From the renowned <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a>, which was the "one place" where the late queen could "truly relax," to the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, the 180.61-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a>, discover the world's most magnificent royal yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267423/image/large-8b708d541ad54324574af619017b0008.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267423"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> | 76.26-metres | 1937One of only three remaining Royal yachts in Europe, the 76.26-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a> was built in 1937 at England’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a> in Gosport. Commissioned by the English aviation pioneer and yachtsman Sir Thomas Sopwith, the superyacht was sold shortly after to the British Admiralty in 1939 to serve in the Royal Navy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251092/image/large-72a06095dffa40fae9a635972cd1d144.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251092"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/37584/image/large-6a65354a679e7b611df2b22a1d01ce8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37584">Under the name HMS Philante, the vessel was known as the most luxurious warship of her time. She covered huge distances as a convoy escort vessel, clocking no less than seven Atlantic crossings between 1941 and 1942 alone. In 1947 the Norwegian government acquired the yacht and returned her to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> for a refit before christening her as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a> when she came into official service on 17 May, 1948. Today she is maintained in immaculate condition and can often be seen cruising in Norwegian waters throughout the summer months.Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part II (2018-08-27 14:30:00 +0200)">The ghost of yards past: Camper &amp; Nicholsons - Part II</a> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267425/image/large-3917d24b75b50f5c0573417aaf41f732.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267425"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/931" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dannebrog78.43m (257'4&quot;)Danish Royal Dockyard1932">Dannebrog</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Royal Dockyard (Company)">Danish Royal Dockyard</a> | 78.43-metres | 1932The 78.43-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Royal Dockyard (Company)">Danish Royal Dockyard&nbsp;</a>yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/931" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dannebrog78.43m (257'4&quot;)Danish Royal Dockyard1932">Dannebrog</a> was launched in Denmark in 1931 and officially placed in service the following year. The impressive vessel was replicated from a design of the floating palaces from the XIX century, making the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/931" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dannebrog78.43m (257'4&quot;)Danish Royal Dockyard1932">Dannebrog</a> an extraordinary exhibition of detailed craftsmanship. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4808/image/large-99c0481f0fac865c50b51c7565cf996c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4808">The yacht serves as the official and private residence for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and members of the Royal Family when they are on summer cruises in Danish waters or on official visits overseas. The yacht exhibits exterior and interior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Royal Dockyard (Company)">Danish Royal Dockyard</a>, who also penned her naval architecture. The vessel can accommodate up to 14 guests onboard, along with an impressive 52 crew members to meet their every need. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/109028/image/large-18dc3db2d6766d31e2ae9315baf351e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/109028"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III&nbsp;</a>| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a> | 36.25-metres | 1936Princess Caroline of Monaco is the owner of the 36.25-metre classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III</a>. Originally named Arlette II, it was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and renamed Priamar. In the 1950s, it was purchased by French industrialist Louis Renault, renamed Briseis, and subsequently moored in Saint-Tropez.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/839/image/large-11954559fd62971d6d95f1591fb03f17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/839"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/838/image/large-4a0e8705677e1317b209c8df388b5f9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/838">In 1990, after falling into a state of dilapidation, the yacht was bought by Stefano Casiraghi and Princess Caroline of Monaco. However, Casiraghi died in a racing accident that same year before he could enjoy the vessel. The yacht was fully restored over two years and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III</a> in reference to the initials of Princess Caroline's children. Since the renovation, Princess Caroline and her family have used the yacht primarily for extended Mediterranean escapes. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III</a> can often be seen moored in the harbor of Monaco, and she remains a treasured possession of the Monégasque royal family.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193964/image/large-ea7371184bebcef9e77d229a91433af4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193964"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a>&nbsp;| 126-metres | 1953The 126-meter-long <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Royal Yacht Britannia</a>, originally named HMS Britannia, was built in 1953 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> in the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was crowned the same year. With a fuel capacity of 490,000 liters and freshwater capacity of 195,000 liters, the yacht is well-equipped for extended ocean voyages. The exceptional superyacht could accommodate up to 250 guests and 271 crew members.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193963/image/large-54008215f77af2eefb087467cca15b86.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193963">After serving for 44 years, the yacht was decommissioned and is now displayed in Edinburgh as a top tourist attraction. The lavishly designed vessel has sailed over one million miles and hosted 968 official royal visits. It was the Queen's favorite place to relax and boasted rooms adorned with gifts from around the world, including a whale rib found by her husband and a sun lounge furnished personally by the Queen. Sir Winston Churchill, Boris Yeltsin, Rajiv Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela were among the many famous figures who joined the Queen onboard. Four royal honeymoons took place onboard, including King Charles III and Princess Diana's 16-day trip to the Mediterranean in 1981. While there have been discussions about building a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a> for the British royal family and the country's service, an official decision has yet to be made.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52813" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in history (2021-04-29 16:00:00 +0200)">Read More: Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in History<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/110940/image/large-107e78cf9c2efac99073085737131510.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110940"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prince Abdulaziz147.01m (482'4&quot;)Helsingor Vaerft1984">Prince AbdulAziz</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Helsingor Vaerft (Company)">Helsingor Vaerft</a> | 147.01-metres | 1984The 147-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prince Abdulaziz147.01m (482'4&quot;)Helsingor Vaerft1984">Prince Abdulaziz</a> superyacht was built in Denmark by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Helsingor Vaerft (Company)">Helsingor Vaerft</a> in 1984. She was once the largest yacht in the world, although many others have since surpassed her. The Saudi royal family owns the superyacht, which is used for official and leisurely purposes. It was initially commissioned by the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who named the yacht after his son. The impressive superyacht features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/181" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maierform Maritime Technology GmbH (Company)">Maierform Maritime Technology GmbH</a>.Despite being surpassed in size, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prince Abdulaziz147.01m (482'4&quot;)Helsingor Vaerft1984">Prince Abdulaziz</a> remains a demonstrative and luxurious yacht. The yacht's interior took fifteen months to complete and was designed by the renowned English interior decorator and designer the late <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="David Hicks (Company)">David Hicks</a>. Hicks was known for his bold use of colors, lighting, and juxtaposition of contemporary and classical features.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/3344/image/large-486fdafca2d8ea271395a5d1a907fa35.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/3344"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> | 180.61-metres | 2013<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a>, the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in 2013 and has a length of 180.61-metres. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a> designed her exterior, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4660" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Creation Line Decoration (Company)">Creation Line Decoration</a> was responsible for the sumptuous interior spaces. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a> can carry up to 36 guests in its eighteen guest suites, with a crew of sixty to cater to the guest's every need. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/9842/image/large-f037b39efb49ac1a6e510e051249bba3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/9842"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/9837/image/large-1d7a90595be521fa9f9c285105e9369d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/9837">Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi’s royal family commissioned the vessel as a day boat to access his preferred diving sites. The yacht has a gym, a pool, and even a "golf training room." It cost the Sheikh an estimated $600 million to build. Engineers were reportedly meticulously detailed about the yacht's stability to ensure minimal turbulence to prevent the chandeliers from clinking while at sea. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam's</a> reign as the world's largest privately-owned yacht is soon to end, as Norwegian millionaire Kjell Inge Rokke is building the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="REV Ocean (Company)">REV Ocean</a>, a 183-meter-long vessel designed to clean the ocean floors.Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen's giants: the German builder’s fleet of 100m+ superyachts (2022-10-21 14:30:00 +0200)">Lürssen's giants: the German builder’s fleet of 100m+ superyachts<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/46401/image/large-5c9bab32a2a97f7eaa91569e4c3e3967.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46401"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Foners41.5m (136'2&quot;)Izar2000">Foners</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/93" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Izar (Company)">Izar</a>&nbsp;| 41.5-metres | 2000<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Foners41.5m (136'2&quot;)Izar2000">Foners</a>, formerly known as Fortuna was once championed as the world’s fastest superyacht, reaching a top speed of 65 knots. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/93" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Izar (Company)">Izar</a> motor yacht was first delivered by the Spanish shipyard in 2000 and was the superyacht to the Spanish royal family under the ownership of King Juan Carlos of Spain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24770/image/large-d783d2800a4fa6a0ede845443814f209.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24770">The superyacht's esteemed speed was thanks to her three <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls Royce</a> gas turbines linked to triple waterjets in addition to twin<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">&nbsp;MAN</a> engines. The Spanish royal yacht features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald L. Blount & Associates (Company)">Donald L. Blount &amp; Associates</a> with an exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Studio Arch, Tommaso Spadolini</a>, and interior design and curation by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Celeste Dell`Anna (Company)">Celeste Dell'Anna</a>. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/93" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Izar (Company)">Izar</a> yacht is able to accommodate as many as 8 guests onboard with further accommodation for 6 crew. After experiencing two recessions and the Spanish citizen's confidence in their royal family decreased, subsequently encouraging the Spanish Royal yacht to sell their yacht.&nbsp;Read more about this yachts designer:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In conversation with Tommaso Spadolini: Three new superyacht designs for 2023 (2023-03-27 13:30:00 +0200)">In conversation with Tommaso Spadolini: Three new superyacht designs for 2023</a>

Worlds largest royal yachts

Pacha III yacht in Monaco 

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Prince Abdulaziz yacht anchored

Royal yacht Britannia dining

Royal yacht Britannia as museum in Leith 

Fortuna cruising 

King Olav inspecting Norge after her fire in 1985

Norge yacht cruising

Dannebrog yacht cruising

Azzam

Norge in Skudeneshavn, Norway

Foners at Dénia

Dannebrog

Pacha III in Monaco

Azzam at full speed

Discover the rich history of royal superyachts.

The World’s Most Magnificent Royal Yachts

Sophie Spicknell delves into the history of the 106 year-old sailing yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a>&nbsp;to learn more about her regatta career.&nbsp;Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife & Sons (Company)">William Fife &amp; Sons</a> in 1914 and launched in 1920, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> has spent more than a century sailing the same waters, including those of the golden age of yachting. Designed as a gaff cutter, she was the fourth yacht in a line of vessels with the same name, built for lawyer Charles Plumtree Johnson, the son of Queen Victoria of England’s personal physician.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398238/image/large-308b8573823c9caef805b7156c5413c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398238">Constructed in teak over steel, the 32.1-metre sailing yacht was built for speed and performance. She wasted no time in proving her capabilities and completed her first regatta season in 1920, shortly after her launch. During her first decade on the water, she established herself as a strong competitor, winning the Kings Cup regatta in Cowes, England in 1920 and again in 1923, before finishing second in 1924 and 1930 and third in 1931.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398244/image/large-5ea6d6a9b9817b41c1a8c63f80aa2733.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398244" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> was sold by her first owner in 1926 to Henry Sutton, who converted her to use a Marconi rig, before she was bought by HRH Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1950. Renamed Deo Juvante, she was refitted as a luxury family cruiser, with spacious interior staterooms and a saloon installed. Her sail area was also reduced from approximately 1,000 square-metres to a more manageable 350 square-metres, with Bermuda ketch rigging and twin six cylinder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1883" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baudouin (Company)">Baudouin</a> engines added. Following his marriage to Academy Award-winning actress Grace Kelly in 1956, Prince Rainier and his new wife famously spent their honeymoon onboard the yacht in the Mediterranean.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398241/image/large-4478024accab505177fe79ba13d5dacc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398241">By 1960 the yacht changed hands again, with Deo Duvante sold to Count Hannibal Scotti of Italy who rechristened her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> and installed new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="mtu - a Rolls-Royce solution (Company)">Rolls Royce</a> 185 horsepower diesel engines. But it was in April 1995 that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> received her second life, when she was acquired by Scotsman John Murray and his French wife François Murray. Residing in the Savoy Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar, the couple fell in love with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> in Greece and decided to restore and relocate her to Burma in April 1999. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398240/image/large-6cc493de11cb61a3fa3cbeb25715d76f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398240">Carried out at Myanmar Shipyard, the refit saw a core team of 15 carpenters, almost entirely locally sourced and led by a Chinese master craftsman known as William. The team inspected, repaired and re-fastened her teak planks, leaving more than 80 percent of her originals from 1914. Inside, Burmese rosewood and satinwood were selected for her interior, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="T. Nielsen & Company (Company)">T Nielsen and Co</a> assisting with the technical aspects of the project.&nbsp;Relaunched in July 2002, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> immediately set sail for Auckland, New Zealand, to participate in events surrounding the 31st America's Cup. In the years that followed, she became an active attendee of events such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the Westward Cup, the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the Trophée Bailli de Suffren and the Palma Superyacht Cup. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398243/image/large-5b831328ac822b36d79daf0120295801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398243">In 2022, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> underwent an extensive refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> in France, in collaboration with renowned naval carpentry expert Hubert Stagnol. The refit included major restoration works to her Oregon pine hull and rig, with her teak hull stripped and overhauled, seacocks replaced and a new Vanilla White <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Awlgrip (Company)">Awlgrip</a> finish applied. Additional works included the restoration of her skylights, the replacement of her headmast and the sanding and re-varnishing of her bulwarks and rig.Following her refit, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> travelled to Brest, where she collected her new sails before undergoing sea trials. From here she sailed north to Scotland where she participated in the Fife Regatta in Fairlie. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398242/image/large-e53b5e4e1417322c1d68da9204099ffc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398242" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Since then, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> competed in the Cutter Class at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Richard Mille Cup - 2023">Richard Mille Cup Regatta 2023</a> in Falmouth, where she narrowly missed out on a podium finish, completing the regatta in fourth place with 609 points.&nbsp;In terms of accommodation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> can comfortably sleep up to seven guests across three staterooms, as well as a crew of six. Inside she is adorned with fine waxed rosewood panelling, Persian rugs and antique lamps.

Moonbeam IV: 106 years of regatta racing

Explore the 106-year history of the classic sailing yacht Moonbeam IV, from royal ownership and restoration to her enduring regatta career.

Recently spotted in Èze, Côte d'Azur, France, the 111-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/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> was delivered in 2019 as Tis. Designed to feel light, fresh and open with a classic twist, she boasts a well-balanced sheerline to create an elegant character. SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> to find out more about her ownership history. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397020/image/large-e841e651ed970b4171229b1c2cd6d942.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397020">The project was first unveiled in September 2014 as Palo Alto, when <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> announced her sale to a long-time charter client, who had previously chartered some of the largest yachts in the world for over seven years.&nbsp;The yacht was the largest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> yacht to-date that <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> had worked on, and was designed for a family-oriented owner. The construction of the yacht was overseen by the <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> new-build team.Watch her:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48890" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Launching of 111m Lürssen superyacht TIS (2018-08-15 15:30:00 +0200)">Video: Launching of 111m Lürssen superyacht TIS</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397026/image/large-2f9af564329d4c88e425cf5bcfc54223.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397026">Launched in August 2018 as Tis, the yacht features interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, with naval architecture penned by her German builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a>. Spanning six decks and an internal volume of 4,699 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> pairs a sleek exterior with a traditional interior style.&nbsp;Constructed at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> Rendsburg facility, the yacht was seen for the first time on the banks of the Nord-Ostsee Canal, before she underwent final outfitting and sea trials. Built according to the PYC code, she was described by her designer Andrew Winch as “a pinnacle of classic design”, during an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49593" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delve in deep with Andrew Winch: Founder of Winch Design (2019-02-18 16:00:00 +0100)">interview with SuperYacht Times in 2019</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> features a sophisticated interior design nicknamed ‘cashmere cream’ which adds to her timeless charm. “It’s soft, gentle and classic. You could say it has the appeal of a London hotel like Claridge's or the Ritz,” added Winch.&nbsp;Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49593" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delve in deep with Andrew Winch: Founder of Winch Design (2019-02-18 16:00:00 +0100)">Delve in deep with Andrew Winch: Founder of Winch Design</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397030/image/large-02f708caf92edd27a67f8a9178947595.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397030">Inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> boasts choices such as parquet flooring and staircases reminiscent of Chateau de Versailles. Antiquities such as De Gournay silk fabric and custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> sofas, armchairs and chandeliers further enhance this atmosphere. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397021/image/large-60747a07d339b371d59e946525fc44ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397021"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 18 guests across nine staterooms, with her owner’s suite situated on its own private deck. The deck includes his-and-hers bathrooms and dressing rooms, with a massage room and a forward-facing stateroom. With 180-degree views, the owner’s suite includes fold-down balconies which extend her connection with the sea. Characterised by floral designs and cream-colored finishes, her interior evokes a sense of warmth and privacy.Her private living room showcases furniture styles from Louis XIV to Louis XVIII eras, creating a relaxed atmosphere with green-yellow hues. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> also boasts a discreet day head concealed behind a bookcase and a modern fireplace.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397024/image/large-2c1fc81bb939cc28fe792c5575484864.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397024">Each of her staterooms are inspired by world locations, with colour palettes reflective of their namesakes. The main deck is home to four guest staterooms, as well as a formal office, dining room and her main saloon. The London stateroom includes a Claridges-inspired design, while Paris is adorned with elegant Fleur-de-Lis and Toile de Joie fabrics, New York captures the essence of Art Déco and Marrakech reflects the vibrant colours and textures of the Moroccan city.Moving to the lower deck, there are four additional guest staterooms, alongside a cinema and her crew accommodation for 38. The Provence stateroom uses summer hues, while the China Seas suite features greens reminiscent of oriental bamboo forests, and the Russian Dacha and Tuscany rooms mimic Russia's frosty landscapes and Italy's sun-kissed terrains.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397022/image/large-a4c0f97e09aa7510840553ebcadfd3f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397022">Key features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> include a 12-metre swimming pool on her main deck aft, two helicopter pads and a resort-inspired spa area at beach club level. Inspired by Capri, she is equipped with a sauna, icy fountain, shower, relaxation room, hammam, and massage parlor. &nbsp;Alaiya also features a year-round usable winter garden on the main deck stern, which uses climate control and a tea room, reminiscent of France's Ladurée.&nbsp;She made her debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2019">Monaco Yacht Show 2019</a> before being sold and completing a refit in Germany in 2020. Designed originally with a dark blue hull, she emerged with a beige hull under the name Lady Gulya.Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="111m superyacht TIS renamed Lady Gulya and refitted with new beige hull (2020-11-10 17:00:00 +0100)">111m superyacht TIS renamed Lady Gulya and refitted with new beige hull</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397025/image/large-1441506c47cfd9f9573eb2819a47da7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397025">In 2021, Lady Gulya was sold once again in an off-market deal, before she was renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a>. In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines, which provide her with a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.&nbsp;At the time of publication, AIS data shows that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.0m (364'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a> is currently situated in Saint Tropez.

Alaiya: 111m Lürssen yacht in Èze, France

SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at the 111-metre Lürssen superyacht Alaiya in Èze, France to find out more about her sophisticated design. 

Alaiya: A closer look at the 111m Lürssen yacht in Côte d'Azur, France

Film producer Simon O'Gorman’s search for the superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> stems not just from a passion for storytelling, but in something far more personal: a childhood spent onboard. His grandfather, Sir John Brayley, purchased the superyacht in 1965, leading to Simon spending his first few summers running along the deck and being out on the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The superyacht was eventually sold in the 70s, but for Simon, was never forgotten. Now a film producer and screenwriter, Simon has been hunting down the 49-metre superyacht in hopes of locating her and her lost history.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391489/image/large-0734771282f3ce4aaf60afc1a52368ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391489">A vivid pastThe story starts in 1929. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>, then named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Alice</a>, was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5634" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson (Company)">Swan Hunter &amp; Wigham Richardson</a> under commission of millionaire Sir Richard Ashmole Cooper. Responsible for her sleek, elegant hull is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>, who did both the naval architecture and exterior design. Her interiors feature richly furnished and decorated staterooms, numerous saloons, a dining space, library, smoking room, as well as a cinematograph and photographic studio and workshop, including specially-designed electrical lighting. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383512/image/large-377379ed0c079fc3f50464672ae413ac.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383512">Sir Cooper owned the superyacht until 1941, when she was commandeered by the Royal Navy as a patrol boat. Her clipper bow was removed, giving her a much more militaristic look; a machine gun was mounted on her foredeck.At the end of the war, the 49.37-metre motor yacht was bought by Sir Edmund Crane, who changed her name from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Alice</a> to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>. Sir Crane and his wife Kitty were quite the socialites and spent many days hosting, cruising and entertaining. One notable guest was American-British Lady Astor, who was the first woman seated as a Member of Parliament in Britain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391488/image/large-ad7c6cd2e7bc4145ba144e155a778e18.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391488">In 1959, an Australian millionaire under the name William Buckland purchased the superyacht. Owning a similar superyacht in his homeport of Sydney, Buckland saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> cruising along the French Riviera and, upon finding out she was for sale, immediately purchased the superyacht. Buckland spent the next five years cruising around the Mediterranean with his wife, until his death in 1964. The superyacht was put up for sale and sat moored in Southampton with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>, until it was recruited for a movie, The Woman of Straw&nbsp;starring Sean Connery, that would see it relocated to Palma de Mallorca.In 1965, a Welsh industrialist named Sir John Brayley was getting ready to retire, and, upon hearing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> was up for auction, he drove down to Southampton and placed a bid. Sir Brayley equipped her with a captain and crew, and spent some time fixing her up and cleaning her out, as the superyacht had been sitting docked for quite a while. Ready to set sail, Sir Brayley took his superyacht on her first trip north to Port Barry, near Cardiff.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383503/image/large-b88d5b2f1b1c974c23ae7adc195336d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383503">A search of personal importanceIt is here that the story gets more personal. Sir Brayley spent lots of time onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> with his family, including grandson Simon. Spending the first five summers of his life onboard the superyacht, “my great grandparents came down for lunch onboard, and my grandfather would entertain old school friends and show off the superyacht”, Simon recalls. “My grandfather was a local boy done good.”Sir Brayley moored the superyacht in London during the first year, where he entertained his friends, including the Prime Minister, as well as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Burton was in the process of purchasing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a>, but asked if Sir Brayley would consider selling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>. “My grandfather would say, ‘she’s not for sale, I’ve haven’t enjoyed her enough!’“ Simon recalls. Burton based a lot of his refurbishments onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>’s interiors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391485/image/large-9f5f7b079ca740a655910ccf9a6799f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391485">After her time in London, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> sailed down to the Mediterranean, and to her new home-base in Malta. “My mother, my father, my step grandmother, my cousins all piled aboard and went cruising around the coast of Italy, Mallorca and France.” Simon shares, “Even at that young age, I have solid memories of being onboard.”&nbsp;In 1970, when Simon’s grandfather's health deteriorated, he decided to sell the superyacht. “I remember a black limousine pulled up by the boarding ladder and these immaculately dressed men in black suits, dark glasses - almost like a movie - arrived.” The men were representatives from the Japanese consortium. A personal tour from Simon’s grandfather and a few handshakes later and the superyacht was sold. “We were very sad because we knew it would be our last time onboard.”Unknowingly, these memories would lay the groundwork for Simon’s search for the superyacht 50 years later. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391487/image/large-18358f47487255434e1db536d985162f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391487">Cruising the Japanese coastOnce sold, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> was soon underway to Japan. With the closure of the Suez Canal between 1967 and 1975, the superyacht instead made her way around the Cape of Good Hope, before heading through the Indian Ocean and making her way towards her new home in Hiroshima, Japan.Throughout his research, Simon has managed to find captains and crew who were onboard during the long journey. “They said it was a really wonderful trip, despite having engine troubles along the way, causing a three-week delay whilst waiting for parts to be flown in.” The weather made the journey more arduous, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> showed her strength: “The captain said she was a phenomenal superyacht at sea; some of the weather they encountered was so rough, with waves breaking over the bow and going down the stack, but she was built to the same technical standard as advanced naval ships.”&nbsp;Upon arrival in Tokyo, the captain was asked to stay with the superyacht. Together they spent another four years cruising up and down the Japanese coast, with most trips being centred around business deals and sweeteners. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>’s interiors were kept perfectly intact, but the decision not to refurbish her eventually led to her suffering from the tropical weather. While her hull was made of steel, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>’s deck, railings, doors and windows were made from wood, for which the Japanese climate proved too humid. While her owners were wealthy enough, they decided to sell rather than undergo a refit.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391486/image/large-006155ce88790e2815dd48f7c6f7b74d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391486">It was this sale that has caused much of the mystery as to where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a> was. Her new owner made an unexpected move: he took the motor yacht out of the water and placed her in the middle of a water park in Hiroshima. Simon notes how “Japan went through a phase where they were fascinated by water parks. Anything to do with water and fun, they became experts at it.” Placing her in the water park, in a city previously defined by devastation, the superyacht brought an opportunity for joy. “She became a focus for courting couples, dates, English tea or lunches. You could go aboard and dress like an English lady or gentleman and be served tea.” She was so well-loved that the park was renamed in her name: ‘Hiroshima <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>’.Eventually the park was sold for redevelopment and the superyacht was dismantled, with various of her parts used to decorate the shopping mall that replaced the park. “It’s a bit strange, in a way, to think my family owned the superyacht that now sits spread out across a mall” Simon shares.While the superyacht has been decommissioned and will never return to sail the seas, Simon is keeping her alive by sharing her story. “There are so many details of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Natalie49.37m (161'12&quot;)Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson1929">Natalie</a>’s story that still sit uncovered,” Simon notes, “but her story is one of love and joy, both on and off the water.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391490/image/large-da49bbb19da41f650b7a6f023c1aebae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391490">If you have any information regarding Natalie’s history, please reach out to Simon O’Gorman:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:simondkogorman@gmail.com" target="_blank">simondkogorman@gmail.com</a>

searching for motor yacht Natalie

Searching for Natalie: A grandson’s search for the decommissioned yacht.

Searching for Natalie: A grandson’s search for the decommissioned yacht

Launched in 1865, the now 145.72-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> has spent her years serving as a royal vessel, a state yacht and a witness to political transformation in Egypt for more than 160 years. Commissioned by Khedive Ismail Pasha and built by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Samuda Bros. (Company)">Samuda Brothers</a> shipyard in London, construction on Egypt’s first royal yacht began in 1863.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/3536/image/large-b202bae6ba9f51d9cba24b458a21b241.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/3536">Built with a steel hull and fitted initially with paddle wheels, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> was one of the largest and most advanced yachts of her era. Her owner Khedive Ismail had also requested that the vessel’s interiors reflect the richness of the civilisations that had flourished in Egypt. The result was an opulent design that combined European craftsmanship, with Middle Eastern decorative traditions. When the yacht was delivered in 1865, Ismail travelled to Istanbul to board her for her maiden voyage to Alexandria, Egypt.In 1868, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> became central to one of the 19th century’s defining maritime events, when Ismail used the yacht to tour Europe, inviting kings and princes to attend the opening of the Suez Canal. On 17 November 1869, the yacht led the multinational fleet that sailed through the canal during its inauguration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382614/image/large-386503509531b9df70e5901f6eeb6ed9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382614">Distinguished guests included Empress Eugénie of France who presented Ismail with a piano, which she played during the ceremony, as well as the Emperor of Austria, the Crown Prince of Germany, Prince Hendrik of the Netherlands and French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was responsible for the construction of the Suez Canal.In 1872, the yacht was sent to London by Isma'il Pasha to increase her length from 125-metres to 137.5-metres. Several years later in 1905, she was sent to Glasgow by Khedive Abbas Hilmi II, where her paddle wheels were removed in favour of a more efficient screw-propeller steam system, while in 1912 a telegraph pole was installed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385853/image/large-60a03fb3d29eeb5a4ff1c0e9b9f40df3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385853">For the following five years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> stayed anchored in Istanbul in order to protect her from the dangers of the First World War. In 1919, while Egyptians were amidst the revolution, the yacht was sent to England by King Fuad I to change the shape of her aft and increase her length by eight-metres, to her current length of 146-metres.&nbsp;In 1939, King Farouk I of Egypt sent the yacht to Iran to bring the Crown Prince Mohammed Reza Pahlavi to the wedding of his sister, Princess Fawzia. Just seven years later, the yacht was sent to Jeddah and back by King Farouk, where she hosted King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for his visit to Egypt. Upon his arrival, King Farouk had arranged a parade in celebration of Saudi Arabia’s national anniversary, becoming a landmark in the history of the Saudi Egyptian bilateral relations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385852/image/large-b6863a98073f0bf1304cce0b2a058391.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385852">Following this, in 1949, the yacht was sent to the port of La Spezia, where the Italian company Ansaldo performed a series of renovations and modifications involving her propulsion capacity.A fifth deck was added in January 1952, and the same year, King Farouk departed Egypt onboard the yacht as he went into exile alongside Khedive Ismail and Khedive Abbas II, marking the end of the monarchy. Rather than being decommissioned, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> was retained as Egypt’s official presidential yacht for Mohamed Najib, becoming part of national heritage. Her name was later changed to El Horreya (meaning Liberty) by his successor Gamal Abdul Nasser, who regarded the yacht as a symbol of Egyptian pride. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385850/image/large-0338766b54b95efc64248be401c560cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385850">On 5 June 1975, President Anwar Sadat insisted that the yacht would be the first vessel to sail through the Suez Canal for its second inauguration, to emphasise the return of Egypt’s glory. In 1976, the yacht sailed its longest journey yet of 12,700 nautical miles to participate in the bicentennial celebration of the Independence of the United States of America, and in 2000 a presidential decree was issued, giving the yacht back its old name of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a>. &nbsp;Today, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> is maintained by the Egyptian Navy and is occasionally opened for official visits and national celebrations. She appeared during the opening of the New Suez Canal in 2015, linking her 19th-century origins to a 21st-century milestone and reinforcing her enduring importance in Egypt’s maritime identity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385851/image/large-a93b5dc476d9347b89825eb42fcbd661.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385851"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Mahrousa145.72m (478'1&quot;)Samuda Bros.1865">El Mahrousa</a> is currently the oldest yacht in the <a href="https://iq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht iQ</a> database, surpassing the next oldest yacht in service by six years. There are currently over 14,000 yachts within the database, from over 1,500 builders and 66 countries. If you would like to find out more about <a href="https://iq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht iQ</a>&nbsp;and its database, then please visit: <a target="_blank">www.sytiq.superyachttimes.com/</a>

el mahrousa oldest royal yacht egypt

Sophie Spicknell explores the 160-year history of El Mahrousa, Egypt’s storied royal and presidential yacht.

The legacy of El Mahrousa: Egypt’s oldest royal yacht

Launched on 28 April 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> at Clydebank, in the UK, if the 91.44-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> could talk, she would speak of a storied past entwined with royalty, industrialists and surviving one of the most constitutional crises of the 20th century.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380647/image/large-0bed0a22f5fc597b14276531abc60623.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380647">Spotted here by SuperYacht Times’ Content Creator Fabio Lima during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Antigua Yacht Show - 2025">Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2025</a>, we take this opportunity to explore more about the history of the 95-year-old vessel.&nbsp;Commissioned as a private steam yacht by Annie Henrietta Yule, known as Lady Yule, her owner was one of the wealthiest women in Britain at the time of her launch. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was originally powered by four steam turbines and was among one of the last great examples of the classic steam yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380649/image/large-89d35abb2f911c7cf185232069e9b43a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380649">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson &amp; Co</a>, which were responsible for her exterior design and naval architecture, her name is believed to have Native American origins, reportedly meaning “fleet of foot”, a reference echoed in her figurehead, which wears a chieftain’s headdress.During the early 1930s, Lady Yule and her daughter undertook an extensive world cruise onboard Nahlin, after which the yacht became internationally famous in the summer of 1936. That August, King Edward VIII chartered the vessel for a Mediterranean cruise with Wallis Simpson, discreetly shadowed by two Royal Navy destroyers, HMS Grafton and HMS Glowworm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380646/image/large-fa8a8f84a25180bfdef284f6a2f0e1ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380646">In 1937, Lady Yule sold <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> to King Carol II of Romania, after which the yacht largely vanished from British records. Over the following decades she underwent multiple changes of use and ownership, eventually re-emerging in the 1990s when British yacht broker Nicholas Edmiston discovered her moored on the Danube, operating as a floating restaurant.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380643/image/large-3cbe5c44671bfb6c92929595bbf5d570.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380643"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was sold several times in the 1990s, before being acquired by her current owner who undertook an extensive rebuild between 2005 and 2010. The rebuild saw German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> responsible for the body of the restorative work, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> were charged with her engineering. The whole rebuild was overseen by her original builders <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson &amp; Co</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380645/image/large-1d8821910d27686b6bb312ee8d1f1730.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380645">In 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> returned to the British Isles in full, turnkey condition. The classic superyacht now has diesel engines, providing her with a top speed of 18 knots, with contemporary interiors now designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>.According to AIS, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> is currently in Guana Island, British Virgin Isles in the Caribbean.

Nahlin: History of 91m steam yacht

SuperYacht Times takes a look at the history of the 95-year-old yacht Nahlin, following her attendance at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2025.

In Pictures: 91m former steam yacht Nahlin in Antigua

Among the few surviving pre-war superyachts still navigating the world’s oceans, the 58.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> stands as a rare testament to 1930s British yacht building. Launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> in Southampton in 1931 as hull number 388, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>, later to be named Evadne, was originally commissioned by the automotive pioneer Montague S. Napier, though he passed away before her completion. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson</a>, her elegant canoe stern and classic sheerline have remained virtually unchanged for nearly a century.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/369224/image/large-672754b26eb29ffe6480a47872ec09ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/369224">Delivered with twin 1,000-horsepower <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> diesel engines, Evadne was ahead of her time, offering a transatlantic range and generous accommodation across two decks. The steel-hulled motor yacht made her maiden voyage across the Atlantic in 1931 and cruised extensively along the east coast of the United States. Her early ownership changed hands over the years, including a stint as Zapala under American businessman Robert J Reynolds, Jr.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/369227/image/large-a8bfbc42156310a8f596e613c642d1e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/369227">However, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>'s most transformative chapter came during World War II. Requisitioned by the Royal Navy in 1939, she was renamed HMS Evadne and converted into an anti-submarine escort vessel. Serving as part of the Western Approaches Command, she was based in Gibraltar and Liverpool, operating vital convoy duties throughout the Battle of the Atlantic. Her sleek lines belied a new military edge, complete with depth charge throwers and communications equipment.Following her decommissioning in 1946, the yacht was returned to civilian service and spent time in Italy, before passing into the hands of Chilean businessman Arturo Lopez-Willshaw in the late 1960s.&nbsp;Lopez-Willshaw’s ownership was short-lived, and by 1970, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> was sold to Robert de Balkany, a colourful French entrepreneur known for his larger-than-life lifestyle and love of the sea. De Balkany kept the yacht in Monaco, where she became a fixture in Port Hercule for over two decades. Though not a commercial charter vessel, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> was occasionally made available for select private charters, particularly during July, to help offset operational costs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/369223/image/large-83f01643057d1b0e364f63e8de581c85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/369223"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/369225/image/large-9d8c8d9629b35b4a4acd36fd8d759ef2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/369225">Over the years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> welcomed a host of distinguished guests, including Frank Sinatra, King Carlos of Spain and Princess Alexandra of Kent. Sinatra’s Mediterranean cruise onboard the yacht in the early 1970s drew attention from the international press. Society columnist Suzy Mehle wrote at the time: “Frank Sinatra has chartered the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> for the month of June and will cruise the Mediterranean… Marala belongs to Robert de Balkany, [who] married Princess Maria Gabriella of Italy… <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>… is one of the most luxurious yachts afloat.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/369226/image/large-0e0ea34118fce7f8ba2fbdb99b055d02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/369226">For de Balkany, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> was more than a yacht; she was a platform for pleasure. Her decks groaned under the weight of Donzi speedboats, a custom four-engine Miami-built powerboat and a rotating fleet of PWCs and watersports gear. Yet, despite the high-octane amusements, her classic structure remained preserved, cared for by a loyal captain and longstanding crew.By the 1990s, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>'s age was beginning to show, and her use became sporadic. The yacht was eventually acquired by her current owner, who recognised the need for a comprehensive restoration. In 2019, she arrived at Pendennis in Falmouth, UK, where a meticulous three-year rebuild commenced. The restoration focused on preserving her original character while modernising her technical systems, guest areas and crew facilities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94751/image/large-18ecdb3a89c43f9fbe37e881acfe5575.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94751">In 2022, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> was reintroduced to the world in immaculate condition, one of the most significant historic yacht restorations completed in recent years. Her original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson</a> exterior lines remain, but below deck, she now features a sensitively reimagined interior by London-based design studio Muza Lab, capturing the glamour of her interwar origins while meeting modern superyacht standards. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228704/image/large-cae7c9358f19dccb283a09be462e16e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228704"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/33301/image/large-00f6a1765bd0a9363daf6fdbe3eafc95.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33301">As she cruises once again, nearly a century after her keel was laid, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> continues to turn heads, offering a rare glimpse into what yachting was like in the golden era. Marala is currently available for charter with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>.This article was first published in issue 54 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download here. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-54" target="_blank">https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-54</a>

Marala yacht history

Sophie Spicknell explores the history of the 58.8-metre superyacht Marala.

Magnificent Marala: The enduring legacy of a 1930s superyacht

The 31.33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/160" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr (Company)">De Vries Lentsch</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5063" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Piet Hein31.33m (102'9&quot;)Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr1937">Piet Hein</a> has been spotted passing through Amsterdam, close to the SuperYacht Times office.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368519/image/large-eb3fc4e53f5ce5e4fa237955911731ab.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368519">Built at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/160" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr (Company)">Amsterdamsche Scheepswerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr</a>. yard and designed by H.W. de Voogt, she was launched on 14 August 1937. The classic motor yacht was gifted to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard by the Dutch people on the occasion of their wedding and delivered to the royal couple two weeks after her launch.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368524/image/large-9f1e8b652a84be7de780ce1800d485a3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368524">During the Second World War, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5063" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Piet Hein31.33m (102'9&quot;)Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr1937">Piet Hein</a> was seized by occupying forces and transported to Emden. She returned to the Netherlands in 1945 and was restored to her former condition. In 1953, she played a humanitarian role when she was deployed to assist during the devastating North Sea flood.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368523/image/large-09cfc7a503c02889cbd353e381366964.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368523">The yacht remained closely tied to the royal family for decades. In 1979, Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard established <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stichting Piet Hein (Company)">Stichting Piet Hein</a>, a foundation created to safeguard her future. The royal couple made their final cruise aboard in 1980, after which <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5063" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Piet Hein31.33m (102'9&quot;)Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr1937">Piet Hein</a> underwent extensive restoration between 1985 and 1990 and a second major overhaul between 2014 and 2015.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368520/image/large-0c2d95472e17db03fa007034db8ed3b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368520">Constructed in steel with a wooden superstructure, Piet Hein accommodates six guests across three staterooms, alongside crew quarters for five. Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DAF (Company)">DAF</a> diesel engines, she cruises at around 11 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368522/image/large-979ce793ec9faef168d01a3544cb69e6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368522">Now maintained in near-original condition under the care of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stichting Piet Hein (Company)">Stichting Piet Hein</a> and a dedicated team of volunteers, the yacht continues to sail. Today, she can be privately chartered for day trips with up to 30 guests.On Tuesday 19 August, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5063" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Piet Hein31.33m (102'9&quot;)Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr1937">Piet Hein</a> was officially welcomed into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Heritage Fleet during a formal ceremony. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Heritage Fleet is an association of owners of classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>s that are at least thirty years old. The organisation is dedicated to preserving these vessels, sharing knowledge, and organising joint activities on the water.

Piet Hein: 31m De Vries Lentsch yacht in Amsterdam

The 31.33-metre De Vries Lentsch motor yacht Piet Hein has been spotted passing through Amsterdam, close to the SuperYacht Times office.

In Pictures: 31m historic De Vries Lentsch yacht Piet Hein in Amsterdam

When she first hit the water on 28 February 1931, the regal 135.94-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> was the world’s largest yacht. What ensued for the German-built motor yacht was nearly a century worth of prominence, demolition, abandonment, scandal, and resurrection.&nbsp;The yacht was originally designed for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader, granddaughter of John A. Roebling, who was an engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. She nonetheless belonged to a range of owners throughout her history, including founder of modern-day Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/33371/image/large-3eb4c0c0d7d5c49d131ef783da2e8592.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33371">Christened after an African swan living in the Indian Ocean, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> features exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>, while her interior styling stems from the drawing boards of London-based studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs</a>.&nbsp;Described as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat” by Janes Fighting Ships in 1949, the yacht even made an appearance on the big screen, alongside a star studded cast in the 1934 German science-fiction film Gold. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/31761/image/large-d066336e7cc55460a349d9871cfdb588.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31761">After spending seven serene years in the ownership of Cadwalader, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> was purchased by the Turkish government in 1938, and gifted to the country’s then ailing president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.&nbsp;Following the late president’s death in November of that year, just six weeks after obtaining the yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s glory days were seemingly behind her. The once majestic watercraft was left to gather dust in Kanlıca Bay on the Bosporus throughout World War II. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/33377/image/large-ae0dcca36409c937e28d97d8f4d1564d.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33377">However, by 1951, the tide was beginning to turn for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>, as she was converted and repurposed to the training ship Güneş Dil, which translates to “Sun Language” in English, going on to explore the globe for the next 28 years.&nbsp;Unfortunately, disaster struck for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> once again in October 1979, when a fire broke out onboard the Turkish navy school ship off Heybeliada Island in the Sea of Marmara, leaving her ravaged beyond use. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/75270/image/large-67263cca37648ff4adad4b1c093ed31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75270">Now only a shell of her erstwhile self, the demolished superyacht was deserted and virtually forgotten over the course of the next decade. It wasn’t until 1989 that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> became the centre of any attention, when she was chartered for 49 years by Turkish businessman Kahraman Sadıkoğlu. Sadıkoğlu undertook an extensive refurbishment of the vessel, restoring her to her former glory.&nbsp;Carried out at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tuzla Shipyard (Company)">Tuzla Shipyards</a>, the thorough three-year rebuild saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s original steam turbine engines get replaced by modern <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> diesel engines. Her updated engines propel the superyacht to a cruising speed of 16 knots along with a top speed of 18 knots.&nbsp;The refit breathed new life into the superyacht’s interiors, so that she could play host to the rich and famous across her 16 guest staterooms, in order to preserve the memory of her best known owner, President Atatürk. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318/image/large-1e9f9e8716c3fd882c7880399e204fba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318">In addition to her new luxurious accommodation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> was now home to a Turkish bath, a movie theatre, and a library suite, which paid tribute to the late Atatürk through the presence of several of his personal artefacts, including his handkerchief and gloves. Meanwhile, the standout 86-metre gold-trimmed, grand staircase from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s previous life still remained following this refit.&nbsp;Other notably lavish features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> were her helipad, Jacuzzi’s, swimming pool, water sports facilities catering to water-skiing, jetskiing, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing, along with her well-appointed fitness centre. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/323/image/large-30edb6ee0ee66881eb0344cd160803bf.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/323">It wasn’t until August 2014 that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> would be ready for official use again, after a 10-month restoration period. This refit involved the renewal of her electronic devices and installations, as she was fitted with the latest technology. Additionally, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s capacious saloon was redecorated to accommodate new seating and dining arrangements, making her ideal for hosting larger social gatherings.&nbsp;On 4 March, 2014, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the first official reception on board, which involved a cruise along the Bosporus with his guest, the Bosnian politician Bakir Izetbegović.&nbsp;Most recently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> benefitted from nearly a year-long refit at the Istanbul Shipyard Command’s drydock as part of the recommissioning efforts launched by the Turkish Naval Forces. The drydocking maintenance and repair operations first commenced in September 2023, and the historic superyacht was relaunched in the summer of 2024. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/319/image/large-c679b7e984afaeb10f0d859436185335.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/319">According to Turkish media reports, the Naval Forces had discovered asbestos in the coatings, circuits, and insulation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> during their 2023 repair works. Not only that, but materials failing to meet certain quality standards were present in the vessel’s electric cables and pipe circuits. In light of these flaws, the Istanbul Shipyard Command proceeded to decontaminate the affected areas in late November 2023. Furthermore, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines and the machine control system were overhauled during the comprehensive maintenance and repair work carried out by the shipyard personnel.According to local media outlets, the Defense Ministry announced that moving forward, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> would be used for the sea training of Naval Academy students. Thus, in spite of her repurposing and refurbishing, as well as her many trials and tribulations, the legacy of the historic superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> continues to live on. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/31760/image/large-ee102ff5872944f4e4d5d72ab7314ce0.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31760">This article was first published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-52" target="_blank">Issue 52 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download at this website.</a>

The Blohm and Voss yacht Savarona's refit history 

Ellen Ranebo takes a deep dive into the rich and tumultuous history of the 135.94-metre historic Turkish yacht Savarona. 


From riches to rags to restoration: Savarona's refit history 

Nearly ninety-four years after her launch, the classic motorsailer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a> has been relaunched following a meticulous rebuild by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>'s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Huisfit (Company)">Huisfit</a> division. The 37.28-metre motor sailor has rejoined the global fleet with numerous technological advancements, while maintaining her historic aesthetic, but the scope of her refit far exceeded her owner's original expectations. Acquired by her new owner, the serial yacht owner Jim Clark, who also owns the J Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanuman42.1m (138'1&quot;)Royal Huisman2009">Hanuman</a>, in 2020, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a> arrived at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Huisman</a> in 2021 for a year-long refit. Upon arrival at the yard, however, it became clear that the historic yacht was desperately in need of a major reconstruction. Fortunately, Jim and his wife were willing to undertake this transformation and the yacht has now been relaunched in beyond original standard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337624/image/large-075e9ca96b35e6396237348e601ce584.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337624">The refit team had not seen the yacht out of the water before her arrival, leaving the full scope of the project undetermined. Once <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a> was hauled into the yard, however, a troubling discovery quickly emerged – what appeared to be a crack in the hull. Concerned, the craftsmen began a careful inspection, probing and chiselling at the gap. Relief came as chunks of material fell away to reveal not damaged steel but an unexpected layer of filler – in some places, nearly two inches thick. While the revelation was less catastrophic than feared, it highlighted the extent of the restoration challenge ahead.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337592/image/large-8c1cc33d61c214098235288034c684b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337592"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a>, launched in 1930 as Caleta, has a long and storied history, not least as an integral member of Operation Dynamo, the Dunkirk evacuation of June 1940. Designed by famed Scottish yacht designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/239" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A. Mylne & Co (Company)">Alfred Mylne</a>, she was originally built to serve as tender to Sir William Burton's 12-metre racing yacht. Though compact, she carried a full sail plan, reaching speeds of seven knots under sail. During the Second World War, Caleta was pressed into service for the Royal Navy, playing a valiant role as one of the "Little Ships of Dunkirk." Braving enemy fire, she rescued 35 soldiers during the nine-day operation and earned the right to fly the distinguished St. George’s Cross.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25401/image/large-325f4572e084ac23f7dc6b83f87c5f48.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25401">Post-war, she began a new chapter as Ariane, sailing to the Mediterranean after a two-year refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thorneycroft</a>. Under various owners and names, including Corisande and later <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a>, she became synonymous with glamour, gracing ports from Antibes to New England. A significant refit under the ownership of Tom Perkins in 1999 saw her transformed with Art Deco interiors and a gleaming new superstructure. Yet, despite her illustrious career, the passage of time took its toll, setting the stage for her comprehensive rebuild at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337632/image/large-c2651265f12a73f605c8c3fca9328afc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337632">During the course of two years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Huisfit (Company)">Huisfit</a> replaced approximately 40 percent of the yacht's hull, deck and frames, overhauling her systems, including her original Gardner diesel engines, and completed a complete interior refit. For six months the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Huisfit (Company)">Huisfit</a> team scanned, studied and redesigned the yacht in 3D, ensuring that her new systems and interior configurations maximised the potential volumes, while introducing contemporary technology. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337634/image/large-5a856f619b3607db27a82f0d9dbf61e8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337634">The yacht's exterior profile has remained true to her post-war silhouette, while her interiors were redesigned with a refined 1930s aesthetic by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="deVosdeVries design (Company)">deVosdeVries Design</a>, complemented by the artistry of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acanthus International (Company)">Acanthus International</a>. Her owners were determined to retain her and return her to her aesthetic, but they wanted to simplify the styling, removing much of the more elaborate Art Deco touches favoured by Tom Perkins. The Clarks briefed a less ornate 1930’s style, married with the look of Hanuman’s classic interior that was created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s artisans in French walnut. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337629/image/large-9311e5e7dbdfbfac73322b2c23c593a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337629">While owner's suite and guest VIP stateroom aft have retained their original configuration, their styling has been dramatically redesigned, while the saloon and media room offer casual spaces for modern living. The saloon features a shallow coffered ceiling style – updated from the lacquered tongue-and-groove panels installed during the 1999 refit, alongside french-polish straight grain walnut joinery, creating a classic 1930s styling. Dining has also moved outdoors, with a stunning custom teak table under a fixed bimini, offering her guests a closer interaction with their environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/287134/image/large-e0b9a3686762bc98d7b5916a2a10c9f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/287134">Now in her next era <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a> complements Clark’s fleet, which also includes the 56.18-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Apsara56.18m (184'4&quot;)Royal Huisman2018">Apsara</a>. With her rebuild complete, the historic motorsailer stands poised to write a new chapter in her long and storied life – a beacon of maritime heritage brought gloriously into the modern age.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337625/image/large-0a0da2fa327c8bdd9a1fb04987cf9293.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337625">This article was first published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-52" target="_blank">Issue 52 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download here.</a>

Atlantide yacht rebuild 

Behind the rebuild of the yacht Atlantide at Royal Huisman. 

Atlantide reborn: Behind the rebuild of the historic motor yacht

Sophie Spicknell delves into the legacy of the 28.35-metre yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a>, which served five U.S. presidents, including John F. Kennedy.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a>; a name that is well-known in U.S. history, as a vessel that was once used by five former U.S leaders. The 28.35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Shipbuilding</a> motor yacht carries nearly a century's worth of stories onboard – some whispered amongst the walls of political power, others exchanged in the quiet moments of family gatherings. Her history is as rich as her polished mahogany interiors, echoing with the footsteps of presidents, dignitaries, and some of the most influential figures of the 20th century.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328199/image/large-bd1f00240aec81391548c4913ce84928.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328199">Launched in July 1931 by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Boat and Motor Works</a> in Bay City, Michigan, USA, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> was designed by renowned naval architect J.A. Defoe, a man known for his attention to detail and his ability to blend form with function. Commissioned by American businessman magnate Sewell Avery, she was built from humble beginnings. Originally named Lenore after Avery’s daughter, she was his private escape, a refuge from the pressures of running Montgomery Ward &amp; Co, one of the largest department store chains in the United States at the time and was primarily used on Lake Michigan by the family. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/327971/image/large-96e0ef4e22cfb663b7a3fb4b201a04e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/327971">Requisitioned for War ServiceHowever, on 15 August 1942, the U.S. Government requisitioned Lenore, repurposing her for use during the Second World War. From here, Lenore was assigned to the United States Coast Guard where, like many luxury yachts of the time, she was transferred to a yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland and converted for military use.By then renamed CG-92004 and refitted for wartime duties, she spent the next few years patrolling the waters along the East Coast. During this time she was assigned to various duties, including coastal picket patrol at Rockaway Point and Fire Island, New York, as well as detachment duty with the Comsublant (Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic) headquarters in New London, Connecticut, where she aided officers in training preparations against enemy submarines. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/327960/image/large-f370c5d4e739752d02ea4ec6c2242074.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/327960">But it was under her later names that the yacht would become a floating symbol of American political heritage. At the end of the Second World War in November 1945, CG-92004 was transferred to the U.S. Navy. At this time, she was stationed in Washington D.C. and served as a tender for Franklin D. Roosevelt's 50.3-metre presidential yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5303" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Potomac50.3m (165'0&quot;)Manitowoc Shipbilding Corp1934">USS Potomac</a>, before she was passed on to President Harry S. Truman in 1945.During the presidency of Truman, the vessel was renamed Lenore II, a nod back to her previous name before the war. However, when she was placed under President John S.D. Eisenhower’s ownership in 1953, she was renamed Barbara Anne after his eldest daughter. Barbara Anne underwent significant refurbishments during this time and was used by the first family for various events, such as the President and First Lady's 42nd wedding anniversary on the Potomac River and as a tender for the U.S. Navy gunboat USS Williamsburg to carry the secret service. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328214/image/large-c92f234fd621de8352a29bba0e9b75ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328214">Kennedy’s Floating RetreatBut it was under the John F. Kennedy administration that the vessel truly gained her place in the annals of American history. Just like his grandfather John F. Fitzgerald, Kennedy had a deep affection for the sea, which led to the vessel being named in his honour, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328204/image/large-80f011e74839a2265026782397232d26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328204">Honey Fitz</a> was refurbished according to the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy's tastes and was frequently used for family trips along the East Coast. The vessel became Kennedy’s personal retreat, a place where he could escape the rigours of the presidency and spend time with his family. During his time in office, the yacht was often seen cruising the waters off Cape Cod, with his children playing on deck, and his wife, Jacqueline, lounging in the sun. The Kennedy family’s time onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> was well-documented, with photographs of these moments becoming iconic images of his presidency. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328212/image/large-8182379fc70d2c26223db02158a41f5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328212"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328203/image/large-851fcd485ed7adb9de265c093407907f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328203">The Kennedys spent Easter and Christmas holidays onboard the yacht and President Kennedy often hosted dignitaries on official outings. Amongst some of the guests <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> welcomed onboard were, the former Prime Minister of Japan Hayato Ikeda and former United Kingdom Prime Minister Harold Macmillian. The yacht’s intimate but luxurious setting provided a stark contrast to the more formal spaces of the White House, allowing for open, candid discussions between some of the most powerful figures of the time. After Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> continued to serve subsequent presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, who honoured President Kennedy by retaining her name as Honey Fitz. During the administration of Richard Nixon in 1969, the yacht underwent refurbishment and was renamed after Nixon’s daughter Patricia. However, by the 1970s, with changing tastes and advancements in security, the use of presidential yachts fell out of favour, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> was retired from official service. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328209/image/large-084c90d2b4026a71a6c32d95304c1b76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328209">Nixon decommissioned the yacht and put her up for sale, stating that it was a needless luxury. The yacht was sold at auction in 1971 and was passed into private hands once again, marking her first civilian owner since Sewell Avery in 1931. Her new owner, Joseph B. Keating, renamed the yacht The Presidents and chartered her for dinner parties and day cruises. But by the late 1990s, the yacht was put up for sale at auction once again, after falling into a state of disrepair. She was then placed onto a barge to prevent her from sinking, until Texas businessman William Kallop placed the winning bid at a 1998 Guernsey’s Auction of Kennedy memorabilia. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328206/image/large-4df22207015eb5dbab0acd0170abe734.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328206">A Historic Restoration and RevivalUnder the ownership of William Kallop, the vessel was once again renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> and began her journey of restoration. The Kallop family hosted many charity events onboard Honey Fitz and chartered her once again along the East Coast. Despite numerous attempts at topside repairs, she began to fall back into a state of disrepair and sat dormant for several years.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a>’s story is one of elegance, transformation, duty, and above all, resilience. In 2020, in partnership with Lessing’s Hospitality Group, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> was purchased and embarked on a three-year restoration journey to preserve her historical significance and return the yacht to her Kennedy-era grandeur. Her comprehensive refit, which was overseen by Charles R. Modica saw her systems updated and modernised, while her interior was preserved to retain her classic elegance. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328202/image/large-fa6fcb7a052969ac7c67fa0f53de9280.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328202"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a>&nbsp;made her official debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/127" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2022">Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023</a>, where she was on display in her fully-restored glory. Today, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> boasts all the modern amenities one might expect, but her heart remains firmly in the past, a relic of a bygone era. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 35 passengers, with spaces such as a main saloon, sun deck, fully outfitted galley, and a private stateroom. She also features state-of-the-art navigational and safety equipment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328200/image/large-00418a8e8761b245f1cb499c0a91cfe0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328200">Now listed for private charters, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> stands as a reminder of a time when yachts were not just symbols of wealth, but played an active role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. Whether she was ferrying a president to a diplomatic meeting or serving as a backdrop for family photographs, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Honey Fitz28.35m (93'0&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1931">Honey Fitz</a> has always been an extraordinary yacht – she is a living piece of American history, a vessel that carries with her the memories of presidents and the weight of history.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/327987/image/large-3b8f4e6b37a10d30b28b81ddb1825eed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/327987">This article was first published in Issue 51 of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/superyacht-times" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times</a> <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">Newspaper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-51" target="_blank">available for download here.</a>

History of Honey Fitz yacht

Sophie Spicknell delves into the legacy of the 28m yacht Honey Fitz, which served five U.S. presidents, including John F. Kennedy.


The history of Honey Fitz: JFK's presidential yacht

The 27.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Libertas27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Libertas</a> sold in a deal with Brett Noble of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a> introducing the buyer and Brandon Brown and Spencer Brown of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Brown’s International Yacht Brokerage (Company)">Brown’s International Yacht Brokerage</a> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399262/image/large-11adabff7110ed0c31bddd1e2771b91a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399262">Delivered in 2021 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> 90 Ocean series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Libertas27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Libertas</a> was designed in-full by her British builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> who were responsible for her interior and exterior design, as well as her naval architecture.&nbsp;Spanning 120 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Libertas27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Libertas</a> can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests across a four stateroom configuration on the lower deck. Libertas can also sleep a crew of four in two cabins.&nbsp;In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Libertas27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Libertas</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines which provide her with a top speed of 26 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Libertas27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Libertas</a> had a last known asking price of €5,750,000.

Libertas: 27m Sunseeker 90 Ocean yacht sold

The 27.1-metre Sunseeker motor yacht Libertas sold with a last known asking price of €5,750,000.

27m Sunseeker 90 Ocean yacht Libertas sold

SuperYacht Times takes a closer look onboard the 56.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a>. Delivered earlier this year by the Italian shipyard, the 892 GT yacht showcases traditional Italian craftsmanship merged with modern onboard amenities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399180/image/large-0d054dfbc5d74dfe63f5a8d20dd061af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399180"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a> features exterior design by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a>, while her classic interiors were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini</a>. Her naval architecture was developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture (Company)">PierLuigi Ausonio</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65949" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank"></a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399183/image/large-b4ef322dbb190e00b7de9542a89426f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399183" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Following her delivery, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a> offers generous interior volumes, dedicated owner spaces and long-range cruising capability. Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="57m Codecasa superyacht Legacy 4 delivered (2026-04-28 09:45:00 +0200)">57m Codecasa superyacht Legacy 4 delivered<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399151/image/large-e15733c39b0d47389991534aa2696dd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399151"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399182/image/large-2bff74859aa2b11c6b539be7b7b9ba91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399182"></a>Life onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a> revolves around a series of generous outdoor living areas across each of her decks, giving guests an immersive connection with the sea. Set as the main social sanctuary, her sundeck features a large rectangular mosaic Jacuzzi surrounded by blue sunpads alongside open-air lounges for uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399175/image/large-5c65725948376ca73661a71e9ec45dbd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399175">Descending to her bridge deck, guests are welcomed into a sheltered space arranged with elegant woven furnishings and low tables, creating a relaxing lounge while enjoying the sea breeze.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399168/image/large-48bf9dd1432938cb7cf1a25ee50bc958.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399168"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399172/image/large-f65bddb20a3bed7737a142e1f8f5a12a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399172">Moving to the main deck, a spacious alfresco dining area overlooks the stern, with wide side decks encouraging guests to unwind and connect to their surroundings.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65949" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399171/image/large-f92d14864af0176c69a8eec7bd666561.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399171"></a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399177/image/large-f3a9219b8a0e3bb7a87c2f2b59acfa87.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399177">Stepping inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a> reveals a traditional and classic interior defined by polished mahogany joinery, lavish fabrics and opulent marble finishes. Large windows flood her main saloon with natural light, elevating her lounge areas framing her polished timber coffee tables. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399163/image/large-15b393ac9e07517087986d3ec22d9bc0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399163">The mirrored ceiling further enhances the 892 GT yacht’s sense of space, while her dining room bestows an exquisite setting for formal meals and entertaining. Forward of the main saloon, a fully equipped bar offers an additional space for guests to socialise.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399162/image/large-b5db08fc8586007a5cdd889569f7560a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399162"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399155/image/large-423049d2353c17f7a4ce0599ee3f7843.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399155"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399156/image/large-00d684a5e019b44389998999cd62d814.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399156" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Furthermore, guest accommodations onboard retain the yacht's timeless design ethos. Her full-beam owner's suite boasts oversized windows, a private seating area and an ensuite bathroom finished in polished marble.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399146/image/large-783064a210887b101584cc6496edec9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399146" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399149/image/large-94b4ebbaedb084b127d13fe4484522e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399149">Echoing the same refinement, her remaining guest cabins feature wood cabinetry, patterned carpets and soft furnishings, paired with marble‑clad en suites and vast walk‑in showers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399160/image/large-506940a3f9ca36e6cf6695c7b0cb6051.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399160"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399159/image/large-e9f4d6d1c52404d275ae4c028b6f5691.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399159"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399158/image/large-bbd9a91187f1947fce0c347c05032b3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399158">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="57m Codecasa F81 superyacht Legacy 4 launched (2026-02-23 11:00:00 +0100)">57m Codecasa F81 superyacht Legacy 4 launched</a>With a beam of 10.2-metres and volume stretching at 892 GT, accommodation onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a> is arranged for up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms. Dedicated quarters provide accommodation for a crew of 13, including her captain, while an elevator serves all guest decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399145/image/large-1e19acdb0e4e2eb60aedce9d9ae792a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399145"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399157/image/large-c65a31d4dbd1b7e88de20029b7b1ed98.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399157"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399148/image/large-dff2f806347aaa811f2925c25dc68c8e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399148">In terms of propulsion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legacy 456.75m (186'2&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2026">Legacy 4</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, propelling her to a top speed of 17 knots. Cruising comfortably at 12 knots, she offers a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles, making her well-suited to extended voyages. Moreover, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/964" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Naiad Dynamics (Company)">Naiad</a> zero-speed stabilisers enhance comfort onboard, underway and at anchor.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399184/image/large-a779cfb3dcd44bf71fa50ab8a8a7d233.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399184"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399178/image/large-861c487cb85fffc1aae3ef0e5a650e39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399178" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">

Onboard the 57m Codecasa superyacht Legacy 4

Step onboard the 57m Codecasa superyacht Legacy 4 and explore her traditional Italian interiors and immersive outdoor spaces.


<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mangusta Yachts (Company)">Overmarine Group</a> has announced the launch of the fifth 54-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mangusta Yachts (Company)">Mangusta</a> GranSport 54 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betsy54.0m (177'2&quot;)Mangusta Yachts2026">Betsy</a> at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mangusta Yachts (Company)">Overmarine</a>'s shipyard in Pisa, Italy. The launch ceremony took place on 24 June in the presence of the owner and their family, alongside representatives from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> and<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4977" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nicolai Yacht Consulting & Project Management (Company)">&nbsp;Nicolai Yacht Consulting</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399270/image/large-aceb615b1bfd2fde9b549ed505f80bae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399270" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betsy54.0m (177'2&quot;)Mangusta Yachts2026">Betsy</a> becomes the fifth hull in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mangusta Yachts (Company)">Mangusta</a> GranSport 54 series. According to the shipyard, three units are already cruising in the Americas, with the latest launch further reinforcing the model's appeal in the region.Constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure, the motor yacht has a beam of 9.01-metres and an interior volume below the 500 GT threshold.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betsy54.0m (177'2&quot;)Mangusta Yachts2026">Betsy</a> features exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Mancini Yacht Design (Company)">Alberto Mancini Yacht Design</a>, in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mangusta Yachts (Company)">Overmarine Group</a>, while her interiors were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Mancini Yacht Design (Company)">Alberto Mancini Yacht Design</a>, also in collaboration with her builder. Her naval architecture was developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture (Company)">PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399269/image/large-6ab198dc6f3fc6876019fc895f6d92d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399269">On the outside, the yacht’s slender exterior is characterised by sleek lines, a sculpted stern, integrated air vents in the bulwarks and a raked windscreen linked with the roll-bar. Designed to maximise the connection with the sea, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betsy54.0m (177'2&quot;)Mangusta Yachts2026">Betsy</a> boasts generous outdoor living areas where the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly flow into each other.&nbsp;Inside, expansive glazing bathes her living spaces with natural light, elevating her custom-made details and generous volumes, making her ideal for long-range cruising and comfortable stays at anchor.Spanning 499 GT, accommodation onboard is arranged for up to 12 guests across six staterooms. Separate quarters provide accommodation for a crew of nine, including the captain.In terms of propulsion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betsy54.0m (177'2&quot;)Mangusta Yachts2026">fifth Mangusta GranSport 54</a> is powered by quadruple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, propelling her to a top speed of 29 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, she boasts a range of up to 4,200 nautical miles.

Fifth Overmaine Mangusta GranSport 54 launched

The fifth 54-metre Mangusta GranSport 54 has been launched at Overmarine Group's shipyard in Pisa, Italy.


Fifth Overmarine Mangusta GranSport 54 yacht Betsy launched

Launched in November 2025, the 45.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a> was recently spotted in Cannes, France. As the current flagship of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nolimits (Company)">Nolimits</a> series, we take a closer look at the model and find out more about the all-aluminium yacht line.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398676/image/large-a2ccad389b69fec828eca885d7fd4298.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398676">In 2024, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> expanded its portfolio by introducing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nolimits (Company)">Nolimits</a>, a new brand that marked a significant shift into the semi-custom market. This line offers five models, each ranging from 30 to 45-metres in length and designed for exploration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398682/image/large-50ecbbafa30873541e76090fe9f75a83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398682">“We realised that this segment lacked high-performance yachts with true marine capability and metal construction, akin to fully custom yachts,” explained Federico Rossi, Chief Operating Officer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>, during an interview with SuperYacht Times in 2024.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/61029" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title='Rossinavi COO on establishing Nolimits: "The vision targets a new market segment" (2024-07-22 11:30:00 +0200)'>Rossinavi COO on establishing Nolimits: "The vision targets a new market segment"<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398683/image/large-554e9792a9b08518ca67980434f60dca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398683"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> made the decision to launch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nolimits (Company)">Nolimits</a> as a new brand rather than a line, in order to target a new market segment. “This brand provides a fleet with a high marine attitude, positioned midway between explorer and superyacht styles, categorising <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nolimits (Company)">Nolimits</a> in the crossover segment,” added Rossi.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> has a dedicated area for building yachts under the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nolimits (Company)">Nolimits</a> brand and they can construct up to four units simultaneously in both Viareggio and Pisa. Designed for exploration and functionality, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a> boasts spacious interiors and a shallow draft for versatile navigation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398679/image/large-8466935199d971cc8959c35f2e61d777.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398679"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design (Company)">Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7420" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="the Touch Studio (Company)">the Touch Studio</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arrabito Naval Architects (Company)">Arrabito Naval Architects</a>.The owner was introduced to the shipyard through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5077" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Yacht Group (Company)">The Italian Yacht Group</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design (Company)">Fulvio De Simoni</a> has been involved in designing multiple superyachts for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>, including the exteriors of the 49.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bel149.9m (163'9&quot;)Rossinavi2024">Bel1</a>, the 49-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5953" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurora49.06m (160'11&quot;)Rossinavi2017">Aurora</a>, and the 42.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12135" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf X42.84m (140'7&quot;)Rossinavi2024">Seawolf X</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398677/image/large-ecf254515ae0febf5fc5ad3c1c868968.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398677">The main deck aft of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a> includes a spacious lounge-style cockpit that extends naturally from the beach club below. Inside, there is a fusion of rigorous, geometric architecture with sculptural furnishings, alongside various wood essences, brushed metal details, linen fabrics and silk wallpapers.On the lower deck, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a>'s stern transforms into an elegant beach club, creating a direct connection to the sea. A fold-down transformer platform lowers to water level, forming a dedicated area for swimming, water sports, or boarding.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398681/image/large-868ef6e33400d935af0b146cc77de6fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398681">Just forward lies the gym, a fitness space with sea views and direct access to the water. Twin stairways link the beach club to the main deck cockpit above, creating a seamless transition between the two areas and reinforcing the yacht’s focus on open, connected living.The upper deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a> features a large outdoor dining area, complete with a sociable table and comfortable seating overlooking the sea. Forward on this deck, a pool surrounded by sunpads and loungers forms an open-air retreat with panoramic views over the horizon.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398682/image/large-50ecbbafa30873541e76090fe9f75a83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398682">Moving up, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a>'s 110-square-metre sundeck serves as a versatile social and relaxation area. Aft, a panoramic lounge with low sofas and coffee tables offers uninterrupted sea views, while a shaded alfresco dining space sits amidships beneath the hard top.&nbsp;A central lounge area with modular seating and a fully equipped bar forms the heart of the deck, while at the bow, double sunpads provide a private setting for enjoying the sun and sea breeze.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398678/image/large-67dbf721872988511cca2d8f526cd877.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398678">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gemini45.1m (147'12&quot;)Rossinavi2026">Gemini</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> C32 engines, enabling a top speed of 15 knots and a range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398675/image/large-30769ac403c61e9a4c4ec080cbc6f18a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398675">

Gemini: Rossinavi's 45m flagship Nolimits yacht in Cannes

We take a closer look at the 45.1-metre Rossinavi motor yacht Gemini, which was recently spotted in Cannes, France.

A closer look at Rossinavi's 45m flagship Nolimits yacht Gemini in Cannes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phuket Yacht Haven (Company)">Phuket Yacht Haven</a> General Manager Nick Wyatt. Nick led the Thai marina from November 2002 until November 2016.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399141/image/large-b4e4a065740bf91ad8c7f8d376edbad8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399141">In a statement, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phuket Yacht Haven (Company)">Phuket Yacht Haven</a> credited Wyatt with helping establish the marina as Thailand's premier superyacht facility during the industry's formative years.“Through his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he played a pivotal role in making Yacht Haven the premier superyacht marina in Thailand and one of the most respected facilities in Southeast Asia,” the company added.Throughout his 14-year tenure, Wyatt became a familiar figure to yacht owners, captains, crew and agents visiting Phuket. The marina said he was known for overseeing everything from berth arrangements and provisioning to fuelling and logistics, while earning a reputation for his industry expertise, calm leadership and welcoming approach.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399142/image/large-1659647eccfee943a66f5a67f84ccfad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399142">Beyond his operational role, Wyatt was remembered as a mentor and friend to many within the region's marine industry. The company said his generosity, humour and willingness to help left a lasting impression on the Phuket yachting community and fostered friendships that extended well beyond the marina.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phuket Yacht Haven (Company)">Phuket Yacht Haven</a> also highlighted Wyatt's lasting contribution to the development of Phuket as a world-class superyacht hub, noting that the respect he earned across Thailand and Southeast Asia reflected a lifetime dedicated to the marine industry.SuperYacht Times extends its condolences to Wyatt's wife, Zara, along with his family, friends and the wider yachting community, adding that his legacy will continue through the industry and community he helped build.

Phuket yacht haven general manager nick wyatt dies

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Phuket Yacht Haven General Manager Nick Wyatt.

In Memoriam: Former Phuket Yacht Haven general manager Nick Wyatt passes away

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has announced the appointment Eric Boers as Director Technical Services &amp; After Sales. In the newly created role, Boers will oversee the shipyard's Project Management teams and After Sales organisation, supporting the transition from yacht construction through to delivery and into its operational life.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/399136/image/large-2c75f22024db4d3965ff8a7b648d1b50.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20260703%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20260703T084420Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=e28a15edd8ddbd572e5af1aaa14cc3ea689d60c4e4e53765501143971439654f" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399136">According to Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, the appointment brings Project Management and After Sales under a single director, aiming to bridge the gap between construction and delivery.&nbsp;In this new role, Boers will "oversee the process from the moment a hull takes shape until the yacht is sailing with her owner, while integrating the technical knowledge gathered during construction with operational feedback from the fleet," he explained.Van der Meer added: "Crucially, this creates a two-way flow of intelligence: the technical data gathered during construction remains embedded throughout the vessel's entire lifecycle, while real-world feedback from the fleet feeds directly into our new-build process. This ensures unparalleled continuity and continuous refinement of our Northern European quality."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111159/image/large-f4d924aa77ebd38fe97bc22110c1560a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111159">Boers' immediate priorities include streamlining the handover process between the shipyard and the fleet, ensuring every <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> vessel benefits from a holistic support strategy. This will also include reviving the shipyard's dedicated Captains' Events to foster ongoing, expert-led dialogue with the professionals operating <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> yachts worldwide.Boers joins <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> with more than 20 years of international experience in high-tech engineering and industrial services. Prior to joining the shipyard, he spent 12 years in senior leadership roles at Vestas, including positions as Service Director and Managing Director, before leading the after-sales division at smart energy company Alfen for the past five years.Commenting on his appointment, Boers said: "Technology and engineering are only as valuable as the support behind them. My objective is to build on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>'s strong foundations and create a proactive department that works closely with our clients and the global captain network to provide confidence, from the first day of construction through years of cruising."Images provided courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>.

Heesen appoints Eric Boers as Director Technical Services & After Sales

Heesen has appointed Eric Boers as Technical Services & After Sales, a newly created role overseeing Project Management and After Sales. 


The 46-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Panache46.0m (150'11&quot;)Feadship1982">Panache</a> has been listed for sale under a joint central agency with Jan Jaap Minnema and Quentin Bourgeois of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>, alongside Felix Sowerbutts and Will Christie of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6451" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christie Yachts (Company)">Christie Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399101/image/large-c16bbf8458881e71623e91b6f4063424.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399101">Delivered in 1982, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> recently completed a comprehensive refit earlier this year. Benefiting from both technical and cosmetic upgrades, the 426 GT yacht is presented in turnkey condition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399116/image/large-4449e60d9af380768b2277ca7a1e736c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399116"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399118/image/large-71d764f80c5afa213ba405450c42abd5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399118">Formerly named Nostalgia, she features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a> and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/906" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arthur de Fever (Company)">Arthur de Fever</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Panache46.0m (150'11&quot;)Feadship1982">Panache's</a> interiors are the result of a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/19" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Pinto (Company)">Alberto Pinto</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/128" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Larvor (Company)">Larvor</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2503" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moore Yacht Design Ltd (Company)">Moore Yacht Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399119/image/large-bfdc04740aae2b60cb1f0d8fd5cf792a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399119"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399120/image/large-dcd787a24b92d78bfe292c2c5f7a5f17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399120">Onboard, her interior design carries a soft nautical aesthetic, with warm woods complemented by shades of blue and white used throughout the soft furnishings. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" target="_blank">motor yacht for sale’s</a> main saloon offers a welcoming lounge area alongside a formal dining space, while forward accommodation includes the galley and the master suite.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399133/image/large-8bdd1234d187cb9975bba261d1c7e306.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399133"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399134/image/large-18ed4d20fe5be26fbcd29c0632b46b75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399134">Guest accommodation is arranged across the lower deck, where she can sleep up to 10 guests in five well-appointed staterooms. This configuration includes two double staterooms amidships, alongside an additional double, a twin, and a single stateroom aft. With minimal modification, the existing gym can also be converted into a seventh guest cabin.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399128/image/large-1a800120c1bdb22994430cd3e666aac3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399128"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399129/image/large-bfcf8302e0b38e598378cdb0f49db736.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399129">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/panache-46m" target="_blank">yacht Panache for sale’s</a> skylounge provides a relaxed retreat, leading directly onto the expansive bridge deck aft. Here, guests can enjoy a hot tub, full-service bar, generous sunpads, and multiple lounge areas designed for outdoor entertaining.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399127/image/large-03bfbf0527e4080e559f52edd635aafc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399127"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399110/image/large-f8df04480bbf25bf077a1e8d9fdef329.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399110">Maintained to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7911" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's (Company)">Lloyd’s</a> class, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=feadship" target="_blank">Feadship yacht for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, delivering a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 14 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/399107/image/large-bcd580d4af8ccecfa1f9edbca44e7e0e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/399107">

Feadship yacht Panache for sale

 The 46-metre Feadship superyacht Panache is currently on the market with Jan Jaap Minnema and Quentin Bourgeois of Fraser.

46m Feadship classic superyacht Panache for sale

The 25.15-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Champagne Hippy 25.15m (82'6&quot;)Oyster Yachts2014">Champagne Hippy</a> has been sold. Andrew Messum of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messum Yachts (Company)">Messum Yachts</a> represented the buyer, while Tom Benson of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6296" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seymour Yachts (Company)">Seymour Yachts</a> represented the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348190/image/large-600589d75c33db802ac5c145f09ccfb8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348190">Delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> in 2014, she was formerly known as Polina Star III and forms part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> 825 series. She features both exterior and interior design by her builder, while her naval architecture was crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Humphreys Yacht Design (Company)">Humphreys Yacht Design</a>.Constructed with a GRP hull and superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Champagne Hippy 25.15m (82'6&quot;)Oyster Yachts2014">Champagne Hippy</a>&nbsp;has a beam of 6.32-metres, a draft of 3.29-metres. The sailing yacht most recently underwent a refit in the United Kingdom in 2019.With an interior volume of 80 GT, accommodation onboard is arranged for up to six guests across four well-appointed staterooms. Dedicated quarters are available for a crew of three, including her captain.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Champagne Hippy 25.15m (82'6&quot;)Oyster Yachts2014">Champagne Hippy</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1470" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scania (Company)">Scania</a> engine, delivering a cruising speed of nine knots, a top speed of 12 knots. Moreover, she offers a range of 1,000 nautical miles at cruising speed.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Champagne Hippy 25.15m (82'6&quot;)Oyster Yachts2014">Champagne Hippy</a> had a last known asking price of €3,495,000.Image courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>.

 25m Oyster sailing yacht Champagne Hippy sold

The 25m Oyster sailing yacht Champagne Hippy has been sold with a last known asking price of €3,495,000.

The 33.7-metre Van der Valk explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL33.7m (110'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">LL</a> has been sold, with Johnny Wise of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6348" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts360 (Company)">Yachts360</a> introducing the buyer and Barin Cárdenas of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5383" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YachtCreators (Company)">YachtCreators</a> representing the Seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237520/image/large-c084c715d002a492c969feb34eeb2e65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237520">Delivered in 2021, the yacht was previously named Lady Lene and features naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ginton Naval Architects (Company)">Ginton Naval Architects</a>. Meanwhile, her interiors were created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6544" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Carla Guilhem Design (Company)">Carla Guilhem Design</a> and exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot Design</a>.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard: The 34m Van der Valk motor yacht Lady Lene (2022-05-25 16:00:00 +0200)">Onboard: The 34m Van der Valk motor yacht Lady Lene</a>Inside, her interiors draw inspiration from the golden age of yachting, seamlessly intertwined with the elegance of the early twentieth-century Art Deco movement. She can accommodate up to eight guests across four well-appointed staterooms, including a VIP suite situated on the bridge deck, complete with a private balcony and terrace.In terms of propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL33.7m (110'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">LL</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines, giving her a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 18 knots.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL33.7m (110'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">LL</a> had a last known asking price of $14,950,000 at the time of her sale.

Van der Valk yacht LL sold

The 33.7-metre Van der Valk explorer yacht LL has been sold.

34m Van der Valk explorer yacht LL sold

The 26.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/104" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jongert Yachts (Company)">Jongert</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ithaka Palma26.7m (87'7&quot;)Jongert Yachts2007">Ithaka Palma</a> has been sold, with Manfred Haas of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haas International (Company)">Haas International</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211055/image/large-a0452381c4f1de7be69519e1624b99c1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211055">Delivered in 2007, she was previously named Ithaka and features naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doug Peterson (Company)">Doug Peterson</a>. Meanwhile, her exterior and interior design were created in-house by her builder.At a volume of 129 GT, she can sleep up to six guests across three well-appointed staterooms comprising a master suite and two guest suites.Constructed with an aluminum hull and superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ithaka Palma26.7m (87'7&quot;)Jongert Yachts2007">Ithaka Palma</a> has a beam of 6.58-metres and a draft of 3.05-metres. She is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1470" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scania (Company)">Scania</a> engine, providing her with a cruising speed of 8 knots and a top speed of 10 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ithaka Palma26.7m (87'7&quot;)Jongert Yachts2007">Ithaka Palma</a> had a last known asking price of €1,950,000.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haas International (Company)">Haas International</a>.

Jongert yacht Ithaka Palma sold

The 26.7-metre Jongert sailing yacht Ithaka Palma has been sold.

27m Jongert sailing yacht Ithaka Palma sold

As part of our history series from revered in-house yacht historian, Malcolm Wood, SYT takes a closer look at yacht builders that are, for one reason or another, no longer in existence. Across these past two issues, we explore the Camper &amp; Nicholsons shipyard of Gosport and Southampton in the UK. In part one of this yacht builder’s history, we looked at the early years of the yard’s production that covered all the sailing yachts. In this second part, we turn to the steam and motor yachts that they built over their two centuries of existence. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/46375/image/large-bdc7cacaf437a270b63775523c5e54b2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46375">The first steam yacht to be constructed by the yard at their Gosport facility was the Wilia for the German Prince Saya-Wittgenstein in 1872. Designed by Ben Nicholson this yacht had an overall length of 45.4-metres and a length on deck of 41.6-metres and was powered by a Maudslay 40 nhp steam engine.Of the 56 steam and motor yachts over 30 metres delivered by the firm, the largest prior to WWI were the 70.1-metre Miranda for Lord Leith, and the 71.5-metre Marynthea for H.J. Mason. They were built in 1910 and 1911 respectively. Another large steam-powered yacht built around this period was the 64.3-metre Sagitta for the Duc de Valencay.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/46376/image/large-a97cef5ec065ccb415e7d1001a5741be.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46376">Large yachts had their hulls constructed by the J.I. Thornycroft or Day Summers yards as the facilities at Gosport were limited to smaller sizes. One of the most important large powered yachts delivered prior to the 1914-1918 war was the Pioneer. This 45.6-metre vessel was powered by twin 250hp Polar diesel engines – the first large motor yacht built in the UK and a true pioneer as a forerunner of today’s motor yachts.&nbsp;Mention should also be made of the 65.1-metre Ara that had been ordered in 1913 and was delayed until 1917 owing to the default of her owner. Acquired by the French Government as a naval sloop, this vessel was acquired by William K. Vanderbilt II in 1922 and re-converted to a yacht. She was the first large yacht to be built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">C&amp;N’s</a> Southampton yard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/46374/image/large-5ce15f36b81c4e16a22a889880386f64.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46374">Post-WWI, the emphasis turned to producing diesel-engined yachts in the powered sector. The first 30m+ power yacht completed after cessation of hostilities was the 40-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grey Mist41.15m (135'0&quot;)">Grey Mist&nbsp;</a>delivered in 1920. This yacht is still in service today under her original name.&nbsp;A further 14 motor yachts were delivered in the 1920s, including three over 60 metres. Owners included the Earl of Dunraven, Lionel de Rothschild, T.O.M. Sopwith and Mme.Virginie Heriot. During the 1930s, when times were affected by the Wall Street Crash, the company were nevertheless successful in acquiring 10 new large motor yachts orders. <img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/46377/image/large-1156995d3b1056efaccfdef2b42f2328.JPG?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20240503%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20240503T142058Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=91fc38672c7a8c290cbb0062e3b61cab3bd945beed4f019348710fee0dcbe2a2" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46377">The largest of these was the 80.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">Philante</a> for T.O.M. Sopwith, a long time client of the company. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">Philante</a> was requisitioned by the British Government for war service in 1939 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">HMS Philante</a>. In 1946, the yacht was returned to her owner and in July 1947 was acquired by the Norwegian Government for 1.5 million Norwegian kroner. The yacht returned to Camper &amp; Nicholsons for a refit that year and was finally commissioned for King Haakon in June 1948 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">Norge</a>. The yacht regularly sails with the Norwegian royal family and other Scandinavian royal invitees in the summer months.&nbsp;Following the cessation of WWII, the days of the large luxurious motor yacht were at an end for the foreseeable future. The company, however, managed to gain several orders for 30m+ motor yachts in the early 1960s starting with the 31.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4544" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navigator31.08m (101'12&quot;)">Minona&nbsp;</a>in 1961. In 1966 and 1967, two larger motor yachts of 45.5-metres were delivered to M. Paulin Richier of France, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3722" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northwind II45.57m (149'6&quot;)">Chambel IV</a> and the Terancar Nitani&nbsp;to M. Barsi Mense of Italy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/46378/image/large-11520c64aec08d33640086b4eebf67fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46378">The final two motor yachts over 30 metres were the 39.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emera39.43m (129'4&quot;)">Stilvi</a> for the Greek owner Z.L. Cambanis in 1974 and the 33.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2499" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Absolute Pleasure33.9m (111'3&quot;)">Araminta III</a> for Sir Richard Prince-Smith in 1975. Although there were several motor yachts under 30 metres delivered in the postwar years it is believed the final one was the 27.7-metre Baobab for a Spanish owner.Whilst the foregoing is a short precis of this prolific company’s power yacht output, it should be pointed out that Camper &amp; Nicholsons also built a wide variety of naval craft, small cargo vessels, ferries, launches and other small commercial craft. This was in addition to their prolific output of sailing yachts that were covered in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48906" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part 1 (2018-08-20 14:30:00 +0200)">Part 1</a> of this article. This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part II

Following the recent death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, rumour has it that the British Government wants to construct a new Royal Yacht in Prince Philip's honour. With an estimated cost of £200 million, the news has certainly caused a splash.SuperYacht Times takes a look at the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia and its impressive superstructure, while noting new design concepts from the likes of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> about a successor yacht, about which rumours have abounded for some time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193964/image/large-ea7371184bebcef9e77d229a91433af4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193964">Following the decommission in 1939 of the Victoria &amp; Albert III, Britannia’s predecessor and first Royal Yacht not powered by sail, it was decided that a new Royal Yacht should be commissioned to travel the globe in both tropic and arctic waters, whilst doubling as a hospital ship in case of war.In 1952, the Royal contract was given to the world-famous <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Co</a> shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, by the Admiralty. Commissioned with dual purpose in mind, Britannia’s designs had to be developed simultaneously for both Royal Yacht and hospital ship roles, with the best arrangements to meet both requirements. To help with this grand task, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Co</a> appointed A. McInnes Gardner &amp; Partners as their decorative architects for Britannia’s interior.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193962/image/large-c5814d40539196b3468cdc26bf29a85d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193962">Despite being a Royal Yacht for the Queen, Britannia was fitted with ship stabilisers, air-conditioning units, large 24-hour laundry facilities, and comparatively high speeds in case of her conversion to hospital ship. Under this pretense, she could accommodate up-to 200 patients.Britannia was given a modern appearance with a clipper bow and modified cruiser stern, moving away from the more traditional appearance associated with Royal Yachts of swan bow’s and counter sterns. She was, however, built with the three mast requirements of a Royal Yacht, where the Royal Standard is worn at the Main, the Flag of the Lord High Admiral at the Fore, and the Union Flag at the Mizzen.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193965/image/large-69dffd840e87313abfa5d746fdbb3e39.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193965">The 126-metre Royal Yacht Britannia, weighing 5769 GT, was powered by 12,000 shaft horsepower engines enabling her to reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots. Including extra tank capacity, she could carry 490 tons of oil fuel and 195 tons of fresh water, sufficient for long ocean voyages.The royal apartments, located on the shelter deck, featured a veranda leading onto a sun deck, with a staircase leading to the upper deck where Her Majesty and His Majesty had sitting rooms, a grand dining-room hosting up-to 56 guests and a drawing room, with the possibility of opening all areas into one large reception space. On the main deck were the household and guest staterooms, while royal staff are accommodated on the lower deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193963/image/large-54008215f77af2eefb087467cca15b86.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193963">The Royal Yacht Britannia was captained by the Admiral, who was in charge of some 19 officers and 220-250 yachtsmen on board. Whilst Britannia was designed as the Queen’s personal ship, she served multiple purposes and was used for royal honeymoons, state functions, ambassador to British business - hosting world-leading business and political figures to promote trade and industry around the globe - and even helped evacuate British nationals and others from Aden, South Yemen in 1986 following an outbreak of civil war.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193967/image/large-742afd6d0cd962947360a7e1b17c6406.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193967"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193961/image/large-124d405ff2167fc6d173cc9c69fa099d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193961">After Britannia’s launch in April 1953, her final touches were added and she began sea trials in November 1953 off the West Coast of Scotland. Upon successful completion, she was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 11 January, 1954.Before her decommission in 1997 by the sitting British Government at the time, Britannia made over 696 foreign visits to over 135 countries, and 272 visits in British waters, steaming over 1,087,623 nautical miles, equivalent to round the world once every year of her service. She is now permanently berthed in Edinburgh, open for tourists to view.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193966/image/large-afc4660044e9c97601f557bd406d9c1f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193966">Since 1997, there have been multiple new yacht concepts, outlining a potential design for a future Royal Yacht. These discussions have since picked up pace following His Majesty’s death. In 2016, British studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> revealed its designs - initially launched in 1997 - for a successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia. The new-design superyacht would be 150-metres in length, and feature a red hull, navy topside, and white superstructure to look suitably patriotic. Key features would include an aft-deck helipad, superyacht staircase into the foyer, and additional interior space with a timeless design to accommodate grand parties.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193960/image/large-3a5de5b77cb55d63f784d10b9398219f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193960"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193959/image/large-24c22077cb1d123ec78621278577890f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193959"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193958/image/large-52b1eeff200250913bd2b4f2908fc1b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193958">Only time will tell if we may, one day, see a new Royal Yacht.

Royal Yacht Britannia in history

Following the recent death of Prince Philip, The Duke Of Edinburgh, SuperYacht Times takes a look at the history of Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in history

Lurssen's fleet of 100m+ superyachts

Lürssen has delivered 22 superyachts that exceed 100m in length. SYT runs through the list. 

Lürssen's giants: the German builder’s fleet of 100m+ superyachts

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Tommaso Spadolini</a> is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year – and what a year the design studio has already had already, unveiling three new superyacht projects.&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tommaso Spadolini unveils 90m superyacht concept with vast beach club (2023-01-16 13:15:00 +0100)">largest project presented was a 90-metre concept</a> which, if taken to build, would be the designer’s flagship superyacht. In a matter of weeks, after the 90-metre was showcased, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Spadolini</a> pulled the wraps off of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tommaso Spadolini unveils new 48m superyacht concept (2023-03-07 11:30:00 +0100)">a 48.5-metre, characterised by a semi-vertical bow</a> and very generous living space. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56954" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa unveils 50m superyacht concept Codecasa Jet 50 (2023-02-16 12:00:00 +0100)">third project is the most radical</a>, designed for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a> and inspired by aviation. The studio has been a hive of activities.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times caught up with the Italian designer to discover more.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24766/image/large-df6216f2900ddcc75b7ac6ee454aac24.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24766">Do you have any reflective thoughts after designing yachts for nearly half a century?&nbsp;Some years have been truly crucial and have seen significant changes. I have had the privilege of going through them, progressively tackling different themes, from the serial production of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/560" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Canados (Company)">Canados</a> and Aprea yachts to building <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Foners41.5m (136'2&quot;)Izar2000">Foners</a>, the fastest yacht in the world built for the King of Spain without forgetting the world of superyachts for many affectionate clients, for whom in some cases I have also designed several boats.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254144/image/large-f745df6f4f0984c08ef4c436e33b4736.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254144">With the release of three superyacht concepts in as many months, can we expect any more designs this year?&nbsp;In fact, perhaps also as a reaction to the difficult Covid period we have just gone through, I am in a rich design moment and I do not rule out presenting other design solutions soon.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24753/image/large-0fae192ab2f8d9eb43ba046a7e505dc9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24753">Can we expect the 90m superyacht or 48m concept to be taken to build?&nbsp;For both the 90 and the 48 I worked with the requirements of a shipowner in mind; both feasibility projects are in the evaluation phase, waiting to activate the shipyard selection.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263102/image/large-080cd09835ad3d3ae6d7f8b33c703058.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263102">What led you to reimagine the lines of superyachts for the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a>&nbsp;Jet, incorporating designs from the aviation sector?&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a> Jet 2020 is the brainchild of Fulvio Codecasa, who called me to collaborate on his futuristic project. Obviously the idea excited me, to the point of also developing the Jet 50, a smaller boat with the same philosophy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208827/image/large-b74fbd2b424043a1c3021c78fe998a0e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208827">Codecasa delivered&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Legacy56.0m (183'9&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2021">My Legacy</a>&nbsp;in 2021, featuring an interior by&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Tommaso Spadolini</a>. Can you share anything about the project?&nbsp;I was delighted to work on the interiors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Legacy56.0m (183'9&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.2021">My Legacy</a>, which reflect the taste and culture of the owner, perfectly integrated with the design and the very high quality of the shipyard's workmanship. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/26752/image/large-c7676b66705fe87de5a6cabf3684db55.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/26752">To talk about flagships, how was the experience designing the 70m superyacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2550" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="High Power III70.0m (229'8&quot;)Rossinavi2011">High Power III</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>?&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>'s 70m, launched as Numptia, was a wonderful design experience, shared with the owner, who spent over 300 days in our Florence studio, actively participating in the evolution of the project.

In conversation with Tommaso Spadolini 

SuperYacht Times caught up with Tommaso Spadolini to learn more about his new projects.