With 2023 nearly upon us, the SuperYacht Times Synopsis, brought to you by <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a>, looks back over the year for a rundown of the top business stories from 2022. &nbsp; Big business reads<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247938/image/large-75ecff1795c3056e99a72cf8b952120f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247938"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56323" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen and Rolls-Royce “to write yachting history” with new partnership toward a sustainable future (2022-11-04 14:30:00 +0100)">Lürssen and Rolls-Royce “to write yachting history”</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has partnered with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce MTU</a> for the development of methanol as an environmentally and climate-friendly fuel for yachts.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Breaking: Sanlorenzo to build 50m superyacht equipped with hydrogen fuel cells (2022-02-03 15:30:00 +0100)">Sanlorenzo to build 50m superyacht equipped with hydrogen fuel cells</a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&O Marinas to create superyacht service centre and refit shipyard in Dubai (2022-09-27 16:15:00 +0200)">Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&amp;O Marinas to create superyacht refit shipyard in Dubai</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax acquires IGY Marinas for $480 million (2022-08-09 14:45:00 +0200)">MarineMax acquires IGY Marinas for $480 million</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56268" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Italian shipyard CdM sold with Vasco Buonpensiere appointed CEO (2022-10-28 16:45:00 +0200)">Italian shipyard CdM sold with Vasco Buonpensiere appointed CEO</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raphael Sauleau appointed CEO of IYC (2022-12-08 16:30:00 +0100)">Raphael Sauleau appointed CEO of IYC</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54952" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine finalises acquisition of Denison Yachting (2022-04-12 16:00:00 +0200)">OneWater Marine finalises acquisition of Denison Yachting</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54709" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bremerhaven Lloyd Werft Shipyard sold to contractors (2022-03-07 09:15:00 +0100)">Bremerhaven Lloyd Werft Shipyard sold to contractors</a> </li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group floats 83.5m shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange to finance future investments (2022-03-24 09:15:00 +0100)">Ferretti Group floats 83.5m shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55003" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Full steam ahead for the Perini Navi rebirth with three new sailing yachts (2022-04-21 13:45:00 +0200)">Full steam ahead for the Perini Navi rebirth with three new sailing yachts</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto to build 60m flagship T60 superyacht on speculation (2022-10-03 12:30:00 +0200)">Baglietto to build 60m flagship T60 superyacht on speculation</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic42 superyacht refit and maintenance centre in Montenegro officially opened (2022-11-02 12:30:00 +0100)">Adriatic42 superyacht refit and maintenance centre in Montenegro opened</a> &nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Largest&nbsp;launches and deliveries<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233017/image/large-fc65cb6dab2951f3f2f0ad8f76a5e96e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233017"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55461" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue has been delivered (2022-07-04 08:30:00 +0200)">The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue has been delivered</a>The 160m <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/7683" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue160.0m (524'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Blue</a> was delivered to her owner from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> Aumund facility in Germany. The 14,785 GT superyacht is one of the biggest superyachts in the world.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56443" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="146m Lürssen superyacht Opera on sea trials (2022-11-24 14:00:00 +0100)">146m Lürssen superyacht Opera on sea trials</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Indonesia’s flagship: The 120m J7 Explorer delivered (2022-12-07 13:45:00 +0100)">Indonesia’s flagship: The 120m J7 Explorer delivered</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In pictures: 118m flagship Feadship 1010 superyacht on sea trials (2022-10-12 16:00:00 +0200)">118m flagship Feadship 1010 superyacht on sea trials</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In pictures: 118m Abeking 6507 superyacht spotted in Germany (2022-12-22 16:30:00 +0100)">118m Abeking 6507 superyacht spotted in Germany</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Construction updates<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225719/image/large-1b9569480036fbc7befb8fdc8661133b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225719"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In pictures: Stern of Oceanco’s 111m superyacht Project Y722 revealed (2022-05-03 13:30:00 +0200)">Stern of Oceanco’s 111m superyacht Project Y722 revealed</a>The stern of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s Project Y722 superyacht has left the shed and this is the first time a section of this project, which is believed to measure 111m, has been seen.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="107m Lürssen superyacht Project Icecap spotted in Germany (2022-11-30 15:30:00 +0100)">107m Lürssen superyacht Project Icecap spotted in Germany</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55913" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard lays keel of new 100m+ superyacht explorer (2022-09-13 13:15:00 +0200)">Freire Shipyard lays keel of new 100m+ superyacht explorer</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In pictures: Secretive 92m Feadship superyacht hull in transit (2022-12-23 17:30:00 +0100)">Secretive 92m Feadship superyacht hull in transit</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54746" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Construction commences for ISA’s 80m superyacht project Amarcord (2022-03-10 16:45:00 +0100)">Construction commences for ISA’s 80m superyacht project Amarcord</a></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Largest new orders<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225314/image/large-76b3ff1d3b79e304f98e23ae3b0977e9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225314"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55031" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts to build 100m+ superyacht for an American Tech-Billionaire (2022-04-26 15:45:00 +0200)">Dörries Yachts to build 100m+ superyacht for an American Tech-Billionaire</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> has signed a contract for the construction of an all-new 100+ superyacht for an American Tech-Billionaire. The project is scheduled to be delivered in 2025. &nbsp;<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56650" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="85m New World Sloop: Royal Huisman to start construction of ‘world’s largest sloop’ in 2023 (2022-12-27 13:15:00 +0100)">85m New World Sloop: Royal Huisman to start build of ‘world’s largest sloop’ in 2023</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group confirms sale of an 85m and 70m CRN superyacht (2022-10-04 11:15:00 +0200)">Ferretti Group confirms sale of an 85m and 70m CRN superyacht</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="New 83m Nobiskrug superyacht Project Orkan by Harrison Eidsgaard sold (2022-09-20 11:30:00 +0200)">New 83m Nobiskrug superyacht Project Orkan&nbsp;by Harrison Eidsgaard sold</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts announces sale of 80m custom superyacht by Espen Øino (2022-07-19 11:00:00 +0200)">ISA Yachts announces sale of 80m custom superyacht by Espen Øino</a></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Major used superyacht sales<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183766/image/large-9a80f4f7d81c52aeef4a3b270f275883.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183766"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SYT iQ market report: Superyacht sales of 2022 (2022-12-16 13:00:00 +0100)">SYT iQ market report: Superyacht sales of 2022</a><a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> has taken a look back at the sales figures for the year – and rather than comparing them to pre-pandemic levels, we’ve done a year-on-year comparison to 2021 – and the figures are surprising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Russia and the war in Ukraine <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/18330/image/large-7860a6c9acf99848cffc5a7d0d08e3ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/18330"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Update on Russian yachts seized: US imposes sanctions on 89m Russian-owned superyacht Nirvana (2022-12-21 14:15:00 +0100)">Update on Russian yachts seized: US imposes sanctions on 89m Russian-owned superyacht Nirvana</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;SYT kept track of the Russian-owned superyachts seized as they sat in waters of the countries that are posing sanctions on Russian companies and oligarchs. <ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54723" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Insight: What are the legal implications of sanctions against Russian yacht owners? (2022-03-08 13:45:00 +0100)">Insight: What are the legal implications of sanctions against Russian yacht owners?</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imperial Yachts issues statement over US Sanctions (2022-06-07 14:30:00 +0200)">Imperial Yachts issues statement over US Sanctions</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55459" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Update: Seized Russian superyacht Axioma sold at auction for $37.5m (2022-09-28 08:00:00 +0200)">Update: Seized Russian superyacht Axioma sold at auction for $37.5m</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seized Russian-owned 106m superyacht Amadea arrives in San Diego (2022-06-28 16:45:00 +0200)">Seized Russian-owned 106m superyacht Amadea arrives in San Diego</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56487" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="93m seized Feadship superyacht Royal Romance to be auctioned (2022-12-01 18:00:00 +0100)">93m seized Feadship superyacht Royal Romance to be auctioned</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="U.S takes steps to seize 99m Russian-owned superyacht Madame Gu (2022-12-02 11:30:00 +0100)">U.S. takes steps to seize 99m Russian-owned superyacht Madame Gu</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crew member attempts to sink €6.5m superyacht Lady Anastasia (2022-02-28 16:15:00 +0100)">Crew member attempts to sink €6.5m superyacht Lady Anastasia</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Casualties<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215491/image/large-a02880399c7742c5dd66758b25fec593.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215491"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Full round-up of yacht fires and casualties of 2022 (2022-09-05 10:45:00 +0200)">Full round-up of yacht fires and casualties of 2022</a>There has been a tragic number of yacht casualties so far this year; eight motor yachts caught fire, three sank, two were attacked, and a 50m sailing yacht was hit by a rescue vessel. SuperYacht Times has rounded up all the casualties (and near casualties) of 2022.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">SuperYacht Times presents the best of 2022<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fxyb7luvbR0?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56628" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: SuperYacht Times best of 2022 (2022-12-21 14:00:00 +0100)">Video: SuperYacht Times best of 2022</a>The SuperYacht Times photographers have had a fantastic year chasing superyachts all over the world! Here is &nbsp;their 2022 highlights! We hope you enjoy the video and make sure to subscribe to our channel for all your superyacht content! These videos have been taken by Photographer Ruben Griffioen and Léandre Loyseau of the <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> team.

 SuperYacht Times Synopsis: 2022

Nirvana off Gibraltar

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Palladium yacht arriving in Gibraltar

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Yacht fire at Ferretti Shipyard in Cattolica

Dörries Yachts logo

Project Y722 stern load out

Blue yacht cruising

Dr. Justus Reinke, Daniel Chatterjee, Peter Lürssen at the Monaco Yacht Show

The SuperYacht Times Synopsis looks back over the year for a rundown of the top business stories from 2022.  

SYT Synopsis 2022: Major acquisitions, five 100m+ superyachts delivered, and around €6b worth of sales

Opera yacht launch

Abeking 6507 yacht launch 

Sitting across from me is Sampriti Bhattacharyya, a woman who can’t help but push past any boundary placed on her path. What’s most striking about this is that she does it with grace and speaks of it humbly - an ode to her intellect not just in the field of technological development, but her emotional intelligence too. From moving across continents and oceans to designing groundbreaking technology for the US military, Sampriti has unexpectedly found her way into the yachting industry at the helm of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a>, a company set to redefine water travel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383526/image/large-c68e149a038779a749301544dea136ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383526">A journey across oceans: From India to AmericaGrowing up in Kolkata, India, Sampriti didn’t have cable TV until she was 16; one of the first things she watched was the Apollo mission to the moon. “The idea that people are going outside of planet Earth, it completely changed what humanity is capable of doing,” shares Sampriti. She was a curious kid, a trait she still holds dear to her heart, and has lived a life exploring solutions for any kind of problem, yet mainly those that, when solved, can fundamentally change how you interact with the world.&nbsp;Yet growing up in India, Sampriti didn’t have many opportunities, especially as a young woman. By the age of 20, owning her first computer, it was a singular email that ended up getting her a ticket to America. From there, alone and a world away from her family, Sampriti shifted her focus to high energy physics at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory/Fermilab in Illinois. “I was always fascinated by space and understanding the universe, but down the line, I realised we might leave that for artificial general intelligence (AGI) to figure that stuff out.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383528/image/large-83e7e7e14cc75902db67627fc977be68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383528">Shifting her focus from purely experimental physics to a more hands-on approach, building machines and nuclear reactors, Sampriti ended up working on aircraft controls for NASA before starting her PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).In 2014, when Malaysian Airline Flight 370 disappeared, Sampriti was working on building underwater drones to be used for ocean mapping. “Everyone’s talking about going to the moon and occupying Mars, but we have 70% of the world’s real estate, the ocean, our very own backyard and we don’t even know when an airplane gets lost.”&nbsp;It was a topic that deeply intrigued Sampriti: “I went down a rabbit hole of understanding the entire maritime industry.” She quickly learned that it’s very much of a legacy-based industry, yet that it has infinite potential. “Everything we use moves on this water: food, all kinds of goods, and the future of energy. It’s not in space.” The auto-industry was being transformed, as well as aerospace, computing, sensing, scalable manufacturing and propulsion technologies: “if you apply the same technology stack to maritime manufacturing, which is still a very fragmented, old school industry, you can make not just a little bit of a difference, rather, you can fundamentally change the way the industry works. I was convinced that, like there is a Tesla and a SpaceX, there will be an equivalent vertically integrated maritime company.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383534/image/large-e9498aaaf85ece20432436236098485e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383534">Introducing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a>Occupying that space is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a>, a company focused on radically changing the maritime industry, founded and owned by Sampriti herself. With a mission of building the most compelling, software driven marine vessels, Sampriti and her team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> strive to build boats that drastically reduce operational costs and unlock a new era of clean, scalable waterborne transportation for both people and goods. “I didn’t set out to build sustainable boats, I just wanted to build the best boats, and those happen to be electric and hydrofoiling,” Sampriti notes humorously. Working to understand the physics and economics behind a gas-based boat, “you have this big body and you’re trying to push water; it takes a lot of energy.” It’s a hindrance in cities like Amsterdam or San Francisco, where efficient transportation via water could cut a lot of time and costs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383550/image/large-acf9f7fcc25a130b6a325084da808be1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383550">The boat Sampriti has built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> is hydrofoiling and electric. When looking at the operational costs of a boat, there are two elements: there’s fuel and there is labour needed to push a boat through the water. A <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> boat doesn’t have this, instead, by using electric hydrofoiling there is no plowing through the water, making the vessel “incredibly efficient: the electric hydrofoiling delivers ~10x efficiency versus a conventional gas boat. About 70 percent of that gain comes from hydrofoiling, and ~ 30 percent from electrification” highlights Sampriti. Another benefit is that hydrofoil and electric together is also much cheaper than a regular gas-based vessel. “People don’t realise that ‘electric’ has a lot of efficiency: it gives about 30% more operational cost-efficiency.”Sampriti highlights another benefit of hydrofoiling, stating how “it gives you a much better ride experience because there is no seasickness; electric also means it’s noise free.” The boat is sustainable, yet Sampriti isn’t a fan of the overused buzzword, instead, she relates it back to her original goal: “Let's build the best boat. And that happens to be hydrofoiling and electric.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383529/image/large-f4e59995e4f20f4a02a2b6d8cb5c76ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383529">Building for the futureThe actual build of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> boat, the N30 Pioneer Edition, started in 2022 and the first batch was delivered last year. Currently Sampriti and her team are busy with deliveries of the N30 Pioneer Edition II, starting around April of this year. Both the Pioneer I and II are 100 percent electric. The Pioneer II also incorporates more advanced features, including Starlink and NACS fast charging.Not long after starting on Pioneer I, Sampriti was approached by a defence company. Having previous experience in building military-grade technology, it seemed like a very natural collaboration for Sampriti’s business. The N30 Quanta, unveiled at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025, is the longest range vessel in its category. Sampriti shares that it’s “a 30-foot hybrid electrical vessel with a range of 700 nautical miles for the civilian variant, and a range of 2,000 nautical miles for the defence variant; both at a cruising speed of 20 knots. It fundamentally changes what America can do at sea.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383551/image/large-79279829441e5bae48e6e420a812b554.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383551">Currently the United States sits at number 19 when it comes to the maritime industry, a stark contrast to having been number one until the Second World War. “After that, incentives weren’t given to shipyards, labour cost was very high and there were too many regulations,” shares Sampriti. Yet the tides are turning: “It’s a huge geopolitical, national security and trade risk because 90 percent of goods are transported across the ocean.” Sampriti shares how, slowly, people are waking up to the maritime reality, “there’s a lot of push on ship building again. It’s not just about naval power, but rather building a maritime ground with standardised, common platforms that can be repurposed for defence, cargo and transportation.”Sampriti’s view is holistic, noting that “each of these platforms and ships have commonalities. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a>, we’re focused on building the first-of-its-kind Generalised Marine Vessel Platform (GMVP), designed around three governing principles: low build and operation cost, longest range at speed, and operation across diverse sea states.” This is precisely where hydrofoils come in as they’re built for this multifunctionally. “They can carry big cargo and remain stable and have a much longer range than a general hull can have, and that’s really our ethos,” Sampriti notes. “We’re in an era of asymmetric warfare where a $1,000 drone can take down a billion dollar carrier craft,” something that is neither sustainable nor economically efficient. “You have to build things that can scale,” Sampriti continues, “to build vessels that are adaptable.”&nbsp;The goal for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> is to be a dual-use company: to have a vessel that can be used for defence and civilian purposes. Just like aviation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> vessels also fit the high-end luxury industry of superyachts, “it’s like how the flight control system that is on US Navy vessels is the same flight control system we have in our recreational aircrafts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383552/image/large-55de5dbef6f489e6c364a79356321084.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383552">Altering the use of waterwaysFor centuries, and still in places like Venice and Amsterdam, people travel on the water. Overtime, roadways and railways didn’t just become more efficient, but boats became inefficient. “If you can solve the cost and comfort problem of small boats, then suddenly every Marina can be a transportation hub,” Sampriti continues, “you’re doing the same thing that trains and airways are doing, and starting an entirely scalable transportation network between every Marina. It’s a standardised network.”&nbsp;It’s these kinds of changes that motivates Sampriti to get up in the morning: to connect the world and everyday people, allowing them to travel from place to place at incredible speed. “Take a place like San Francisco: if you go from Martinez, it’s over two hours by land, due to traffic, but 45 minutes by water.” By introducing vessels like Sampriti’s, people can come to work in San Francisco, while living further out without losing too much time or money on a commute. “It creates more affordable housing, growth in infrastructure, and an accessibility to life.”The technology, however, is expensive. “We’re very fortunate,” Sampriti notes, “because there’s early champions like doctors who see the big vision.” The maritime industry is a very conservative one, making it essential to have people who understand the vision. “We get them to the boat show and introduce them to adventurers, explorers and pioneers that are willing to try this high-tech thing out. Owners of superyachts are precisely those kinds of people.” An industry filled with entrepreneurs and creatives, they become cheerleaders of innovation for businesses and ideas the likes of Sampriti’s.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383517/image/large-bec9c81cb41170abd517704808fb1bcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383517">Superyacht owners weren’t the clientele in mind when designing the best possible vessel, however, Sampriti has intentionally produced a limited number of recreational vessels. The idea is to build a community of explorers and mavericks at heart, who are pioneering a new era of sea adventure. “When you see people you aspire to be like, and those people are using these hydrofoil electric boats, it influences their audience and changes the way people look at maritime transportation, but also benefits the planet.Sampriti calls herself “very much of an optimist. I think in the long run, if you build a product that is helpful and useful for the world and it functions better than what already exists, I like to believe merit will win.” Sampriti knows that her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navier (Company)">Navier</a> vessels will create an irreversible change in the maritime industry, “it might be slow at the start, but you push through.” It is precisely this optimism, tied with Sampriti’s vast experience in maritime technology and her care for the ocean that will help her continue to break maritime boundaries, one electric hydrofoil at a time.

Navier redefining boundaries of maritime transportation

The woman who is singlehandedly changing the maritime industry: Sampriti Bhattacharyya, the foundere and CEO of Navier

Sampriti and Navier: Redefining the boundaries of maritime transportation

A lifelong spearfisher, a captain and recently a broker, one can truly say that Cameron Kirkconnell is a man of the sea. Growing up in the Cayman Islands, traversing the globe, setting numerous spearfishing world records, and selling superyachts, the common denominator in all Cameron does is his profound sense of care, whether for clients, guests or colleagues.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times Features Editor Leona Caanen sits down with Cameron to chat about his journey from spearfisher to captain to superyacht broker.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381245/image/large-b8435d19156ab8568d831fc861c03d0c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381245">Captain, spearfisher, nomadCameron’s ties to the sea span back generations, to when his forefathers were shipwrecked off of Cuba six or seven generations ago. “They were found by a group of people from the Cayman Islands,” Cameron shares, “since then, our family has been there for about five generations.” Coming from a long line of captains, “we’re bred from the sea,” Cameron shares, “growing up, our entire lives were centred around going to the water, whether to dive or fish or go surfing.” Even when playing college league football and competitive water polo, Cameron always preferred to be in the water; whether hunting or fishing with his dad and cousins.&nbsp;After high school, Cameron attended and graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy, one of the best maritime schools there is. He left the academy with certification to work as a third officer with unlimited tonnage on any kind of ship. From there, Cameron followed in his ancestor’s footsteps, working his way up to captain, while traversing the globe onboard commercial vessels. &nbsp;Just like the superyacht industry, being onboard a commercial vessel means working on rotation. Saving up as much money as he could, Cameron would spend his time off travelling to remote corners across the world, finding places to go diving and fishing. “Until I met my wife, about 15 years ago, I had never paid rent. I never had a permanent place to stay.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381275/image/large-fcd8ed1b2fa264bc4bb6527665b6b9c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381275">Having grown up fishing, spearfishing, and diving, Cameron went looking for other places to explore the ocean. “I fell in love with travelling. For eight or ten years, I went all over, from the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, East Coast of Africa, all through the Caribbean, and Central America.”No matter where he travelled in his time off, Cameron always aimed to give his all and strike gold when fishing: “I’m going to the best place at the right time, on the right moon, on the right tide, and I’m going to get the best fish that there is. Period.” With more than 19 world records to his name and another 30 or so achieved for and with others, the results underscore his efforts, yet he still remembers the one that started it all: “The first really significant world record I got was in Bali, Indonesia, catching a dog tooth tuna.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381247/image/large-9fdee404f4859a57081005654ec1f01f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381247">Like father, like sonCameron is a family man at heart. Upon retiring from his solo global adventures, Cameron got married and started his family, although he did anything but settle down. Instead, he shares his passion for the sea with his kids, the oldest of which is already accompanying him on trips. “My son and I went up to the northern part of Norway and did a week of spearfishing together to try and get the world record for halibut,” Cameron shares. A record he, of course, achieved, yet the pride wasn’t in adding another record to his name, but rather in sharing it with his son.It was Cameron’s father that got him into spearfishing, with some of his earliest and best memories growing up in the Cayman Islands being with his father. “I was so small and I couldn’t swim, so he’d have his arm out and I’d be holding on, he’d be towing me around.” Already back then Cameron could spot fish better than anyone else; people would praise his skills, give a pat on the back: “I find I could, and can, just pick out minute details, spot something different and significant, only now to be overshadowed by my son,” Cameron shares, adding with a hint of pride: “he’s eleven,”“I bring my son on a lot of trips, he’s very good on the boat,” Cameron remarks, emphasising that his son isn’t just great at spotting fish and spearfishing, but also at spotting boats. “He’s a savage critic on boats… he’ll tell you straight up.” A character trait that Cameron is proud to see, “we’ve always pushed transparency in our kids, whether in business or in people, life is too short.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381248/image/large-4cf86a16eaa71752830ca731bb2a57d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381248">Spearfisher turned brokerCameron himself also strives to be transparent, within his family life, in spearfishing and in business. While having spent most of his life in the water and plenty of time on boats, Cameron had never quite intended to become a superyacht broker, but like most things in his life, when the opportunity arose, he jumped right in, giving it his all.In sharing spearfishing with others, Cameron eventually landed in the world of superyachts. The first five or so years, he was managing everything by himself, but when the opportunity arose to join AJ Blackmon at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikonic Yachts (Company)">Ikonic Yachts</a>, the choice was easy. “I needed the help; I needed the background, the back office, and the know-how of the yachts.” Yet it wasn’t just the professional timing that made the match; “AJ has this insane level of transparency and expertise; it’s unbelievable what he has put together and he is very humble.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381274/image/large-4eee43810e64eb39a7b11536ba71c90e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381274">Upon joining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikonic Yachts (Company)">Ikonic</a> team, Cameron notes how AJ has put together a great team, one that feels like a family office with no BS. “Putting together him and I and Matt and Ben and Hannah; it’s such a good set up,” Cameron enthuses, “not just for me but for my clients because everyone in the team is at the absolute pinnacle of their business. It’s the best of the best.”&nbsp;One of the most memorable yachts that Cameron has gotten to work with has been <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6344" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Beast 39.2m (128'7&quot;)Profab Central Engineering Ltd2019">The Beast</a>, belonging to Sir Michael Hill. On a search for the ideal vessel to take Cameron and his team on remote spearfishing excursions, they ran into the 39-metre superyacht. “When we found the beast, we were like, where has this thing been? When going remote, you don’t just need a nice boat, you need all the functionalities required for such a mission,” says Cameron.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217319/image/large-389761c0d05f0528314f5aab63e4b23a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217319">The vessel made a deep impression on Cameron, “I messaged him, saying ‘Hey Sir Michael, if you ever sell this thing let me know.” It’s a sentiment shared not only by Cameron, “every client that’s come on there has said the same thing.” Only a year and a half old at the time, Cameron today still seems impressed by the yacht: “he did such a good job building this boat. She’s easy to maintain, she can change her engines out herself, guests can stay in luxury spaces, it’s just an incredible set up.”Unfortunately, Sir Michael Hill passed away earlier this year, “he wouldn’t sell it to me but we kept in touch over the years. In the end, he was able to use <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6344" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Beast 39.2m (128'7&quot;)Profab Central Engineering Ltd2019">The Beast</a> until his last days, spending time with his family onboard; it was wonderful for him… it’s something that we all dream of,” shares Cameron. After knowing each other for nearly seven years, Sir Michael has entrusted Cameron with the sale of the yacht, “he appreciates that the mission is going to go onwards.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381273/image/large-266341e6aba18b31b888b1f653dca2dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381273">Although Cameron can’t quite disclose what exciting adventures <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6344" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Beast 39.2m (128'7&quot;)Profab Central Engineering Ltd2019">The Beast</a> will embark on next, the yacht has generated so much interest, with three full-price offers within the first week, that Cameron and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ikonic Yachts (Company)">Ikonic Yachts</a> have started to design more yachts in a similar size, as well as bigger. “It’s a niche that needs to be filled, the desire for a true expedition boat. Not the buzzword that’s been going around but a truly self-sustaining vessel; a boat that can do some really cool stuff.”Most of the yachts that Cameron sells don’t reach the market. “The guys that want to go to these remote places, or kite surf or spearfish, they don’t want to see other boats, nor do they want other boats to have been there. They want to be able to visit unique and remote tolls. When these yachts become available, they snatch them up pretty quick.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/99335/image/large-12f139a8fd50016263364bfee4501ec7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99335">Transparency, care and dedicationWhat is most remarkable about Cameron and the way he goes about his work, whether spearfishing expeditions or selling superyachts. Staying true to his values, Cameron’s success stems from his transparency as well as his genuine care for his clients and the yachts.“I don't force any sale: It needs to be the right boat at the right time, and sometimes it's not the right time. I’ll tell them to wait for the right time and I think that transparency has done me very well. I'm probably too emotional about it just because I truly care about my clients and I care about the boats,” shares Cameron. “If they call and there’s a line wrong in the paperwork, it affects me, it hurts my heart because I want everyone to be happy.”While Cameron knows he is possibly too emotionally invested in every sale, it is precisely his attention to his clients, the vessel and detail that makes him so good at what he does. “People know I actually care,” Cameron adds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381249/image/large-c781199ba8a652c915d45588514834b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381249">In an industry as extravagant and luxurious as superyachts, it is refreshing to find someone so passionate about his work; not from a financial perspective, but from a love of giving people the best possible experience, whether in spearfishing a world record or purchasing a superyacht. When you work with Cameron, you know you’re working with someone who has a lifetime of experience accompanied by a profound care for all he does.

Cameron Kirkconnell: From spearfisher to superyacht broker 

A lifelong spearfisher turned captain turned superyacht broker: this is Cameron Kirkconnell

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Masters of versatility: At the shipyard with Pendennis 

It isn’t every day that the superyacht press finds itself on a video call with one of the most influential figures in technology. But when Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve and now shareholder at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, appeared on screen for a private roundtable with a select group of journalists during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2025">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, the atmosphere was one of curiosity and anticipation. For an hour, he spoke candidly about his unlikely journey into yachting, his vision for research-led fleets and why he believes there will always be interesting technologies and opportunities to build more boats.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/372661/image/large-efbaa1c91bfa6988f938d8e2732895dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/372661">“I wasn’t interested in yachts at all,” he admitted with disarming honesty over the call, explaining how a surprise charter onboard the 77.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> (ex. Mirabella) for his ex-wife’s 50th birthday turned into the start of a lifelong passion. “I thought I was going to be miserable. Instead, I discovered this incredible way to spend time with friends and family.”That first charter led to many more. Then came ownership. Then, inevitably, came shipbuilding. Today, Newell not only owns a growing fleet, but also lives full-time at sea. “Other than a couple of months in 2021, I’ve been living onboard ever since the pandemic,” he said, leaning back in his chair on screen. His three cats, he joked, are just as bemused as he is when the captain informs them which vessel they’re moving to next.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/319785/image/large-4bb2a8fa9dff74386dd0cf81c8991888.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/319785">The scale and diversity of Newell’s fleet is unusual, even by superyacht standards. He counts the 78.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rocinante78.5m (257'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2008">Rocinante</a> as his first acquisition, the 72.15-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.15m (236'9&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> as a support vessel, and both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Draak91.5m (300'2&quot;)Oceanco2014">Draak</a> and the new-build 111-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> as those included under his ownership. Beyond the traditional yachts, however, lies an array of research platforms, including the 68.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tacoma Boat Building Co (Company)">Tacoma Boat Building</a> vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dagon68.28m (224'0&quot;)Tacoma Boat Building Co1985">Dagon</a> which operates as a full-ocean-depth surface platform and the 55.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1643" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Auroux (Company)">Auroux</a> vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hydra55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Hydra</a> which is designed for coastal studies.&nbsp;He also has a 35-metre sportfisher in development at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachting Developments (Company)">Yachting Developments</a>, that will travel with the main boat and the support boat, and has signed an agreement with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vard Group AS (Company)">Vard</a> for the 100-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RV6000100.0m (328'1&quot;)Vard Group AS2028">RV6000</a>, which will carry a 6,000-metre-capable remotely operated vehicle for submarine rescue and ocean science, and the research vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/17142" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RV11000162.0m (531'6&quot;)Vard Group AS2030">RV11000</a>, which is still in development.&nbsp;While the fleet is diverse, the vision is consistent that yachts are not just used as platforms for leisure, but as tools for exploration and science. Through Inkfish, his marine research organisation, Newell supports scientists with access to deep-sea technology, from advanced ROVs to mapping equipment. “Our focus is to be a service organisation to the scientific community,” he explained. “We ask scientists directly, what’s helpful? Sometimes that means getting them to critical parts of the ocean. Sometimes it means grants to process the data we collect. The point is to be led by science, not by ego.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367974/image/large-ea8d38f7ced1d8b2d5c392d963d93997.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367974">At one point during the call, he described how high-school students had boarded his research vessels, watching specimens being prepared, and later wrote to ask when the boats would return. He smiled as he recounted their excitement: “That’s the impact I want to see. When the community says, ‘You’re coming back? Hooray!’ then we know we’re doing it right.”If his research ambitions are ambitious, his philosophy as a yacht owner is just as striking. Newell has imported the mindset of a software engineer into yacht design, thinking in terms of productivity and user experience.On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a>, for instance, the deck is not teak but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolidt (Company)">Bolidt</a>. “I’d rather the crew spend less time polishing decks and more time interacting with guests,” he said. “It’s about maximising the valuable experiences onboard. Do you want your crew polishing chrome, or taking your child out on a Jet Ski? To me, it’s obvious.”That approach extends deeper, with crew actively designing tenders, galleys and operational spaces. “We started by asking our dive team to design their own tender. The results were so good that we realised, the more you involve the crew in design, the better the outcomes.” On screen, he gave a small shrug as if to say the idea was obvious, though it represents a radical departure from how most yachts are conceived.Few yacht owners speak as comfortably about CNC machining, AI models or pressure vessels as they do about cruising grounds. For Newell, technology is not an accessory to his yachting, but the foundation of it. A self-taught machinist who once kept a five-axis CNC mill in his living room, he now funds advanced material research. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367451/image/large-26f50ff0e23faff563f5ba25af0026b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367451">One project in partnership explores aluminium oxynitride, a transparent ceramic stronger than titanium. “It’s so strong that titanium becomes the gasket material,” he said, eyes lighting up through the video link. The aim, to build a fully transparent, full-ocean-depth submersible hull.Newell was also an early funder of OpenAI, and speaks enthusiastically about applying machine learning to shipbuilding. “Putting stress and strain gauges everywhere, collecting time-series data and comparing it to model predictions, that’s where AI can validate and improve design. It’s about putting shipbuilding in front of the wave of technological advancement.”Examples already in place include pathogen-detection systems onboard to identify influenza or RSV, and discussions around bridge systems that use augmented reality to detect submerged objects at night. “Machine vision is already better than humans in many cases,” he said. “It’s just about integrating it in a way that enhances safety.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/372683/image/large-fde494e79d89a678a296d7074c300d04.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/372683">Gabe Newell acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> in August 2025, stating he intends to support and reinforce its existing culture, which he views as effective, principled and forward-looking. The investment in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> itself stemmed not from a cold business calculation, but from a sense of belonging. Building <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a> with the yard’s CEO Marcel Onkenhout and his team created a natural partnership for Newell.“It didn’t feel adversarial. It felt like collaboration,” Newell explained. “I was fanboying all over Marcel and his team. The quality made me root for them. Eventually it was like, how can I be part of this team too?” The result was a formal stake in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, but with a philosophy that profit alone is not the driver. “The goal is to create happy customers. Profit is just the signal that you’re doing better than others. My focus is on how to make already brilliant yachts even more valuable to owners.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365665/image/large-908318675f42f6a91544e68f54985a77.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365665">For Newell, the process of designing and building yachts has become as much a joy as the finished vessels themselves. “I’ll actually be sad when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leviathan111.0m (364'2&quot;)Oceanco2025">Leviathan</a> is delivered, because I’ve loved working with the team,” he admitted via the video link. Asked whether he will always be building yachts, he admitted that it's an ongoing conversation and that there will always be interesting opportunities to move technology forward in the industry, in ways that might be too risky to ask another owner to take on. “In those cases, we could look at a speculative project or something I’d build myself, which gives the yard more design freedom. But it depends on what the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> wants to try.”It is a revealing answer. For an industry often shrouded in secrecy, Newell brings not only capital and innovation, but a refreshing openness. He jokes about his cats, shares anecdotes of his children, and speaks earnestly about wanting yachts to be seen as good actors in the communities they visit.Marcel, speaking towards the end of the call, agreed wholeheartedly. “What has always bothered me most in 30 years is the secrecy and gossip,” he reflected. “In the years ahead, we want to lead by example, and transparency will be part of that.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367971/image/large-02a0541df7b4d8e25e92bf73af030e34.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367971">Gabe also noted that many of his peers in the American tech world “aren’t nearly as aware of yachts and yachting as a lot of people in Europe,” and that simply getting them onboard could be transformative. “It’s a little like shooting fish in a barrel,” he said with a grin. “There are so many people who would never think about yachts, but once they experience it, they’ll realise it has an important role to play in their lives.” For Newell, the challenge lies in making the sales process experiential, because simply getting potential owners onboard, he argued, is often enough to change perceptions entirely.As the call drew to a close, he turned the tables on the assembled journalists: “What do you want <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> to do?” It was a fitting end from a man whose career has been built on questioning assumptions, listening closely and then reimagining what is possible.

Gabe Newell: Life at sea and building the future with Oceanco

Gabe Newell speaks about his fleet, Oceanco investment and vision for yachting innovation.

From gaming to yachting: Gabe Newell on life at sea and building the future with Oceanco

When you think of European luxury yachting, Poland probably isn't the first country that comes to mind. But following a five day trip between shipyards, sailmakers and engineering labs across the Tricity region, it’s clear to me that perception is overdue for a shift. Once known primarily for its commercial shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing, the country is now steadily gaining ground as a serious player in the luxury and leisure yacht sectors.&nbsp;Hosted by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), I travelled from the historic port of Gdańsk to the industrial heart of Ostróda and the bustling docks of Gdynia to get a behind-the-scenes look at a country quietly positioning itself in the global yacht market.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366862/image/large-5c008d5991b28db4b21aec5d72f19d8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366862">A legacy built on heritageMy journey through Poland’s yachting industry began in Gdańsk, a city where shipbuilding is stitched into the very fabric of its identity. Once the largest port in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Gdańsk thrived on trade routes that brought grain and timber down the Vistula River. At the centre of this historic trade route stands the Gdańsk Crane, first mentioned in 1367, which once hoisted masts onto ships and unloaded barrels of cargo. Today, it remains a symbol of the city’s longstanding maritime significance.Just a short walk from the crane, moored in the Motława River, is the SS Sołdek, the first seagoing ship built in Poland after World War II. Now part of the National Maritime Museum, this steel-hulled coal and ore freighter marks the rebirth of Polish shipbuilding during the country’s post-war industrial recovery. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366859/image/large-6529753995d289ab9373a345bdc69d1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366859">But Gdańsk's legacy isn’t built on engineering alone. In the 1980s, the Gdańsk Shipyard became the cradle of the Solidarity movement, a peaceful uprising sparked by shipyard workers demanding fair wages and basic rights. Led by electrician-turned-activist Lech Wałęsa, Solidarity grew from a local strike into a national movement that would shake the foundations of the Eastern Bloc. The cost was high, lives were lost and many protesters faced imprisonment. But its impact was profound, setting off a chain of events that helped bring down communist regimes across Central and Eastern Europe and contributing to the fall of the Berlin Wall.Today, the spirit of Solidarity still lingers on the waterfront, with many of the same buildings that once launched freighters and naval vessels, now home to superyacht builders, catamaran innovators and composite specialists. Proof that Polish shipbuilding, like its history, is built to endure and adapt.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366864/image/large-5d2f8bd5103525e9cd578a1aaee7c0a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366864">The shipyards of todayAt <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Conrad Yachts (Company)">Conrad Shipyard</a> that transformation is already well underway. With its roots in commercial construction and a location at the heart of the Gdańsk waterfront, the yard has established itself as a builder of bespoke superyachts. Its attention to detail and capacity for custom builds make it a standout performer in Poland.“We see <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Conrad Yachts (Company)">Conrad</a> as a boutique shipyard,” explained Chairman and CEO Mikołaj Król. "We’re not just about volume, we’re about relationships. Every project is highly personalised and our aim is always to deliver the highest quality yacht we possibly can.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/278836/image/large-88348ea6a1463341d01e4e0f1900a592.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/278836">The shipyard was established in 2003 by Marine Projects as a division for superyachts, with the first yacht produced under this division, the 26.82-metre Escape S (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Driven26.82m (87'12&quot;)Conrad Yachts2005">Driven</a>), delivered in 2005. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Conrad Yachts (Company)">Conrad</a> currently has two superyachts in-build at the shipyard, consisting of the third 44.27-metre Conrad C144S motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Leen44.27m (145'3&quot;)Conrad Yachts2025">Project Moonlight</a> and the 41.8-metre Conrad <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coone 14041.8m (137'2&quot;)Conrad Yachts2027">C-140</a> sailing yacht, with delivery dates of 2025 and 2027 respectively.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366863/image/large-ba8bec1e3f682c01b6f760b68549b6b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366863">Following the launch of the first hull, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE44.27m (145'3&quot;)Conrad Yachts2023">ACE</a> in 2022, the award-winning C144S model really put <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Conrad Yachts (Company)">Conrad</a> on the map. Establishing them as a key player in the industry, it has allowed them to develop their facilities further, with two sheds accommodating yachts of up to 60 metres each.&nbsp;“Sometimes, dreams really do come true. Twenty years ago, we were looking up at the stars, wondering if we could ever match some of the other established names in the industry. Now, we’re building 42-metre sailing yachts. That really says something!” added Król.Watch: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60576" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Conrad Shipyard - The Polish yard that is shaking up the industry (2024-05-28 15:00:00 +0200)">Conrad Shipyard - The Polish yard that is shaking up the industry</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366857/image/large-7ea23387c38fa895bef2f0f429e8f981.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366857">Meanwhile, in the nearby Przeróbka district, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef Yachts</a> is redefining the multihull market. Known for its large, luxury catamarans, the yard is expanding both physically and creatively. Its in-house research into solar integration and eco-conscious propulsion is pushing boundaries, while its in-demand portfolio is helping to put Poland firmly on the global yachting map.“In the beginning, customers weren’t convinced that Poland could produce luxury goods and that included Polish customers too,” explained CEO Francis Lapp. “We had to change that perception through results.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366865/image/large-d9b63cbd5915a2a18a043d77990f44da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366865"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef Yachts</a> currently has several yachts in-build at its facility in Gdansk, with an extensive tour around the yard revealing a diverse and dynamic production line that includes sailing and power catamarans ranging from 24 to 42 metres. Among the highlights were multiple units of the new Ultima 88 series, with the first due to launch in late 2025, as well as several 30 metre sail and power models in various stages of construction.“Gaining trust doesn’t happen overnight. You need to prove yourself by building ten, twenty, even a hundred yachts before people really believe in what you do. But over time, people saw that even though we were building in Poland, the quality was there,” added Lapp.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366866/image/large-e065fabba23dfb9d15f70c3455a5ef6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366866">Over the past two decades, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>’s trajectory has done more than shape a brand, it has helped shift international perceptions of Polish shipbuilding itself. By exporting high-end catamarans to owners around the world, Lapp has positioned Poland not only as a competitive manufacturing base, but as a country capable of delivering innovation, craftsmanship and luxury.As Artur Połoczański, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>’s Public Relations Director reflected, “Francis didn’t just build yachts, he helped promote the entire country.”Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/63207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charting a bold course: How Sunreef Yachts is shaping the future of luxury multihulls (2025-05-20 11:15:00 +0200)">Charting a bold course: How Sunreef Yachts is shaping the future of luxury multihulls</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367496/image/large-520650af0fa844ee8385b500cae8ebfe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367496">Elsewhere in Gdańsk, I visited one of Poland’s most established sailmakers, Sail Service, to see firsthand how sails are designed, cut and assembled. Founded in 1987, the company continues the traditions of the J. Conrad sail-loft and supplies sails to tall ships, expedition yachts and racing craft in over 20 countries.Sail Service also specialises in protective covers and is the exclusive Polish distributor of brands such as Ronstan, Andersen and Flexiteek. Their blend of traditional craftsmanship and high-tech production makes them a trusted partner to individual clients, charter fleets and series yacht builders alike, further reinforcing Poland’s reputation for quality marine manufacturing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367495/image/large-85e7cbfd68e5c3757184cfffeba10274.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367495">“We’re proud to be part of a tradition that proves Poland can deliver both precision and performance, not just in sails, but across the entire yachting supply chain,” concluded Paweł Roslen, Manager of Sales.The following day began with an early drive through the Polish countryside to Ostróda to Model-Art, where I toured their expansive production halls and witnessed several projects in various stages of construction. Founded in 1998, Model-Art has grown into one of Poland’s most advanced composite boat builders, operating across three production sites.&nbsp;The company builds leisure motor boats ranging from six to over 12 metres in length, serving major international clients such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5844" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nimbus (Company)">Nimbus</a>, Parker, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Windy Boats (Company)">Windy</a>, Askeladden and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5873" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Antonio Yachts (Company)">De Antonio Yachts</a>. Boats from the Ostróda facility have been recognised at major shows including 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>, boot Düsseldorf and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.Model-Art also maintains close ties with the Gdańsk University of Technology and a local high school in Ostróda, supporting education through hands-on training, internships and collaboration on real-world projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367514/image/large-25684ff68698c9f1de8a6c82fb162824.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367514">Education is key for expansionIf Poland is to continue its trajectory in the yachting sector, it will be thanks to the pipeline of talent emerging from its technical schools and universities, a fact recognised across every yard we visited. Institutions like the Gdańsk University of Technology, whose Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology is producing the next generation of naval architects, marine engineers and composite specialists; are a central pillar in Poland's ability to deliver high-spec projects and support innovation in design and production.The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology is equipped with advanced labs for materials testing, CAD/CAM simulation and hydrodynamic research. Students and researchers benefit from access to full-scale prototyping tools, workshops and partnerships with shipyards, giving them practical experience that directly translates to industry impact.The technical training and close links between academia and industry have helped Polish builders remain competitive internationally, offering an appealing balance of cost, quality and engineering credibility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367522/image/large-93f2d3c6d51a9644cae5d15a8dec1c01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367522">POLBOAT Yachting Festival But technical capability is only part of the picture. Industry visibility both domestically and abroad is crucial to Poland’s continued emergence as a force in yacht building. That’s where the POLBOAT Yachting Festival comes in.Now in its sixth year, the festival has grown into the country’s most prominent in-water yacht show, held annually at Marina Yacht Park in Gdynia. This year’s edition showcased over 120 vessels, surpassing last year’s record and included 25 national and international premieres.During the opening ceremony, industry leaders, local officials and international guests gathered in solidarity, reflecting on both the challenges and the resilience of Poland’s marine sector. “Thank you for being here, even though these are difficult times,” said the event’s organiser in his welcome address. “I saw all of you arriving and I felt that we will get through these challenges because we’re together. That’s our strength, that’s the strength of the Polish yachting industry.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367521/image/large-0a8e83a731c6a772e1a11d46e14e39d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367521">Among the many Polish brands exhibiting at the festival, Parker Poland and N’Fun Yachting offered us the chance to get out on the water and experience their models firsthand. During sea trials along the Gdynia waterfront, both companies demonstrated the strengths of their build quality and design philosophy. Parker showcased their robust, family-friendly powerboats and N’Fun offered a nimble sailing experience onboard their sporty, N Fun 30 yacht.But it was Gdynia’s mayor, Aleksandra Kosiorek, that summed up the festival perfectly, “This event is not only a celebration of technology, it is also a celebration of innovation, inspiration and connection. We’re proud that Gdynia can host this showcase of Polish talent and craftsmanship.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366860/image/large-a6966772b2a18b184f1ad5341a115888.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366860">The future of Polish yacht buildingFrom world-class catamarans built in Gdańsk to recreational motor boats in Ostróda, Poland is home to a quiet ecosystem of highly skilled shipyards, engineers and craftsmen who are increasingly stepping onto the international stage. With strong educational institutions like the Gdańsk University of Technology fuelling a skilled workforce, and shipyards such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Conrad Yachts (Company)">Conrad</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> delivering high-specification builds to global clients; Poland is assembling the key ingredients for long-term relevance in European yacht building.&nbsp;The transition from industrial production to high-end yacht construction is not simply a business pivot, it is a cultural and generational evolution rooted in strength, purpose and pride. As one executive put it during the tour, "Poland doesn’t need to reinvent itself, it just needs to be seen." In that respect, Poland may not only be on the rise, it may already be poles ahead.

Poland: The rise of the country as a yachting powerhouse

Sophie Spicknell explores how Poland is becoming a powerhouse in the world of yachting, through its rich maritime history. 

Made in Poland: The country quietly positioning itself as a yachting powerhouse

“I constantly evaluated our production standards in Croatia and have recognised opportunities for real improvement. There's a common perception that Italian and German craftsmanship are the benchmarks, so we're motivated by the question: how can we elevate our standards and excel beyond expectations here in Croatia?” remarked Antonio Ivanisevic, co-founder and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a>, during a meeting at this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2024">Monaco Yacht Show</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/336087/image/large-ee474d3df29dc74a3870a4c760d78a38.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/336087">Based in the vibrant Port of Krilo in Jesenice, Croatia, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a> has carved out a niche in building large sailing yachts. Since its inception, the shipyard has launched three sailing superyachts: the 48.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12541" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clase Azul48.24m (158'3&quot;)Tramontana Yachts2022">Clase Azul</a> in 2022, the 52.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scorpios52.3m (171'7&quot;)Tramontana Yachts2023">Scorpios</a> in 2023, and the 53-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13240" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reposado53.0m (173'11&quot;)Tramontana Yachts2024">Reposado</a> this year. <a href="http://superyachttimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Superyacht Times</a> Features Writer Enrico Chhibber met with Ivanisevic to discuss the origins of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a>, the trends in the Croatian yachting market, and the company's future plans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/249302/image/large-2995788e3ec8e52199abb970538690d1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/249302">Deep Croatian roots&nbsp;On the origins of the name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana</a>, Ivanisevic elucidated that it is a blend of Slavic and Italian, reflecting the family's heritage and symbolising a wind that comes from the mountains. He added, “Krilio is renowned for its very pleasant winds.”Delving into his background, Ivanisevic shared that he was born in Melbourne, Australia, as his family sought refuge from the war in Croatia in 1991. His mother is Italian and his father Croatian. “We moved back when I was young, in the early 2000s, and I grew up in Krilo, a small coastal town on the Dalmatian coast,” he remarked. From a young age, Ivanisevic felt a profound connection to the sea and his Croatian heritage, noting his family's 13-generation lineage from the Split region on his father’s side. “Having worked as a barman on boats and later as a cruise manager, I’ve always been passionate about the sea and serving people,” he explained.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/336088/image/large-f86ca04024d9b798a74c86f0023f7d15.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/336088">The founding of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yacht</a>sWhen asked about his inspirations for founding <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a>, Ivanisevic cited a significant historical figure in his family. “One of my biggest inspirations was my father’s great-uncle, Don Frane, a senator and a priest three generations ago,” he explained. Don Frane was deeply involved in the export-import business, trading wine and oil with Italy using boats that were simply equipped, with just a captain’s cabin. Ivanisevic continued, “He was a visionary, investing heavily in people’s education – a rarity at the time – &nbsp;and developing financial institutions like a treasury bank, to promote regional development.” Don Frane also contributed to the infrastructure of their hometown, developing the port area in Krilo, which is now being transformed into a marina by the Croatian government.Today, the port in Kirilo is home to around 60 houses and accommodates approximately 300 boats, including many large yachts. He noted, however, that many of these 'yachts' are actually mini-cruise ships and day boats, built in Croatia and owned by Croatians. Discussing the motivation behind founding <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana</a>, Ivanisevic explained it stemmed from the contradiction he saw between subpar finishing on Croatian day boats, and the international acclaim for Croatian craftsmanship. “We often hear from other shipyards, especially in the Netherlands, that Croatian welders are among the best,” Ivanisevic commented. “This led me to question, why can’t we do it ourselves, and do it better right here in Croatia?"<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/336089/image/large-04fd569dfe074819ac77a967ed4b52fd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/336089">Building the businessIvanisevic elaborated on his entry into the yacht chartering business, managing bookings personally and encountering numerous remarkable individuals along the way. “These experiences have highlighted the significant, yet often underestimated, role of tourism in our country. We are, in essence, ambassadors of our nation. So why should we settle for mediocrity when we can strive for excellence?” he reflected. Admittedly, he acknowledged, creating a yacht brand was an ambitious venture, but a vision he passionately pursued.As Ivanisevic progressed to the next step of securing financing, he shared his unique approach with potential investors. Insisting on a personal connection before finalising any deals, he even arranged for the investors to meet his family, an introduction that culminated in a barbecue at his mother’s house. After successfully securing the funding, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana</a> acquired a yacht hull during the COVID-19 pandemic, which became <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12541" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clase Azul48.24m (158'3&quot;)Tramontana Yachts2022">Clase Azul</a>. This initiative was soon followed by the construction and launches of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scorpios52.3m (171'7&quot;)Tramontana Yachts2023">Scorpios</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13240" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reposado53.0m (173'11&quot;)Tramontana Yachts2024">Reposado</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/307841/image/large-3f3cff2b1a812a243903373ce5b5c03b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/307841">Construction capacity<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana</a>’s construction capacity is of two new-builds per year, for projects of up to 70-metres in length, as detailed by Ivanisevic. “All processes are managed in-house, with each project initiated six months apart,” he stated. The decision to cap yacht sizes at 70-metres is strategic as “the size is the maximum our team feels comfortable managing, allowing us to maintain quality without significant risk,” he noted.Initially, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a> chose to focus exclusively on sailing yachts. Reasons for this cited by Ivanisevic &nbsp;included the fact that: “Producing sailing yachts uniquely positions our brand in the Croatian market, where we are the sole shipyard pursuing this niche.” He added that, “this strategic approach not only enhances the distinctiveness of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a> but also avoids mimicking existing designs.” The production rate set at one 50-metre vessel every 12 months was designed to make a significant impact quickly. Each yacht is crafted with comfort as a priority, primarily targeting the charter market.” This focus has yielded success, despite sailing yachts traditionally having a narrower appeal, emphasising pleasure over performance, shared the founder.In terms of clientele, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a> serves a global market, predominantly attracting customers from North America, the UK, and Europe, with a growing presence in other regions. When it comes to the design of the yachts, Ivanisevic, along with his brothers, prioritises the guest's perspective. “First, we build for the client's needs, then we construct everything else around that,” he detailed. A notable highlight is the ample space and the toy garage, designed to enhance client satisfaction. “After establishing these key elements, we ensure that everything else follows suit,” he added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284799/image/large-6aea6d7d4a95a56298c6436d0861a805.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284799">Croatian market&nbsp;Croatia has increasingly become an attractive destination for yacht charters. Ivanisevic attributes this to several factors: Croatia's progress, its recent entry into the Schengen Area, the growing recognition of the country's beauty, its reputation as a safe destination, and the development of more marina infrastructure.Croatia has traditionally not been associated with new-build superyachts. However, Ivanisevic believes it can position itself as an appealing new player in the market. He explained, “While Dutch and German craftsmanship are renowned for their high quality, they come at a high cost. Turkish construction costs are also on the rise, and Italy, despite being a major yacht building hub, has also seen an increase in prices. In contrast, costs in Croatia are generally lower than in Italy and Turkey, making it an increasingly attractive option for potential buyers.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318724/image/large-3d3f1624fac652f547408a80edf788e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318724"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318760/image/large-ce9ef116c84748f7b71511d23f09acde.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318760">Future plans and developmentsIvanisevic shared insights into the ambitious future plans for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana Yachts</a>. He revealed that the company is in the process of acquiring a significantly larger yard to expand their facilities. “Our focus will shift more towards new-builds, including series-built sailing yachts and motor yachts. We are also exploring the potential of opening a refit division,” he stated. The decision to expand into motor yachts is driven by increasing brand awareness and demand. Ivanisevic is confident about the brand's association with Croatia, emphasising, “When people think of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7351" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tramontana Yachts (Company)">Tramontana</a>, they think of quality, safety, and the best of Croatia. We aim to represent our country in the finest way possible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318736/image/large-865bf4ae03f206b90245d9730bc64bc1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318736">

Antonio Ivanisevic on founding Tramontana Yachts

Discover how Tramontana Yachts elevates Croatian craftsmanship. CEO Antonio Ivansevic shares their journey, recent launches, and future plans.

Pleasant winds: Antonio Ivanisevic on founding Tramontana Yachts

When considering Spain, attention often centres on its well-established cruising destinations, refit facilities, and marina infrastructure, rather than on yacht design. Yet, standing apart from this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna</a>, founder of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna Group</a> in Barcelona since 1984, has emerged as a key figure in the Spanish yacht design landscape, with expertise spanning both exterior and interior design.Originally from Argentina, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> moved to Spain in 1976. His portfolio showcases a diverse range of yachts. These include the 65.2-metre Phinisi sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>, the 59-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships &amp; Docks</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a>, the 28.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/978" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monty North (Company)">Monty North</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7380" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Free At Last 28.8m (94'6&quot;)Monty North2000">Free At Last</a>, and the 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moreno Pujal (Company)">Moreno Pujal</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blalumar25.0m (82'0&quot;)Moreno Pujal2000">Blalumar</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a>'s work also extends beyond pleasure craft to include the design of commercial vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332613/image/large-9d1733fb10c8e9b8336a013e1e6bdd99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332613"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> is extensively involved in the latest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> new-build, a 37.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">CdP</a> Custom explorer yacht, where he is responsible for both the exterior and interior design as well as the naval architecture. The discussion explored his entry into the yachting industry, his collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>, the diverse yachts he has designed, and the future plans for his design house.Entrance to the yachting industryBorn in Argentina, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> has had a passion for racing sailing yachts since his childhood. With a background in civil engineering, he moved to Barcelona, in Spain, where he worked in architecture for a year. “At that time in Barcelona, there was only one school, a sailing school here in Barcelona, and they asked me to be a partner. So I left architecture and started to sail. The sailing school operated from May to October, and during the winter, we would assist shipyards or transport vessels and yachts,” recounted <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;He described his entry into yacht design as accidental, beginning with a desire to design a boat for himself. "By chance, I found a mould of a hull behind an old sailing school building. I asked around, ‘What is this?’ They told me it belonged to a businessman, so I asked, ‘Do you have his contact details?’ They gave me a phone number. It turned out to be a very nice racing 46 foot sailing boat designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">Germán Frers</a>,” he added.Continuing the story, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> clarified that he initially tried to buy the hull to build a boat for himself. “At that time, I was collaborating with a shipyard, and I met the owner at the yacht club here in Barcelona," he recalled. "He saw me drawing a new interior design on an A4 leaflet and asked what I was doing. I told him that I found this hull and was trying to buy it to make myself a nice racing sailing boat.”The owner then asked <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> to design a similar boat for him, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> agreed, noting: "We didn't discuss time or money; that was really the extent of our conversation." He continued, stating: "three months later, I called him and presented the design for a 47-footer. He liked it and said, alright, I will build it.’ That was how it all began, just as simple as that.”After establishing his eponymous label, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> transitioned from designing small racing sailing yachts to creating both sailing and motor superyachts. He described this shift as a “natural evolution,” driven by customer demand for larger sailing yachts and motor yachts.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna Group</a>To <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna Group</a> can be characterised as a "one-stop studio," involved in every aspect of yacht design, from exterior styling and structural work to interior design." He credits his multifaceted approach to his background as a civil architect. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272616/image/large-4d02988bb40a3093e5f7d97d21b314f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272616">Other services provided by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna Group</a> in the superyacht sector include refit consultancy and the supply of technical equipment for charter yachts, such as water toys, bed linen, and crockery. "We have worked with several yachts, including the 72-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/928" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dunya Yachts (Company)">Dunya</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2390" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Axioma72.0m (236'3&quot;)Dunya Yachts2013">Axioma</a>," <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> outlined "We design and create new spaces for customers onboard and have completed numerous refits, from staterooms to other areas. For example, we have added features to helipads and redesigned gyms."The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna Group</a>'s services also extend to commercial vessels, encompassing various types, including ferries, passenger vessels, and cargo ships. The company is also active in the car racing sector, collaborating with a supply chain company that builds batteries for the Formula E Extreme series, an international off-road racing competition featuring electric SUVs that race in remote locations around the world, such as the Arctic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272602/image/large-ff67cb960f942fa177d50a4dfcac625f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272602">Penna also highlighted that the group is a family firm. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a>'s wife contributes to the styling, while both his son and daughter are also actively involved in the business. "My son works both at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 Barcelona (Company)">MB92</a> and with us (...) and my daughter, who recently completed her studies in interior architecture in Paris, has been working with the firm for the past seven years. The whole family is involved in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Marcelo Penna Group</a>," he emphasised. Today, the firm has a global presence, with additional bases in Monaco and in Houston, Texas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272619/image/large-4727695bf79e0f1eb03d73fae79e421c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272619">Key projectsThe largest yacht he has designed, for which he oversaw both the exterior design as well as naval architecture, is the 65.2-metre Phinisi yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>, delivered in 2014. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> explained that he first became involved in the project and began working with Phinisi yachts after being &nbsp;introduced to the client by a captain he knew from an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> 47 superyacht. "The client proposed that I design and build a Phinisi," he said. "But they wanted the largest and safest Phinisi ever built. We became the first to classify a Phinisi with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>; it was the largest of its kind at that time, constructed entirely of wood."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227423/image/large-ba211dd267d2ded2385225c4a16658a0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227423"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a>’s current main yacht project is a custom 37.5-metre explorer yacht by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>. He revealed that the project originated through a network of brokers from Nice who introduced him to a client."The client had very specific requirements and was looking for something unique. We initially began our search in northern Spain, but then it expanded to Italy, leveraging contacts there. Eventually, we reached <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>, where we closed the deal.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320474/image/large-1ea029972a837c0745b0bd82df929491.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320474">Spanish design landscapePenna also shared insight into the state of the Spanish yachting industry, particularly in terms of construction and design, and why it has not developed as significantly as in other southern Mediterranean countries like Italy, France, and Turkey, despite being very present in the refit market for large superyachts. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> noted that while the sector–especially the sailing and motor yacht segments–was growing, a significant cultural challenge existed in Spain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233768/image/large-7346fff05e0b4fd8140ee6fd46062ecb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233768">“The problem,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> pointed, “is rooted in the history and political developments during the Franco era. Yachting was seen as an exclusive activity for the elite–a very closed group. No ordinary person could afford a yacht in Spain. This exclusivity, combined with a lack of state support for yacht construction, has hindered the industry's growth–a significant loss, given the substantial number of jobs that yacht construction can create."However, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> explained, "with French influence, the industry began to develop, and a few sailing yacht shipyards emerged, such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/747" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mefasa (Company)">Mefasa</a>, which built the 41.33-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alejandra41.33m (135'7&quot;)Mefasa1993">Alejandra</a>. Another notable shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>, specialises in motor yacht construction."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> attributed the lack of Spanish designers in the superyacht sector to a cultural perception that historically viewed yacht design as more of a frivolous occupation rather than a serious profession, unlike commercial vessel design. Despite these challenges, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> believes the direction of the yacht design landscape in Spain is on the right track, with many dedicated professionals now working to drive the industry forward. "It will, however, take time for these efforts to yield their full impact," he emphasised.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233766/image/large-368a521574acf916a6065f8b8d50a50e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233766">Expansion and sustainabilityRegarding future plans, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> revealed that his company will be expanding its presence to Mexico and Istanbul. One of the latest ventures is The Wattio, a new initiative aimed at leveraging the company's extensive knowledge in both naval architecture and electric vehicle (EV) technology. "The idea behind The Wattio," <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> shared, "is to provide an integrated solution to shipyards or customers combining all our expertise, from naval architecture and engineering, to electrical systems and propulsion."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcelo Penna (Company)">Penna</a> underlined that the company is also focusing on implementing more sustainable solutions. "We are working with hybrid systems and exploring new fuels, such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. In recent months, we have been testing hydrogen fuel cells here in Barcelona, including a hydrogen-powered truck currently operating in the city. Our aim is to apply these technologies not only to vehicles but also to boats."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa (Company)</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322171/image/large-076cb3cc3e28a1fe3331269dc1adc6ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322171">

Marcelo Penna: A spectrum of yacht designs and insights into the Spanish yacht design landscape

Marcelo Penna, founder of the Marcelo Penna Group in Barcelona since 1984, has emerged as a key figure in the Spanish yacht design landscape.

Marcelo Penna: Exploring his diverse yacht designs and insights into the Spanish yacht design landscape

Founded in the mid-2000s by three partners Peder Eidsgaard, Ewa Eidsgaard and Ben Harrison, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a> has evolved into one of the foremost design studios in the superyacht industry. Having bought their own studio and completely redesigned the space during an 18 month renovation, the 16 strong design team is now spread across four open-plan floors, within a bright and contemporary building featuring industrial elements that embodies the collaborative and open source mentality of the team. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314726/image/large-d1b41c33aa533907165816dd791caccf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314726">This year is full of milestones for the studio, with the launch or delivery of six superyachts between 80 and 45 metres and the development of its first semi-custom series projects with both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>. The studio is also finalising the dramatic two-year refit of the 72.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Albatross72.2m (236'11&quot;)Delta Marine2016">Albatross</a> at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>, another exciting project that reflects the breadth of the firm's capabilities.&nbsp;We took a tour of their new studio this Spring and sat down with the founders, as well as Senior Design Director Richard Whitehouse, to find out more about how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a> has developed over the past twenty years, to get an insight into the upcoming projects and to hear a bit more about the culture that sits at the heart of every project the studio creates.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314729/image/large-2bfc1b544a3cbbfbc709b267440bd9d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314729">Space to reflect ethosUnlike many of its contemporaries, the studio was formed as a collaboration from its very beginning, and as a result there is no one leader that represents all of its projects. With project management split between the four senior team members, the studio is nimble, able to take on a number of significant projects despite its small size in terms of employees. Peder explains, “When we founded the company we always intended to remain small because we believe that the hands-on approach of the senior designers is extremely important. That belief has remained and we are all very active, particularly in the early stages of the design process, which is vital for the development of all team members.”Ewa adds, “Over the years we have grown conservatively, and we are advocates for slow growth. We have worked hard to maintain the ethos of a small firm, and as a result we are very careful when it comes to selecting new team members because our passion is for younger team members to learn all the time from the senior designers.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314728/image/large-9b8715a217759f40312831080de5b769.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314728">The design of the studio itself deeply reflects that ethos of collaboration, and though the building is split over four floors, an entirely open and interconnecting stairwell at the heart unites the two design floors in both proximity and sound. While the three founders are above sharing their space with the samples area, their airspace is intrinsically linked with the team on the floor below and as a result their creative discussions are shared with the entire team, allowing them to learn from each other. When discussing the new space with their clients, all shared the same desire to “see where the magic happens”, and to get an insight into the workings of the studio from its surroundings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314732/image/large-975307acebacff133b502924b39a8c19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314732">Interior DesignThe sample area is a perfect example of those inner workings. The space over with Ewa reigns is open plan with a series of large storage tables, each bursting with fabrics swatches, marble slabs and intricate wall samples, where material choices can be arranged and examined. Like the inner workings of a designer's mind, the team is able to pick over thousands of the world’s best samples and pull together their clients wishes – often with the client in collaboration, working alongside them at the studio to realise their ideas. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306169/image/large-83e2dd0d9a1b94d7f768948b67ee85d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306169">When asked to describe Ewa’s technique and style, Ben and Richard agreed that it is Ewa, who leads the interior team, that is bravest among them, “she is boldest and bravest, always researching, always seeking out the newest techniques, the most interesting materials to incorporate the fashions of the day and to push us into exciting territory.” Inquisitive and palpably excited by design and its ever changing trends, Ewa is passionate about contemporary design, a passion that all founders share.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306171/image/large-721d0fe8afd7bad49091972345dae8eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306171">During an interview with SYT in 2018, Ben Harrison commented that it was that very passion that united the founders in the first place. He adds, “We all share that love for modern contemporary design, but our work is not limited to that alone and our projects reflect our adaptability – which is a vital ability when it comes to custom superyacht design.” While the studio has created an array of interior projects, their fingerprints can be seen within a collective purity, spotlighting a limited selection of materials and creating focal points of design within each space.Representative of the studio’s principles, their touch can be seen within the designs of the new Xplorer 80 from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>. Unveiled in March during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2024">Palm Beach Boat Show</a>, the Xplorer 80 is a prime example of the studio’s interior work. Encapsulating the vessels intended use as a go anywhere explorer superyacht, the spaces are balanced between functionality and aesthetic design and the overall result is a serene and luxurious concept.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/104137/image/large-89e38f5e9a14871220366ade1dbe0c83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/104137">Exterior&nbsp;While all design at the studio is a collaborative effort, Peder Eidsgaard leads the charge when it comes to exterior design. His creative flair can be quickly identified in the lines of both the studio’s larger projects, such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6423" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CC-Summer95.0m (311'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Madsummer</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6423" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CC-Summer95.0m (311'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">CC-Summer</a>), <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tango77.7m (254'11&quot;)Feadship2011">Tango</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanish71.5m (234'7&quot;)Feadship2021">Vanish</a>, right through to the smaller projects such as the new 50 Steel series from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, Grace.&nbsp;Championing traditional design skills, Peder emphasises the importance of working from paper and pen and his process is fluid, translating the wishes of the owner into 2D dimensions before they are developed in CAD. “Today there is a great focus on 3-dimensional drawings for superyacht projects, but I believe that sketching by hand is an integral part of the design process,” explains Peder Eidsgaard. “For the <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/7129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanish71.5m (234'7&quot;)Feadship2021">Vanish</a>, launched in 2021, the final yacht is almost identical to the sketch I created while sitting in the airport directly after meeting the client – it is that intuitive design process that we really pride ourselves on here at the studio.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314733/image/large-be77ee54f3d12dcda8df218c8465402e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314733">When asked to identify the key thematic elements within their work, both Ben and Peder responded that it is the sight-lines that they are extremely careful to preserve. “Good design is almost impossible to put your finger on,” adds Ben Harrison, “but when something isn't right, you feel it when you’re within the space.” A subtle balance that comes with experience and expertise, the details of elements such as door and bulwark heights, that impact the visibility from within and outside the vessel, are a preoccupation of the team.Recognising a yacht as a platform upon which an owner and their guests can live and experience life, and as a result the studio is deeply focused on the flow through the vessel and the feeling of being aboard. This all comes back to the value the team shares of creating a liveable design, with individual focal points within each space, so that the design embraces the guest rather than overwhelms them. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306178/image/large-5eb233cb0e7bd4da7954bb58a9eb192d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306178">Semi-Custom CreationsWhile the studio is best known for its full-custom superyacht projects, such as the 74.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M’Brace74.5m (244'5&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2018">Elandess</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M’Brace74.5m (244'5&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2018">M'Brace</a>), 95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6423" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CC-Summer95.0m (311'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Madsummer</a> or the 77.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tango77.7m (254'11&quot;)Feadship2011">Tango</a>, the past year has seen an exciting development for the team, with the announcement of semi-custom superyacht projects with both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>. Both Dutch shipyards are renowned for the success of their semi-custom series’, and the new 50 Steel series with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> and the interior projects for the later <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> 60 series, mark a turning point for the studio, while also offering new potential within the remit of design.&nbsp;Though semi-custom is not entirely new for the team, they have been working on the exterior and interior of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5725" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scout Boats (Company)">Scout Boats</a>’ new 67-foot flagship sportfisher, as well as previous projects with the Airbus 160, it has offered the studio an opportunity to experiment with a new level of creativity. Ewa adds, “it's a balancing act, on one side you are unlimited in terms of potential, but on the other you are looking to create a design that has a broad appeal and can easily be adapted in terms of styling, which is an exciting challenge for the entire team.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314735/image/large-4c22fa1e2997aa7f388030ef611bdd77.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314735">An exciting moment for the studio in terms of the business itself, Ben Harrison in particular has been championing the semi-custom capabilities of the company to diversify the studio’s portfolio. Full-custom projects, and the studio has a number of large full custom yachts under construction at the moment, such as the the 79-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Toro79.0m (259'2&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2024">Toro</a> at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Turquoise Yachts (Company)">Turquoise</a>, tend to be incredibly private yachts.&nbsp;Now with more than 14 projects underway, we hope that we’ll be seeing even more of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a>’s designs over the coming years, and make sure to keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for the launch of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Toro79.0m (259'2&quot;)Turquoise Yachts2024">Toro</a>.

Harrison Eidsgaard yacht designers

Francesca Webster visits Harrison Eidsgaard’s new Richmond studio to hear about the evolution and future of the studio.

Harrison Eidsgaard on collaboration, the art of perspective and their new studio

how sustainable is teak decking

The search for wood alternatives that can
replicate the looks and performance of
old-growth teak is fully under way.

Tainted Teak: The yachting industry's shift to sustainable decking

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

Daisy D: 50m Heesen yacht sold

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

50m Heesen superyacht Daisy D sold

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

Sunday Money: 31m Hatteras yacht sold

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

31m Hatteras motor yacht Sunday Money sold

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

Owning the shore thing fleet 

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

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

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

Standardising the bespoke: The engineering behind custom superyacht equipment

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

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

Rafter: Fourth Damen Yachting YS53 yacht on sea trials

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

Fourth Damen Yachting YS53 yacht support Rafter delivered

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

Lusben completes refit of 37m Benetti yacht Kos

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

37m Benetti yacht Kos completes extensive refit at Lusben

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

Moon River: 26m Moonen yacht sold

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

26m Moonen motor yacht Moon River sold

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

Tilse yacht glass in design

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

Engineering transparency: The evolving role of glass in superyacht design

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

Golden Yachts yacht O’Pari in Athens

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

95m Golden Yachts superyacht O’Pari in Athens

Onboard Numarine's 40MXP video

We stepped aboard Mitan, the latest Numarine 40MXP in Palm Beach.

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Video: Step aboard Numarine's new flagship, the 40MXP Mitan

The German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has been continuously pioneering in the sector of sustainable yachting, announcing the sale of the first superyacht with fuel cell technology in April 2021. Since then, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has built an on-site fuel cell Innovation Laboratory at the shipyard in Bremen, where the fuel cell can be tested under real environmental conditions and with all the necessary auxiliary systems. This demonstration facility is intended to verify the new technology and is thus the final preparation for successfully bringing fuel cells on board a yacht. The energy generated will be used to supply one of the construction halls with electricity. This show season the shipyard made further progress, announcing a further partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> for the further development of methanol as an environmentally and climate friendly fuel for yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247938/image/large-75ecff1795c3056e99a72cf8b952120f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247938"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> believe that the use of green methanol is the best option for the future of the yachting industry, particularly for yachts over 75 metres, with which <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> specialise. The fuel is created by taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it using renewable energy sources, resulting in a fuel with a truly ‘net zero’ footprint.Daniel Chatterjee, Director of Technology Management &amp; Regulatory Affairs at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>'s Power Systems business unit, and Peter Lürssen, CEO and Managing Partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, discussed the opportunities and challenges of this venture during the Monaco Yacht Show. “Methanol is currently leading the discussion on alternatives to fossil diesel,” said Chatterjee, who is heavily involved in numerous committees looking into tomorrow's fuels. “Storage and usage challenges do exist because methanol is highly flammable. But the fuel is liquid at normal ambient temperatures, so these challenges can be managed safely, as with other fuels,” he added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247937/image/large-29f6df4e8b676e7f546fb7821e5527b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247937">It is not only safety that needs to be carefully considered, the storage of methanol is around 2.4 times that of diesel which therefore has an impact on the tanks and, as a result, the entire design of the yacht. As Peter <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> explained; “Our customers want to dedicate as little hull-space as possible to propulsion and fuel storage. Methanol has disadvantages here compared to diesel, but clear advantages over other alternatives to fossil fuels. We're now seeing that today's prospective buyers of tomorrow's yachts are increasingly thinking about how they can make running their vessels as environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly as possible.” He continued, “We are therefore registering a growing willingness among future customers to invest in new technologies for climate protection, and to make space available for it in the vessel.”“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> is all about top-class yacht-building in the large and extra-large categories. We are proud to have been a partner for decades now, supplying innovative and highly sophisticated propulsion systems. It's always technically challenging, and it will be the same with the methanol engine, especially if we – as a pioneer in the industry – want to influence the direction the market will take. Who, other than us, has the opportunity to provide such a trend-setting impetus to lead shipping into a climate-friendly future?” asked Denise Kurtulus, Vice President, Marine at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>'s Power Systems business unit. “We're both convinced that methanol is going to be one of the key fuels powering tomorrow's vessels, and that's why we intend to use growing climate awareness in society and among our customers to set the direction for the industry and refine the technology,” she continued.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls Royce</a> is already in progress on the development of a methanol engine as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> Series 4000, and the recently announced collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a> further solidifies their commitment to a more sustainable future.&nbsp;At next week’s <a href="https://www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a>, Peter Lürssen will be participating as the keynote interviewee, discussing the future of the yachting industry and detailing some of the steps being taken by the shipyard to meet sustainability targets.<a href="https://www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">You can buy tickets for the Gulf Superyacht Summit, and get the full programme of events here</a>.To find out more about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and its various innovations, get in touch with one of the team now at;

Lürssen and Rolls-Royce partnership

Lürssen has partnered with Rolls-Royce to create a more sustainable yachting propulsion.

Lürssen and Rolls-Royce “to write yachting history” with new partnership toward a sustainable future

Massimo Perotti, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> has announced that it will build a 50m superyacht equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that generates electricity from reformed methanol, that it will deliver in 2024, for his personal use.&nbsp;Perotti has purchased this first hydrogen-fuelled Sanlorenzo motor yacht to fund the development and test the technology before making it available for the company's clients. Perotti also stated that this will be the first 50-metre motor yacht built to be equipped with this technology.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210712/image/large-9904e4ffdd6db13b7969d3a6e510dff3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210712"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> has signed an exclusive agreement with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1981" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siemens (Company)">Siemens Energy</a> for the joint development of solutions for integrating fuel cells in the 24-80m yachting sector. The agreement between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1981" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siemens (Company)">Siemens Energy</a> will see a new generation diesel electric propulsion system for both yachts above 50-metres – a world’s first, if they meet the 2024 delivery date– and under the 50-metre mark.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52383" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Insight: Is Hydrogen the transport fuel of the future? (2021-02-18 11:15:00 +0100)">Insight: Is Hydrogen the transport fuel of the future?</a>The innovative solution will allow <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> yachts equipped with the propulsion system to generate electricity when the generators and engines are switched off. This will extend the non-diesel consuming time at anchor and while manoeuvring. The company added that this “Net-zero GHG emission” system is compatible with the limited space available on board.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212641/image/large-30faab3da16654a6956d2ee9c43dc9f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212641">The system will provide energy to power the hotel load and not the propulsion system. The reason being is that it is during the hotel time that a yacht is more inefficient regarding Co2 emissions.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen sells their first superyacht with fuel cell technology (2021-04-20 15:00:00 +0200)">Lürssen sells their first superyacht with fuel cell technology</a>We’re following this story closely, so more information will follow.&nbsp;

Sanlorenzo hydrogen fuel cells on 50m superyacht

Massimo Perotti announced a 50m superyacht equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that generates electricity from reformed methanol, in 2024. 

Breaking: Sanlorenzo to build 50m superyacht equipped with hydrogen fuel cells

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Seer Marine (Company)">Al Seer Marine</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 Group</a> and <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> announce today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with the view to set up a joint venture to develop the first dedicated superyacht refit and repair facility in Dubai. This new high-capacity shipyard will provide superyacht owners with a customised world class refit service in the Gulf, the first of its kind in the region.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243119/image/large-fa47f3fce9a79c3337d666bd4b8d10ad.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243119">The shipyard construction is scheduled for completion in 2026, with the joint venture offering its superyacht repair and refit services from next year in 2023, as the start of this strategic plan. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Seer Marine (Company)">Al Seer Marine</a> has been looking to develop a world class superyacht service centre and refit shipyard in the UAE since 2019 and after discussions with <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> in Dubai, found the perfect strategic partner to realise the project. Now with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 Group</a> as the third partner and the chosen operator of the shipyard, this new facility will deliver the unrivalled quality of service the customers in the region need.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/26092/image/large-c8c7b3a0f880a17bfd80ae6514ced70e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/26092"> Gunther Alvarado, Chief Operating Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Seer Marine (Company)">Al Seer Marine</a> said, “Leading this powerful partnership is part of Al Seer Marine’s overall investment strategy and vision for the Gulf Region, with some of the most complex superyachts owned and operated in the region, we will have a world class facility with leading suppliers and subcontractors, that will serve their requirements.” Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer 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>, a DP World company said: “The UAE is the ideal location to service the Gulf region’s growing number of superyacht owners. Dubai has developed its reputation over the years as a top destination for luxury yachting with the creation of several high-end marinas. We already look after some of the most exclusive and advanced yachts at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mina Rashid Marina (Company)">Mina Rashid Marina</a>. With the development of a new service centre and refit shipyard, the UAE and Dubai’s offering as a hub for yacht owners will be even more attractive.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243120/image/large-d95d1f0fef7490132327ea93241cc6b7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243120"> Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 Group</a>, added, “Creating a world-class refit shipyard from scratch, in the dynamic hub of Dubai and the Gulf, represents a very exciting and unique opportunity for our Group, which has been on our strategic agenda for several years. It will enable us to expand the foot print of our first-class facilities and provide our clients in the region with the same level of service and support the receive and expect in Barcelona and La Ciotat. We look forward to presenting the details of this exciting joint venture to our key stakeholders in the coming months.”All three companies will be in attendance at the Gulf Superyacht Summit on the 9th and 10th of November, which is hosted by SuperYacht Times. You can find more information about the summit here: <a href="https://www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com</a>

Superyacht service centre and refit shipyard

Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&O Marinas to create superyacht service centre and refit shipyard in Gulf region.

Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&O Marinas to create superyacht service centre and refit shipyard in Dubai

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> has acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">Island Global Yachting LLC</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a>) for $480 million, with an additional potential earnout of up to $100 million two years after closing, subject to the achievement of defined performance metrics. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217978/image/large-64744b9b43268cb81049eb951dffa500.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217978"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> will continue to run under its branding and with Tom Mukamal, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a>, and the IGY Marinas existing management team continuing to lead the growth and operations of the business. It has been forecasted that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> will generate over $100 million of revenue in calendar 2022 for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2023 and to be accretive within the first twelve months of closing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209501/image/large-96b66caa72d064abac47b6a07c6e38fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209501">“We are delighted to announce our acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a>, a transformative transaction for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, that significantly strengthens our ability to provide the best customer experience to yacht owners around the world,” said W. Brett McGill, Chief Executive Officer and President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>. “The addition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> positions <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> as the preeminent leader in the superyacht industry—the only company able to offer an integrated experience coupling high-value superyacht berthing and marina services in premier locations with exclusive superyacht service offerings. Moreover, this investment continues to diversify our business mix with not only higher margins, but also a larger geographic footprint, especially in highly desired destinations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217713/image/large-ebe27837f04a2d62eee0fd715e0fc0ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217713">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax CEO Brett McGill on the future of the industry giant (2021-03-01 12:30:00 +0100)">MarineMax CEO Brett McGill on the future of the industry giant</a>Mr. McGill continued, “We are very pleased to strategically expand with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> and have tremendous respect for their outstanding management team for building a high-quality real estate portfolio of luxury marinas with extraordinary growth potential. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a> has experienced significant recent growth, as its brand has become sought-after by yacht owners, as well as public and private marina owners worldwide."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209500/image/large-7c524839b41ba05a948214148f90b33e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209500">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas unveils the IGY Trident membership programme (2022-05-04 13:30:00 +0200)">IGY Marinas unveils the IGY Trident membership programme</a>"This investment aligns with our ongoing strategic acquisition plan, including our superyacht business, to selectively expand our service offerings with acquisitions of high growth, high margin businesses. Furthermore, we strongly believe that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a> will offer our <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser Yachts</a> and <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> current and future superyacht customers the opportunity to enhance their yachting experiences by providing them access to the world’s only superyacht marina network.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226037/image/large-26e68bc258e8aa0fe04cce30a1847dcf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226037">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY signs temporary concession agreement for a superyacht marina in Ibiza (2022-07-21 17:30:00 +0200)">IGY signs temporary concession agreement for a superyacht marina in Ibiza</a>“We are excited to join the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> Family and its experienced management team,” said Tom Mukamal, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a>. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> brings significant resources, synergies, and competitive advantages to our business, amplifying our potential for both organic and inorganic growth."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226038/image/large-2e75c5c9b7b860a4001ea6caff367d81.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226038">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title='"Consolidation in yacht brokerage is inevitable": Daniel Ziriakus of Northrop and Johnson (2022-03-03 14:00:00 +0100)'>"Consolidation in yacht brokerage is inevitable": Daniel Ziriakus of Northrop and Johnson</a>"With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY</a>’s irreplaceable destination portfolio, demonstrated track record of successful acquisitions and a robust pipeline, we are confident in our collective ability to strengthen and build on our position as the global leader in superyacht and luxury marina destinations and related services.

MarineMax acquires IGY Marinas for $480 million

MarineMax has acquired IGY Marinas for $480m, with an additional potential earnout of up to $100m two years after closing.

<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> has officially been sold. The acquisition of 100 percent of the capital of the company has been completed through a management buyout supported at 75 percent by the Austrian FIL Bros Family Office. The remaining 25 percent will be held by the company’s co-founders Ennio Cecchini and Vasco Buonpensiere.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/43792/image/large-5044dcb0411d6dd95de2bf07abd90e1c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/43792">Vasco Buonpensiere will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, and has announced that the company will be managed with a long-term vision that develops it through ‘grounded’ and ‘pragmatic’ actions; all while keeping the core values that has driven <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> to become such an internationally renowned player. “Quality, exclusivity, great attention to each client in his/her own specificity,” will remain at the forefront of its vision.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247182/image/large-ae34c164a21dea45f100ef0a47b9fc88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247182">“What we have in mind are ambitious and visionary goals yet we know that we will get them as is in the spirit and history of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>,” Vasco Buonpensiere commented. “Considering that our production is totally sold up to 2026 and that the Value of Production will double within 3 years compared to 2021, we will further focus on our brand positioning, which already has international recognition. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> is maybe the only Italian brand which plays on equal terms with the best Northern European shipyards, as witnessed by many owners who chose CcM after owning yachts built by Dutch and German shipyards.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247179/image/large-4b30d6bc7ac40ec62a00f1ce70c3b20d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247179"><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> was founded 12 years ago and, as of today, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>’s order book includes as many as 13 explorer yachts (with deliveries up to 2026) for a total length of 504 metres and GT of approximately 5,000 GT. Its inception followed two years after the global economic crisis in 2008, and Buonpensiere has been instrumental to the shipyard’s success from the get-go. Buonpensiere assumed the role of Sales &amp; Marketing Director, and together with Ennio Cecchini worked to steer all strategic decisions of the company. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241570/image/large-f44840162bc321957ba4556a9d8a3197.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241570">Tom Schröder, owner of FIL Bros Family Office, the new major shareholder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>, has made the following statement: “I have an immense passion for yachting and I found out that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>’s management and staff share this passion of mine, combined with the commitment to build something special, something that has no equal in the yachting industry. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247180/image/large-f4b097defb955a667d4c84125e928e1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247180">“Together with Vasco and Ennio, since both of them play a key role in the shareholding structure, and all employees that will be further involved and motivated in the company growth, we will consolidate <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> position in the international arena as one of the best yacht builders in the world – consistently with what has been done in the last 12 years. Our goal is to deliver three or four explorer yachts per year to owners who wish to sail the seven seas and reach in safety and utmost comfort, even at the highest latitudes. These yachts will distinguish themselves for their extraordinary quality.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216511/image/large-ff6c92320cb968b5a150fac9bdaadd5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216511">The acquisition is aimed at strengthening and further developing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>’s activity together with co-founders Ennio Cecchini and Vasco Buonpensiere, true builders of the extraordinary success of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>, still at the helm of a company that with a farsighted approach specialised itself in the construction of explorer yachts of unsurpassed quality and design, real little ships in steel and aluminium.”

Cantiere Delle Marche acquired and Vasco Buonpensiere appointed CEO

Italian shipyard CdM sold to the Austrian FIL Bros Family Office Vasco. Buonpensiere will act as CEO.

Italian shipyard CdM sold with Vasco Buonpensiere appointed CEO

Raphael Sauleau has joined the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> team, taking on the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective as of today (8 December 2022). Stefanos Makrymichalos, who has served as CEO since 2015 will remain with the company, assuming the role of Executive Chairman. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245837/image/large-a3a9f76c40d53529fbfcd90f5871af0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245837">Stefanos Makrymichalos was responsible for driving <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> to its current position, successfully restructuring the firm on all levels, and expanding <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s group and operations globally. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> became the largest operator of charter yachts worldwide and consistently ranked among the top tier of yacht sales globally, under his tenure. Makrymichalos will be actively involved in the company’s strategic vision, with a focus on the company’s brand and technology development.&nbsp;Raphael Sauleau has 25 years of experience in the private wealth and maritime sectors, and most recently held the position of CEO at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>, Sauleau will be responsible for managing the company's operations and business activities globally with the objective of achieving growth and efficiency. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178466/image/large-9ea084060c250218414dc06e71e06d1a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178466">“I look forward to joining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> Family, a company that has grown exponentially the last few years under the leadership of Stefanos and partners,” Raphael Sauleau commented. “Stefanos and I both share a similar vision to bring the Company to even greater heights, with the human element and technology at the center of our strategy. It is incredible when skills, teamwork and passion come together. Exciting times ahead!”Stefanos Makrymichalos, commented, “I am extremely optimistic for the future success of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> and thrilled to have Raphael alongside. We both share the same passion and the same vision of a successful company, driven by the wellbeing of our team. Raphael not only has the skills, qualifications, and experience to spearhead <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s continued growth, but he also shares <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s principal values.”&nbsp;

Raphael Sauleau appointed CEO of IYC

Raphael Sauleau has joined the IYC team, taking on the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective as of today.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater Marine</a> has finalised the acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> and, as of today, has added the leading US brokerage firm to its <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a> portfolio of organisations and companies. The acquisition is set to further advance <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a>’s growth and diversification strategy, significantly bolstering its product portfolio and customer reach.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223343/image/large-2771daf28e5aed1614af060fb3910c24.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223343">“We are thrilled to welcome Bob Denison and his team into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a> family, which expands and strengthens our presence in the superyacht and yacht categories,” said Austin Singleton, Chief Executive Officer for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a>. “As we move through the second fiscal quarter, we continue to capitalise on record demand and a growing backlog.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54812" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bob Denison on why acquisition by OneWater Marine means big things for the American yacht brokerage firm (2022-03-22 13:15:00 +0100)">Bob Denison on why acquisition by OneWater Marine means big things for the American yacht brokerage firm</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/114971/image/large-d13b0031183412a92551fe76d7c75d5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/114971">“Orders at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miami International Boat Show - 2022">Miami Boat</a> show were off the charts for both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison</a>, which underscore our combined position as the premier marine retailer of choice from superyachts and yachts to traditional boat sales, parts, and service,” Singleton continued. “We look forward to enhancing our leadership position in the market in the coming years.”The acquisition follows record numbers for both companies at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miami International Boat Show - 2022">Miami</a> and <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2022">Palm Beach Boat Shows</a>, which took place in February and March of this year respectively. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> has had some outstanding years, and in 2021 alone the firm secured 1,000 yacht sales and saw an increase of 177 percent in yacht charters. The firm has a longstanding heritage and has been a leading yacht broker in the states for some 70 years now. It also operates 21 offices, seven of which are in Fort Lauderdale and one is in Monaco. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178342/image/large-4c6ee80e15ccd3c91b0a61b672d6e834.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178342">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title='"Consolidation in yacht brokerage is inevitable": Daniel Ziriakus of Northrop and Johnson (2022-03-03 14:00:00 +0100)'>"Consolidation in yacht brokerage is inevitable": Daniel Ziriakus of Northrop and Johnson&nbsp;</a>“Strong consumer demand continues to fuel our growth and strengthens our position as industry leaders throughout the United States, Europe, and the Mediterranean <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison</a>’s team of experienced yacht brokers is unparalleled in the world of yachting,” Bob Denison, President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>, commented. “Their commitment to taking incredible care of clients will be accelerated thanks to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a>’s tools, resources, and support. We are excited to be joining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a> family, and we look forward to what our shared future holds.”

OneWater Marine finalises acquisition of Denison Yachting

OneWater Marine has finalised the acquisition of Denison Yachting and, as of today, has added the leading US brokerage firm to its OneWater portfolio.

The Bremerhaven <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1075" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft (Company)">Lloyd Werft Shipyard</a> sold over the course of this weekend to Bremen contractor Kurt Zech and the Bremerhaven steelwork contractor Thorsten Rönner. German media Butenunbinnen&nbsp;reported that the contract was signed late on 4th March and Dr Christoph Morgen, Insolvency Administrator of MV Werften Holdings Limited and Owner of Lloyd Investitions- und Verwaltung GmbH (holding company),&nbsp; commented on the 5th; "For two days we conducted intensive negotiations with different bidders," it said. "Both concepts were presented to us in detail. In the end, the Rönner-Zech Group was awarded the contract."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/187380/image/large-f54db056a4877c944ffc50fbb54eefab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/187380">The other major bidder for the shipyard was yacht builder Al Seer Marine from the United Arab Emirates. Butenunbinnen&nbsp;reported that this had initially been the favoured investor, while the Bremerhaven Lord Mayor Melf Grantz had spoken out in favour of the Rönner-Zech Group.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54401" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft Shipyard files for bankruptcy (2022-01-10 16:30:00 +0100)">Lloyd Werft Shipyard files for bankruptcy</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/187378/image/large-fc69bea15782a3ab6b9534e3d97b2fca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/187378">At the time of its bankruptcy, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1075" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft (Company)">Lloyd Werft</a> shipyard employed 300 employees and the future of those jobs under the new ownership is currently unknown. The shipyard filed for bankruptcy on 10th January and cited financial complications with the Genting Group that owned both MV Werften and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/lloyd-werft" target="_blank">Lloyd Werft</a>. It was reported at the time of the announcement that Rönner had already expressed an interest in the shipyard.

Bremerhaven Lloyd Werft Shipyard sold

The Bremerhaven Lloyd Werft Shipyard sold over the weekend to steelwork contractors. 

Bremerhaven Lloyd Werft Shipyard sold to contractors

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> launched a US$302m Hong Kong Initial Public Offering (IPO) early this week in a bid to finance future investments. This is the first time an Italian-based business has listed its shares in Hong Kong since 2010, and the offering is said to value the company between US$932m and US$1.2bn.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/170889/image/large-ad62b45ff4fcaff3c8777b9dcaceec0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/170889">The shipbuilding conglomerate is expected to sell 25 percent of total capital equity, equating to 83,580,000 shares, comprising an international offering of 75,222,000 shares and Hong Kong public offering of 8,358,000, priced between HK$21.82 (US$2.79 million) and HK$28.24 a unit. The retail offer opened last Monday and will close on Friday 25th March, while the listing under the stock code “9638” is scheduled for the 31st March.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220951/image/large-395cb676eccc2227c5cd58d5e78808e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220951">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti S.p.A.</a> continues to grow as the world’s most influential luxury yachting group, driven by unique style, innovation, sustainability, and economic achievements,” Alberto Galassi, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti S.p.A.</a>, commented. “We will keep investing significantly in research and development to launch a number of new models every year, further broadening the product portfolio to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving market and the expectations of our very selective customers.”Galassi continued, “We have a special focus on the ongoing development of new cutting-edge models, mainly in the high-potential made to measure category, with the aim of being a leading player in the most profitable segment of the market. In parallel, we will carefully explore new opportunities in the ancillary services such as brokerage, chartering, after-sales refitting and brand extension activities. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti S.p.A.</a> will continue to pursue its strategic mission to design, manufacture and deliver peerless masterpieces of the sea, crafting pure Italian luxury.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205162/image/large-55c378269a7c50145cf5561442898726.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205162">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has already secured five cornerstone investors that have pledged a combined US$130m. The group plans to invest the IPO proceeds to develop areas of manufacturing, roll out new models and to bolster its after sales and brokerage services.&nbsp;This is the second time that the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has attempted to go public. It had an unsuccessful attempt to float stocks on the Italian stock market in 2019 as the shareholders decided not to accept the proposed share price.

Ferretti Group to sell over 83m shares

The Ferretti Group launched a US$302m Hong Kong Initial Public Offering (IPO) early this week in a bid to finance future investments.

Ferretti Group floats 83.5m shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange to finance future investments 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a> has reported that is moving full steam ahead with the rebirth of the famous Italian yacht brand <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> that it <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi purchased for €80 million by TISG (2021-12-22 18:15:00 +0100)">purchased for €80 million at auction in December last year</a>. The brand will exclusively build large sailing yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224772/image/large-419ca8bd8d151dfaa453c0355e19c514.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224772">With the re-start of operations at the Viareggio and La Spezia facilities now in progress, the group has worked on the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> production plan to begin building yachts once again as soon as possible.&nbsp;Giovanni Costantino, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">TISG</a> Founder and CEO has created an industrial blueprint design which entails that the Viareggio shipyards continue to be dedicated to the production of sailing yachts up-to 60 metres, while larger yachts will undergo construction in La Spezia and Marina di Carrara. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224771/image/large-6c9943bfc855a363fdae0848683c74e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224771">The upcoming construction plan includes three deliveries in the coming three years; a 60-metre ketch to be delivered by the end of 2023, a 47-metre sloop for delivery in Q1 of 2024 and a 56-metre ketch for delivery at the end of 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/59154/image/large-d287728315ee43bcaeabc123dd06b2be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/59154">The 47-metre sloop will be constructed in aluminium and is a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> yacht, by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>, demonstrating an evolution in the group's design style. While the vessel is a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">TISG</a> design, the yacht has retained many <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> qualities, however utilising modern innovations such as a carbon mast, boom, finishes and deck accessories. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/214664/image/large-c368ca34691a26e708bc548b7a2b2e2e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/214664">She will also feature the "fly-by-wire" system with twin rudders which offer better manoeuvrability in all conditions.

Perini Navi relaunch begins

The Italian Sea Group has announced that it is moving forward with the relaunch of Perini Navi.

Full steam ahead for the Perini Navi rebirth with three new sailing yachts

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> revealed its 60-metre flagship superyacht T60 at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">2022 Monaco Yacht Show</a>. The Italy-based shipyard announced that it will begin construction on speculation of the new motor yacht next year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243402/image/large-9828cf44c97d08747e3c8ada87c2e1ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243402">The T60 yacht marks the evolution from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>’s traditional Seagull line and features lines penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski Design</a>. Her exterior draws inspiration from the shipyard’s incredibly successful T52 yacht, which has already secured six orders before the first hull has even been launched.The T60 superyacht is characterised by the soft exterior lines of her predecessor with a sleeker design, thanks to the lighter side buttresses that almost seem to be ‘hanging’ on the water. Her modern and contemporary design also sees a black glass stripe incorporating the portholes, creating a streamlined profile.The new design throws convention out the window when it comes to her interior layout. According to the shipyard “the floor-to-ceiling windows of both the main saloon and the upper deck open up completely and, once fully concealed, create new, ever-changing environments that harmonise with the surrounding landscape.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243404/image/large-20c49cd65adcc4cd77a71f48adf18302.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243404">The yacht T60 has an open plan saloon and dining area to create one single free-flowing space. She boasts a 60 square-metre beach lounge, which features a swimming pool, a bar and a lounge that leads to the main saloon via an elegant staircase.Guests are accommodated onboard the T60 yacht across five staterooms with the owner’s suite located on the main deck. The master stateroom features an ensuite night area, a private lounge and a fixed balcony that can be enjoyed even while she is cruising. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> is also able to provide an alternative configuration with the entire upper deck transformed into the owner's deck, if desired.&nbsp;On the lower deck there are four staterooms: two VIPs and two guest staterooms. Forward on the same deck are also the crew quarters, sleeping 11 crew members in six cabins, while the captain's cabin is on the upper deck, behind the wheelhouse. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243403/image/large-5dc17b6ce2fce171a9f4a43e29ad9ef2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243403">The upper deck includes a lounge and dining area that is fully convertible thanks to windows that open up completely on three sides. It also includes a hot tub and sunbathing area with a touch-and-go helipad located at the bow.Her spacious sundeck extends to 165 square-metres offering 360 degree sea views with a dining table and bar located amidships. She also has a forward lounge area, a huge aft deck that is perfect for entertaining. Her tender garage is able to house two Jet Skis, a 23-foot tender and a rescue tender.The T60 is equipped with two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">CAT</a> C32 ACERT engines that will push her to a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots and is pre-fitted for hybrid propulsion, available upon request.The T60 yacht is scheduled for launch at the end of 2025.

Baglietto to build 60m T60 yacht on speculation

Baglietto has revealed its 60m flagship superyacht T60, with construction due to take place on speculation next year.

Baglietto to build 60m flagship T60 superyacht on speculation

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>, the all-new superyacht refit facility in Bijela, Montenegro, has officially opened. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s 106.7-metre motor sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> arrived at the site earlier this month for her forthcoming refit – making her the first boat to dock in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s superyacht yard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247545/image/large-a4a1b4225635ed8ac7b5f7c84d6e6b10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247545">“Starting from today, with the service provided by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>, Montenegro presents itself to the world as a well-rounded facility for nautical tourism. In addition to moorings, it offers to yacht owners and their crews quality repairs, relieving them of the need to temporarily move from Montenegrin marinas every year,” Milo Đukanović, President of Montenegro, commented. “We are proud that this is the first marine facility of its type and scale in Montenegro. And that contributes to the perception of Montenegro as a new tourist destination in the Mediterranean and in Europe.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a> is the redesigned Bijela shipyard, which has been transformed into a premium superyacht refit and maintenance facility. The Government of Montenegro granted a 30-year concession for the shipyard to PM Holdings LLC and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World Dubai</a>, who’ll run the facilities as a joint venture.The official opening ceremony was attended by a long list of dignitaries, including the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, Managing Director of ICD, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, Captain Rado Antolović, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World</a> and Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179730/image/large-01b83a0f5da95ca26cfe3fa6c360e5e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179730">The former Bijela shipyard, nearly 100 years old, was the largest ship repair yard in the Southern Adriatic. “The development of the project will create hundreds of jobs,” Đukanović added. “In addition to those in the shipyard itself, opportunities will be created for numerous small companies that provide special services, which represents a great opportunity not only for the present, but also for future generations.”Mohammed Al Shaibani, commented, “The Investment Corporation of Dubai is delighted that the joint venture between its operating business in Montenegro, PM Holdings LLC, and our expert marine engineering partner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World Dubai</a>, is being realised through the opening of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s specialist superyacht shipyard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179731/image/large-5baf472550fcc5e913a02448316429d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179731">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre (2022-01-20 12:30:00 +0100)">Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre</a>“Together we’ve shared a long-held ambition to re-activate Montenegro’s former Bijela shipyard in Kotor Bay, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s new refit and repair facility, with the extraordinary superyacht marina village of Porto Montenegro as its backdrop, will create a unique and unrivalled year-round yachting hub in the Mediterranean. This is just the beginning for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s superyacht services, and we look forward to the employment opportunities and prosperity which they will bring to Montenegro.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean (2022-05-27 11:00:00 +0200)">Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean</a>Captain Rado Antolović, added, “The opening of this unique facility for the refit and maintenance of superyachts, marks the beginning of a new era of sustainable and modern shipbuilding globally. It is also a great boost for the maritime and yachting sectors in Montenegro, with more than €40 million invested in the project to date, including for the acquisition of state-of-the-art infrastructure and investments in sustainable technologies.“

Adriatic42 superyacht refit centre in Montenegro officially opened

Adriatic42 refit facility in Bijela, Montenegro, has officially opened. 

Adriatic42 superyacht refit and maintenance centre in Montenegro officially opened 

The 160-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/7683" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue160.0m (524'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Blue</a> was delivered to her owner from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>Aumund facility in Germany. The 14,785 GT superyacht completed her sea trials in April and is one of the biggest superyachts in the world in terms of volume. The yacht's name has now been confirmed, with her name plate visible for the first time.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ee-oPF6bDT0?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232981/image/large-38c7f2ac13511369dc2615663dbd18d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232981"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232994/image/large-312300874131abae79b9990c4b1d0a0e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232994">The superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7683" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue160.0m (524'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Blue</a> spent nine days on sea trials in Bremerhaven, Germany and was launched in February this year. Very few details are known about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7683" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue160.0m (524'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Blue</a>, but she features an exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Terence Disdale Design (Company)">Terrence Disdale Design</a> and naval architecture by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232989/image/large-6d9db04c2b70d369a9c6eaaee5a2ec9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232989"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7683" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue160.0m (524'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Blue</a> is equipped with a large helipad forward and an abundance of alfresco space to aft. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht has a generous swim platform aft, providing guests with seamless access to the water. She’s been penned with clean, straight lines that give her a modern aesthetic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232980/image/large-564ae0b92742f6bbcbeb06a59633a950.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232980">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="160m Lürssen superyacht Blue on sea trials (2022-04-05 15:30:00 +0200)">160m Lürssen superyacht Blue on sea trials</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> is well versed in building and delivering high volume superyachts with their 2016 superyacht Dilbar chiming in as the largest superyacht in the world in terms of volume at 15,917 GT. As well as this, the 2013 launched superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a> is the longest superyacht in the world at 180.61-metres with a volume of 13,136 GT.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232984/image/large-1ce5740b1acc9f00d0a3ec333f74305f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232984"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233020/image/large-ed49fef97d5c5ef1ed985fdef18661af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233020">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54646" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue launched (2022-02-24 08:00:00 +0100)">In Pictures: The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue launched</a>The superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7683" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue160.0m (524'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Blue</a> is the fifth longest superyacht in the global fleet and the second longest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, ousting <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5967" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dilbar156.0m (511'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2016">Dilbar</a> from her spot.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233018/image/large-e530854b2f7981037879fc171adcbd1c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233018">

160m Lurssen superyacht Blue delivered 

The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue was delivered to her owner from the Lürssen Aumund facility in Germany.

Video: The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue has been delivered

The 146-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/8520" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Opera146.0m (479'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Opera</a> is currently undertaking her sea trials in the North Sea. She left <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’s facility in Bremen, Germany, on Tuesday and is expected to return next week. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250282/image/large-cb05d472a7f7298fa19db15e00c952ae.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250282"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8520" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Opera146.0m (479'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Opera</a> is the sixth largest superyacht built by the German shipyard, and the 10th largest superyacht in the world. She was officially launched last month in ceremonious fashion. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241643/image/large-7196194702060026947a9e4cd89c7c6d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241643">Very little is known about the secretive project, apart from that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Terence Disdale Design (Company)">Terrence Disdale Design</a> oversaw both her exterior and interior design. We can also see that she’s been equipped with two helipads: one on her foredeck and the second aft. She’s also fitted with two swimming pools and has an incredibly generous beach club.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241641/image/large-38b98e82a315a7bbb5f6dc20fbaea398.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241641"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241644/image/large-eec1723c101e1c7dc72cd2b5152b0271.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241644"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8520" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Opera146.0m (479'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2022">Opera</a> has been constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, and is expected to be over 12,000 GT. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241639/image/large-d9107c0663a96d19d754d3f506eed9e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241639"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has more than 10 other superyacht projects either underway or pending, including the 145-metre Luminance which is scheduled to be completed next year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241640/image/large-413eb35a1bb1823aa77ed0df291d5302.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241640">

146m Lürssen superyacht Opera sea trials

The 146-metre Lürssen superyacht Opera is currently undertaking her sea trials. She was officially launched last month.  

146m Lürssen superyacht Opera on sea trials

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard</a> has delivered the 120-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> yacht, marking a momentous milestone in the nation’s shipbuilding history. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> is not only the largest yacht delivered by the shipyard, but the largest from the nation – surpassing her predecessor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a> by an incredible 55-metres.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5cNAGGFkL5c?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54420" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radical 100m+ J7Explorer superyacht launched in Indonesia (2022-01-13 13:45:00 +0100)">The explorer was launched earlier this year</a> from a beach in Indonesia, rolled into the water in traditional fashion on large inflatable balloons, and she cascaded into the water with dramatic effect. Very little is known about the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a>, except that she has an estimated interior volume in excess of 8,000 GT and is constructed with a steel hull and superstructure. Construction started on the great Indonesian explorer back in 2019.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">PT Bahtera Bahari</a> is located in the southeast of the island of Batam and was founded in 2005. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> is the first recorded superyacht launched by the shipyard, as it typically builds commercial vessels. It has also undertaken a number of conversion projects, one of the more recent projects was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55595" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In conversation: Converting the 45m explorer yacht Immortalis (2022-07-19 13:00:00 +0200)">45-metre Niigata Shipyard explorer Immortalis</a>.&nbsp;

120m J7 Explorer yacht delivered

PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard has delivered the 120m J7 Explorer yacht. This is the first recorded superyacht that the shipyard has delivered. 

Indonesia’s flagship: The 120m J7 Explorer delivered 

The 118-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/7313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship 1010118.0m (387'2&quot;)Feadship2022">Feadship 1010</a>, aka yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Launchpad118.0m (387'2&quot;)Feadship2024">Launchpad</a> has undertaken her second sea trials, following her launch in August this year. The impressive motor yacht is currently the largest yacht to be launched from the Dutch shipyard to date.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244774/image/large-5fb687c244e4e07ad18c033da1b7c1c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244774">Our in-house Content Creator, Ruben Griffioen, was hot on her heels on both occasions; he booked a helicopter and followed her across the North Sea during her first trip out, and was onboard a small tender during her second sea trials, to showcase her in a new way.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Feadship’s 118m flagship superyacht 1010 on sea trials (2022-10-05 12:45:00 +0200)">Video: Feadship’s 118m flagship superyacht 1010 on sea trials</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244773/image/large-9e6931a24928d9648e7b127a679d7d1e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244773"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244781/image/large-578009e4251dccff4f588c4e2f9fb98f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244781">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship 1010118.0m (387'2&quot;)Feadship2022">Feadship 1010</a> superyacht features a dark blue hull and a recognisable red line across her waterline, with exterior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a>. She has long, flowing and natural lines, and features a glass observational lounge up top with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244780/image/large-ae5064d6320e1b85a51e70b302e8166d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244780">Although very few details have been revealed about the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship 1010118.0m (387'2&quot;)Feadship2022">Feadship 1010</a>, she is believed to have an interior volume of around 5,000 GT, making her the largest superyacht ever launched in the Netherlands, in terms of volume.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55765" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Watch 118m Feadship 1010 launch (2022-08-19 17:30:00 +0200)">Video: Watch 118m Feadship 1010 launch</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55765" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Watch 118m Feadship 1010 launch (2022-08-19 17:30:00 +0200)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244782/image/large-9b2ae5d756057e6f71352eaad591fe71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244782"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244771/image/large-adf3f7073a3464abdb7eb217289c662d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244771"></a>The yacht's interior design has been penned by the French studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a>, though the details of the configuration and design have been kept closely under wraps.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244778/image/large-3d5624b8a01c56fd638c68bb73caa990.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244778"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> is currently building an even larger superyacht that, once launched, will overtake <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship 1010118.0m (387'2&quot;)Feadship2022">Feadship 1010</a> as the largest. The 118.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;Project 821 is believed to have approximately 7,000 GT of interior volume with an expected delivery date of next year.

118m Feadship 1010 yacht sea trials

The 118m flagship Feadship 1010 superyacht has been captured by SYT as she undertook her second sea trials

In pictures: 118m flagship Feadship 1010 superyacht Launchpad on sea trials

A SuperYacht Times&nbsp;reader has captured the new 118-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7928" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking 6507118.0m (387'2&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2023">Abeking 6507</a> on the River Weser in Germany today. The yacht was being towed from Neustädter habour, and it is reported that her christening took place in the harbour last night.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252537/image/large-ed140baea66d326721a7fe6acfc15e51.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252537"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252535/image/large-a3850652392398c29cbce405f547e35b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252535"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252532/image/large-c12a8e5974b6ee7decdf27128fe3ddbd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252532">The yacht was launched on Sunday morning and has already made a big impression with her black hull and white superstructure. The superyacht, which is the largest ever launched by the German shipbuilder, features both interior and exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5167" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Joseph Dirand Architecture (Company)">Joseph Dirand Architecture</a>, while her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> completed her naval architecture. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252536/image/large-2b2d58ba614b6a816c4a9d0ef79f2ce6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252536"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252538/image/large-f87217054028ca41cf1aaf80bda4aace.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252538">The yacht's American owner has been represented throughout the build by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/cornelsen-partner-yacht-consulting-gmbh" target="_blank">Cornelsen &amp; Partner</a>. The yacht is now expected to enter the outfitting stage of her build, ahead of her delivery next year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252534/image/large-49be64410a20d73707f9aa57949a7c4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252534">&nbsp;

118m Abeking 6507 superyacht in Germany

The 118m Abeking superyacht Abeking 6507 has been captured in transit in Germany.

In pictures: 118m Abeking 6507 superyacht spotted in Germany

The stern of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s Project Y722 superyacht has left the shed to be transported to the Dutch yacht builder’s facilities in Zwijndrecht for the next stage of construction. This is the first time a section of this project, which is believed to measure 111-metres, has been seen. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225725/image/large-2b8cb3bc8ec48755aefa5b34efa61608.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225725"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225719/image/large-1b9569480036fbc7befb8fdc8661133b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225719"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225720/image/large-ec0ae0235cc119681e92a90ab7b22bf6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225720"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225721/image/large-4a18e3a75cca940dda199a870ecbbca1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225721">Little is known about Project Y722 apart from that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lateral Naval Architects (Company)">Lateral Naval Architects</a> penned her naval architecture and that she'll feature an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Berryman Design Ltd (Company)">Mark Berryman Design Ltd</a>. Her build material is steel and aluminium for the hull and superstructure, respectively. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225722/image/large-f9bad92c1c4cdc4e219358221f5a0645.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225722"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225723/image/large-f28fa352abaf85a92d3e710394efa2b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225723"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225724/image/large-78e0d47780aef50a0e4d40aa64520681.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225724">With an estimated 5,500 GT of interior volume, Project Y722 could be the largest superyacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> in terms of volume. In respect of length, she ranks third. The forthcoming 127-metre Project Y721 ranks first, while the 117-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Infinity117.0m (383'10&quot;)Oceanco2022">Infinity</a> is the second-longest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> build. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225726/image/large-e1ac03b2bf499943b4d6d25c61959b10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225726"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225727/image/large-70d1c5bdb71d6b86951dd128655b8c69.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225727"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225728/image/large-3ee49afa3ace462ab374af9c499fbe3e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225728"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225729/image/large-aa0db6f98599622d63e429a4324653f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225729">

Stern of Oceanco’s 111m superyacht project Y722 revealed

The stern of the 111-metre Oceanco Project Y722 superyacht has left the shed to be transported to the Dutch yacht builder’s facilities in Zwijndrecht.

In pictures: Stern of Oceanco’s 111m superyacht Project Y722 revealed 

The 107-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/6431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Icecap107.0m (351'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Project Icecap&nbsp;</a>has been spotted outside the shipyard in Wolgast. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250571/image/large-ca7d0432da1b536539df6b7842985c87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250571"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Icecap107.0m (351'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Icecap</a> was constructed at the German builder's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/193" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Peene-Werft GmbH (Company)">Peene-Werft</a> shipyard, which belongs to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>'s naval division. The project has been kept under tight wraps until July of this year, when she first emerged from the shed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250570/image/large-b9c5bdf7421312fd110fed94d67fb786.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250570"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Icecap107.0m (351'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Project Icecap</a> is a full-bodied explorer and has been constructed with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. She is expected to be equipped with three <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wärtsilä (Company)">Wärtsilä</a> engines. Once completed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Icecap107.0m (351'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Project Icecap</a> will be amongst the world’s largest superyachts. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4827" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Salt Ship Design (Company)">Salt Ship Design</a> oversaw both her exterior design and naval architecture, and she’s expected to offer close to 6,000 GT of interior volume. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45307/image/large-81a5beade0a4b025a64087f9a6883e94.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45307">The owner is being represented throughout the build by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6940" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Occam Marine (Company)">Occam Marine</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> currently has 10 other superyachts under construction and expects to deliver <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Icecap107.0m (351'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Project Icecap</a> next year.&nbsp;

107m Lürssen superyacht Project Icecap sea trials

The 107-metre Lürssen superyacht Project Icecap leaves Peene-Werft for sea trials.  

107m Lürssen superyacht Project Icecap spotted in Germany

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire Shipyard</a> has laid the keel of an all-new superyacht project that will exceed 100-metres in length. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240873/image/large-d8d2c1a5a8991a827fe6be9d37b29dbc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240873">“We are proud of the extremely efficient hull which went through an extensive design and tank testing program to make it one the most fuel-efficient and stable hull designs,” the owner’s representative commented.The superyacht is set to be an intrepid explorer, and is expected to have around 4,000 GT of interior volume. She’s to be constructed out of steel and aluminium for her hull and superstructure, respectively.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240872/image/large-31f971970df4c90b98023249b658f919.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240872">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53283" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire 112m explorer superyacht touches the water for the first time (2021-07-02 15:30:00 +0200)">Freire 112m explorer superyacht touches the water for the first time</a>The contract for this project was signed last year and the cutting of the first steel plates took place in May 2022. It is expected that her hull and superstructure will be completed in August 2023, ahead of her delivery in 2024. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199412/image/large-a2f81021f05fb7f41965661ad74b9bb0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199412">(above) Freire 112m explorer&nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire Shipyard</a> is also underway with another project that exceeds 100-metres – the 112-metre superyacht explorer, scheduled for completion later this year. This project features an exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2997" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marin Teknikk AS (Company)">Marin Teknikk AS</a>, and is estimated to offer an incredible 6,950 GT of interior volume. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196090/image/large-9ca1a7b1948632b57d0052faf37fce53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196090">(above) Freire 112m explorer&nbsp;

Freire Shipyard lays keel of new superyacht

Freire Shipyard has laid the keel of an all-new superyacht project that will exceed 100-metres in length. Delivery date is scheduled for 2024.

Freire Shipyard lays keel of new 100m+ superyacht explorer 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252541/image/large-ac194d0eea09e1c08946cb2d5d13e97b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252541"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252539/image/large-1a2b2e2542ce2005b9d73890941ade5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252539"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56593" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In pictures: Feadship transports superstructure of 92m superyacht project (2022-12-19 14:00:00 +0100)">Last week SuperYacht Times photographer Ruben Griffioen captured the haul out of the superstructure</a> of a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht. He has been following the progress of the vessel over the past two days and has photographed the launch and transport of her hull to Makkum, where the hull and superstructure will be joined. The project is believed to be Feadship Project 1012.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252465/image/large-ec37e761f8ebcbf21d0b6c9148da1c7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252465"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252466/image/large-8274baf71fa4bf6c59cf65101aa956c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252466">The superyacht, which is expected to have around 3,000 GT of interior volume and a beam of 14.5-metres, will start being outfitted in the new year. Very little is known about the vessel, which has been kept completely under wraps, though we expect her assembly and then outfitting to take place in Makkum from the new year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252467/image/large-c25385bca15b3d6c7542521164500fe4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252467"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252464/image/large-df973538a79ca9a372212019fec88935.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252464"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252462/image/large-853c5be19cb7e40dec33c34f07d25611.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252462">

92m Feadship superyacht in-build

The hull of the new 92m Feadship superyacht has been captured in transit on route to Makkum.

In pictures: Secretive 92m Feadship superyacht hull in transit

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a>, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a> brand, has announced that project Amarcord, a new 80-metre motor yacht, has entered its construction phase. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219750/image/large-14e59be8ab1b728644ed3d85c18a6b24.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219750">“We are designing a yacht that conceptually and stylistically connects with the many others built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a> so far. It is not an easy task, considering that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> boats have always had a strong personality and the ultimate goal is to further strengthen it by "dressing" it with an innovative, recognisable and unique style", comments Eng. Carlo Nuvolari.The superyacht, which features a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, is being built on spec with a 2025 delivery date for a prospective owner. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> has styled project Amarcord with a sleek, sophisticated and modern exterior design, with an elongated bow and cascading decks to aft.&nbsp;“We are confident that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> can best interpret such a beloved brand as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a>, starting from our 80-metre already under construction. This will be an opportunity to work with them on other interesting innovations in the stylistic field", comments Giuseppe Palumbo, Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a>.

ISA’s 80m superyacht project Amarcord

ISA Yachts has announced that project Amarcard, a new 80m motor yacht, has entered its construction phase. 

Construction commences for ISA’s 80m superyacht project Amarcord 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> has signed a contract for the construction of an all-new 100+ superyacht for an American Tech-Billionaire.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225314/image/large-76b3ff1d3b79e304f98e23ae3b0977e9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225314">The project has been kept tightly underwraps and is shrouded in secrecy at the owner’s request. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> has been running as a “shipyard on demand” for some years now, but has recently done away with this arrangement and is currently building two 85-metre sheds in Brehemahaven.The "shipyard on demand" concept was designed to reduce general costs, primarily those incurred from administration and sales. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> had an agreement with some of the local facilities that when a contract was signed for a project they could rent a shed for the duration of the project. While the concept promised reduced overheads, it wasn't overly popular which drove them to construct their own facilities.As this newly signed contract exceeds the shipbuilder’s capacity, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a> has rented out a larger yard, also in Brehemahaven, where it will undertake the construction of this project.The project is scheduled to be delivered in 2025.&nbsp;

Dörries Yachts to build 100m+ superyacht

Dörries Yachts has signed a contract for the construction of an all-new 100+ superyacht for an American Tech-Billionaire. 

Dörries Yachts to build 100m+ superyacht for an American Tech-Billionaire

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> has announced that it’ll start the construction of the 85m New World Sloop – &nbsp;“the world’s largest sloop” – in the new year. The 85-metre superyacht, otherwise known as Project 410, was first unveiled in March during the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St Barths Bucket Regatta - 2022">St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2022</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220145/image/large-fb0fd29323d6ffd4527e18c72234d93e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220145">The 85m New World Sloop is “a true sailor’s yacht: ready to sail in a matter of minutes”, Jann Timmerman, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman Group</a> explained. To facilitate the build, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> will need to expand one of its construction sheds in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.“This renewed hall will, of course, match the high standards of the current facilities to meet the very high expectations for Project 410 and future supersized sailing yachts,” the shipyard confirmed. “With this challenging project the shipyard pushes the boundaries of superyacht building once again.”The 85m New World Sloop has been commissioned by an experienced owner and will be built to a design and engineering by Mani Frers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6718" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Frers Design (Company)">Frers Design</a> in Italy. Her interior spaces will be curated by the Amsterdam-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wetzels Brown Partners (Company)">Wetzels Brown Partners</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> has pledged to build the project ‘sustainably’ opting for recycled materials or simple low-impact materials wherever possible. The 85m New World Sloop will also be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system and eligible for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s</a> ‘Hybrid-Power’ certificate. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206279/image/large-169407980f622094f726bcfbedce1068.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206279">When first revealed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> CCO Peter Naeyé said: “It is an extraordinary honour to be entrusted with a project of such scale, ambition, and technical sophistication. This unique Project 410 perfectly reflects ‘who we are and what we do’ at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>.&nbsp;“A true performance superyacht with supersized dimensions, and full of technical innovations. This project is already iconic in every aspect and will be built by the finest craftsmen in the world in full collaboration with her talented designers. We’re all going to enjoy the realisation of bespoke excellence embraced with ’New World’ technology.”The 85m New World Sloop will be constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure. Her carbon mast, boom and integrated sailing system have been designed and produced by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s sister company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>.

Royal Huisman to start construction of 85m New World Sloop in 2023

Royal Huisman has announced that it’ll start the construction of the 85m New World Sloop in the new year. 

85m New World Sloop: Royal Huisman to start construction of ‘world’s largest sloop’ in 2023

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> announced during a press conference at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">2022 Monaco Show</a> that it has signed contracts for an 85-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> 144 superyacht and a 70-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> 145. It has a further 13 yachts under construction for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/363" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva S.p.A. (Company)">Riva</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line Spa (Company)">Custom Line</a> brands in Ancona. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/83500/image/large-1d14cc0b803119e843070316da5c50f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/83500">“Our investments in the large yachts segment are paying off handsomely and I’m pleased to announce the sale of two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> yachts, one 85 metres in length and the other 70 metres,” said Alberto Galassi, CEO of F<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">erretti Group</a>, during the press conference at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">MYS</a>.“We are the only yacht-building Group with a range spanning 8 to 90 metres and as a boat lover myself, I really do understand our owners’ enthusiasm when they enter the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> boutique. My own eyes light up too when I see our fleet.”During the press conference, Galassi confirmed that the larger of the two new projects was signed in January 2022. With an 85-metre length and 2,900 GT of interior volume, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> 144 will be <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>’s flagship model. She’ll be constructed out of steel and aluminium for her hull and superstructure, respectively, and is expected to be delivered in 2026. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235410/image/large-f151a0ca48145e2ca296ceaef5eac470.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235410">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56039" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group acquires Masello Srl and Fratelli Canalicchio SpA (2022-09-29 09:00:00 +0200)">Ferretti Group acquires Masello Srl and Fratelli Canalicchio SpA</a>Very little is known about the 70-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> 145, except that she was signed in August of this year and has been designed for exploration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235408/image/large-c184ac2c699ae87c98e717b3f5af043a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235408">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55647" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A first look onboard CRN’s 62m superyacht Rio (2022-07-27 17:30:00 +0200)">A first look onboard CRN’s 62m superyacht Rio</a>The shipyard exhibited the superyachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rio62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">Rio</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10294" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ciao52.0m (170'7&quot;)CRN2022">Ciao</a>, its two launches of 2022 during the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show</a>.&nbsp;

85m and 70m CRN superyacht

Ferretti Group announced during a press conference at the 2022 Monaco Show that it sold an 85m and 70m CRN superyacht.

Ferretti Group confirms sale of an 85m and 70m CRN superyacht

The sale of a brand new 83-metre superyacht, Project Orkan, Hull 799, has just been announced by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>. The yacht has been designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a> and is due to be constructed at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> shipyard in Germany. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241776/image/large-823b921d79a403c85a9042e47b0ebb89.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241776">The yacht features six decks, generous living space, including a large beach club and helipad and has been designed in a contemporary style with white surfaces and open plan living. Peter Eidsgaard commented, "The pure white surfaces appear to have been sculpted over a subframe, which creates a distinctive appearance with very simple graphics."The yacht will be fully custom, with a focus on waterside living and will feature a hybrid propulsion system including batteries in order to significantly reduce fuel consumption as well as electronic anchoring to protect sensitive areas. The yacht's naval architecture will be completed by the shipyard.&nbsp;Ed Beckett Head of New Build Sales at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> will act as owner's representative, project manager and technical consultant to the build. He commented, "We are extremely proud to have been selected to work on this prestigious new build and look forward to once again working alongside our industry colleagues at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a>."The yacht cements the newly formed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> New Build Sales Team which handled the contract negotiations before passing to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> Technical Services team who will manage the entire build process from production to delivery. Peter Brown, Senior Partner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> explains, "Burgess has project managed the build of some of the industry’s most iconic superyachts and has quite the portfolio to show. To ensure clients receive a seamless experience from initial sales enquiry through production to delivery, we have developed a new build sales team dedicated to guiding clients through this exciting journey."Philipp Maracke, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, says: “Our collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a> is based on strong shipbuilding expertise on all sides. Nobiskrug prides itself on building yachts for the future, ships that will stand the test of time. We are delighted to be working on Project&nbsp;Orkan with these respected partners.”

83m Nobiskrug yacht Orkan sold

83m Nobiskrug and Harrison Eidsgaard superyacht Project Orkan sold by Burgess.

New 83m Nobiskrug superyacht Project Orkan by Harrison Eidsgaard sold

The Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a>, a brand of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a>, has announced the sale of a custom 80-metre superyacht project designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>. The yacht will be constructed at the Ancona shipyard and will be scheduled for delivery in 2026. The client was introduced by Nicholas Hidiroglou of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2725" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Parsifal Yachting S.A. (Company)">Parsifal Yachting</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234562/image/large-744fcaf87db1e5ea57a8ef871a25a1a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234562"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a> will pen the yachts naval engineering in joint collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1181" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hydro Tec S.r.l. (Company)">Hydrotec</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Øino</a> commented, “We are delighted to be working with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> on this exciting project. Owners are experienced and have a keen eye for aesthetics and a background in naval architecture. We can't wait to see the final result of this mix of skills and professionalism that will materialise over the next few years.”"An avant-garde, fully custom project, which consolidates our company’s presence in the international superyacht panorama. A new collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>, an undisputed professional in the sector, whose creativity I have always appreciated”, comments Giuseppe Palumbo, Sole Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a> currently has 14 other yachts from 24-80 metres under construction&nbsp;

ISA Yachts sells 80m custom superyacht

ISA Yachts has just announced the sale of an 80m custom superyacht with Espen Øino.

Long Read

SYT Synopsis 2022: Major acquisitions, five 100m+ superyachts delivered, and around €6b worth of sales