Superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman brings the perfect combination of adventure, sun and city glamour. The region is becoming increasingly popular for superyacht cruising and is welcoming more of the global fleet to enjoy its year-round summer, other-worldly city scapes and spotless beaches. Here is the SuperYacht Times superyacht cruising guide for five days in the UAE and Oman.&nbsp;Day 1: DubaiBegin your UAE and Oman superyacht cruise in Dubai, one of the world's top holiday destinations. Known as the City of Gold, Dubai is a melting pot of luxury, glamour and the ultra-modern. The city is home to world-class infrastructure and a glistening skyline from which the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, towers above the skyline at 160 floors high.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251709/image/large-9e8da947f36c6ae5ba54c5398f12c52a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251709">Dubai is the perfect starting point for a superyacht cruise in the UAE and Oman, with an efficient international airport, world-class marinas and unmatched hospitality. A modern metropolis built in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the city of Dubai is an expanding tapestry of influences and culture with an allure unlike anywhere else.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248522/image/large-cbe9d5c631b38746744edd27f82b5437.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248522">This standout destination flaunts a vibrant energy and magnetic pull. It is this buzz that cements Dubai into travel folklore and can be felt in the city’s overflowing collection of prestige and diverse eateries, bars, hotels and entertainment offerings.Day 2: Dubai to MuscatOn the second day of superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman, depart from Dubai, heading South along the Arabian coast towards Oman, and its capital city, Muscat. Famed for its antiquity, dating back to the 1st Century AD, the city is dotted with 16th Century Portuguese forts such as A Jalali and Mirani which tower over the harbour.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251710/image/large-859997c04cdffd8fbb44a9de6cd1251f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251710">Today the city is a mix of modern buildings, with the marble Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the ancient buildings. The coast of Oman is dotted with beautiful inlets, with traditional Dhow boats ferrying locals between islands.Day 3: Muscat to FujairahAfter enjoying the peaceful waters of Oman, Fujairah is the next stop on your superyacht cruise in the UAE and Oman. With a large, blissful beach surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, the city of Fujairah is bustling with souks and cafes, as well as the famous Portuguese fort which looks over the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251711/image/large-782ec7f6a0bd56e867fc9ef122195b2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251711">Day 4: Fujairah to Abu DhabiOn the fourth day of superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman, head to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Your passage will take you past the north of Oman with its unusual island-like peninsulas and dramatic scenery. Abu Dhabi is home to a flamboyant patchwork of old and new, a bubbling glass jungle splattered with reminders of the city’s architectural and cultural history.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/121684/image/large-99e78f72a977191432c1b7daa3c409e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121684">Only a fifteen-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi, Nurai Island is a boutique island with something for everyone that offers asylum from the dizzying hives of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This peaceful paradise seduces guests with spotless sand, aqua-blue shores and all the facilities needed for a relaxing getaway. Beachside yoga, island tranquillity, splendid pools and a deluxe spa are only some of the relaxing features served up by Nurai Island.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251707/image/large-c118e9fb9902366b4fb417c5beba5550.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251707">Those who prefer active recovery can opt for some of the many sporting activities on the island, including fishing, swimming and tennis. End a day of inconceivable serenity by watching the reflections of the setting sun on the water over one of Nurai Island’s many immersive fine dining experiences.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/115385/image/large-991f9a089a4886e341cba80409a98f5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/115385">Day 5: DubaiFor the final day of your cruise, return to Dubai. The city perches on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, where guests can plunge into mild, turquoise waters. Jet skiing, parasailing or snorkelling, there is no limit to the watersports possibilities in Dubai.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248504/image/large-78e2679ac0f7613fc6d94ed49f071eb3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248504">Spend your day experiencing moments of pure magic on the crystal clear shores of Dubai, using the ocean as your playground with the city’s stunning backdrop watching on. To end a yacht cruise to remember, spend the final evening of your superyacht cruise in the UAE watching the sunset from the world-famous Kite Beach, where kites sink and dip in front of the amber glow of the sun setting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244635/image/large-83503d7c151dcffcb5d0ef1582d5f09b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244635">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

UAE and Oman cruising guide

Amadea yacht by Lürssen in Abu Dhabi

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Amadea yacht in Abu Dhabi 

Fairmont The Palm, Dubai

Dubai Harbour

Burj Kalifa, Dubai

Shuweihat Island , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE

Dubai Skyline

Muscat, Oman

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, UAE

Superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman brings adventure, sun and city glamour. The region is becoming increasingly popular for superyacht cruising.

Superyacht cruising guide: 5 days in the UAE and Oman

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

Interview with Francois Zuretti

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

At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design

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

Interview with Valentina Zannier of Nuvolari Lenard

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

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

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

Interview with Tillberg Design of Sweden

Interview with Daniel Nerhagen of Tillberg Design of Sweden.

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

Turkey is deep seated in the traditions of boatbuilding – and in recent years the nation has ramped up production in the upper echelons of luxury and class, delivering an astounding portfolio of superyachts from Istanbul, Yalova and Antalya. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243279/image/large-cded74eb6e1c5e9db030f827c223c065.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243279">During a press conference held at Yacht Club de Monaco at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">2022 Monaco Yacht Show</a>, it was announced that a key player from the region is riding the wave of success and looking to penetrate the superyacht segment with not one but three new models. That builder is none other than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208271/image/large-b34bc8466169490b74bb2a742e5aebd4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208271">SuperYacht Times caught up with Çağın Genç, Chief Executive Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena Marine</a>, during the bustling third day of <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show</a> to hear more about this innovative, and possibly trend defining new series of superyachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243282/image/large-39484601c6ba8fe4a9d2427e6d58b21b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243282">What drove the decision to design and present a new flagship series? &nbsp;We like to move forward step by step, you could even call it a corporate approach. We’re headed up by a member of the Koç family, the family that owns Turkey’s largest industrial and services conglomerate, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/14" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Marine (Company)">RMK Marine</a>. Our financial backing then is unparalleled and incredibly sound – but we still wanted a firm footing and to establish ourselves before venturing into the superyacht segment.&nbsp;Our brand has become well established as we were initially producing yachts to an incredible standard for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a>. Building for such an established and leading brand led us to the decision to start building our own fleet. In 2017 we delivered our first unit, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena</a> 64, and in the subsequent years we expanded our portfolio with four additional models: the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena</a> 58, 68, 78 and the flagship 88, which has a length of 26.81-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199548/image/large-ad12370d01095d92ef80c477854f87e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199548">The series has seen great success and we have delivered 100 units in just five years. This speaks for itself, but the feedback we’ve received has been incredibly positive and our order book is full until 2025. Looking at the trends in the market, we feel we’re well positioned to step up and offer 35, 45 and 55-metre yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243278/image/large-1cc0e336b604c8769dfc7875707c9917.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243278">Have any emerging trends influenced the design of this new series?&nbsp;Yes, greatly so. The average age of our clientele has dropped by around 10 years, and many of whom are new to yachting. We’re talking about young professionals who have seen success in their respective industries – mostly tech. This new demographic comes with new sets of demands and, importantly, dreams.&nbsp;They’re looking at yachting differently, bucking traditional and typical design trends. One key aspect is dining; many of our new clients are looking for less formal dining areas and more versatile, casual social spaces. We’ve fed this directly into our new series, freeing up as much casual social space as possible, installing just two dining areas: one in the upper deck and the other on the sky deck. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243284/image/large-a4ec651cb9248826a48f7ae5b911a91e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243284">Where did the inspiration for a split-level foredeck come from?Private space is an imperative for yachting; we wanted to maximise the amount of exclusive on deck space for our clients. We wanted to create something new and interesting – and importantly, something that can fit within the parameters of a 35, 45 and 55-metre platform. The owner’s apartment spans two levels, occupying the forward section of the yacht. We thought it only fit to offer the same character for the foredeck itself.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243283/image/large-475095c24f34ebfcb6cdbb8cfbf0ca7b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243283">How has the reception been so far?&nbsp;We’ve had some really positive feedback from our clients, especially for the 30-metre in this new series. The smaller from the range is a natural progression for many of them, who have enjoyed life onboard one of our 58, 68, 78 or 88 models. I’m very pleased with this new positioning.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview Sirena Marine on how yacht trends influence design

Sirena Yachts has come crashing into the superyacht segment with an innovative line, inspired by trends in the market. 

Interview: How yacht trends influence design with Çağın Genç, CEO of Sirena Marine

The 51-metre Feadship motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has been enjoyed as a private yacht by the same owners for more than three decades. She was the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> designed with a comfortable range for Pacific crossings, and her owners took full advantage. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has made numerous circumnavigations, explored new destinations and travelled to many remote locations.Following the news that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has joined the market for the first time, SuperYacht Times’ Alexander Griffiths caught up with Nick Spence, her first Captain and project manager, to hear more about how this unique and trend-setting vessel came to be.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254601/image/large-c33379c3537081822a5569b7d3ae84bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254601">What were the key elements in the design brief for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>?My clients had owned smaller cruising yachts, but their dream was to have a fully customised superyacht that was designed for cruising the Pacific Ocean and fitted out for diving excursions. They wanted a yacht that was a luxurious residence, while being able to reach the more remote destinations of the world, in comfort and safety for both guests and crew.Key elements were that she had to achieve the lowest sound and vibration levels possible. She also had to carry a large exploration and dive tender that could be launched and recovered in lively conditions. It was then also important that she could carry enough fuel and stores to sustain herself and those onboard for months at a time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254595/image/large-f6be9d2c862ba0410e7474fddcb98d92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254595">The design had to provide a private residential deck, without compromising the normal traffic flow for other passengers and crew. With an emphasis on form following function and multifunctionality, this yacht was to be ergonomically designed from the inside out. For example, one of our requirements was that from the main deck up you should always see the horizon, whether sitting or standing!A great deal of time was spent in the pre-bid design development stage for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>; can you share how these initial conversations went?Once we laid out our conceptual ideas, highlighting what we thought was essential and what would be nice to have, we then spent over 2 years scouring the used market while simultaneously interviewing the top builders in Europe, studying the evolution of their projects and their management.In the used market, we had a chance to see what worked and what did not! Sadly, we observed many design deficiencies in the used market and in new builds, the causes stemming mostly from rushed bid packages developed only to conceptual levels before going to contract.We heard horror stories of massive, expensive change requests and realised we had to do our homework to provide the builder with proven engineering and material studies. To ensure that both builder and clients could make informed decisions, the clients gave me the greatest gift of all…. time and a substantial research budget to develop the ultimate design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84699/image/large-ed1ed8d8fcbc309b2b132a68b9c1788b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84699">We could not find anything in the used market that even came close to the brief, so we commissioned a feasibility team of the top superyacht subcontractors in the areas of air conditioning, mechanical, electrical, structural and noise/vibration to provide us with the best design criteria.We were able to fully explore the options without the budget restrictions of a builder already working to a contract price. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/138" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Richard Hein (Company)">Richard Hein</a> orchestrated this detailed feasibility and engineering study with an overarching mandate for a highly ergonomic vessel. He was assisted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade Johnson</a>, who defined the materials and ergonomics of the interior and red flagged any departures from the interior brief.The feasibility team did an excellent job of providing well engineered solutions to enable us to prepare a fully developed design. So with that stage completed, we felt confident going ahead with a large and detailed bid package of specifications, drawings and a materials list that would compare apples with apples and give the bidding builders greater confidence in pricing and execution.Glade Johnson of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5618" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seattle Yachts (Company)">Seattle</a>&nbsp;was enlisted for the interior design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> – what drove this decision and what headed the design brief?The clients wanted a modern superyacht that was durable, elegant, comfortable, and easy to maintain. We knew that choosing the right interior designer was critical so as not to waste the clients’ time. We had shortlisted down to four top firms who, once briefed by the family, did compensated proposals for the owner’s deck and main lounge. Funnily enough, at that time Donald Trump was doing the same for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/297" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kingdom 5KR86.0m (282'2&quot;)Benetti SpA1980">Trump Princess</a>, but as a competition and without payment except to the winner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254597/image/large-10c6369bd6d32409887ca20611a1f650.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254597"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade</a> and his team were absolutely brilliant, took copious notes and hit a home run in understanding our needs and preferences. He focused on how to make our vision a practical reality and not on his reputation or ego.What led to the ultimate decision to choose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> to construct the project?It was a process of elimination. We started with a short list of 6 yards. Feadship was not the cheapest but represented the least risk and we liked the DeVries Family. They were persistent. They were fair. We checked out their customers. There were few complaints. And many previous owners had second and third vessels built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. That, in itself, was quite an endorsement!&nbsp;So, after four years of extensive research and development, we presented our detailed bid package to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in 1991, signed the contract in July that year and saw her delivered in December 1993, for a maiden voyage to Antigua.&nbsp;How was the build process at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">DeVries Shipyard</a>?To be honest, I felt that I had died and gone to Shipyard Heaven! We had given them detailed engineering and interior design data that was called “contract guidance drawings” to enable these amazing builders and architects to have a complete vision of what the end product was to be from day one.For example, we had negotiated very stiff conditions if we did not reach quite challenging noise targets, so workers were fanatical about installing all sound and vibration equipment perfectly. At sea trials, we averaged about 4Db below contract noise targets with a promise to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">DeVries</a> never to disclose those excellent results. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235649/image/large-3bffed53467d17ee60de07c5603aebaa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235649">It turned out the build stage was quite anticlimactic, so I was able to focus on the nuances of the second and third level improvements, instead of dealing with basic design deficiencies that often lead to major change requests and stress!You must have some great stories from your times onboard as captain. Can you share some of your most memorable moments with us?As the owners have a real wanderlust, to say that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>&nbsp;travelled the world in her 30 years is not an exaggeration. Each destination was unique because <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> needed no base and rarely visited the same port twice. Japan was a phenomenal experience as we tracked the cherry blossoms from the South to the North of the country. From those remote islands and coastlines, we could enjoy the historical wonders of the Japanese seaboard and the energy of its thriving cities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235647/image/large-abd35b721c309042fb35e30a653cb2c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235647">In Europe we enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Continent, in the Americas we partied in Cabo San Lucas, circumnavigated Newfoundland, and fished for Atlantic bluefin tuna off Prince Edward Island. Diving expeditions in the Red Sea, Raja Ampat, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Micronesia were activities along with sportfishing, that I really enjoyed sharing with the owners.If I am going to rank my favourite destination, it would still be fishing in Alaska. It was a delight to be her captain for the first 8 years and to prove all our design ideas within the reality of wind and water.Have you considered or made designs for larger yachts in the past 30 years?&nbsp;Once you have built a successful yacht, if not physically, you certainly mentally are constantly building and rebuilding your next dream yacht. We actually went through a design study in 1999-2000 for a larger 79-metre vessel that could store a helicopter for remote cruising. However, the advantages of a 51-metre yacht that can dock in smaller marinas and our satisfaction with how well the crew and details of the existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> worked, could not justify going bigger. A decision we have never regretted!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254599/image/large-f684bac53f758e2a0c1e629f7338802c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254599">Has she undertaken any significant changes since her launch in 1993?It was important to us to keep <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> up with the times; as technology changed, we continually improved her electronic systems to keep her state-of-the-art, in particular with digital technologies and home automation systems. Mechanically, her engines have proven to be outstanding and continue to serve her well. We change her generators on an as-needs basis while maintaining the highest regulatory classifications.How do you crew a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>?When we are hosting guests, we have 14 dedicated crew. The owners have been able to retain many of our senior crew for more than decades at a time, including our Captains, Chief Engineer and Head Chef. The last captain was with the yacht for 20 years, and the new captain has been with the yacht since 2007, as has the Chief Engineer.&nbsp;The crew have a long history with the boat, so there is a strong team commitment to the yacht’s maintenance and the well-being of guests, that will be of great benefit and comfort to a new owner.What drove the decision to sell her after all these years?The needs of the clients have changed. The older generation has become less agile and the younger family members have other priorities.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254600/image/large-61c29357ab42bcac3787b67a2e334d8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254600">Double Haven</a> would suit an owner who wants a vessel designed with privacy and comfort in mind. She is designed for short and long excursions, entertaining and exploring locations that are harder to reach. She is designed for adventure, but without sacrificing creature comforts, and has proven herself to be deserving of all the design awards and accolades she won when first launched.This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

51m Double Haven yacht 

SuperYacht Times caught up with Nick Spence, Captain of the 51-metre Feadship motoryacht Double Haven

Captain's insight: Nick Spence of Double Haven

How did Tony Stout, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> build a marketplace and achieve major investment? SuperYacht Times found out more.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251760/image/large-6a06313a4b7d92b535318449fa8245c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251760">How did the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a>&nbsp;journey begin?After eight years of working onboard various yachts, the idea to launch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> came to fruition in 2015 from my personal experience. One of the common problems we used to face while working onboard, was the tight time schedule to reprovision the yacht and finding trusted superyacht suppliers.&nbsp;The difficulties of sourcing products and services locally was becoming more evident each day as we were often coming into unfamiliar ports, and the owner or guests would turn up unexpectedly, or you would get a wild last-minute request from your guests. I thought to myself, there must be an app that can geo-position your location and that would bring up local, yachting specific sellers in, or near your location.&nbsp;I started researching for months only to find that there was nothing ‘digital’ in the industry with ‘location’ capabilities. As a side project while still working onboard, I started working on expanding the idea, and what the end result would look like. I spoke with my crew at the time, friends within the industry and sellers which I had been using during my season. Everyone loved the idea and I instantly had sellers wanting to be involved.I was fortunate enough to meet my business partner and now investor who loved the idea. We then found a developer called Eleva (based in Pavia, Italy), pitched the long-term vision to them and we basically began coding/developing about one month later.&nbsp;We started as an online directory and mobile application to help crew members find local services and products in over 1,000 ports globally, but we always had the ambition of developing a marketplace.&nbsp;With the increasing demand from the crew members who used <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> daily, we went on to launch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> chat in 2016, which allowed crew members to find and message other crew in their local port or further afield, for day work and socialising. Following this success of the chat, we then released <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> jobs, which allowed crew placement agencies the opportunity to publish their job offers to our growing bank of users. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251776/image/large-b4c88721fe1cb6223be3f2083c44c0e2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251776">What does YACHTNEEDS do?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> marketplace is changing how superyacht crews purchase products.&nbsp;Based in Monaco, our team has developed an industry-first, custom-built platform that brings together 100's of local, superyacht-specific sellers and their product catalogues onto one site. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> marketplace gives captains and crew the ability to buy yachting products for each department onboard and to have their orders shipped directly to their location or collected by the buyer. By offering everything the captains and crew need on one easy-to-use platform from reputable, trusted sellers, purchasing superyacht standard goods has become quicker and easier for everyone.&nbsp;Our mission is to streamline the process of sourcing and buying superyacht products for captains and crew globally, and to save them the burden of having to contact multiple vendors to find and get what they need onboard.What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced since you founded the business?In this industry, we constantly need to be on our toes, reviewing how to deliver exemplary service onboard our business partners, and helping crew members in their buying process. We are operating in a fast-paced environment, and while maintaining brand consistency is key to us, we also need to be able to build a scalable business model. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251777/image/large-0038e6fe51d9d56e8f800ef852a94ca1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251777">What are your plans for the future for the business?Currently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YACHTNEEDS (Company)">YACHTNEEDS</a> marketplace is investing a lot in technology and our team to ensure we bring a high-tech, state-of-the-art platform with high level customer service to the superyacht community. We want to ensure that all department needs onboard are met with the support of our technology and product range. As a response to the rapid and growing demand we have received, both from future sellers wanting to be listed on our marketplace, and crew globally looking to source and buy superyacht products, we plan to launch in the US and Caribbean by the beginning of 2023.&nbsp;This year and next, we will invest more than €1million and continue to develop a state-of-the-art, fully transparent marketplace. We aim to have 400,000 products live by the end of 2023, and as our platform grows, our aim is to get more local sellers involved allowing crew to buy locally, and in-turn, contributing to the global emissions reduction target by not having products shipped from far afield.You recently secured €1.25 million in funding from the Monaco government and a private investor- what will this money do for the business?We have already successfully launched in France, Italy and Spain with over 30,000 part codes and products currently active. We have a strong expansion plan for Europe and by the end of 2023, we will be global and aim to have over 400,000 part-codes active. This round of funding has allowed the team to shift gears and accelerate our expansion, constantly updating and improving our marketplace within this ever-shifting industry.What would you say to upcoming entrepreneurs in the yacht industry?Entrepreneurship is a journey of growth, both personally and professionally. Be resilient while being prepared for failure. Learn from your mistakes, take risks, and build a strong team who believes in the business model and who share the same values.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Entrepreneur in Yachting: Tony Stout, founder of YACHTNEEDS

How did Tony Stout, founder of YACHTNEEDS build a marketplace and achieve major investment? Sophie Spicknell found out more.

Nestled in the Greater Antilles among the Caribbean islands is Jamaica, the tropical paradise where your only limit is your return date. One epic yacht that frequents Jamaica is the 115.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>. Often seen cruising in pristine Jamaican waters, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> is synonymous with the island-country, which is home to a vibrant cultural tapestry, breathtaking beaches and stunning natural backdrops.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254538/image/large-55aca376b71979766563f2de4a5f41b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254538">Despite this, Jamaica’s spellbinding superyacht attractions remain relatively unknown, overshadowed by more traditional winter superyacht destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. What many don’t know? There is not a more perfect way to unlock the region’s treasure trove of hidden secrets than onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254534/image/large-3f3aa0f341b364713547d34eafcee6a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254534">For Chris Callahan, Sales and Charter Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht and Ship</a>, “Jamaica can stand alone as a cruising destination. The Island has an incredibly lush landscape with picturesque waterfalls and some of the best beaches in the entirety of the Caribbean.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254537/image/large-95cd8b75f6c0844a8319efb3955974da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254537">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> is crafted so harmoniously to exceed all guests would desire from a cruise of Jamaica that it seems a perfect match. She boasts world-class facilities spread across more than 5,000 GT of interior and can cruise for exceptionally long periods of time, allowing guests to discover the region in truly relaxed freedom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254530/image/large-dff552b9d052b1d32afd226d6c073bea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254530">Chris Callahan articulates the splendour of a cruise aboard superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica, stating “She features an incredible winter garden with an abundance of lush plants, which creates the illusion that you are a part of the surrounding breathtaking, tropical landscape.” He continues “When cruising tropical locations like Jamaica, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s winter garden unifies land and sea, unlike any other yacht I have ever been on.”Read: <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/lurssen-superyacht-ahpo-interiors-unveiled" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Onboard Ahpo: 115m Lürssen superyacht unveiled for the first time</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254526/image/large-f0425ab47409ddfbd9dab56444eb12de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254526">Upon arrival on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica, guests can't help but soak up the country’s famously contagious laid-back vibe. Known for its vivid and charming culture, Jamaica is a hive of cultural zest, with the capital city Kingston awarded a top destination for culture lovers in 2021.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254522/image/large-22ffb19467cd31cbc54a3e145dc579e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254522">When exploring the country, guests can expect to be met by enthusiastic and warm people who are the true experts of the region. Callahan adds, “Jamaicans are also some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you can find.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254540/image/large-ba997f4ded75a091be3eea0cb0c518f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254540">It is no secret that Jamaica’s beaches are slices of sheer paradise. With 350 miles of glorious coastline, there is an abundance of beaches to choose from. Seven Mile Beach, as its name suggests, is a long, white sand beach located near the town of Negril in Western Jamaica.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254539/image/large-90c0748fc2f0eace228f948fce000d70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254539">The Westerly region of the island is traditionally Caribbean and remains more tranquil and unspoiled than its neighbouring areas, featuring bountiful undiscovered beaches and nature. In Negril Marine Park, guests are spoiled with pristine scuba-diving conditions, with calm waters, excellent visibility and colourful reefs.The calm ambience of the West makes it the perfect region to enjoy watersports activities. From kayaking to paddleboarding, Western Jamaica is the ideal destination for watersports enthusiasts. Soak up the Caribbean atmosphere and end your day enjoying a cold beer on one of the region’s white-sand beaches.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254533/image/large-3eac8a436ba53c2aa4bab813be565ee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254533">Jamaica’s natural landscape is heavenly terrain for adventurers, with four major mountain ranges - Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains, Don Figueroa Mountains, and Cockpit County - spanning across the island. Callahan notes the Blue Mountains as the perfect place to “try out activities ranging from hiking to mountain biking.”If energy is still to be burned after watersports and exhilarating land-based activities, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> also features a full-beam gym with every piece of equipment one might need. If you are an active individual, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica should be on your shortlist.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254525/image/large-3c9bd3e101d0df2378e1c6cfbc2b79c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254525">To recharge after the day’s unforgettable moments, guests can indulge in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s luxury relaxation facilities. Chris Callahan explains “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s beach club has been beautifully designed, offering her guests world-class spa facilities. Guests can step from the aft deck into the water and the swim platform is the ideal location to relax with a book.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254523/image/large-149c16ecd9b0d4dc7c0bf37746c8cffd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254523">For the gastronomically inclined, Callahan highlights the country’s impeccable and diverse food scene. He notes “From the roadside fresh-fruit stands to jerk restaurants like Scotchies, there is a lot to love in the culinary sense.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254531/image/large-ca7ef555c7611e7c3aa9668f593b4b7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254531">With so much to discover, Jamaica awaits to captivate those who visit. An ideal superyacht cruise is around ten to fourteen days. As Callahan explained, “Jamaica is a destination where you can spend a lot of time. Ten to fourteen days travelling on the motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica would allow you to really immerse yourself and experience the different parts of this tropical paradise.”Charter motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica and beyond with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht and Ship</a>. Find out more <a href="https://www.moranyachts.com/luxury-yachts/ahpo/?yacht-type=luxury-yachts-charter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Superyacht Ahpo in Jamaica

Chartering the Lürssen superyacht Ahpo in Jamaica guarantees sunshine, adventure and relaxation: the pinnacle of Jamaican yachting.

Caribbean charter: 115m Lürssen superyacht Ahpo in Jamaica

For any passionate sailor worth his salt, sailing aboard a classic J-Class yacht would be the pinnacle of their maritime career. For some however, life aboard the mythic J’s is not just a dream, but an everyday reality, and at times, an adrenaline overload. One of those rare few, is the Suffolk born Englishman, Will Gibbon, who has had the fortune to sail, cruise and live aboard not one, but two of these extraordinary vessels. Will is now in his fourth year as First Mate aboard the original 1933 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> J-Class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, but he began his career in the Class aboard the 41.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/792" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Yachts (Company)">Danish Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>, a Spirit of Tradition J-Class which was built as an exact replica of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a>' Ranger, launched in 1937. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77147/image/large-d465539bc3e1937d189bed1804c5859f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77147">SYT’s Francesca Webster, caught up with Will, an old friend and wildly unsuccessful (on her part) first sailing coach, to talk about his entrance to the close knit world of classic yachts, his life aboard the sloops, and his all time best experiences.&nbsp;In his late teens, Will worked on the U.K.’s east coast for sailmaker John Parker at his loft OneSails GBR. The international team at OneSails cut cloth for some of the biggest names in the industry, designing sails for superyachts, as well as classics and dinghies. It was here that Will, already an experienced small boat sailor, began sailing and racing more frequently, eventually meeting English comedian Griff Rhys Jones and joining the race crew of his 1948 Bermudan <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a> yawl, Argyll. After three years as race crew, Will stepped up to the 19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife (Company)">Fife III</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariquita38.1m (125'0&quot;)William Fife & Sons1911">Mariquita</a>, joining the permanent crew as deckhand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21917/image/large-0b83c5c1372e2212f045eeb9db383f5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21917">In 2015, the news was announced that the entire existing J-Class fleet, minus <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s sister ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, would be coming together in a momentous event at the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. His passion for classic yachts already ignited, it was Will's firm ambition to join one of the Class and compete in the once in a lifetime regatta. Eventually his dream was recognised, with the invitation to join <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> as deckhand. “The mate at the time was promoted to captain, and he took me on and I worked through the ranks, which is the best way to learn these yachts. Even though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> has had a refit since I was last aboard, I am still familiar with both of the yachts, having spent so much time aboard.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195515/image/large-74bdf602eba6143a336b0fe716023033.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195515">For many sailors who witnessed the 2017 America’s Cup, the spectacular show of the J-Class competition stood out as a pinnacle of the event. Processing through Hamilton Harbour, gigantic flags billowing at their stern, the J-Class yachts truly put on a show, and for Will it was a top moment of his career. “Bermuda is definitely the highlight for anyone that has sailed aboard these yachts in recent years, it is easily the highlight of my career.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195513/image/large-ce1f6035c0d913dfafb3f22b12e18447.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195513">It was not all fun and games however, the regatta was a serious affair and every owner, captain and crew wanted to take the top spot during the races. Racing on a yacht coming toward its centenary isn’t without its difficulties, and Bermuda posed some additional challenges for the crew. With the water temperature considerably hotter than the Mediterranean, and the yachts being pushed to their limits, sometimes with only thirty minutes between races. There wasn't much time to catch your breath, “One day we did three windward-leeward courses, which for a J-Class is massive, especially in the small space within the reef in Bermuda. The legs were really short so you’re running everything as hot as possible and down in the engine room it got to about 45-degrees, everything was bubbling a fair amount!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195512/image/large-d61bcbf043ee8584ce98502e67664278.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195512">After Bermuda, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> wintered at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, and the following season, in 2018, Will joined the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, now as first mate. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is one of the busiest yachts in the Class, competing year in, year out, usually participating in four regattas annually. As Will explained, many of the Class’ take a year out after big racing seasons like 2017 because the investment of time means less time for cruising, the other hugely rewarding part of owning a J-Class. The owner of one of the newest J's to the fleet, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>, launched in 2015, fortunately shares the enthusiasm for racing clearly displayed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner, and the two yachts go bow-to-bow at almost every regatta. On the rare occasion that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is the only J in the regatta fleet, she stands her ground on handicap against her contemporary counterparts, and in 2019 took the top spot at Les Voiles de St Tropez against the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/799" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros Armon (Company)">Astilleros Armon</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler32.5m (106'8&quot;)Astilleros Armon1982">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaughy Boats</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79974/image/large-b99c0d0e6faa8dddb4ea6cd2c95239e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79974">Watching these iconic vessels sparring, be it in the Caribbean or off the coast of Southern France, one is struck by their grace; huge black carbon sails towering over hulls which look like pencils in the water. Despite their classic aesthetic however, these yachts are high performance beasts, as Will noted, “we are always pushing to get every last bit out of the boat, our rigger often reminds us ‘you only have to win by a second’.” Today the entire fleet features carbon masts and sails, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> has hydraulic winches and Future Fibres rigging, a big upgrade from a few years ago. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77148/image/large-2b46575ac18ba220f40e375346d82ea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77148">When they aren’t competitively racing, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner joins the yacht throughout the year, and cruising is some of the crew’s favourite time aboard. When asked if a particular moment had stayed in Will's mind, a cruise in Greece when they spotted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> 1934 J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, the vessel which lost to the American defender Rainbow&nbsp;by Vanderbilt, Herreshoff and Burgess, immediately came to mind. The two yachts were sailing along the same reach and the crew from both put their minds to a race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94598/image/large-1744f1ef1e5d64f42ace47e5920f5c88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94598">With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> almost never competing, and only the permanent crew of seven aboard, it was all hands on deck for their 20-minute spar, “that was a lot of fun, sailing short handed is some of the most fun you have and when we are cruising you go to some amazing places.” Sardinia is also a top spot for Will, and the Rolex Cup is one of his favourite regattas. Life aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> also has the additional benefit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>, a 42.18-metre superyacht that accompanies the J. The superyacht, which was built by JFA Yachts and launched in 2006, carries additional crew, support and supplies and provides the accommodation for the owner after a long day of racing aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/198077/image/large-07d8e02f9c2d3ccd509f5eda7c490c64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/198077">For any sailer who hasa spent time aboard the classics, it is impossible not to touch on the maintenance of these yachts, which is a constant hum going on behind the scenes. Unlike their modern counterparts, many of which are made of carbon and GRP with wooden veneers, classic yachts demand constant work to retain them in pristine condition. Last year, while the pandemic raged across the world, and regattas were set aside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s team took the opportunity to conduct her 25 year survey. When she was most recently rescued from the mud and restored, latterly in 1997, it was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Yacht Services Ltd (Company)">Southhampton Yacht Services</a> that conducted the work. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/69138/image/large-f16e6c423018d56133aed37ba823be08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69138">As for the future, Will has other dreams, but he can’t see himself stepping off of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> any time soon, the possibility of an America’s Cup season in New Zealand, or perhaps the United Kingdom, is too much of a draw. After all, once you’ve conquered some of the most coveted super sailing yachts in the world, how can you tear yourself away...This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with J-Class Velsheda First Mate

SYT sits down with Will Gibbon, professional sailor and First Mate aboard 1933 J-Class Velsheda. 

Velsheda: Life aboard a Golden Age J-Class

Despite being built in Indonesia, the 46-metre wooden hulled schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> has truly European roots. Constructed by a deeply passionate Dutch owner named Leendert “Leo” Van Oostenbrugge, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> was the realisation of a lifelong dream to build his own sailing yacht, himself, from the keel up. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226472/image/large-4247ffbfe622433e6a4766057a28472b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226472">Born in Rotterdam, Leo made his career navigating the oceans at the helm of cargo ships before swallowing the anchor and heading to shore to manage marinas back in the Netherlands. Locally he became well known for building small sailing yachts but on his retirement he and his wife moved to the balmier climes of Bali, where he set about the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> or “Pearl of the Sea” in Indonesian. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226486/image/large-7f27a5ee73386f900fff211d48768781.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226486">As the months went by, Leo began to struggle with his health and turned to a fellow Dutch expat Kees Groenendijk, who’d recently emigrated to Bali with his family. Together Kees and Leo ran the yacht, with Kees managing the charter sales and Leo overseeing the maintenance and management of the yacht. When Leo suddenly died only seven months later, Kees was left in a bind – to retain the yacht, or to sell… “I was thinking, what should I do? I didn’t know a huge amount about boats and had only really been involved on the business side for a few months but I’d loved the time I'd spent onboard and she had a lot of potential as a popular in the charter market so I thought, why not?” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226475/image/large-7c0799c70fc581484452ffd196c47d4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226475">Kees found some local people with yachting expertise to assist and began to work closely with the crew, many of whom had been with the yacht since her launch six years earlier. With seven staterooms and the capacity to sleep as many as 18 guests, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> was a clear win for the charter market, and as soon as he’d got to grips with the business Kees began advertising for charters again.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226481/image/large-3c6813894603256ccb5003ad4f51a74e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226481">“In the beginning we only did private charters, mostly adventure trips, sometimes with a dive instructor onboard. Then suddenly a dive boat company that had been working in the same office building lost their yacht but had already sold many charters for the coming months. We made an agreement with them and took over their charters and they provided dive masters and equipment to us. Of course it was no problem for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a>, she has a huge amount of storage and makes and has a big open deck which is perfect for diving charters – it couldn’t have worked more in our favour.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226483/image/large-8bde07fc3fc4d9ea133e2639dc309b74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226483">After the success of the season, the yacht’s popularity in the charter market only increased. In 2017 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> underwent a refit, and she will complete another this year that aims to modernise her interiors which have been only minorly modified since her launch. “Her current interior is very traditional which is lovely, but I feel she could use some additional colour. A designer came onboard in June and has already come up with some interesting designs and styling for her interior, which will be completed next year.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226482/image/large-a95a3a6602682dea76fa695e525b3d05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226482">With a true family feeling onboard, Kees often joins his charter guests and acts as a guide during their charter. Over the years many unique and familiar faces have stepped onboard, most notably for Kees was Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen who’d come out to Bali to witness a spectacular solar eclipse. The crew found a deserted island where they could relax in privacy and watched the solar eclipse just after breakfast – a truly once in a lifetime experience for Kees. “We woke them early at around 5am when we served them an early breakfast and then took them ashore to watch the eclipse. As soon as the eclipse had passed, two beautiful birds of paradise were spotted in a tree off the beach, which we almost never see here, it was incredible.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226479/image/large-e04f88146b02588ff80e41e6d140d58b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226479">Having an experienced, local crew onboard has been one of the most important things to Kees and his team. Many of them have been onboard since her launch in 2009 and know the yacht and the islands of Bali better than anyone, offering her guests more variety and exclusivity than many comparable yachts in the region. “The crew are brilliant, they do everything for the guests and they all have a real instinct for what guests are looking for. I do try and bring someone along that speaks the language of the guests because that can make people feel more at home and can save language barrier confusion and we also have a variety of dive masters from all over the world who work with us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226476/image/large-d770c0e518fc31edf196349f22b39975.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226476">When guests aren’t onboard, Kees and his family make the most of their yacht, cruising around Komodo Island and enjoying life on the water. Despite not having had much experience when he took on the yacht, he is now firmly passionate about her and even has aspirations to grow his fleet to offer a variety of vessels to his clients. Currently speaking with potential investors, we may even see a larger vessel cruising alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> in the future. “It would take as much as five or six years to build a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> in Indonesia, not only because of the skillset needed but also because of the materials you would need to build her.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> is a wooden hulled yacht but is also one of the last boats to have been built out of Indonesia Ulin, also known as Ironwood due to its high tensile strength and long growth time, with the oldest trees living for more than 1,000 years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22631/image/large-85921a98a8458371b3b28e40129f63b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22631">Ironwood originally came from Borneo, but now the exportation of it is illegal and the cost of any planked wood is extremely high. Kees has little interest in a steel vessel and so the most sensible choice will be to look into a used superyacht, and it is the Indonesian Pinisi which has particularly spiked Kees’ interest. Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> Pinisi’s are multi-masted wooden yachts with large deck spaces, and spacious interiors, making them excellent charter yachts. Whether or not <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> is joined by a fleet in the coming years, however, it is certain that she will continue to offer unique and exciting experiences to her many guests and owners for years to come.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Ownership: The 46m yacht Mutiara Laut

We caught up with the owner of 46-metre schooner Mutiara Laut, Kees Groenendijk

Ownership: Chartering yacht Mutiara Laut around Bali with her owner Kees Groenendijk

The 2023 edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2023">Palm Beach International Boat Show</a> is quickly approaching and with the show growing in size and presence over the last few years, the list of attending yachts has too. SYT takes a look at some of the yachts making their debut at this year’s show.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261618/image/large-310aa13a14fb03717d92147db6df666c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261618"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calex67.0m (219'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2022">Calex</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>&nbsp;| 67-metres&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> announced last week that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calex67.0m (219'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2022">Calex</a> will make her world debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/164" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2023">Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023</a>. Delivered in Spring 2022, she features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta Yacht Designers</a>, while her interiors are by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s in-house studio. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calex67.0m (219'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2022">Calex</a> offers accommodation for as many as 14 guests across seven well-appointed staterooms. She 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 and her engine room is “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s first on a full custom yacht this size to fully comply with TIER III regulations.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)">67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260219/image/large-2ba852a3ee460474d6217b9299d5d529.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260219"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>&nbsp;| 60-metres | 2023<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a>, also known as&nbsp;Witchcraft, was delivered in 2023 as part of the <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/amels" target="_blank">Amels</a> 60 Limited Editions series. The 60-metre superyacht features an exterior design by Monaco-based <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> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, while each unit has a unique interior design. The owners of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a> worked closely with Canada-based design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6415" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burdifilek (Company)">Burdifilek</a>, which developed a luxurious and serene interior. With 853 GT and six spacious staterooms, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8657" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Entourage60.0m (196'10&quot;)Amels2023">Entourage</a> can easily accommodate as many as 12 guests. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262122/image/large-cf0d7d04a3d7e56de64acf9e65977ac8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262122"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave</a>&nbsp;| 35.57-metres&nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a> was launched last year as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave</a> 116 series and will be making her public debut at the show. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave Custom Yachts</a> with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jack Sarin Naval Architects, Inc. (Company)">Jack Sarin Naval Architects</a>. Her interiors were penned by Yacht Interiors by Shelley and she can sleep up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57187" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard: 36m Hargrave motor yacht Romeo Foxtrot (2023-03-20 13:00:00 +0100)">Onboard: 36m Hargrave motor yacht Romeo Foxtrot</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="67m Benetti superyacht Calex to make world debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-14 17:30:00 +0100)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262210/image/large-1e52d2ef6032f0c1b13ee110ea848248.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262210"></a>Numarine 26XP Fast | Numarine | 25.7-metres The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> 26XP Fast is the planing hull version of the already popular <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> 26 XP model and is considered by the shipyard to be the fastest explorer yacht. She is equipped with twin 1,800 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines which propel her to an impressive top speed of 31 knots. Much like her sistership, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> 26XP Fast features exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1211" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Can Yalman (Company)">Can Yalman</a>, with a near-vertical bow and a 65 square-metre flybridge.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/262199/image/large-501a3cdff79b9c206dbdfc3d3a9d5ead.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230320%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230320T162157Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=61ccd418c1a33054f83772a6796219e2d26f374e6133642b85f0c272d1a9a2ce" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262199">wallypower58X |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>&nbsp;| 17.3-metresThe wallypower58X is the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> yacht to be fitted with the new 600hp <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5750" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mercury Marine (Company)">Mercury</a> V12 Verado quadruple engine configuration. With 2,400 horsepower on the transom, the stable and efficient deep V-hull can reach an exhilarating 50 knots. The wallypower58X yacht is able to carry up to 16 guests onboard and has a range of 290 nautical miles.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/262201/image/large-6833dd060faeacd24b8ba0c050ba57e2.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230320%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230320T162157Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=23a0c16daa239fe44b619dc293edfbea55c316e85315e9acb2c3bbdbd0ced3d9" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262201">Sirena 48 |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena Yachts</a>&nbsp;| 15.96-metres&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena</a> 48 is the smallest model to date from the shipyard and features interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena Marine</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>. She is able to accommodate up to six guests across three staterooms as well as an optional crew member of one. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Marine (Company)">Sirena</a> 48 is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a> engines that provide her with a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 23.5 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260286/image/large-35f42735a2c7505068a5370ac24112be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260286">Zeelander 5 |<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;Zeelander Yachts&nbsp;</a>| 14.72-metres&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander Yachts (Company)">Zeelander</a> 5 is an evolution of the award-winning Z44 and features a timeless design, curved aesthetic and silent cruising experience. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander Yachts (Company)">Zeelander</a> 5 is produced in limited quantities at the Netherlands-based facility, and is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> IPS 500 engines.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57054" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeelander 5 to preview at Palm Beach Boat International Show 2023 (2023-03-02 12:15:00 +0100)">Zeelander 5 to preview at Palm Beach Boat International Show 2023</a>You can find SYT’s full list of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57085" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The largest yachts attending Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-06 16:45:00 +0100)">largest yachts attending Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 here</a>.

Yacht debuts at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023

SYT takes a look at some of the yachts making their debut at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show.

The 36.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King (Company)">Ocean King</a> Ducale 120 superyacht is preparing for launch at the Chioggia shipyard in Venice, Italy. The displacement yacht is the first in the Ducale 120 series and is expected to be delivered to her new owners later this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262253/image/large-1c68a0a57f95ca53763d3ccb2308f077.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262253"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262252/image/large-c6759871ef93e3effd9571e18083a0b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262252">The Ducale 120 features interior and exterior design by Italy-based design house <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VYD Studio (Company)">VYD Studio</a>, with naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="InNave (Company)">InNave</a>. The yacht features a steel and aluminium superstructure with an interior volume of 334 GT.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262250/image/large-653ec37a46025b7163b69f1890f5d221.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262250"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262249/image/large-8baaf558f1906cb3f8fda514fa82d26c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262249">The interior of the Ducale 120 yacht is characterised by modern and elegant lines, exhibiting a harmonious balance between interior and exterior spaces. Her guests will be able to enjoy expanses of light thanks to the vast side windows that can be opened to full height on the side walkways.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56117" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="36m Ocean King Ducale 120 undergoes technical launch in Italy (2022-11-10 16:45:00 +0100)">36m Ocean King Ducale 120 undergoes technical launch in Italy<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262248/image/large-49a3276d7925e5858b705323790640c2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262248"></a>In terms of accommodation, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean King (Company)">Ocean King</a> yacht has a five stateroom layout for up to 12 guests, as well as being able to host a crew of seven between four cabins.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262246/image/large-7427115ff2a3491a037b6eebdfdc6f92.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262246">Some of her key features include two swimming pools with a seawater swimming pool built between the wide and deep stern beach club and the main deck. The second swimming pool is heated and located on the sun deck, surrounded by large sun beds and a bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262251/image/large-d10167350a6dfb4e7c9631001aa04d5a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262251"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262245/image/large-fb5c3f51ae2f4dde047a038f63d0adf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262245">The team is now waiting for high tide tomorrow morning, when she will be loaded onto a floating pontoon so that he propellors can be fitted. She is expected to be in the water in the coming days and for sea trials to begin towards the end of the week. Performance-wise, the Ducale 120 is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines that allow her to reach a top speed of 14 knots, with a cruising speed of 12 knots.&nbsp;

Ocean King’s 37m Ducale 120 yacht launched

Ocean King has announced the launch of the 37m Ocean King Ducale 120 motor yacht in Italy.

First 37m Ocean King Ducale 120 superyacht prepares for launch

Vilanova i La Geltrú has been announced as the host venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a>. The first-ever Preliminary Regatta will take place from 14 until 17 September 2023.Vilanova i La Geltrú is a small city 45 kilometres southwest along the coast from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> 37th edition host venue Barcelona. Racing will take place outside the port entrance, affording excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262196/image/large-33448642745d58b02640549e1330693d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262196">“The Port of Vilanova i la Geltrú is perfectly set up to host the first Preliminary Event of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">AC37</a> with everything in such close proximity to the race course,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> Event CEO Grant Dalton. “Racing will be just metres from the port entrance and prime viewing places will be offered from the La Daurada alongside huge public areas for a great fan village.” The regatta will also be broadcast through a dedicated <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> television production.“The magnificent facilities of Pendennis Vilanova and Vilanova Grand Marina will serve as the technical area which will host the team bases and their AC40’s and, of course, we will be proud to align with the Club Nàutic Vilanova as the local yacht club for the event,” added Grant Dalton.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/190141/image/large-6046e01182749f07cc54236cc31928fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/190141">The regatta will be sailed in the fleet of AC40’s in strict One Design class measurement as will be used for the Youth and Women’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cups</a>. This ensures the boats are equally matched and the winner will be decided based on sailing technique and foiling race-craft. The regatta gives a first glimpse of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> elite teams in action.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262244/image/large-b92e95b659650492c92f50bea76e980d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262244">Albert Castellanos, Secretary for Business and Competitiveness of the Department of Business and Employment of the Generalitat de Catalunya added, "The confirmation of Vilanova i la Geltrú as the venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">37th America's Cup-Barcelona 2024</a> is great news that confirms the commitment of the organisation to bring the sport of sailing to the whole territory, projecting our image to hundreds of millions of people around the world.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262243/image/large-84ded0f239c908bbd09494895bf9c5a7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262243">The Club Nàutic Vilanova, a large sailing club based in the region, is lending its support to the regatta with its world-class facilities and infrastructure.In addition, the La Daurada restaurant and event venue, La Daurada, will become the social focal point of the regatta. The 10,000 square metre venue overlooks the regatta course, making it an ideal space to host the press centre and hospitality facilities. Mayor of Vilanova, Olga Arnau, said, “I am sure that our town will be a fantastic venue for the competition in the eyes of the world.”

Vilanova i La Geltrú to host AC37 preliminary regatta

Vilanova i La Geltrúhas been announced as the host venue for the preliminary regatta of the America’s Cup in September 2023.

Vilanova i La Geltrú to host Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup

The yacht tender builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> is known for its sophisticated level of construction and engineering when it comes to fibreglass and carbonfibre vessels. The Australia-based shipyard builds to a vast array of requirements, while ensuring that each tender meets its high quality and integrity standards– and the 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is no exception.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194897/image/large-c15d1dc96cc0b109711ae0053b191d81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194897">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is a customisable tender that is able to mirror elements and details of her mothership. The sleek enclosed tender allows owners to adapt her proven design to create a cohesive fleet, while retaining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a>’s immaculate finish.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194836/image/large-93114644962e04f827a32e7ac682208c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194836">The 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is of unique distinction, packed with features that make her stand out from other competitors. Her stylish exterior includes side decks that run the full length of the cabin, making access from helm aft on both sides functional, and safe for crew and guests alike.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194905/image/large-78ad2d761e88bc16d90a5af3f5af1343.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194905">The quality and construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> tenders is second to none, with features specific to both the owners requests and imagination. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine introduces guests to safe and relaxing yachting with an impressive interior design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194903/image/large-9530354a0398235c15d08f368c7c1c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194903"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194901/image/large-934b9cfa0c098ab5f950f900dcf0d8e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194901">The 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender welcomes guests onboard from her boarding foyer and accommodates them with excellent headroom. Her 2.49-metre beam complements her comfortable seating to allow for a safe and reliable journey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194834/image/large-d19db97e595c8f3a6eca26d852321121.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194834">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is able to carry up to 12 guests, alongside a crew of two to ensure that guests always receive the highest quality of service to match her impressive performance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194832/image/large-71a0abbf17b69f7842bff204a0fabd93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194832">Guests onboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine are also able to take advantage of her large windows and spacious air-conditioned interior, as well as her height-adjustable roof. The adaptable roof is electrically operated and auto lockable at any height, and allows the owner to control the airflow through the cabin when moving or stationary.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194906/image/large-07090327e83dfe557ca9f5cd473ab1cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194906">The uber-sleek and sophisticated design of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender allows for easy storage when not in use. At just 1.86-metres in height, she is able to fit into a very low transom garage, making her a versatile tender.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194895/image/large-b86a2f0d91e499c0ee22d5083e8a88d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194895">Performance-wise, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> D3, 200 horsepower engines as standard. With an eye-watering top speed of 38 knots, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine includes steering and throttle by wire, a single throttle control and joystick docking.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194881/image/large-906c02ada528698d204bb8dc1f23e22c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194881">In terms of propulsion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender is fitted with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> DPS Duoprop drives with twin horsepower bow thrusters to ensure that guests always arrive at their destination efficiently and in style.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194835/image/large-2a042d68bcf97d71bab68228413bd689.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194835">

Introducing the Vikal SP 8.1m Limousine tender

Introducing the Vikal SP 8.1m Limousine tender, packed with features that make her stand out from other competitors.

<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/2169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messerschmitt Yachts GmbH (Company)">Messerschmitt Yacht Design</a> have unveiled the renderings for a new 78.8-metre superyacht concept, MTT-Shield. The concept was created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> in collaboration with Swiss design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messerschmitt Yachts GmbH (Company)">Messerschmitt Yachts</a>. She was designed for long-range journeys across all oceans, described as an oceangoing ‘long bonnet racing car’. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262194/image/large-044eb13941c2061b56e7fba0bd70b4b7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262194">MTT-Shield offers three different entry points. Guests can board at the stern thanks to a large twin platform and twin staircases ascending to the main deck aft. Alternatively, guests can also enter via the hydraulic foldable gangway on the starboard side. The third major access point is the large helipad, featuring broad staircases on both sides that lead to a hidden relaxation area in front of the wheel house. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262188/image/large-f2174d1c3483f189dbb013534f807611.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262188">Inside, MTT-Shield provides a sumptuous interior and several lounges to ensure a comfortable stay onboard. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, passengers are spoiled with splendid panoramic views of the ocean. The main saloon features large sliding doors on either side to fill the space with fresh air. The central elevator connects each of the four levels, allowing for easy access throughout the yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262192/image/large-ec2f821ea18661565946ce9498f9b4ea.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262192">Her six-stateroom configuration includes a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, with the remaining guest staterooms situated on the lower deck. The spacious owner’s suite benefits from a private office, dressing room, and a balcony, creating a private hideaway onboard. She is able to accommodate up to 18 crew to ensure her guests have a comfortable cruising experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262191/image/large-881ffdb9a6ba1f510577553646482102.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262191">MTT-Shield’s exterior boasts numerous luxurious amenities, perfect for lengthier cruises. On her lower deck, guests can wind-down in the fully-equipped spa, which contains a plunge pool, hammam, and a sauna. Her generously-sized tender garage is able to store a plethora of toys, so guests can turn the ocean into their own personal playground.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262190/image/large-d031fb666e06d2a390673752cd5c5aba.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262190">Up on the main deck lies more lounging areas, including a large Jacuzzi, and an alfresco dining area for 12, shaded to block any uncomfortable sunlight while dining. A bar, ideal for evening cocktails, is located next to the dining area. Her sundeck features a fitness area, another Jacuzzi, and more seating options, so guests can sit back and relax after a satisfying training session.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262195/image/large-2b7cfd9f4716a88dd5cff69aa84d8db5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262195">Performance-wise, the motor yacht is able to reach a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Nobiskrug unveils new 79m superyacht concept MTT-Shield

Nobiskrug and Messerschmitt Yacht Design have unveiled the renderings for a new 78.8-metre superyacht concept, MTT-Shield.

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MTT-Shield: Nobiskrug and Messerschmitt Yacht Design unveil new 79m superyacht concept

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has acquired a 70,000 square-metre located production site in Ravenna, Italy, which was financed entirely with equity raised by the company’s listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> is a world leader in the design, construction, and sales of luxury yachts. Led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> owns and manages seven shipyards across Italy and has recently announced the acquisition of a new production facility in San Vitale, province of Ravenna.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205162/image/large-55c378269a7c50145cf5561442898726.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205162">“Ravenna is the right home for Wally sailing yachts and the expansion of our other brands, starting with the extraordinary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a> Yachts<a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti InFYnito 9026.97m (88'6&quot;)">&nbsp;INFYNITO&nbsp;</a>range. We choose Italy again and invest not only to become stronger but also to hold the flag high for an industry that is a symbol of our country: luxury yachting and the extensive entrepreneurship and artisan craftsmanship network that is the admiration and envy of the entire world,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> CEO, &nbsp;Alberto Galassi. <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)">The Ferretti Group</a> will invest a total cost of 80 million euros towards the 70,000 square-metre site, including a dry dock. The initial acquisition investment cost the Italian company around 40 million euros, while over the next three years, a further 40 million euros will be needed to craft new production spaces and an R&amp;D centre.&nbsp;This acquisition underpins the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group’s</a> ambitions and growth strategy, with this recent facility looking to enable them to increase their production by 20%. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group&nbsp;</a>CEO Alberto Galassi explains how this “acquisition keeps a promise” as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> “have big plans and picture a state-of-the-art production site from every point of view: worker well-being, positive social impact, and environmental protection.” The new space is conveniently close to their Forlì headquarters and Cattolica shipyard. Other investments from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> have included expansions across the La Spezia and Ancona Superyacht Yard, which aligns with the Italian company’s five-year growth strategy.

Ferretti Group expands and acquires a Ravenna site

Ferretti Group acquires a production site in Ravenna, forming part of their five-year growth strategy.



Ferretti Group acquires 70,000 square-metre production site in Ravenna, Italy

Unique superyacht beach clubs

SuperYacht Times has rounded up some of the best Superyacht beach clubs featuring wellness spas, swimming pools, cocktail bars, and much more. 

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A closer look at 5 unique superyacht beach clubs

The 26.42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> was sold in an in-house deal by Brandon Barnes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>, who represented both the buyer and the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254430/image/large-a0023b2be0985dcb1a2d8b5155130bb1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254430"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> was delivered in 2016 from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow’s</a> shipyard in China. She was fully designed by her builder, who provided her with the finest equipment and the newest generation of technology. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254437/image/large-04598ded75d11d7f95f1da2542fa1b39.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254437"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> features a functional layout with a spacious and modern interior. Her main saloon is surrounded by windows and contains a white L-shaped sofa accompanied by armchairs, a wide-screen television, and a bar forward. She can accommodate up to eight guests across four sumptuous staterooms, including a full-beam master suite with plenty of storage space. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254428/image/large-dd644a92e665bfe35bffc068bcc687b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254428"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254427/image/large-20f7b4c9f320669aa0e95fd6bcd351b6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254427">Her exterior decks offer numerous seating options, including a wet bar equipped with a grill area and fridge, sunbeds, and an alfresco dining table.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254423/image/large-56b84ad6e71c941b2c8cb4815bd47601.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254423">Performance-wise, the 131 GT motor yacht is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, allowing her to reach a top speed of 29 knots and a cruising speed of 24 knots. At the time of her sale, she had a last-known asking price of $3,695,000.

26m Marlow motor yacht Never My Love sold

The 26.42-metre Marlow motor yacht Never My Love sold with a last-known asking price of $3,695,000.

Yachting Dinner Night, the culinary event dedicated to the leading players of the contemporary superyacht scene, arrived for the second time in Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Italy. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261856/image/large-eec070df5f80b9517b72715376fdaa6f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261856">The previous two editions in Pietrasanta and Amsterdam were a great success and inspired curators <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Towant (Company)">TOWANT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates (Company)">Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates</a> to replicate the event once again. The dinner was held on 14 March.Five shipyards competed against one another to present the best dish to an audience of nautical-architectural practices, international design brands and the press. As “chefs”, the shipyards are the protagonists of Yachting Dinner Night, with each proposing a dish that tells something about its history, philosophy or projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261852/image/large-d7a00d30a1e0cc0e4594379d2d9efc9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261852"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico &amp; Co</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, Amer Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> took to the kitchen for the first Yachting Dinner Night of 2023. But before guests were invited to sit down and enjoy the curated dishes, a presentation of both Yachting Dinner Night and its protagonists was held nearby at Barbara Paci Art Gallery, a contemporary gallery in Pietrasanta historical centre. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261858/image/large-84d8562ed31eb60691909eb4135aada9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261858"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261860/image/large-ba54d365d65d7465b248ce2cd191c475.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261860"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261862/image/large-f038aec91cc2bd29865690bbf6c60a60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261862">The dinner itself was hosted at the vibrant kitchen that conjoins the gallery, Ristorante Filippo. The shipyards arranged a five courses menu of creative dishes: Sinergia, a typical capponada from Liguria; OSS-Paragus Bake, a silver-plated fish &amp; asparagus that pays tribute to Heesen’s Dutch origins; The Blooming Effect, a green risotto with flowers from Sanremoen tradition; Muscoli a km 0, mussels from La Spezia, Italy; and The Origin of Beauty, a special dessert to celebrate Benetti’s 150th birthday.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261863/image/large-85f4db16e99c3b81f62cbe1f2175dfe9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261863"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261853/image/large-010395619f68ac51dc8ee1ff8dd596b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261853"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261855/image/large-af00dac7a67359fda6ad2c1efe1cc516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261855">Cesana, Dornbracht, Flos, Model Maker Group and Videoworks, as well as representatives from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, formed the jury. While the media, including a representative of SuperYacht Times, had a separate vote for the press award. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261857/image/large-e93a29bcd270f8332c10e6858b5daa66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261857">The votes were cast and, while all shipyards were awarded merit and praise for their participation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> was the unanimous winner, claiming both the Yachting Dinner Night Award and the Press Award.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57183" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A recap of the Amsterdam Yachting Dinner Night (2022-11-28 11:00:00 +0100)">A recap of the Amsterdam Yachting Dinner Night</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261859/image/large-adf7ce7d3cb26ba833f12d9d578956d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261859">Yachting Dinner Night once again proved to be a great success, promising to become a staple event that moves from location to location. Organisers <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Towant (Company)">TOWANT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates (Company)">Ceragioli-Storåkers</a> are already planning the next dinner, which will be held in the Principality of Monaco. This convivial event, aimed at engaging guests, has aroused a lot of interest in building and nurturing networks in the world of yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261861/image/large-f9ff5e3309acce59c6501543a20bce15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261861">

Yachting Dinner Night in Pietrasanta before YARE 

Yachting Dinner Night had a successful third event, held in Pietrasanta Italy. Benetti was named winner with its desert Origin of Beauty. 

A third success for Yachting Dinner Night in Pietrasanta

After a three day battle is customary high winds and bright sunshine, the 33.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Denship A/S (Company)">Royal Denship</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the St Barths Bucket 2023 over this weekend. 25 yachts competed between the five racing classes that took part in this year's event; Les Gazelles, Les Elegantes, Les Mademoiselles, L'Esprit 1 and L'Esprit 2 (the Corinthian Spirit Class). <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, the 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a>, a regular on the race circuit, took home the prize for best owner driven performance, while her sistership the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a> 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1226" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prana51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2006">Prana</a>, was awarded best starter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262098/image/large-a9663124253318752df558799d73ca73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262098"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262018/image/large-d987aa7f202ad57c9f622d7c1de9f44b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262018"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262068/image/large-da7bd64052ae4e40c41a7d94b6f1afe1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262068">Race Day 1The first day of the regatta saw the fleet sail counterclockwise in an 28-25 knot northerly, with the conditions forcing three yachts to withdraw from the 20-26 nautical mile course.&nbsp;“After our light-air training this week, today was a wake-up call, but expected,” said Tom Whidden, helmsman for the smallest yacht in the fleet, the 28 metre ketch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>, which won Les Mademoiselles. “It was really rough in the corner on the other side of the island, on the way to the rock (a natural mark of the course named Ile Fourchue), but we were happy with the crew work and the boat management.” Whidden has won the Bucket before on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>&nbsp;and twice more on different entries (including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, last year). He added with a chuckle, “You see, the captains of these boats tell you they will kill you if you break anything, so you have to be careful with your resources.” &nbsp;(<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, sailing this year against Whidden’s team, retired due to a headstay furler that broke near Ile Fourche.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262024/image/large-7b2364e42cda9f5e3493ba2c97459efa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262024"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262022/image/large-55d4467729a449d63a85cf4909f28a41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262022">Peter King, navigator aboard the 52 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, which won L’Esprit 1, said his team “didn’t have the best start but made up for it later and didn’t break anything.” This is King’s fifth time competing in the Bucket and first time sailing in the “Corinthian Spirit” class. More important, it is the first time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a> has ever raced period, so the yacht’s owner is delighted. “The owner loves to drive, so he drove the whole time and did a great job,” said King.The 44-metre schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>, one of the most elegant yachts in the L'Esprit 2 fleet, recorded a 43.5 degree of heel on its winning sprint. “We were taking a lot of water over the deck but we were under control,” said guest crew Jakob Havrlant, who counts this as his first Bucket but says it won’t be his last. “Some of the sloops were catching us upwind, but we were a reaching machine on the other legs. It was a perfect race for us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262032/image/large-3b5b9f18e2aeb1b28744676f0fdc61b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262032"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262031/image/large-0ec3a3f6dab99fc18126e6e86b5123fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262031">Race Day 2The second day saw yet another high wind event with 25-27 knots over the 23-26 nautical mile course. “It was a lot of wave action and wind, with gust of 25-27 knots,” said Steve Rowland, the owner/driver of the 34 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>, which now leads Les Mademoiselles after suffering a steering problem and finishing fourth yesterday. “It made for a lot of hard work, but we won, so I guess that was a good thing!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262028/image/large-63d1c5872098bfe93ae5d3dd11b57f38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262028"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262030/image/large-4420de271e2f182aa983a156bd435a38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262030">The yacht was the fourth to cross the start line, but was the first to cross the finish line, despite an issue with her spinnaker during the opening leg. She managed to peg <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> to cross the line first, followed closely by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and the <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> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262103/image/large-eb6046c44b2cb0daea1b7999db055ee6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262103"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262104/image/large-2e8fe29f68d01d3f44b25d15f34e30d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262104">In Les Gazelles class the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> took the top spot, overtaking the Day 1 winner, another <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>. “Yesterday we got stuck behind some other boats and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>, faster on the reaches, beat us right at the end,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>’s Captain Will Glenn, explaining that today, with longer downwind legs than yesterday, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> had an advantage. “It is what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>&nbsp;is designed for, and tomorrow’s course has lots of downwind in it, too, so we are confident we can win.”In the L’Esprit 2 Columbia once again took the top spot, with the 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/401" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q52.0m (170'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Q</a> close behind her and 56.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Melek56.01m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2010">Melek</a> taking the third position.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262038/image/large-cc10bb13691545eabe92a582675dd8ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262038"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262057/image/large-864b8c3fbf9a53d71b6cfac7007f653a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262057">Race Day 3The wind on this last day of the three-day series toned down ever so slightly to 18-24 knots, giving sailors somewhat of a reprieve from the 20-26 knots that prevailed on Friday and Saturday. In all classes, the leaders of Day 2 held their own to clinch overall victory on the final race day.“The wind and sea state was definitely at the upper end for some boats, and certainly for the Race Committee making decisions,” said Race Chairman Peter Craig. “Typically, we sail around the island on Sunday, but we made a decision to keep the boats in the lee of St. Barths for the larger part of today’s race with a course option that was newly added to the Bucket this year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262059/image/large-752263cd59cbb776f083830aeaf328c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262059"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262060/image/large-e591bf54e38666089bf3a4465ed2aa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262060"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the six-boat Mademoiselles to take overall victory in that class with a 4-1-1 score line. “I’m over the top about it,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>’s owner/driver Steve Rowland, explaining that this is his fourth Bucket with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> and his first class win, not to mention overall victory, which is decided by a number of factors including performance and time differentials. “We were in a three-way tie going into today with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>, so we knew we had to beat both of them. I tried not to think of anything but getting to the finish line once we had passed Bequia (the 28 metre ketch that started ahead) in the final miles of the race and had <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> (the 37 metre sloop that started behind) gaining on us from behind.” (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> finished second and third, respectively, in overall results.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262087/image/large-eefdccb01be2ca2a8ff27ac454f9585f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262087">In the L’Esprit 2 Corinthia Spirit Class Columbia held her own and was the only class winner to also win every one of her races. The 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was her closest competitor, taking the second position. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262015/image/large-673bdaf099414fbd8852e797abee99af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262015">“In both the first and second races, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was ahead of us,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>’s tactician Tony Rey, “and I have to give credit to our crew members who handled the spinnaker, because we were able to pass them back both times on downwind legs.” On day one, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> started first and finished first, putting others on alert that this was not just a modern-built recreation of a 1924 fishing schooner that would be slogging around the course. “The boat’s like one of those old flexible flyer sleds you might have had when you were a kid; everything moves and bends but it keeps moving ahead,” said Rey. “We had a mix of traditional schooner sailors and grand prix sailors working together. Our navigator Nacho Postigo helped bring some digital know-how to an analog boat and tracked our progress over the last three days; it was nice to see how we improved as a team.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262092/image/large-9842c9b7f11fc4741ac716d38bb4b863.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262092"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262094/image/large-8f33ee74c55528b13ccf3ce367b5faa7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262094">

St Barths Bucket 2023 results

The St Barths Bucket 2023 came to a close over the weekend with Nakupenda taking the top spot.

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Superyacht cruising guide: 5 days in the UAE and Oman