0f6611c7597719cf057280136d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280521"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> was delivered in 1969 from Italy and features exterior design and naval architecture from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>. With 180 GT of interior volume, space onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a>&nbsp; has been optimised to allow guests to live in ultimate luxury.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280535/image/large-ce5ae9eb50d5fcccc15067e76b5af94a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280535">“I wanted a boat that would bring me back to the way of travelling of the past, yet with a contemporary feel. One quality that drew me to this particular <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> was the finish of her interiors, the warm oak wood, rather than the very classical mahogany,” her owner added. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> underwent an extensive refit in 2023 under the direction of interior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7279" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anouska Hempel (Company)">Anouska Hempel</a>, with inspiration coming from her own 27.13-metre gulet Beluga One.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280538/image/large-bc1992e76b9442fb532eceeaa8604fa9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280538">“I have already collaborated with her on another project and absolutely love every aspect of her style. I wanted to incorporate the striking black details, the vintage trunks and leather baskets, her signature lampshades and black screens, and many of the exotic details that transport the viewer to far away places.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280537/image/large-20cb682fd672cad80ad561691434f603.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280537"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> exudes an air of elegance reminiscent of classic canoe-stern yachts, while offering all of the amenities of the latest superyacht. Her interior design has been carefully crafted with a ‘Beluga-esque’ style, while providing her with her own individual style that emulates refinement and grandeur.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291986/image/large-897408ac4a6aa3ec137b2e85516b18ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291986">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> is wonderfully unique, her design is where East meets West and I always enjoy playing with this cross over or cultures, history and design,” explained designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7279" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anouska Hempel (Company)">Anouska Hempel</a>. “ You have the traditional classical elements of truly beautiful Italian style with the folding in of discipline of an Asian influence. The symbiosis of both and the balance between the two make <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> truly magical.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280546/image/large-7a97e55932045e531e4ecb4defd0d7db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280546"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> features a unique interior design that is coherent across each deck to portray tranquillity and relaxation. “The bird motif is a recurring theme throughout the design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> and is best described as a crane that tries to free itself from the canvas by tearing it with its beak. I found it extremely poetic and inspiring for a family that wishes to travel with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> all around the world,” commented her owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280536/image/large-5086db271d1a776da49d1d2cc298fcd4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280536">“The contrast of textures, the lighting, the balance of light and dark, it is all a dance, and it is so important that the balance is considered and correct. Materials, textures, light and dark are of the utmost importance,” remarked <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7279" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anouska Hempel (Company)">Anouska Hempel</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280566/image/large-5d74ee44ed3421e3b4eb155c2a149129.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280566"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280564/image/large-f6f1391c0e6c8a38dcafcab9ec757415.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280564">With a four stateroom configuration, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> can accommodate up to 10 guests, with each stateroom appointed in a similar style. Her master stateroom is located on the upper deck and benefits from direct access to the aft exterior lounge. A second master suite is situated forward on the lower deck, and she also features a VIP double and twin stateroom to aft. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280533/image/large-a1967e2b66ffe6d8f8594aa9919aaa43.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280533"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280532/image/large-da7cd314a7acce5da72adbc0d04efb36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280532"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280528/image/large-651ac78f7d0fa7dfca861d9bb035431f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280528">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> features a wonderfully eclectic mix of drill, cane, Japanese screens, tassels, sudare blinds, herringbone tape, Louis Vuitton trunks, library lights and coolie shades,” commented Anouska Hempel. “Every material and texture is indicative of the crossover of the Italian classical style into simplicity and elegance – which is styled within an inch of its life!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280571/image/large-6cb33ab5ed11b0b249a5d56f0a18020d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280571"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> offers a range of exterior spaces which allow guests to bask in the sun and enjoy the yacht’s surroundings. “She has four different decks, with each one characterised by a different use,” explained her owner. “We use the upper sun deck for yoga in the morning, sunbathing with the best view during the day and it becomes an outdoor cinema for the kids at night.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280569/image/large-db35f6d057bc7a4fc5b1ee4aa0d2108c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280569"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280567/image/large-2bb26cc01dd5450394ef8af867855617.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280567">The forward deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> is perfect for a sunset aperitivo, while her circular lounge area on the aft deck is better suited to larger alfresco gatherings. “I wanted to create a large indoor dining area, as our family loves to cruise in the winter months,” elucidated her owner. “This allows us to live on the boat just as much indoors as outdoors, thus making <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> a floating house for our family all year round!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292040/image/large-9a3dc34f2e662a4d3fcf805f2179c510.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292040">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> engines which propel her to a top speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 11.5 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280568/image/large-04c4c8c0f21ae02d6a4b069d710240c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280568">“I have worked with the owners on their wonderful private residence in Lugano, they are wonderful clients and friends and we have been working together for years. The intention was to pull inspiration from my boat the Beluga and transform this beautiful <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, with her lovely hull into a glorious statement gliding through the ocean. the result is a daring, different and delightful yacht, which is timeless and tantalising,” concluded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7279" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anouska Hempel (Company)">Anouska Hempel</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291987/image/large-cb1bcba39d8d594adcfdc13cf0d8e882.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291987" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sounion II31.62m (103'9&quot;)Benetti SpA1969">Sounion II</a> is currently available for charter with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>. This article is featured in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-46" target="_blank">46th edition</a>&nbsp;of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Meet the owner: Historic Benetti yacht Sounion II

SuperYacht Times sat down with the owner and designer of  Sounion II yacht.

From refit to refinement: Onboard the 32m Benetti yacht Sounion II

First announced in 2022, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco yacht stands as a testament to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef Yachts</a>' commitment to eco-conscious yachting, without compromising on luxury. The 24.4-metre catamaran boasts a sleek and contemporary design, powered by renewable energy sources and is equipped with the latest in sustainable technology, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>’s signature solar skin. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280754/image/large-99266e5cfc391fa221aeab0fefcad355.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280754"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> is the newest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco yacht to join the growing fleet. Launched as the third hull in the series, she joins her sisterships <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10963" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marie-Joseph23.87m (78'4&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2022">Marie-Joseph</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12967" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeahorse23.87m (78'4&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Zeahorse</a> as a shining example of luxury and sustainability, co-existing in perfect harmony. SuperYacht Times joined her owner, designers, and sales representatives onboard for her launch event last month, surrounded by the owner’s friends and family.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284280/image/large-3695a9f6e9482e8fa801cfa26fd63eb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284280">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> is a home away from home,” described her owner. “She offers sustainable luxury while sailing in silence, and that’s what really attracted me to the model.” As an avid sailor from his mid-30s, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a>’s owner wanted more space than his 13-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> 45 yacht. “We love sailing and as a family we spent more than a year living on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> boat with our dog, crossing the Atlantic and exploring the Caribbean.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284272/image/large-4bd983b2a0a10969590b7c4a4386348a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284272">“On our previous yacht we discovered that on a sunny day we hardly had to use the motor or the generator, which we enjoyed as we were able to sail in silence. We soon needed a bigger space to accommodate everyone onboard and that’s when we fell in love with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>’s concept of achieving sustainable luxury with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a>’s owner worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5864" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Consult (Company)">Yacht Consult</a> in the purchase of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco yacht. The company was able to use their comprehensive expertise as not only sellers, but as experienced sailors to monitor the transfer every step of the way.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284260/image/large-cc4a42f91888f5d7d12fd9f973663d28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284260">“We first met with the owner in Belgium during our presentation of the Sunreef 60 sailing yacht Valentine,” expressed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5864" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Consult (Company)">Yacht Consult</a> Sales Manager, Wouter Vanderelst. “About a month later the deal was made for the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco and the final contract was signed two months later during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4556" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cannes Yachting Festival (Company)">Cannes Yachting Festival</a>.”“The idea that the yacht sails in true silence and is eco-friendly was a key factor for the owner in choosing a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco model,” added Wouter. Described by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef Yachts</a> as an eco-responsible luxury craft, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco yacht combines electric propulsion with reliable sailing performance and expansive living spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284271/image/large-9df79b0cca96be54f8e050c80ebc1e5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284271">The fully customisable catamaran offers infinite décor possibilities and each model has been designed to suit the needs of its owner. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> features interior design from Belgium-based design house <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BALO Design (Company)">BALO Design</a>, which have created a tranquil and coastal feeling onboard.&nbsp; <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/862329796?share=copy" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> “In the past, we had already worked with superyacht owners to help give their boats a personal touch onboard. We were introduced to the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5864" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Consult (Company)">Yacht Consult</a> to create a unique interior for this new yacht,” explained Bart Lodewijckx, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BALO Design (Company)">BALO Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284259/image/large-b146568fbd6b4120d83fdf32f600530d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284259">“After the technical floor plans and design of the vessel were finalised, we visited the shipyard to choose all the materials and colours for the fixed and structural elements. These decisions are an important guideline for our design team before they can create the overall mood of the yacht, regarding furniture and lighting.”The interior of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> has been designed as a haven of comfort, offering a luxury beach house on the water vibe. Her interior effortlessly blends nautical elegance with coastal chic to create clean lines and a minimalistic decor style. The use of a neutral colour palette also establishes a timeless and refined ambiance, eschewing any sense of ostentation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284261/image/large-f625b9167954959335ab82d539db081a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284261">“On numerous international yachts, you will find shiny materials, dark wood, and exaggerated fabrics. A beach house feeling on the contrary has the aim to get an instant relaxed feeling once you arrive,” described Bart Lodewijckx.“A palette of neutral tones was the base to design this vibe, with a balanced mix of rich fabrics and the right selection of high-end furniture pieces, to help finetune this idea. The light colours also make the interior look spacious and relaxed to live in.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284254/image/large-7750a2b8d8b904d87a8403f336808534.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284254">“We enjoy the idea of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> being a boat that highlights sustainable luxury,” explained her owner. “Although she is a luxury yacht, she uses sustainable techniques to create a more eco-friendly experience onboard.”“The high-end international brands we work with, are consistently improving their purchase and production processes. This helps to reduce their environmental footprint and increase their sustainability, resulting in furniture that will last longer, is easier to maintain and remains aesthetically pleasing,” added Bart Lodewijckx.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284251/image/large-36bdc9b77632b8060952d398016fe110.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284251"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> has been designed to host family and friends, which is why the main deck saloon has an abundance of lounging and dining space. Guests can relax on her sumptuous sofa, all while taking in the breathtaking views from her expansive windows. The use of fine woods, elegant furnishings, and soft lighting enhances the overall ambiance of the space.&nbsp;"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> is truly the most beautiful <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 I've seen, with a high level of attention to design features and details,” added Manu Deceuninck, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5864" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Consult (Company)">Yacht Consult</a>. “You can see that the owner was involved in every decision, as even the napkins are beautiful!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284252/image/large-de6d26f580f39b08156e042118a44afd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284252">As well as enjoying a beautifully curated interior, guests onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> are able to embrace oceanic surroundings, thanks to versatile and engaging outdoor areas. The highlight is her flybridge, which provides a panoramic vantage point for guests to take in the stunning vistas. This elevated space offers additional seating, sun loungers, and even a wet bar, making it the perfect place for sunbathing and enjoying refreshments.“When you look at the layout and the furniture used on the flybridge, you can see that it is not the standard layout, but a cosy and lounge feeling has been achieved, so for sure not a 'one-in-a-row' feeling,” added Manu Deceuninck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284274/image/large-a953520787a12d372e2cb73b5beb6feb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284274">The foredeck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> has been meticulously designed to offer a unique blend of relaxation and functionality. The primary feature of the space is her plush padded sunpads and forward-facing seating area, which enables guests to top up their tans. The raised tables allow guests to enjoy meals from a picturesque setting, all while remaining immersed in the soothing atmosphere around them.Despite all of this, the main feature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> is her ultramodern solar power system covering a total area of 164 square-metres. The panels have been integrated with various composite structures of the yacht including the mast, boom, superstructure and hull sides. “I chose a distinctive grey metallic colour for her hull because not only does it reflect the water and the sun, but it better integrates her solar panel design,” explained her owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284280/image/large-3695a9f6e9482e8fa801cfa26fd63eb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284280">While under sail, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco recovers energy from the passive motion of the two propellers, thanks to an advanced hydro generation system. The energy obtained is used to power both the electric propulsion and house appliances.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> 80 Eco yacht is fitted with a state of the art, ultralight battery bank that is around 30 percent lighter than the average batteries used in the nautical industry. With a density of less than 5.2kg/ kWh, they have been developed with weight efficiency and performance in mind. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280753/image/large-bd11d66140d2670d44e59af4a0d2c8b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280753">“For us, luxury flows down into the smallest details. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apollo 9924.4m (80'1&quot;)Sunreef Yachts2023">Apollo 99</a> is spacious, luxurious and bright and offers excellent service from her crew. She offers a five-star service to everyone who steps onboard, but most of all, she is ready to seek out a lot of beautiful sunsets and adventures,” concluded Bart Lodewijckx.

Onboard the 24m Sunreef 80 Eco yacht Apollo 99

SYT takes a closer look onboard the 24m Sunreef 80 Eco yacht Apollo 99, following her launch event in August.

Apollo 99: A closer look at the 24m Sunreef 80 Eco yacht with her owner and designers

The 40.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuic Nautika D.O.O (Company)">Nuic Nautika</a> motor sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> has been launched. The gulet yacht began construction in 2022 in Croatia and has been designed for the avid sailor Spiro Rakuljic, who we interviewed for the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuic Nautika D.O.O (Company)">Nuic Nautika</a> and boasts a luxurious contemporary interior design. She offers a six stateroom configuration for up to 12 guests, consisting of a full-beam master suite located forward on her lower deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284394/image/large-41b4ef2014c56ff0f0fbe9a63c377700.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284394">Her remaining guest staterooms include a VIP suite starboard, two double staterooms and two convertible twins. She also has accommodation on the lower deck for a crew of eight. Key amenities onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> include a sea water pool on the main deck aft, a bar, Jacuzzi and open-air cinema lounge on the sun deck. She can also carry a selection of water toys and accessories including two Seabobs, two e-foils, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Manta Maritime (Company)">Manta</a> Jet Surf and a water slide.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284413/image/large-7de842d47500fcd27e05c7e2f591ed36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284413"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284420/image/large-466e272757e7c646f73c501a89d53121.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284420">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a>engines, which provide her with a cruising speed of nine knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284392/image/large-76e1e4c87a27c7fa8dd7c7e25438bb75.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284392">Spiro Rakuljic’s family has been involved in the maritime industry for decades, building a fleet of mini ‘cruise vessel’ motor yachts in the Adriatic. He is now building his first private yacht, the 40.3-metre motor sailer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a>, so we sat down with Spiro to find out more about this new venture and to discover why the family is moving into the private charter business.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284398/image/large-f3bbf7d52b850f83821f0d0911cefbce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284398"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284402/image/large-9ad54a21a7089478b18dcafd8d75ed4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284402">How has nautical tourism grown over the years and when did you first get involved?&nbsp; Tourism began to grow in the Adriatic from around the mid-70s and the traditional wooden boats that were once used to export fruit were used to transport travellers to the islands. It was around this time that our family brough one of the largest wooden ships on the Adriatic, named it <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a>, after the grandmother, and began to reconstruct it.By 2020, our family had the largest fleet of mini cruise ships on the Adriatic. As a result of the coronavirus, we decided to focus on the market of smaller luxury yachts with six cabins for up to 12 guests, as there was a real lack of them on the Adriatic. It also forces us to extend the build time of the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> to the 2023 season. We’re really looking forward to finally showing her to the world.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284403/image/large-ce85b1ed046fe764be4afb810d6c211e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284403"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284401/image/large-95276ebd668e171ed14eb00b0d8fbed4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284401">Can you tell me about the design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a>, why you chose to build a motorsailer, who are the designers behind the project?We wanted to make a green transition with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> and a motorsailer seemed the right choice. The morning burin and afternoon mistrals – warm winds that blow during summer months in Croatia – also make for fantastic sailing. And with her sails unfurled <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> will take full advantage!The project is a collaboration between our family, Croatian naval architect Promardesign, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6904" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuic Nautika D.O.O (Company)">Nuić Nautika</a>, who were responsible for her construction. We were involved at every stage as we have extensive knowledge in shipbuilding, sailing, and the requirements to enhance the passenger experience and facilitate the vessel's management for the crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284414/image/large-259dd5ceec0c8feea88032387f85dbd4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284414"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284405/image/large-a8d2d07434722846381bd7fc14f548e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284405">What is your goal with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a>, how do you see her fitting in with the broader fleet?We’re going to revolutionise the Croatian charter market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> and propel our company to new heights of shipbuilding excellence. At 40-metres in length <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> is the ideal size and she features many distinctive features. She offers a perfect balance of comfort and convenience for guests and crew alike, and has been designed to navigate even the smallest and most secluded ports and bays that larger vessels cannot access, giving our clients an unparalleled and authentic experience.&nbsp;We are confident that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> will redefine the standard for luxury charters in the region and leave an indelible mark on our clients' memories.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284411/image/large-b916cfdc807e380e78fa81a3c8a411f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284411"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284409/image/large-9cc09f6bb4ff196a3cd79f1ffc8ca69e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284409">Can you share some of the yacht’s top features?The allure and need of being near the sea has never been stronger for charter clients, and Anetta has distinguished herself as the only luxury motorsailer in Croatia to introduce this innovative concept of living close to the sea. She has a beach club with a seawater swimming pool on the stern area that connects to the swim platform, creating extra open-air leisure space for charter guests to enjoy.&nbsp;She also has a large sundeck with a hot tub, open-air cinema and lounges. Notwithstanding her extensive list of water toys which includes a custom-made water slide.Numerous modern design features are integrated throughout her interior as well; her cabins exemplify the modern concept of open space, with bathrooms separated from the sleeping area by a glass wall that can be instantly blurred at the push of a button. Each cabin is also equipped with a smart room system, allowing the guests to customise the music, air conditioning and lighting. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284397/image/large-c3e83578da41f12b99c5850b19822123.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284397">As an owner/captain, you must have an extensive knowledge of cruising in Croatia, what do you think makes the region so special for sailing and cruising?The Croatian Adriatic Coast is unique, boasting a well-developed shoreline and a plethora of islands. Charterers can easily anchor in different bays and dock that are within just a few nautical miles of each other. There are many bays and harbours on both the south and north side of the island to explore. It’s a place of great diversity.Croatia has also undergone significant developments over the past decade. Many options now complement luxury yacht charter vacations, such as Michelin-star restaurants, luxurious villas/resorts, beach clubs – all conveniently situated on either the shore or nearby islands.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284421/image/large-65aaf691b1c96a5eca48bd3660843214.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284421">How does <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> fit within the Croatian history of yacht construction?Croatian shipbuilding is characterised by its competitiveness in terms of quality compared to Western European shipyards and pricing compared to East European shipyards. We embody this construction philosophy of building robust vessels with a high-quality finish that are easy to maintain –&nbsp;and Anetta is our flagship.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> showcases that Croatian shipbuilding can produce high-quality and luxurious products at a competitive price. Thanks to Croatia’s entry into the EU and Schengen, the Adriatic Sea is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors, which has prompted us to take over a small failed shipyard near Split. Together with our business partners, we are investing in the construction of a new production facility and travel lift for building and refitting vessels similar or larger than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284422/image/large-ecbd8c8b3d872a4e1f6facc6d8d5106d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284422">What are your plans with the yacht once she is launched?We anticipate delivering <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> in mid-May, enabling us to complete the interior furnishing and carry out the necessary test drives ahead of our first charter in July. We are confident that the season will be a success thanks to our partner and charter central agency <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht IN (Company)">YACHT IN</a>. We look forward to introducing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anetta40.2m (131'11&quot;)Nuic Nautika D.O.O2023">Anetta</a> to the charter market and will do our best in providing our guests with a memorable experience through our attention to detail and exceptional service.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284395/image/large-8f3f8a719b1d5c05210829515f4ded49.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284395">

Owner interiview sailing yacht Anetta launched

The 40m Nuic Nautika motor sailing yacht Anetta has been launched. SYT spoke to her owner Spiro ahead of her launch to find out more.

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Owner Spiro Rakuljic on the newly launched 40m sailing yacht Anetta

Francesca Webster sat down with Jim Glidewell, serial yacht owner and lover of Alaska, to find out more about his life with yachts.I joined Jim Glidewell aboard his 58-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unbridled58.22m (191'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2009">Unbridled</a> at Rybovich Marina during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2023">Palm Beach International Boat Show</a> this March. It was the second time I had the pleasure of meeting Jim, having first interviewed him under the same circumstances a year before, at that time to discuss his experience of yacht brokerage firm <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>, with whom he’d recently acquired the yacht. During this meeting however, it was Jim himself that was the topic of discussion.&nbsp;A highly successful businessman with a Dentistry empire and over 5,000 employees, Jim is a force to reckon with. Over the decades his love of yachting has led to the acquisition of more than 12 yachts, and he currently owns two other superyachts in addition to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity</a>, the 39.62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/217" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Westport Yachts (Company)">Westport</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serengeti39.62m (129'12&quot;)Westport Yachts2002">Serengeti</a> and the 39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/610" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northcoast Yachts (Company)">NorthCoast</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Shogun</a>, both of which he retains between the USA’s West Coast and in the Bahamas. The larger yachts are then accompanied by a smattering of smaller boats, including a 63 foot superfast Baia Azzura called Parvina&nbsp;after his wife, and a number of fishing boats.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/283465/image/large-51c52abfc6c51babecd058aa24be7dbc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/283465">&nbsp;Jim’s love of being onboard began during the Vietnam War when, at the age of 18, ran a 40-footer delivering marines from warships to shore. “That’s where the passion for it really started. It was great fun, yes we got shot at a few times but only because I hadn’t paid my bar bill! I was born in Las Vegas – you can't get much more landlocked than that – so Vietnam was a real experience and working a boat really ignited my passion.” Returning from Vietnam to school in California, Jim moved to a house on the water with a boat dock and gradually his boats grew in size. From a 30 to a 40 foot, he in 1995 eventually graduated to the 28.6-metre Voyager from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, a contemporary of &nbsp;John Staluppi’s famous high speed <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/2547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopussy 43.58m (142'12&quot;)Heesen Yachts1988">Octopussy</a>.&nbsp;After Voyager, Jim unscaled to the 36.57-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward Marine</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sovereign Lady36.57m (119'12&quot;)Broward Marine1991">Sovereign</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sovereign Lady36.57m (119'12&quot;)Broward Marine1991">Sovereign Lady</a>). He then bought the 37.19-metre custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1093" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flagship (Company)">Flagship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1793" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity37.19m (122'0&quot;)Flagship1993">Bon Bon</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1793" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity37.19m (122'0&quot;)Flagship1993">Serenity</a>) at auction. He kept <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1793" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity37.19m (122'0&quot;)Flagship1993">Bon Bon</a> up until a few years ago, only replacing her with his current <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/217" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Westport Yachts (Company)">Westport</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1793" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity37.19m (122'0&quot;)Flagship1993">Serengeti</a> in 2013. Serengeti was built for the entertainer, Johnny Carson. Since then, Jim has owned the 49-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zoom Zoom Zoom49.07m (160'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2005">Zoom Zoom Zoom</a>, which he sold in 2021, and the 47-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Star Diamond46.93m (153'12&quot;)Admiral Marine Works1998">Star Diamond</a>, previously named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Star Diamond46.93m (153'12&quot;)Admiral Marine Works1998">Ohana</a>, then <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Star Diamond46.93m (153'12&quot;)Admiral Marine Works1998">Rhino</a> and also sold in 2021.&nbsp;One thing that is conspicuous among the extraordinary list of yachts that Jim has owned over the years is that, bar the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, they are American built, essentially representing a who's-who of American yacht builders. “That is an intentional decision because if you cruise in Alaska with a foreign flag they require that you take a pilot onboard for $3,000 per day, even if the yacht is American flagged now and used to fly a different flag.”For Jim, cruising in Alaska is the pinnacle of his time spent aboard and it’s one of the main places he charters <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serengeti39.62m (129'12&quot;)Westport Yachts2002">Serengeti</a>. “Straight from the airport in Juneau there's the glacier, salmon, bears, and that’s before I’ve even put people on the boat!” Members of the crew use drones to capture the charter weeks and Jim is clearly an enthusiast, also fitting <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unbridled58.22m (191'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2009">Unbridled</a> with drones that take off from the water. “The thing about having a drone onboard is that you’re creating immediate memories that my family or charter guests can take home with them. All of the charter guests are given a video at the end of the week and they love that, it's a nice touch, especially because we really want people to remember the time onboard and come back the next year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/31931/image/large-27280f6c6c1dfe5d20bdf032a3756327.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31931">When in Alaska himself, Jim and his family like to explore the islands and climb icebergs. “The kids take the pickaxes and climb the bergs with ice buckets and fill them up for our evening cocktails. My perfect week onboard with the family would be up there, hiking among the creeks, setting traps for Dungeness crabs and fishing for salmon, halibut and shrimp. We have a barbecue and fish smoker onboard and I've recently bought an enclosed ACI 32’ tender that is better for that region because you keep warm and dry.”Not only are Jim’s yachts American, they also tend to sit around the 40 metre mark, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unbridled58.22m (191'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2009">Unbridled</a> being the outlier at nearly 60-metres. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unbridled58.22m (191'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2009">Unbridled</a> is a brilliant boat, not only is she super spacious on the inside, but she also has this massive 36-foot beam and big decks so I can have big parties out here with all of our team. Actually before we found this boat I went to my broker Kevin Merrigan and said ‘look I want a 36 foot beam and I don't care how long the boat is’.”While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unbridled58.22m (191'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2009">Unbridled</a> spends most of her time down in Florida and the Bahamas, she is also chartered up the East Coast to Nantucket and Newport, Rhode Island. Fitted with the full suite of diving gear, the yacht was originally built as a dive vessel and you can see that clearly from her deck configuration. The main deck aft is a tender deck, with a large open plan layout that lends itself to diving preparation, while the upper decks are used for entertainment with dining and lounge arrangements. Having injured his ears piloting his twin engine Aerostar plane a few years ago, Jim is no longer a diver himself, but the yacht is still fitted with oxygen and nitrox makers for family and charter guests to use.&nbsp;While Jim buys the yachts partially for charter, he also uses all them extensively himself with his family, as well as to share them with the many senior managers at his company Glidewell Dental.&nbsp;“In January 2021 we took <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zoom Zoom Zoom49.07m (160'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2005">Zoom Zoom Zoom</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Shogun</a> down to the Bahamas and chartered the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> superyacht Continental Drifter III (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fore Aces37.8m (124'0&quot;)Delta Marine2003">Four Aces</a>) for a week with our managers. It is a great thing to be able to offer the team and they really love being onboard the boat. Having 30 management people at one exotic location was something they will not forget. We actually keep <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Shogun</a> in California and every other Friday we invite 120 Dentists onboard for a harbor cruise as part of the educational seminars that the team runs at the company’s headquarters in Newport Beach.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193873/image/large-1c3bbae10efdfa1b7ee8f2ad600aa471.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193873">As well as hosting dentists onboard every month, Jim uses <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Shogun</a> weekly to enjoy drinks or dinner onboard with friends and family. Since buying <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Shogun</a>, then <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Lady Kath</a>, in 2019, the yacht has undergone a major interior overhaul and is now decked out like an Imperial Japanese palace.&nbsp;Partly for fun and partly to make her a more interesting offering on the charter market, Jim’s reimagining of the yacht came in tandem with her name change. Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shogun39.0m (127'11&quot;)Northcoast Yachts2002">Shogun</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serengeti39.62m (129'12&quot;)Westport Yachts2002">Serengeti</a>’s interiors are themed inline with her name and her saloon and staterooms are decked out in animal print with dark wooden furnishings.&nbsp;Jim has a big family, with three young sons and two daughters and when it comes to the yachts, the children all enjoy being on the water and spending time with friends onboard, whether it is fishing in Alaska or diving in the Bahamas. During the show Jim visited a number of boats with Kevin, looking for a larger replacement for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serengeti39.62m (129'12&quot;)Westport Yachts2002">Serengeti</a> to charter on the West Coast, which he will no doubt find in the coming months. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/283464/image/large-06c4b4d1848b68c78e7781912f2f49bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/283464">“One thing that amazed me walking through the show is the size of boats we are seeing nowadays. <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> is sitting behind us at Rybovich, At 377’, &nbsp;it shocks me that people build yachts that size because where do they berth them? I tend to buy used boats that have lost about 60 percent of their value and at this point I &nbsp;wouldn’t look into building one because at the age of 77, I don’t have the patience to wait for four years, &nbsp;I like to perform refits, and customize them to my Wife’s desires!.”While Jim may never build a superyacht, there is no doubt that he’ll take over the ownership of many others, and I look forward to joining him again next year to find out more about his yachting adventures.&nbsp;This article is featured in the 45th edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

yacht life with Jim Glidewell

Francesca Webster sat down with Jim Glidewell, serial yacht owner and lover of Alaska, to find out more about his life with yachts.

Life onboard the 58m Trinity superyacht Unbridled with owner Jim Glidewell

Skip Sorenson is no stranger to the maritime industry, a fourth generation ship builder who spent the first seven years of his career at Newport News Shipbuilding, he describes himself as “a long-time student of the yachting industry”. A true water lover and passionate yachtsman, Skip took over the helm of American heritage boat builder Century Boats in 2020, but it was his own venture into yacht ownership that we wanted to learn more about during our Zoom interview early this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277851/image/large-f740c3545bf47218df4eeaf426e30538.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277851">A regular charterer, Skip had a lightning bolt idea one afternoon while anchored next to 60.96-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diamonds Are Forever60.96m (200'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Diamonds Are Forever</a> on the northern side of Capri. “I said to myself, even if I could afford it, would I want to spend $700,000 on a week's charter for a boat like that? Probably not, but if I could charter a cabin for a week at a sixth of the price, I’d definitely be interested in that.” That initial thought sparked the idea of creating a charter business that did just that; offered both cabin charters aboard a luxury yacht as well as term charters. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275837/image/large-e66cd86cb11b2e2d3762fdb02a68535a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275837">With nothing quite like it available in the superyacht sector, the ball started rolling and the company was coined Club Yacht Charter, www.clubyachtcharter.com , but before the concept could progress, Skip needed to source the first yacht. At the top of the wish list was a 30 metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a>, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> was a prolific yacht builder with American pedigree." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230236/image/large-fbed19940220a3b1c53bcb922b3ac37a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230236"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230231/image/large-84b4d74aea7918b9f6e09109d0d6cf90.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230231">"They built well over 200 yachts, which meant that we could have a fleet of vessels from the same shipyard, making it easy for the crew to move between vessels. It also meant that the capabilities of the vessels have been tried and tested. Most importantly, they are made out of aluminium, which means that they are easy to modify, and we knew we’d be making some major structural changes to the yacht to optimise it for cabin and term chartering.” It wasn’t only <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> that piqued Skip’s interest, he also had his eyes on Mangusta, but the fibreglass construction would have led to complications during refit. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230238/image/large-e7c307ba3acc67ad596c4c6f2e1ea700.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230238"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230239/image/large-d40a99ce5c684e6d901dc1a6aa7b8af4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230239">Eventually the 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> was chosen as the yacht of choice and in 2018 Skip bought the yacht and almost immediately began the exciting process of redesigning her interior and exterior configuration. Hiring an original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> designer to assist with the redesign, Skip began an extensive refit that would create a yacht specifically suited for charter. Undertaken over three years at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens Shipyard</a> in Miami, the work included an aft stairway, reconfiguration of the flybridge, the installation of two new Jacuzzis, a new radar arch and hardtop, the construction of a fifth stateroom on the upper deck, and the reimagining of deck spaces to create a number of lounging and dining areas. “It was a difficult refit, as most refits are, but the team worked well together and the yacht is now much more capable and looks like new.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230224/image/large-7a05ba1118ee6302de95e9421375c452.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230224"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230228/image/large-17bc453b535d53d2e9a333d8200e1594.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230228"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230222/image/large-611b6a8ff407e285a76070b1da885fdb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230222">While the concept of cabin charters was an important perimeter within the rebuild design, Skip also wanted to create a yacht that worked well for term charters or for private owner usage. The amendments to the yacht have created a number of new and unique areas that can be enjoyed by all or just some of her 12 guests and she has already completed five very successful charters in the Bahamas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230242/image/large-63b2ff2ddd13b7bd1214bad71ff5a01d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230242"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275838/image/large-8ee1ff1fa6ad0e620018bb2b8b663303.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275838">“I truly feel that this type of charter business is an important one for the yachting industry, opening the door to luxury yachting to far more people, and offering a less expensive alternative to the traditional charter experience.” With the extensive refit completed and the business underway, Skip is now looking to redeploy his capital to another potential project within the yachting industry, and so <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> joined the brokerage market at the tail end of last year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230237/image/large-0ea4bbd40814510e54b96da1f99705d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230237">We asked Skip if the refit experience had dulled his ambition to continue in yachting, but he insisted that it had done quite the opposite. “It has been a significant learning experience, one that I will apply to my next project, designing and building yachts under a major auto manufacturer’s brand… stay tuned.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> is currently situated in Miami and available to view. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275836/image/large-9acdbf5a724ed094e9c80828d446923e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275836">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-44" target="_blank">Issue 44 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>.

Owner insight: Skip Sorenson and the refit of A Place In The Sun

We sat down with Skip Sorenson, owner of 30m Broward A Place In The Sun to hear about his unusual adventure of yacht ownership.

SuperYacht Times spoke with Alfredo Pacifico, owner of the 30-metre converted tugboat&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a>, to hear about her groundbreaking conversion from working vessel to commercial yacht.Starting out life on the seas as a 1964 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>-built tug, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> was born with the purpose of large ship recovery. Part of the historical fleet of Rimorchiatori Napoletani — Tugboats of Naples — <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> was built in the Viareggio-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> shipyard as a traditional tugboat. From 2014-2015, an intensive two-year conversion at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5775" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo SY Refit (Company)">Palumbo Shipyard</a> transformed the vessel into a 199 GT 30-metre motor yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/89370/image/large-a2866f696193f7b25137e343dc09723e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89370">Around 80 percent of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> was replaced or rebuilt, toeing the line between refit and construction project and applying militant technical specifications to change her status from working vessel to commercial yacht. In her full-fledged refurbishment, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> saw fresh hull sheets, a brand-new engine room, and a transformation to all exterior and interior spaces. In terms of technicalities, her internal and external systems were given a new life. Pacifico explained “The engine was replaced with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a> engines of 1000 horsepower, and two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kohler Engines (Company)">Kohler</a> 80 KW generators were installed. There are also new water systems and a new electrical system, hydraulic lines, black, grey and white water tanks, and six diesel tanks of 50,000 litres.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269820/image/large-35d7fee4b58639465be0a6246d9381da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269820"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a>’s originary, defining characteristic is her stability: rough seas and adverse weather conditions are storms that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> is built to weather. This defining aspect was not ignored in her refit, rather, it was celebrated. Pacifico told SuperYacht Times “Her new design was drawn up by myself, assisted by a team of five naval engineers each working on a specific section, and two architects,” who shared an objective of creating a yacht that provided guests the chance to “experience the sea without limits.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269816/image/large-c977f4c8cb7aab8c2be34efa0cef18b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269816">With stability in navigation still at her core, the conversion of the 30-metre vessel saw the implementation of a hydraulic steering system by Kobelt, as well as the modification of the propeller system, from one to two shaft propellers. Pacifico told SuperYacht Times “The advantage of converting a tugboat lies in the very characteristics of the tugboat: solidity, stability and large spaces.” These elements native to her beginnings as a working-vessel were retained and rebirthed in her conversion, creating a unique and reliable motoryacht. He continued “The main characteristics of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> are great stability, safety, and ample space, all accompanied by refinement and beauty.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269814/image/large-938d4d0a35d47eee09eb70ba96a2cfe5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269814">It is the bones of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> that remained both physically and spiritually. In a deliberate nod to her past, she retains her original external lines, a decision about which her owner remarked “The character of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> remained deliberately unchanged. What makes her extraordinary is her original form: a historic tugboat with a sold hull, powerful engines, and a unique design.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a>’s classic silhouette provides three spacious decks, with the traditional wheelhouse located on the upper deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73690/image/large-013c7d7f8feff3e8ca8ad98a9ee2be84.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73690"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73691/image/large-a6f7edaba161d5ed4e5cacdb769050ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73691"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73688/image/large-388d6407efb1a220088bb3e3493d9ee6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73688">In order to create a comfortable and stylish cruising vessel, Vervece’s original general layout was completely overhauled. Four spacious staterooms, including a master suite and VIP stateroom, can accommodate up to ten guests, with an additional three crew cabins that can house six crew members. A new lease of life was injected into Vervece’s interior design by Ida Penta and Francesco Scardaccione. Pacifico explained “I had already been working with Scardaccione and Penta on other projects for some time, and had a very precise idea of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> should look like.” Today, her bright and elegant beach house style characterises <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a>’s interior and aids in harmonising her tugboat past with her lavish new identity as a motoryacht. Pacifico noted “The philosophy behind the design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> is simplicity, cosiness and attention to detail.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73685/image/large-0134e5a10e415aa659928830450de0c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73685"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73687/image/large-6c9d5853b9b52950d01f9301b1284bf6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73687"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73677/image/large-ee58b6a1cf312c43291d7f8c0509d2ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73677">An intensive preservation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a>’s identity was employed throughout the two-year project, and her final form retains her working-vessel nature and 1930s style with all the modcons and comforts of a 21st Century pleasure craft. Her natural affinity with the open sea makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> a fantastic cruising yacht. Pacifico highlighted this, explaining “Over the years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> has travelled throughout the Mediterranean and now aims to cross the Atlantic.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vervece30.0m (98'5&quot;)Benetti M&B1964">Vervece</a> is currently listed for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73686/image/large-6f8caef397dd89835efc7b24a7afc0e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73686">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-44" target="_blank">Issue 44 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>.

Vervece: from working vessel to commercial yacht

SYT talks with Alfredo Pacifico, owner of the 30mconverted tugboat Vervece, to hear about her conversion from working vessel to commercial yacht.

The story of Vervece's groundbreaking conversion from working vessel to commercial yacht

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268073/image/large-754e017119099ec56c1d705cef91c5c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268073">For Mr. Paolo D'Amico, the idea of building a yacht for his family was not just a whim, but a childhood dream. As a young boy, he would sail around Italy with his father, and those memories stayed with him throughout his life.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235245/image/large-bd485af606dd8c83f63ad57e5f93600c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235245" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In collaboration with his wife and the renowned interior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andrea Borzelli (Company)">Andrea Borzelli</a>, Mr D'Amico brought his vision to life in the form of the 38-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola (Company)">Costruzioni Navali Tigullio</a> motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. The yacht is a testament to the couple's passion for design and their attention to detail, as they spent countless evenings discussing and fine-tuning every aspect of the project.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268020/image/large-ed952dac8d81d25d961decad51c1dce5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268020"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>, a rare custom-built motor yacht, is now available for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>. The vessel is exceptional not only for its dedication to its owner's vision but also for its meticulous engineering and traditional nautical execution. The fully-custom yacht was built in 2015 by the Italian shipyard and is a true reflection of Mr D'Amico's knowledge and experience in yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235235/image/large-eff476a3f821906a22b30a594904a642.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235235"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> is not just a yacht but a family-friendly vessel that combines functionality with elegance. It is a passion project that embodies the owner's love for the sea and his desire to capture everlasting memories with his family onboard. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/angra-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Angra Too superyacht for sale</a> is a masterpiece of design and showcases artisanal craftsmanship including a timeless emerald paintwork that will undoubtedly bring joy to its next lucky owner.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times sat down with owner Paolo D'Amico to learn more about his involvement in the build of his yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235244/image/large-495aa881c1a847c14c6290e00994c949.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235244">How did you get into yachting?I was born into the world of yachting, as my father was a yachtsman himself in the 1950s and 60s. As a family, we used to spend our summers in Greece, and I vividly remember my first trip there in 1968. The experience was incredible, and it ignited my passion for yachting - the sense of fun and adventure was truly captivating.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235243/image/large-5b3f4be804e91d63dd3ae29762970cfa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235243">What compelled you to want to own a yacht?As I grew up, I took over my father's boat after his passing and ran it for 6-7 years. It was a different experience without him, but it was my duty to continue his legacy and love for yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235235/image/large-eff476a3f821906a22b30a594904a642.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235235">Why did you decide to build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> from scratch?I built a smaller 32-metre boat before. It was a perfectly beautiful boat but had some limitations. So when I reconnected with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola (Company)">Costruzioni Navali Tigullio</a> shipyard who also masterfully created my previous yacht, we thought let’s do it and this time try to do it bigger. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/44729/image/large-50ee45ac1ba6a1c20f7574c20400855f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/44729">What do you enjoy most about the building experience?One of the challenges that we faced was to optimise the boat's performance on the water. One of the primary obstacles was weight management, but with careful planning and execution, we were able to achieve the perfect balance and excel in speed, which was so great for me.&nbsp;Another significant advantage of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> is the fact that it is a jet yacht rather than a propeller yacht. This enabled the engines to be relocated to the back of the boat, resulting in a vast increase in interior space. My wife and I were particularly pleased with the attention to detail that was put into crafting this beautiful interior space, which is both spacious and functional.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/44730/image/large-dd4950d2ed91fae36023210225007050.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/44730">How involved were you with the build?My wife and I worked closely together on the design, with me handling the technical aspects and my wife dedicating her expertise to crafting the interiors. Our partnership allowed us to meticulously create the yacht to our personal liking but also with timeless design down to the finest details. Our main vision was on the summer holidays we take with our family, if you build the yacht how you like it, then you will have the perfect summer holidays with friends and family, and I believe we did that with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268019/image/large-fb79d468b66710bc1ed8ee38f4704f01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268019">You went larger on your second boat; what did you feel was missing on the first yacht that you implemented into the build of your second yacht?I mostly redid what I had done before in terms of dimensions it was larger, but with regard to the interior space and cabins, I always choose five cabins which gives you a maximum space for around ten people. Even if I had a 60-metre-plus yacht, I would always still only build a boat with a five-cabin layout. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235234/image/large-7ea66eedc2f831cdb0a3642c0ef61cc8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235234">After experiencing owning a yacht, what was the most important aspect of being a yacht owner?While working on building the yacht, I truly thought about having my own space onboard, which is important when hosting. Yachting, for me, is the ultimate freedom. This is the best part of owning a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. I can leave and go wherever in the world I like, which gives my holidays a real essence of joy. I love being onboard, and this is something that I realise I need at least once a year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235236/image/large-e1162c066546a80451a8d163f25bd2e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235236">Would you buy another yacht?I'm always looking into new projects, but, at this moment, I am very happy, although if there is the opportunity to sell <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>, I would go on to purchase something else.If so, would you use the same shipyard again?Yes, of course, we work very well together.&nbsp;Where do you like to travel on your yacht to and why?Greece, no doubt. Everywhere in Greece. I love the Greek Island of Milos and Andiparos. There are also other populated areas but you can get there easily the only limit is the wind.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236752/image/large-46657c2c957794e6159612708fc937b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236752">Do you work onboard? How do you use your boat is it more for recreational experiences with friends and family or for travel?The main focus when on my yacht is my family and friends. I love to read and swim and enjoy the pleasures in life. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268021/image/large-5081f6cb07a062ec1d2606c81e8e61c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268021">What are the best qualities onboard&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>? What makes this yacht so special?For me, it is so unique and special for my wife and I. We really built this yacht from scratch together as a team effort. &nbsp;Like every project in life, once it has happened and been built, it is now your work. This yacht is rare as it is very hard to find a boat with these dimensions to include this amount of space and jets.&nbsp;Another very technical thing. I am very happy with the draft on the back it is less than one metre, and it is actually only 80cm in length this is due to the yacht having jets rather than propellers. This really helps as we love to travel around the islands in Greece and moor our boat on the rocks, maybe even just a metre from shore so everyone onboard is always very pleased with this feature. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266179/image/large-077a9e7a6315dc0ab52a5f9b2d98fe7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266179">What were your preferences for interior design? Did you have a specific vision in mind?We wanted classical and timeless. My wife managed all the interiors onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a>. She opted for traditional wood, and of course, we do not use carpets we just wanted classic wooden flooring. The result is simplistic but extremely elegant and it was a fun experience as my wife was a collaborative partner with me on this.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235242/image/large-f8d57c61199438e48a0344cfdc680f1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235242"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235237/image/large-de7031babc5bd593a413f01be8b64cf2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235237"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Angra Too38.0m (124'8&quot;)Costruzioni Navali Tigullio - Castagnola2015">Angra Too</a> is currently on the market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>.&nbsp;

owner interview Paolo D'Amico of 38m superyacht Angra Too

SuperYacht Times sat down with owner Paolo D'Amico to learn more about his involvement in the build of his superyacht Angra Too.

Meet the owner: Mr Paolo D'Amico of 38m superyacht Angra Too

“My dream is to travel once around the world – whether it’s onboard this yacht or my next, I don’t know. But I’m going to do it,” the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> told SuperYacht Times, beaming. With good reason, too. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265808/image/large-821f7341b46fc048783e7aba64d31ff0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265808">We were sat in the offices at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> wistfully chatting cruising grounds, star-studded events and his beautifully refitted 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht, which was gently bobbing in the waters lapping the shipyard. “She’s timeless, a real classic,” he said, gazing out the window. “The green was my wife’s idea,” referring to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald’s</a> suave, freshly-painted Orion green hull, courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6101" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jotun (Company)">Jotun</a>. “It was my wife who chose everything in fact, and I couldn’t be happier.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257634/image/large-9366f38055670e91b5ceb8d9c505e234.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257634">But it’s hard to believe that the 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> floating in the dock was the same one he bought nearly two years ago. “I love character, class and strong sturdy builds, so when I started looking for a new yacht I knew I was really looking for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.” With this in mind, David Westwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, first steered him to the 44.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a>, which is laid up at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> – as fate would have it. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259593/image/large-0252709e6fde006536f95fd2b29f2983.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259593">“We came here to Urk to see the classic 1975 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> you can see over there,” he said, pointing in the direction of the front gate at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, towards <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a>. “She’s lovely, really. But the crew quarters are just a little too small for what we were looking for.“The crew has to be well looked after on my boats, they need to feel comfortable. It’s important to us that spacious, well-lit and relaxing areas need to be found in both guest and crew areas. Not only are guests travelling with us, so also are the crew. I want them to feel at home.” With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a> a no-go, David was back scouring the market for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> that met expectations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196039/image/large-6c1cf1727a767970cde689a72b0858bc.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196039"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> built 74 superyachts 40-metres or larger before the turn of the millennium, and out of those 74, only 12 are currently on the market. When these yachts are under ownership, they often stay that way. It was in fact Daan Balk, CEO and owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, who informed the owner about a potential candidate: the 1990-delivered 48.83-metre MQ2, which was lying in Croatia at the time. Balk personally joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW</a> and the owners to inspect the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265814/image/large-ed3bd1e3447fc1d45e4f7c135b6a2cef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265814"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265754/image/large-ebb517a81c02f593d1b13c100bf0f087.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265754"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265756/image/large-f1cc76efab2089fa67e828788cdc9d7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265756"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265757/image/large-08fe49bcf5c99fbc1a7a5489e9c90c33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265757">MQ2’s timeless exterior lines, penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt</a>, and her voluminous interior won him over. The yacht was hauled out and surveyed in Trogir, Daan Balk was a guest throughout the study and provided the owner with sound reassurances. The deal was signed in May 2021, with the owner represented by James Hall and David Westwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, and the seller John Cohen of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265818/image/large-200cb86197f8907e67c59768f906ad8f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265818">But it’s hard to believe that the 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> floating in the dock was the same one he bought nearly two years ago. At the time of sale, she was shorter, had less deck space and an old-fashioned stern with small, swing doors that led into the saloon. She was also fitted with twin two tonne cranes, port and starboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265764/image/large-f5ef92227d044089b7c4db39a14e7644.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265764">“My tender weighs three tonnes, so those cranes had to go,” her owner explained. “I wanted to restyle the stern section, so I thought why not extend and install a larger crane on the upper aft deck. Daan Balk had left a strong impression on me. I really appreciated his efforts during my visit to Valeria and thought ‘why not take MQ2 there for the refit’.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265781/image/large-1c80402a6a79af370032a66f2a42de19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265781"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265790/image/large-ede5c877168aec88ce91085c99c4eec2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265795/image/large-20511eb863d128051c77551f603f4fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265795"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265785/image/large-835f076c9e2297ee73ec09d16c4a71bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265785">&nbsp;“There was a lot of interest in this refit from many shipyards,” Daan Balk explained. “We ended up in a neck-and-neck race against <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico &amp; Co</a> The final two contenders. In the end though, we were granted the order and we signed the project right after the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2021">2021 Monaco Yacht Show</a>.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265752/image/large-2b0599b6320a23dd3d157cff20a027d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265752">It turned out to be an extensive 16-month refit in total, with her original interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/435" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Robert Knack International (Company)">Robert Knack International</a>stripped bare and everything down to general arrangement entirely redesigned. Her stern wasn’t only restyled, it was also extended by more than a metre and she now features an impressive aft cockpit, complete with a hydraulic swim platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265776/image/large-c7e8853bf9fc6a98904d8c2e6d43252c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265776"> “The platform is fantastic; it can be lowered below the waterline. Just think, any charter guest can get in and out of the water with it, regardless of age. It also goes the other way, and my son who’s 17 was asking how high it can go, as he wants to use the platform as a diving board – it’s possible,” he laughed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265778/image/large-7db59ce967387b1532637f16f594ca62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265778"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald’s</a>&nbsp;naval architecture was re-engineered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a>, and the team eked out as much as possible with this redesign. “We wanted the maximum we could, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a> drew up the plans and made it possible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265770/image/large-09d0a99ab59be11639ea4aba37fab7cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265765/image/large-ec6b9c7bf2d0735ca7a317536602df90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265765">Glass sliding doors have been installed between the skylounge and upper aft deck, replacing the swingset that really was not to the family’s taste. “Look at this space,” he said, swinging his arm around the upper lounge. “Can you imagine being sat here watching Formula One? It doesn’t get much better than that.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265770/image/large-09d0a99ab59be11639ea4aba37fab7cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265773/image/large-5ddff050fb3e0ab6fd74641de746726c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265773"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265771/image/large-f2e53e7d7af661934e7eb0bb8d3e63d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265771"> The excitement was palpable and contagious. “This wasn’t here before either,” he said pointing to the stairway that connects the upper and main deck. “And the entire sun deck is new too,” he smiled. Taking pride of place forward of the sundeck is a very large Jacuzzi.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265806/image/large-e4ab38a2b432f8f5359257f7a579ec53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265806">The owner’s wife took charge of the project, working very closely with the UK-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> to map out and curate the perfect vessel. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> was incredible to work with. The team is perfect and they knew exactly what we wanted, how we wanted it. They sat down with my wife and in a day they had the whole project mapped out. An amazing experience,” he said.“We wanted a yacht that was built around family use; plenty of space, lots of character and areas where we can relax to enjoy each other’s company,” her owner explained. Quite uncommon, especially for a yacht of this size, forward of the main deck is not one but two VIP suites. “When we have friends and family onboard, having a second VIP suite next to the master suite gives us more flexibility and the freedom to have our family all together, each with private space yet all on the same deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265816/image/large-462a9f714a58748a84e772b49ef02937.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265816"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> offers accommodation for as many as 12 guests: four can sleep on the main deck in the two VIP suites, and the remaining eight will find accommodation on the lower deck. Each stateroom is finished with rich dark timbers that are sophisticated and lend the spaces a calming ambiance. There is a strict harmony across the staterooms, with only the ensuites differing in style.&nbsp;“Look at this detail,” the owner proudly said, running his hand over the veined marble bathroom wall. “This one my son picked out.” The portside lower deck double stateroom features vibrant stonework, unlike anything else on the yacht. “We each picked different natural stones for the bathrooms, so each suite has a distinctive character,” he explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265817/image/large-ebacdecc9e7bee9249a803d7bab6394d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265817">As we walked through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> the owner was most animated detailing the crew areas. “This wasn’t here before,” the owner said, pointing to a window in the galley. “My wife redesigned the galley and fitted this window. It cost me a fortune, mind. But, look, we’ve positioned it so the galley is well lit and the chef and kitchen staff can enjoy the views.” Each of the crew cabins we stepped into was more generous in size than any I’ve seen before aboard a 50-metre superyacht – or larger, for that matter. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265790/image/large-ede5c877168aec88ce91085c99c4eec2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265787/image/large-ffeddc33f30ae9b66993860fbda2a04f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265787">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56920" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="50m Feadship superyacht Legacy V rechristened Emerald following major refit at Balk Shipyard (2023-02-09 17:30:00 +0100)">50m Feadship superyacht Legacy V rechristened Emerald following major refit at Balk Shipyard</a>This family-oriented design and generous crew quarters have an added benefit: she’s ideal for the charter market. “I haven’t chartered any of my yachts before now, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a> has instilled great confidence in me.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> will make her world debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> in Barcelona on 24 April 2023. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265813/image/large-8bf0ce96031ac3c4b486c089cbbb39a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265813">“I’m so pleased with her; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a> and my representative &nbsp;Jim Boot of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WMC Superyachts (Company)">WMC Superyachts</a> have all done an amazing job. If I was to start the project again tomorrow, I wouldn’t change a thing.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> will be cruising the Mediterranean this summer season and will either be in the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean during the winter. She’s available for charter bookings through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265807/image/large-9d6a4eebf05e2a8f17adff4ed54455da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265807">

Redesigning the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald with owner 

The owner of the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald joined SYT to discuss her refit at Balk Shipyard.

Owner interview: Redesigning the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald

A single-prop fishing trawler is not an obvious choice for conversion into a superyacht, but for the owner of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>&nbsp;it was the only one. We travelled to the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6228" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Maaskant (Company)">Damen Maaskant</a>&nbsp;shipyard near Rotterdam to find out more.&nbsp;The entrepreneur owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> grew up fascinated by tug boats and trawlers. A part of his family are fishermen from the island of Texel in northern Holland and as a young boy he would spend time sketching the workboats he saw there. At college he borrowed money from relatives to convert an old tugboat and lived on board for some years. In 1979 he emigrated to the US, set up three successful businesses and is now the proprietor of Richland Rum in Georgia. But his old love affair with trawlers never left him.“In the 1980s and into the ‘90s these steel-hulled boats represented the epitomy of Dutch shipbuilding,” he says. “They were very sturdily built, almost over-engineered, to deal with conditions in the North Sea. I’d been following the Dutch beam trawlers for years and when one became available as part of a decommissioning scheme in 2006 I decided to buy her, basically with a virtual handshake over the phone.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186402/image/large-84f6a77e1402ecb73709cce58587334c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186402">The boat in question was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>, a 45.6-metre beam trawler launched in 1988. Beam trawlers are so called because they fish with a net on each side of the hull that is attached to a steel beam to hold them open. It is a method used for catching bottom-dwelling fish, including sole, plaice, turbot and monkfish, and their design owes much to the mainly Dutch shipyards that pioneered them.&nbsp;BUILT TO LAST<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> was the first of eight sisterships built by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6228" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Maaskant (Company)">Maaskant Shipyard</a> near Rotterdam, now part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Group</a>, which has over 70 years’ experience of building trawlers. He returned to the same yard to carry out an initial refit to remove all the fishing gear and upgrade some of the onboard systems. The project then ground to a halt for almost a decade as her owner was determined to come up with a work list and specs himself, mainly by spending time on other yachts, while juggling his business interests.Work resumed in 2019 when the shipyard began a full conversion by stripping back the hull to bare metal and removing the interior, decking and propulsion. After additional modifications to the hull and superstructure, all the metal surfaces were sandblasted, primed and sealed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260418/image/large-51cf50249cc0d30ead0ff0bbc84f77e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260418">“Basically what we’re looking at is a new-build yacht in an existing shell. My reason for doing that is the exceptional quality of the hull, not only in terms of seaworthy design but also engineering and construction.”By way of example he points to the stainless-steel piping instead of galvanised metal or PVC, the 40mm of West African iroko decking, and the steel hull plates that are 10mm above the waterline and 15mm below (although not Ice Class, the hull is more robust than most explorer yachts). The extra-thick plates also mean there is no ‘washboard’ effect when the positions of the frames are visible as is often the case with thinner plating, especially when combined with poor heat management during welding. As the hull was stripped completely on the inside, the yard took the opportunity to remove any dents, an inevitable consequence of the vessel’s former life as a beam trawler (the ‘run rails’ welded to the hull served as protection from the heavy steel beams when deploying and retrieving the nets). <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186704/image/large-d45a58765fb9b7cc0a9e892b5fe5ca14.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186704">All modifications had to be approved by RINA in order to bring the vessel into Class. The original trawler was rated at 570GT and an early priority was to bring the volume below the 500GT threshold, principally by creating more semi-open areas. Another major modification was cutting out sections of the hull and bulwarks amidships on both sides with steps leading down to water level, which actually increased hull stiffness as there is a steel box reinforcement under each staircase.&nbsp;The interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> is utilitarian, but also comfortable and not in any way sparse. In keeping with the vessel’s original design, extra windows or portholes are limited in size and framed in brass. High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panelling provides enhanced durability and impact resistance. Floating interior floors and low-frequency insulation serve to minimise noise and vibration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260419/image/large-4bab6476d1f1f6b80312260f363886be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260419">Maaskant Managing Director Eric Moerkerk showed us around a brand-new fishing vessel the yard had outfitted to give us an idea of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> will look like when finished. Although below Dutch superyacht standards in terms of luxury materials, the high-quality finish was several steps above what you would expect to find on a working vessel.&nbsp;“We’re used to working with demanding commercial clients who require a high degree of flexibility,” says Moerkerk. “Owners and their reps are always here in the yard during construction requesting changes and we’re able to react to their needs. This is the nature of the fishing business today and that flexibility means we’re well prepared to handle conversion projects like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260414/image/large-ee06398dd29d70c784ae1c3b4a08326b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260414"> “A SUPER-SILENT, VIBRATION-LESS BEAST”By far the biggest upgrade is the hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. Stricter emission regulations meant the initial intention to keep the original 4,400-hp <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deutz AG (Company)">Deutz</a> MWM diesel engine, which was in excellent condition, had to be abandoned. Wabtech EPA T4/IMO Tier III engines, among the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient medium-duty diesels, were also considered before settling on a hybrid DE system. &nbsp;Driving the single 3.4-metre Van Voorden propeller is a 2,000-horsepower electric motor (1300kW @ 1000rpm) supplied by Marelli in Italy that the owner refers to as a “super-silent, vibration-less beast.” The motor is custom-designed with two windings that effectively provide two motors of 650kW each wound on one stator, which can be energised individually or together for virtually any combination of normal motor speeds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260408/image/large-f5fa5d4a66f21ca9c3ee0009b9c396d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260408">The electric motor is coupled to a ZF Marine reduction box and three Volvo D16 IMO III gensets (586kW @ 1800rpm). The EST-Floatech Lithium-ion battery bank (2 MW) provides a further level of redundancy and is mainly used to run a full hotel load overnight without generators and for peak shaving, but they can also power the 110kW Marelli bow and stern thrusters for silent, emission-free, electronic anchoring. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261481/image/large-d7fd8b61c1cecf54586a63582c013506.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261481">Maritiem Elektro Zeeland (MEZ), a tried and trusted local partner of Damen Maaskant, is the engineering firm responsible for integrating all the electrical installations, including the propulsion, power management, automation, navigation, communication, entertainment and lighting systems. The hybrid system based on an AC and DC (back-up) grid can be monitored remotely and basically provides four sailing modes: battery mode with limited power and hybrid mode with one, two or three diesel generators that are always running at constant loads. A Dynapilot system from Alphatron Marine and based on DP technology provides full navigational control in all modes via a single joystick. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261477/image/large-526305ff73094c1c4e0065008c41da68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261477">Unlike modern yachts, two-thirds of the hull is below the waterline and the vessel has a 40-tonne keel. During the conversion weight has been added (including over 20 tonnes of batteries) in order to maintain the design draft. All this translates into a stiff rolling moment, which precludes the need for stabilising mechanisms beyond the original bilge keels. &nbsp;The general arrangement is still in the last stages of refinement, but when finished the yacht will be able to accommodate ten guests on the lower deck in four double cabins and a full-beam owner’s suite amidships underneath the original hatch into the fish hold (the former hold also provides immense space for storage and a good-size laundry). The main deck features multiple interior, exterior and semi-open areas for relaxation. On the bridge deck the open wheelhouse is enormous for the size of vessel and the owner has reserved the aft section as a private office. The main tender will be stowed on the sun deck aft and there is a viewing lounge forward overlooking the foredeck.&nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> has been thoughtfully designed as a home away from home,” he says. “The purposing of spaces, the flow between them and the designation between the private and crew areas reflects that. I want to feel at home instantly and when stepping on board and specifically don’t want to feel like a guest in a hotel when on my own boat.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260412/image/large-52f95d726732c7afe779d9efb91ee2d3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260412">ASK THE EXPERTSThe owner is well aware that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> is a highly personal conversion project that is probably more suited to long-range voyages in northern waters than cruising the Côte d'Azur. But his business instincts also tell him that expert advice can make all the difference if he wants to commercialise his investment through chartering and eventual resale.&nbsp;So we were not the only ones visiting <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>. He had also invited William Molloy, head of charter at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a>; Roy Posthuma, charter and sales broker also with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a>; and Pino Di Mora, senior project manager with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>. What followed was a lively and productive discussion about how the onboard amenities, especially the crew accommodation and services, could be optimised without incurring drastic changes to the existing layout. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260413/image/large-4df9e25eb2d9ea5c97209b9722616c15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260413">Some 16 years after her owner acquired her, the transformation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> from beam trawler into luxury yacht is on track to be completed by spring 2023, which must be something of a record for a conversion project.&nbsp;“This has been such a long project primarily because taking everything I learned, both the good and the bad, and translating that into something approaching a spec list for the shipyard took an enormous amount of time,” says the owner. “But it’s been an unusual privilege to be able to do this at the yard where the boat was actually built, where there are still a number of people that built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>. To have that intimate connection with the boat and these guys who have so much pride in their work has been an amazing experience.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261480/image/large-1662c33dc9992c94766b840b96d5daa9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261480">This article was originally published in September 2022 of Issue 1 of the How to Build It magazine. <a href="https://superyachttimes.com/api/download/how-to-build-it-issue-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">You can download the entire magazine for free here</a>.

Build story of 45m Scintilla Maris

Justin Ratcliffe joins the owner of the 45m Scintilla Maris to discuss her conversion from trawler to yacht.

The unlikely conversion of the 45m trawler Scintilla Maris 

Onboard 44m Hemisphere with owner 

The owner of the 44m superyacht Hemisphere spoke with SuperYacht Times about his experience onboard the world's largest sailing catamaran. 

Hemisphere: Onboard the world’s largest sailing catamaran with owner and diving enthusiast 

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2023">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> commenced on Wednesday 22 November at the Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Held under the patronage of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6707" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="P & O Marinas (Company)">P&amp;O Marinas</a>, the two-day event seeks to inform, assist and advise yachting clients and related interested stakeholders, with the goal of developing the Gulf as a leading winter superyacht destination.You can <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A complete summary of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023 (2023-11-27 18:00:00 +0100)">catch up on the full summary here</a>.&nbsp; <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bsBGajdz36g?&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> The programme focused on individual talks from key players in the superyacht industry, alongside panels moderated by the SuperYacht Times team.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/197014663@N05/albums/72177720312964466" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">View all the photos from the event here</a>.

Video: Everything you might have missed from the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023

Catch up on everything you might have missed from this year's Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023.

The 34.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1318" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Logos Marine Ltd (Company)">Logos</a> motor yacht Quaranta sold and was renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4303" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shu U Rite34.1m (111'11&quot;)Logos Marine Ltd2013">Shu U Rite</a>. The yacht was sold in an in-house deal represented by Emma Karanova and Cornelius Kistler of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4901" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="breezeYachting.Swiss (Company)">breezeYachting.swiss</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/17678/image/large-84d3aa7a8dcb80c141294fb423f78fc4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17678">Delivered in 2013, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1318" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Logos Marine Ltd (Company)">Logos</a> yacht was last refitted in 2021, leaving her in excellent condition. Previously named Quaranta, the motor yacht features both exterior and interior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1196" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lila-Lou London (Company)">Lila-Lou London</a>, while her naval architecture stemmed from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Incat Crowther (Company)">Incat Crowther</a>. Up to 12 guests can be accommodated across her five sumptuous staterooms, with space for a crew of six, including the yacht’s captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/17697/image/large-78c38d1e9a2a23539eab2619b3a91c22.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17697"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/107642/image/large-83907f8219823f2a412b522459cdd19a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/107642"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4303" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shu U Rite34.1m (111'11&quot;)Logos Marine Ltd2013">Shu U Rite</a> displays a large main saloon, complete with an extensive cream L-shaped sofa and adjacent armchairs. Lined with expansive windows, plenty of natural light can flood the saloon throughout the day. A neutral colour palette extends across the yacht’s staterooms, complete with opulent ensuites, enhancing the inviting ambiance onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/17695/image/large-64da2f1eb37abce3e85b72a803b421ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17695">Showcasing both a grp hull and superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4303" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shu U Rite34.1m (111'11&quot;)Logos Marine Ltd2013">Shu U Rite</a> is currently the third largest yacht built by the Turkey-based shipyard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/17650/image/large-f7f438e1eac3e26b42e09801b55eadbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17650"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/17651/image/large-4a1b3b6955a93daff43b98b3661c566c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17651">Regarding performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4303" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shu U Rite34.1m (111'11&quot;)Logos Marine Ltd2013">Shu U Rite</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. At the time of her sale <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4303" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shu U Rite34.1m (111'11&quot;)Logos Marine Ltd2013">Shu U Rite</a> had a last known asking price of €6,950,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/107662/image/large-2461540a22927d56a963114fff2cb6f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/107662"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/107655/image/large-582a7c80b8be9a85d1dace13f0fd446a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/107655">

Logos motor yacht Shu U Rite sold 

The 34m Logos motor yacht Shu U Rite sold in an in-house deal, at the time of her sale she had a last known asking price of €6,950,000.

34m Logos motor yacht Quaranta sold and renamed Shu U Rite 

The 40.92-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/612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Envy40.92m (134'3&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1995">Envy</a> was spotted travelling from Ijmuiden to Amsterdam past the SuperYacht Times office this afternoon.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295339/image/large-a37f4bb4bd256e97de77ee4155c9408f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295339">Delivered in 1995 from Germany, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Envy40.92m (134'3&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1995">Envy</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beiderbeck Designs (Company)">Beiderbeck Designs</a>, with naval architecture from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a>. She has received numerous refits over the years, and showcases a classical and timeless interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Knowles Designs (Company)">Patrick Knowles Designs</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295343/image/large-00c29408fa599e3f48576fb4bc3cb4a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295343">The 361 GT yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration, comprising a master suite, a VIP stateroom, and a further two twin staterooms. She can also sleep a crew of seven.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295338/image/large-d24586f4e0f5f8ad7b752a681d89adb8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295338"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Envy40.92m (134'3&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1995">Envy</a> boasts expansive outdoor spaces, including an outdoor bar area, sun lounging zones, and alfresco dining opportunities. In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Envy40.92m (134'3&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1995">Envy</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 providing her with a cruising speed of 16 knots and a top speed of 22 knots.

41m Lürssen yacht Envy passes through Amsterdam 

The 40.92-metre Lürssen superyacht Envy was spotted passing the SuperYacht Times Office this afternoon.

41m Lürssen superyacht Envy passes through Amsterdam 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams Jet Tenders</a> has announced the approval of HVO100 fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil) for use on all its <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> 4JH engine-powered tenders, including the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Tender/10598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Dieseljet 4154.12m (13'6&quot;)Williams Performance Tenders2021 Tender">DieselJet 415</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Tender/9404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Dieseljet 4454.45m (14'7&quot;)Williams Performance Tenders Tender">445</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Tender/9405" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Dieseljet 5055.03m (16'6&quot;)Williams Performance Tenders Tender">505</a>, and SOLAS 505. The announcement follows the successful first stage testing on selected DieselJet engines.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295335/image/large-4f50e309262999e57cf068471cffdd89.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295335">In this strategic move towards eco-responsibility, the UK-based company shared that all new product developments powered by these diesel engines will utilise HVO100. Looking to the future, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams</a>’ vehicles, such as delivery vans in addition to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> 4LV powered models are considering a shift to HVO100 once more testing has been completed.Sarah Moore, Sustainability Specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams Jet Tenders</a>, reflected on the news: “We are committed to finding innovative sustainable solutions that reduce the direct emissions impact from our factory and our vehicles. By using UCO HVO, a renewable fuel made from waste cooking oil, we will accelerate our efforts to decarbonise. We hope that by using HVO in our fleet and in our approved test boats, we will raise awareness of the benefits of switching to alternative fuels. As we carry out exploratory testing on our products, it will allow us to confirm HVO use in more of our tenders, enabling us to achieve a greater reduction in our carbon footprint as more <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams Jet Tender</a> engines are approved for use.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295336/image/large-a6cf245ac1ac99d6e9cbde3232faa97e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295336">UCO HVO fuels have a range of sustainability benefits including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These fuels are made from waste cooking oil, thus decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. In comparison to conventional diesel, UCO HVO also produces fewer particulates, sulphur and nitrogen oxides, in turn reducing pollution.Floris Lettinga, Director of Sales and Marketing at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> Marine International commented, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> Marine International is proud to partner with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams Tenders</a>, a collaboration perfectly aligned to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a>’s commitment to sustainability. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> Marine International, we prioritise environmental responsibility, and this partnership highlights our ongoing dedication to our wider Green Challenge 2050. By integrating <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a>’s HVO approved engines across the Williams Tenders' range of boats and vehicles, we are not just propelling innovation; we are supporting our customers in propelling a sustainable journey towards a cleaner future. Together, we help our customers navigate the steps towards optimising cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295337/image/large-92e3053169a10061684f2e51a6b62819.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295337">This announcement is part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams Jet Tenders</a>’ broader commitment to sustainability which has included several initiatives so far, with more set to be revealed in 2024.

Williams Jet Tenders approval of HVO100 fuel 

In a step towards environmental sustainability, Williams Jet Tenders has shared the  approval of HVO100 fuel for use on selected tenders.

Williams Jet Tenders announces the approval of HVO100 fuel 

The 27.31-metre <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 (CdM)</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5978" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yes27.31m (89'7&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2014">Yes</a> sold in a deal with Nick Hatfield of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6397" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo United Kingdom (Company)">Sanlorenzo Yachts UK</a> introducing the buyer and Mark Seaton from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4236" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht & Villa (Company)">Yacht &amp; Villa</a> and Carlo Aquilanti at <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> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204880/image/large-75395a07cf9968621e89ca40b550055b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204880">Delivered in 2014 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> Nauta Air 90 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5978" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yes27.31m (89'7&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2014">Yes</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a> and interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2090" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luxury Projects (Company)">Luxury Projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205539/image/large-9f9fc16f2fb5f24e874516142c087d85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205539"></a> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205538/image/large-d63ef6e63ea518dbee806339cb701d3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205538"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5978" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yes27.31m (89'7&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2014"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204878/image/large-c205dc41782fc29d55f3282052dc4b83.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204878">Yes</a> can accommodate as many as eight guests between four staterooms, including a full beam master suite. Her interior has been finished in light woods with cream and grey furnishings throughout. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205533/image/large-70cd8459c633028b6cb11b327b509825.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205533"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205530/image/large-6d04d7b9550566e57263eb1c23125918.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205530"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205524/image/large-c91fa373653e8e1396f165f5fa9d4ec4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205524">Constructed entirely from aluminium, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5978" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yes27.31m (89'7&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2014">Yes</a> has a cruising speed of 13.5 knots and a top speed of 16 knots, thanks to twin Caterpillar engines. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5978" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yes27.31m (89'7&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2014">Yes</a> had a last known asking price of €3,299,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111740/image/large-3695d236171983dfab3064bd804ae01c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111740">

27m CdM yacht Yes sold

The 27m Cantiere delle Marche motor yacht Yes sold, with a last known asking price of €3,299,000.

27m CdM motor yacht Yes sold

2023 has been a truly exciting year for Turkish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin Yachts</a>. Alongside the hotly-anticipated double debut of its two latest superyacht projects at this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> – the striking red-hulled 80-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a> 263 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leona80.0m (262'6&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2023">Leona</a> and the 42-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kasif41.95m (137'8&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2023">Kaşif</a> – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a> also boasts a grand total of eleven new-build projects underway which are slated for completion by 2026, ranging from 49.95 metres up to 86 metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295316/image/large-34a3f7ec857c6e5f067f6655e4bd71f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295316">Here, we catch up with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin Yachts</a>’ commercial director, Berkay Yılmaz, to discover more about the shipyard’s latest milestones, the benefits of semi-custom superyachts and details of its latest in-build projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295314/image/large-2edacae143a0aabad53f83b4349bd9e2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295314">What have been your major milestones in 2023?A standout moment in 2023 was the unveiling of Leona, the second hull of our prestigious 80-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a> 263 series. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leona80.0m (262'6&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2023">Leona</a>, with its dynamic design, eco-friendly features, and meticulous attention to detail, has garnered acclaim within the industry and among yacht enthusiasts.Another milestone that stands out prominently is the launch of our explorer yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kasif41.95m (137'8&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2023">Kaşif</a>. This vessel not only symbolizes the epitome of exploration but also marks a significant achievement for our shipyard, particularly in the context of our newest Antalya facility. Throughout 2023, our shipyard has maintained an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Every yacht leaving our facilities is a testament to the precision, dedication, and passion of our skilled team.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295322/image/large-1fbc2293788b908bc6dc4487d8a9e0db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295322">You offer semi custom platforms which build confidence for end users and which also offer flexibility on design. Tell me more.We can describe the concept of ‘semi-custom’ in our yachts as follows: Our vessels are crafted with precision, considering specific design parameters that have been optimised by design and engineering offices. &nbsp;The layout offers a plethora of features catering to various lifestyles, providing a truly customisable experience for owners.&nbsp;The technical compartments have been optimised for efficiency, making operation and maintenance a seamless experience. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the incorporation of eco-friendly technologies into our builds, minimising their environmental impact.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295317/image/large-8257933e0c38e08140f742d04295251b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295317">What are the advantages of choosing semi-custom yachts?There are four main advantages: proven engineering and design, quick delivery, minimal operational risks, and tailored layouts. End users, including captains, engineering teams, and owners, benefit from the assurance of proven engineering and design, instilling confidence in the vessel's performance. Semi-custom yachts also offer a shorter timeline for delivery, providing a swift and efficient process for owners eager to set sail.&nbsp;Both shipyards and owners experience fewer operational risks, ensuring a smoother and more predictable yacht-building process. Last but not least, despite the standardised approach, owners still enjoy customisation options for layout, interior design, and deck layouts, allowing for a personalised touchYou have in-build projects up until 2026. What are the distinctive features of each of the following yachts that you’d like to draw our attention to? <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218042/image/large-26e303488855afa7f8644bef92fd7252.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218042"> Bilgin 263 III&nbsp;Al Reem (80-metre, 2024)As the third hull of 263 series, this yacht boasts distinctive features designed for enhanced comfort and autonomy at sea. With a 20% increase in volume compared to its predecessors, notable highlights include an owner's deck on the glass elevator connecting all decks for convenience.Project Silence stands out with its 'light and modern' interior, utilising textured and warm materials to create a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295323/image/large-853c31b7c23d0710689adb2ce30a673e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295323">Eternal Spark&nbsp;(49.95-metre, 2024)Crafted from insights gathered in continuous dialogue with industry leaders, professionals, and travel enthusiasts, Eternal Spark is designed as a 'guidebook of onboard memorable experiences.' With six cabins for twelve guests, the yacht offers ample space for relaxation.Noteworthy are the four decks, five separate bars, and seven distinct socialising areas, providing abundant entertainment options. Eternal Spark promises endless possibilities for enjoyment, making it a standout choice for those seeking a truly immersive and entertaining yachting experience. This yacht, as a great example of 499 GT models, has become one of the best options in the charter industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/185324/image/large-4c56121ca42fa6ba657177f69a3687b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/185324"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a>&nbsp;243 (73.6-metre, 2026) With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, this yacht stands out for its exterior lines and naval architecture crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4305" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unique Yacht Design (Company)">Unique Yacht Design</a>. Described as 'aerodynamic,' the design showcases clean shapes and large, vertical windows.The thoughtful design of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a> 243 harmonizes elegant aesthetics with functional living spaces, ensuring a sophisticated and comfortable yachting experience. This is an investment project for the shipyard, as Bilgin is building this model on spec.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/282993/image/large-f9374ffa2cacf43993df54a62fc8340b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/282993"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a>&nbsp;163 II Ame (49.95m, 2024)This showcases a six-cabin layout, achieving a remarkable harmony in living areas with its natural colours, expansive windows, and high-gloss materials. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/282999/image/large-70ce823d350c02ab102e586f008eb5ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/282999">Setting itself apart, it boasts the largest exterior spaces among contemporaries, featuring a 21-metre long sundeck and a 12-metre long bridge-deck aft. This yacht is a testament to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a>'s commitment to luxurious design, providing a perfect blend of comfort, aesthetics and spacious outdoor areas for an unparalleled yachting experience.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a>&nbsp;282 (86-metre, 2026)As an upgraded version of the Bilgin 263 series, this is an 86-metre marvel. Bearing a resemblance to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tatiana80.0m (262'6&quot;)Bilgin Yachts2020">Tatiana</a>, it boasts sophisticated exterior details, including additional glass on forward bulwarks. Notable enhancements include larger windows on each deck, flooding the interior living spaces with abundant natural light. It is 40% larger than the 80 metre series and the 2,200 GT vessel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295329/image/large-5deffdaeb4af090f7ccbd005f178b472.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295329"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin</a>&nbsp;170s (3 in build, 52-metre, 2025) These represent a showcase of elegance and functionality. Their spacious open decks, coupled with expansive storage, and a sleek traditional bow shape, define a vessel designed for both style and practicality. The elongated bridge deck aft enhances the overall living space, while the beach club serves as a haven for relaxation and various sporting activities.53M Project (2026)<a href="#managed-by-system" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)" data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin Yachts</a> is thrilled to announce an upcoming project: three 53-metre units scheduled for completion in 2026 which will be an enhanced version of our existing 499 GT model.&nbsp;

Bilgin Yachts’ latest in-build projects

We catch up with Bilgin Yachts’ commercial director, Berkay Yılmaz, to discover more about the shipyard’s latest milestones, and in-build yachts.

Behind shed doors: Exploring Bilgin Yachts’ latest in-build projects

The 102.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a> has been spotted on her sea trials following her recent launch.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295309/image/large-d12805d44a0c29c3c5eb38b9776afa32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295309">Also known as Project 1011, the superyacht features both exterior and interior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>, while her naval architecture derived from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a>. Up to 20 guests can be accommodated across the superyacht’s 10 sumptuous staterooms, with space for a crew of up to 30 onboard.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/feadship-superyacht-project-1011" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Build Report: The story behind Feadship's superyacht Project 1011</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295308/image/large-2d82e12d8d33eb329e6212441099e847.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295308">Beginning construction in 2020 at the Zwijnenburg Shipyard, the yacht was then transported to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Makkum facility for outfitting and completion. Showcasing a generous volume of 2,999 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a> displays an abundance of space across her extensive decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295311/image/large-acbd5ee1e6adfdcf53932bf60c8eb0de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295311">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht features large wrap-around windows, ensuring the yacht’s interior remains bathed in sunlight throughout the day. Featuring 1,100 square-metres of exterior glass, consisting of 20 sliding doors and 12 glass windbreaks, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a> has been designed with luxury in mind.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295312/image/large-d7669bd2607e8be59a3c3823938d7597.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295312">The superyacht houses a variety of notable features onboard, including a winter garden situated on her main deck aft. In addition to this, the superyacht features four opulent Jacuzzis, a large swimming pool and an extensive touch-and-go helipad, providing seamless access to and from the superyacht. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a> is also equipped with eight hull doors, including the largest tender garage door ever installed on a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/feadship-project-1011-in-amsterdam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">In pictures: 103m Feadship superyacht Project 1011 moves from Makkum to Amsterdam</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295310/image/large-f0c7740f01b74971529f62f05a646f5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295310">Displaying a sleek exterior profile and vertical bow, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht showcases a distinctive silhouette. Regarding performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a> 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, providing her with a top speed of 17.5 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Feadship superyacht Ulysses on sea trials 

 The 103m Feadship superyacht Ulysses has been spotted on her sea trials following her recent launch.

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103m Feadship superyacht Ulysses on sea trials 

The 53.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/57" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariotti Yachts (Company)">Mariotti</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/62" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nonni II53.4m (175'2&quot;)Mariotti Yachts2008">Nonni II</a> has entered the market. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is represented by Bart Kimman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295265/image/large-7dabfd1242adf6d26e4fa66df1c75507.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295265">Delivered in 2008, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> was recently refitted, leaving her in excellent condition. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/62" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nonni II53.4m (175'2&quot;)Mariotti Yachts2008">Nonni II</a> showcases exterior and interior design imagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini Design &amp; Architecture</a>, while her naval architecture stemmed from the drawing boards of her Italy-based builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/57" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariotti Yachts (Company)">Mariotti Yachts</a>. Featuring a configuration of five sumptuous staterooms, up to 10 guests can be accommodated onboard, in addition to a crew of 12.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295298/image/large-5fa7db05dc128f2ccda21678f6e45cf9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295298"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295301/image/large-70ef4cc37336be53d0da57325c3569f8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295301"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295300/image/large-6e18876ea70d89bb1f0a2e59b89fdda7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295300"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295299/image/large-d2d4375d719eead689de25a158739c1d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295299"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295272/image/large-340aeefcab77397146f893c2c33eb7c8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295272">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/nonni-ii/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Nonni II for sale</a> displays a uniquely designed and vibrant interior aesthetic, characterised by bright LED lighting and high quality audiovisual systems. Displaying a futuristic design across her interiors, the main saloon is no exception. Modern art wall hangings, dazzling overhead lighting fixtures and bold purple and blue tones define the space. A large formal dining area, complete with an abundance of seating and white furnishings, provides guests with the ideal spot to host dinner parties onboard. A bright white sofa surrounds three vibrant and reflective coffee tables, while an adjacent lounge area is characterised by muted tones.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295273/image/large-97f84557c03b42d0c37ae78011d75ea6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295273"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295293/image/large-f3b1aa82c472e5bc80fcb2aa26d3a86a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295293"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295267/image/large-f5617502e42fae8de96fbabdfeb0d65c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295267"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295281/image/large-66351db4e283dd58eb8a0c90e8ccac31.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295281"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295280/image/large-23f77258954ed77a31e6c3047aebae07.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295280">Entertainment is at the core of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/62" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nonni II53.4m (175'2&quot;)Mariotti Yachts2008">Nonni II</a>’s interior design. The superyacht boasts a large gym, extensive cinema room and a vivid nightclub, complete with a DJ booth, bar and iridescent lights. For guests seeking relaxation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/62" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nonni II53.4m (175'2&quot;)Mariotti Yachts2008">Nonni II</a> also houses an opulent Jacuzzi, oversized sunpads and a night-lit bar on her exterior decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295268/image/large-528932823862d6d00ce4c5e9cfca11c8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295268"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295296/image/large-1f5804684f777ac1ebf60d6307b3010d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295296"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295271/image/large-7d0ef7a0b61af5032a02ce482107205d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295271"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295302/image/large-1b16576231bd8a72fd0d08f02f8f18e6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295302">Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, a plethora of light can flood the already brightly illuminated yacht throughout the day. The master suite showcases a surreal interior design, displaying a textured, aquatic wall, showcasing marine-inspired structures, while a deep blue, brightly lit wall is situated opposite. Red neon lights frame the base of the king-sized bed, while the opulent reflective ceiling and cloud-like rug enhance the fantastical design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295285/image/large-3e034bb4659edec006201f80b93e4529.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295285"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295284/image/large-e9d4ba64fe7b4e1c7e9726f353afb2ea.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295284"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295270/image/large-22535e89254361c8a592c9e5132abeb2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295270"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295269/image/large-bca7b9ccb6c344ae0f084140c31cb354.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295269">The remaining staterooms each showcase an individual colour scheme, while still maintaining vibrant LED lighting and unique design elements. The staterooms are equipped with an ensuite and situated on the lower deck. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/mariotti/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Mariotti yacht for sale</a> is also characterised by luxurious skylights and exclusive balconies.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295276/image/large-ca9c5ecc163a1a0f78d7d1f40c85e910.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295276"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295278/image/large-22a6c624880d21caeec0d079d076e2e0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295278"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295291/image/large-347c1630eb4020be75930f987ce26caf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295291"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295274/image/large-746ad30c76f0cda898a8a52403e4119a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295274">In addition to her imaginative interior design, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/62" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nonni II53.4m (175'2&quot;)Mariotti Yachts2008">Nonni II</a> displays a striking profile. Strong, bold lines stretch across her exterior. Regarding performance, the motor yacht is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots.

Mariotti superyacht Nonni II for sale 

New to market: The 53m Mariotti superyacht Nonni II is for sale, she is characterised by her vibrant interior aesthetic.

53m Mariotti superyacht Nonni II enters the market

The 28.96-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fantasea28.96m (95'0&quot;)Horizon Yachts2007">Fantasea</a> is for sale with David Johnson of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>. Delivered in 2007, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> features exterior, interior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/119" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yachts (Company)">Horizon Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295231/image/large-bd08aa54a3c0b566ed73e5e1320da024.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295231"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fantasea28.96m (95'0&quot;)Horizon Yachts2007">Fantasea</a> can accommodate up to six guests onboard across three staterooms, as well as four crew members, including the captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295227/image/large-2bcd3aa24ae7bd29e3b348a49a2136f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295227">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> features a contemporary saloon design with a large sofa and a substantial rectangular leather-covered coffee table. The interplay of light-toned furnishings, neutrally toned flooring, and ceiling collectively enhance the sophisticated atmosphere of the room.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295226/image/large-332723c54118771a34109d033f5533bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295226">The dining area, situated adjacent to the seating area, features a large oval-shaped wooden table comfortably seating eight guests. The close proximity of the dining and seating areas adds versatility to the saloon, allowing guests to seamlessly transition from dining to the seating area for a digestif.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295224/image/large-6e7b9e0c39aa9e79d3398d38b7daecc7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295224"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295223/image/large-a00893f7477d60c447fd27517b3dc899.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295223"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fantasea28.96m (95'0&quot;)Horizon Yachts2007">Fantasea</a>'s master suite is designed with a refined aesthetic, mirroring the saloon's use of wooden furnishings, neutrally toned ceiling, and flooring. The inclusion of a reading nook provides any potential owner with a private space to relax in privacy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295220/image/large-e518ed254dcbce0711e7f8cdf7f129e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295220"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295218/image/large-e0341cab538e4e624e2165c875afc5b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295218">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/fantasea-29m/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Fantasea for sale</a> presents unique features, particularly on the sundeck where ample lounging space invites guests to bask in the sun. The thoughtful addition of an outdoor grill allows guests to enjoy a delightful barbecue together. Completing the scene, a Jacuzzi makes the sundeck an ideal spot for guests to unwind, soaking in the views with comfort. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295217/image/large-9d67136961b90f680532547b46ebf52e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295217">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/horizon-yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Horizon yacht for sale</a> has a GRP hull and superstructure. Performance-wise, she is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed of 21 knots.

29m Horizon motor yacht Fantasea for sale

The 28.96-metre Horizon motor yacht Fantasea is for sale with David Johnson of Denison Yachting.

The 65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 711 superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10650" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capri65.0m (213'3&quot;)Feadship2024">Capri</a> has been transported to Rotterdam in preparation for her sea trials. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10650" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capri65.0m (213'3&quot;)Feadship2024">Capri</a> was seen travelling from Aalsmeer, the Netherlands following her launch in November from the Koninklijke De Vries facility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295237/image/large-047441380a601d62d42589b141fbac63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295237">Featuring a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 711 yacht was first seen in 2022. Many details surrounding <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10650" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capri65.0m (213'3&quot;)Feadship2024">Capri</a> have still been kept tightly under wraps, but new images show a high, slightly flared bow and her main deck and wheelhouse positioned at the same height.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295246/image/large-3a74aed148eb543a53e800d445d1ff93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295246"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295243/image/large-24f6ce9b6e3be3116cdc5504a761d209.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295243">The hull of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 711 was launched in August 2022 from the SLOB Shipyard in Papendrecht, Rotterdam before being transported to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> shipyard in Aalsmeer for outfitting.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58840" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="65m Feadship 711 superyacht launched in Aalsmeer (2023-10-16 17:30:00 +0200)">65m Feadship 711 superyacht launched in Aalsmeer</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10650" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capri65.0m (213'3&quot;)Feadship2024"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295245/image/large-f0c5068251eda32b4902293e84d97b02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295245"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295241/image/large-96069cd9760b2e7f92fb56625bd3932b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295241">Capri</a> boasts a large helipad on her upper deck, and a fold-down beach club balcony and spacious deck space for guests to enjoy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295233/image/large-71c8ebeb1f041db50cdeb61f25d118dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295233"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295239/image/large-e61bad922d0e4d19738656267c307f5f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295239">According to SYT iQ, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> currently has several yachts in-build including, the 102.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 1011 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a>, which was launched in November, the 100-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 824, which prepared for outfitting in September and the 75.7-metre superyacht Alvia. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295235/image/large-1134abc8d8fd6ad8f8c89654368590c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295235">

65m Feadship 711 yacht Capri transported to Rotterdam 

The 65-metre Feadship 711 superyacht Capri has been transported to Rotterdam in preparation for her sea trials.

Owner Experience

Owner insight: Robert Book talks Book Ends and American ownership