how sustainable is teak decking

Arksen 85 yacht render

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Arksen 85/01 yacht exterior design

Teak deck 

Wolz Nautic FSC-certified plantation teak

Old-growth teak 

Arksen 85 explorer yacht decking

Tesumo deck

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

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

superyachts featured in films

SuperYachtTimes takes a closer look at the superyachts that have gifted our screens with an injection of added opulence.

Our favourite star-studded superyachts on film and TV

Adam Sutton, Sales and Purchase Consultant at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>, discovered his early passion for sailing during his time in the scouts. His professional journey reflects a diverse background, transitioning from selling industrial equipment in Sheffield to joining a superyacht crew. He ascended from the role of a deckhand to Chief Officer, simultaneously serving as a second engineer along the way. He has sailed on the 38.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/104" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jongert Yachts (Company)">Jongert</a> schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3971" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gloria38.4m (125'12&quot;)Jongert Yachts1986">Gloria</a>, the 32-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/113" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CMN Yacht Division (Company)">CMN</a> Yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3550" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bella Vita32.0m (104'12&quot;)CMN Yacht Division2003">Bella Vita</a>, previously named Necker Belle and the 30.49-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachting Developments (Company)">Yachting Developments</a> sailing catamaran <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quintessential30.49m (100'0&quot;)Yachting Developments2012">Quintessential</a> AKA Q5. Currently, Adam Sutton is representing the first and second hull of the 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victory Design s.r.l. (Company)">Victory Design</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolide 8024.9m (81'8&quot;)Victory Design s.r.l.2023">Bolide 80</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> spoke with Adam to delve into his background, discuss how he secured the CA agency for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolide 8024.9m (81'8&quot;)Victory Design s.r.l.2023">Bolide 80</a>, and explore current trends in the market.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/297128/image/large-999efbc6f6f131361d46112289086d61.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/297128">Is there anyone in particular who has inspired your career in yachting?The person who has been a significant inspiration in my yachting career is captain Simon Johnson. He was one of the first captains to charter a boat into Antigua, navigating the waters even before the existence of docks or other major infrastructure.&nbsp;He is known for his approachability and unwavering commitment to his crew. During ocean crossings, he dedicates time to teach navigation skills and willingly imparts his knowledge to anyone with questions.&nbsp;Simon's also actively contributes to the broader yachting community. An example of his commitment to developing talent is his effort to engage with the RYA chairwoman. This interaction aimed to ensure that new talents are nurtured, fostering the growth of new crew members and, eventually, future captains.How has your background as a crew member and in sales influenced your perspective and approach?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/297036/image/large-6cdbe264ad0575a0a5ea6057b975bbf1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/297036">Throughout my career, I've acquired practical knowledge and hands-on experience, gaining insights into the day-to-day operations and the essential elements that make a yacht ideal for an owner. An often overlooked aspect is the pivotal role of the crew in shaping the owner's experience. The contentment of the crew is critical, and one significant factor contributing to their satisfaction is the functional design of the yacht. This encompasses considerations from living accommodations to practical storage solutions, including provisions for flatware, service storage, and the overall design of the galley.The impact of an unhappy crew is well-known – high turnover not only incurs increased costs but also poses a potential detriment to the owner's overall enjoyment of the vessel. Serving as a second engineer has provided me with a robust background in electronics, IT, and engineering.&nbsp;This technical expertise extends beyond the comfort aspects of a yacht; it's about understanding the intricate technicalities. This engineering focus is crucial because it allows me to better interpret an owner's desires. Having been onboard with owners, both as crew and working for them, I recognise the diversity in their preferences; each owner is unique.How did you come to obtain the central agency of the first hull of the 25m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victory Design s.r.l. (Company)">Victory Design</a>&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolide 8024.9m (81'8&quot;)Victory Design s.r.l.2023">Bolide 80</a>?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275058/image/large-a51a1dbdb3552999fc3a3369cf8d7595.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275058">We earned our place on their shortlist due to the size of our business and our distinctive approach. During initial discussions, I, along with our marketing director and Toby Maclaurin, our sales director, engaged in a personalised conversation. Our approachability resonated with them. What truly sealed the deal was our commitment to responsiveness. By responsiveness, I don't mean answering emails at late hours; rather, it's about promptly providing candid answers to their inquiries and avoiding commitments that cannot be fulfilled.&nbsp;The emphasis on genuine communication played a crucial role in securing their trust. With considerable interest in the vessel. We've also successfully secured the Central Agency for the subsequent nine hulls.What emerging trends in yacht sales have you seen over the past six months?There is a noticeable trend leaning towards catamarans, and at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>, we're actively involved in a project with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> that is currently in the build phase. It's amusing to reflect on my previous experience working on catamarans, like Necker Belle, back when they were not as mainstream. Now, we're witnessing an increasing presence of catamarans in the market. Two significant announcements at this year's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> further highlight this trend, the 43.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/511" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomar (Company)">Tecnomar</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10542" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="This Is It43.5m (142'9&quot;)Tecnomar2024">This Is It</a> and the 46.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artexplorer46.6m (152'11&quot;)Perini Navi2024">Artexplorer</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/297039/image/large-50f3788e7743975b829d52ed60fc3860.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/297039">Catamarans are notably wider than most motor yachts, providing an expansive and stable platform. This enhanced stability is particularly noteworthy in the current market landscape. For example, during Christmas on Necker Belle, we had a Christmas tree up even while sailing because it was that stable. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275060/image/large-b5bf543e35b215921218ad1d07389a10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275060">I believe speed is still crucial because there are many clients, particularly the younger ones we're discussing. They have less time, likely due to their active work schedules. Being reachable is essential for them, as they aim to maximise their time, wanting to see and do more. What sets the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bolide 8024.9m (81'8&quot;)Victory Design s.r.l.2023">Bolide 80</a> apart is her unique efficiency achieved through speed, allowing her to cover more ground with significantly lower fuel consumption compared to yachts of a similar size.There is a notable shift towards environmentally conscious practices in the superyacht industry. Is this emphasis on sustainability a response to the evident costs associated with conventional approaches? Incidents involving the malicious throwing of hardware paint on superyachts have rendered them vulnerable, compelling owners to be concerned about the security of their vessels even within supposedly secure marinas. Consequently, the urgency to adopt greener alternatives has gained significant traction.Finally, personally, if you could invest in a yacht, what would you choose and why?If I were to invest in a yacht, my preferences would vary for different reasons. Firstly, I'm drawn to classics, such as the 36.58-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">&nbsp;Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> sailing yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shamrock V36.58m (120'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1930">Shamrock Five</a>. Additionally, I hold a fondness for old classic motor yachts. The allure lies in my appreciation for the historical significance these vessels carry.&nbsp;Preserving their legacy is not just a personal preference but a commitment to safeguarding their history. These classic yachts are more than vessels; they are veritable works of art. Their timeless beauty and influence on contemporary boat design make them an enduring source of inspiration, with many features we see today rooted in their legacy. mirroring the same sentiment for their historical value and impact on the evolution of boat design. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/297127/image/large-06c267f5ce10432c2a04f9406ea121e9.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/297127">Looking towards the future, a hybrid sailing catamaran intrigues me. Its hybrid nature aligns with my commitment to environmental sustainability. Such vessels offer an extended range and a greener footprint, reflecting a more responsible approach to yacht ownership.

Broker Insights: Meet Adam Sutton Sales and Purchase Consultant at Ocean Independence  

SuperYacht Times spoke with Adam to delve into his background, discuss and explore current trends in the market.

Broker Insights: Adam Sutton, from sailing to sales

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Alessandro Pulina</a> has a wealth of experience garnered from working with established Italian shipyards, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>. Since founding his design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Pulina Exclusive Interiors</a>, in 2014, he has undertaken projects worldwide, with a growing emphasis on the superyachting sector in China coupled with a dedication to sourcing sustainable materials for the interior design of superyachts.<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Superyacht Times</a> had the opportunity to speak with Founder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Alessandro Pulina</a>, to delve into his background, the inception of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Pulina Exclusive Interiors</a>, the firm's design philosophy, and its ongoing projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295422/image/large-de56c8286bd4759c0c42b0fc41631a4c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295422">Tell me a little about yourself, including your background, education, and how you entered the yachting industry.&nbsp;My connection to the yachting industry dates back to my youth when my father owned a small motor yacht and would spend ample time onboard. This memorable experience not only fuelled my passion for yacht design but led me to choose it as my final course during my studies at the University of Florence. I was very fortunate to meet Guido Spadolini, an innovative architect and visionary who helped me work on my thesis, which focused on the design of a 21-metre fast open yacht.After graduating in Architecture, I enrolled in a unique master’s degree program, established through a partnership with the universities of &nbsp;Florence, Genoa, and Pisa. This master’s course played a pivotal role in my entry into the yachting sector. Immediately following its completion, I secured a position as an interior designer with the shipyard Filippo Picchiotti (FP), owned by one of the members of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> family, previous owners of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> brand. There, I collaborated extensively with the exterior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Paolo Caliari Design (Company)">Paolo Caliari</a> on the Jaguar brand, a series of &nbsp;yachts ranging from 21 to 27-metres, that were sold in the American and European market. Unfortunately, the shipyard fell into bankruptcy in 2008.After FP, I joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> as style manager for their fibreglass projects for approximately 10 years, mostly managing production in Viareggio and Fano. I successfully managed around 500 yacht projects, overseeing the intensive production process. Notable projects included the development of new series yachts such as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Crystal, Mediterraneo, Tradition, and the Classic Supreme series. As style manager, I was also responsible for developing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> Grande project; we delivered the first unit of the series to a client in Hong Kong. &nbsp;During this period, I extensively travelled worldwide, gaining insights into the yachting industry across different countries. The experience in various shipyards equipped me with the tools and knowledge necessary, allowing me to refine my creative vision. The combination of these experiences eventually inspired me to establish my own design studio in 2014, which is approaching its ten-year anniversary next year.&nbsp;Can you share how the firm has evolved over the years and elaborate on the projects you are currently involved in?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295443/image/large-c1be7d8714fb13fa0bbc24ac320dadb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295443">Over the years, our firm has undergone significant growth, expanding to two offices, one located in the heart of Pisa with a team of 15 employees, housed in a beautiful historic building just a short distance from the iconic Tower of Pisa, and another strategically positioned in the art centre of Shanghai. Moreover, I have also been recently appointed as a consultant for the Chinese government in the yachting sector.&nbsp;Our international presence across two continents has played a pivotal role in our ability to undertake multiple yacht projects worldwide, spanning three continents. We've been involved in diverse projects, ranging from Australia, where we collaborated on the 35.25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silver Yachts (Company)">Silver Yachts</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8564" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Space Cat35.25m (115'8&quot;)Silver Yachts2022">SpaceCat</a> delivered in 2022, to Italy, working on the 38.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5302" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maori Yacht (Company)">Maori</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8464" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="K+38.2m (125'4&quot;)Maori Yacht2022">K+</a> delivered in 2022 and the 2022 62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RIO62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">RIO</a>. Moreover, we have also worked with the Chinese shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3780" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pride Mega Yachts (Company)">Pride Mega Yachts</a>, where we contributed to the interior design of the 88.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5634" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion Plus88.5m (290'4&quot;)Pride Mega Yachts2018">Illusion Plus</a>. Our most recent project was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> 40.8-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia 240.8m (133'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2023">Mia 2</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295428/image/large-bb47339f799749c0d150a49f1b6733cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295428">Our studio reflects our increasingly international perspective, with designers hailing from various countries, including China, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and, of course, Italy. This diversity in the team aligns with our commitment to effective communication, especially crucial when engaging with clients from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The studio's approach on embracing diverse cultures enhances our ability to connect with a global clientele.Furthermore, we've undergone a recent significant evolution by expanding our scope of work beyond interiors to include exteriors. We are currently involved in a project on both the interior and exterior design of a series of new yachts, covering a range from 15.24 to 36.8-metres in China.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295430/image/large-2cc40d651f5067f77f29922bbe868515.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295430">Could you elaborate on the collaborative process with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>&nbsp;regarding the interior design of the 62-metre &nbsp;yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RIO62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">RIO</a>?The project of designing the interiors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RIO62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">RIO</a> was intriguing due to the robust communication and deep understanding between our design team and the client. This dynamic relationship enabled us to capture the client’s vision and generate an interior with a welcoming familial atmosphere and a tropical inspiration. In order to achieve this we gathered a lot of elements inspired by the vibrant colours found in tropical forests, for example. The result was a harmonious blend of colours, carefully orchestrated to avoid a random or disjointed aesthetic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295423/image/large-17a23d2e28c5834ed5fd6f12aa5f05b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295423">Moreover, given the yacht's numerous and distinct decks and rooms, we conducted thorough studies on how to manage colours seamlessly and a cohesive experience throughout the many floors in the yacht and create a unified, purposeful design. The collaboration with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> team and the owners was instrumental &nbsp;to this success. A core principle of our design philosophy is recognising the importance of a cooperative approach. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295425/image/large-4eb3bf9959fd0e53947940ae38c8080e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295425"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295427/image/large-478e588b0e66a933f99c84419b6d0a29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295427">At the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> you showcased the latest innovations in biotechnological materials for yacht interior design. Could you elaborate on the goals and objectives of the project "Aligned with Sustainability" ?Our initiative 'Aligned with Sustainability,' showcased at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show 2023</a>, &nbsp;emerged from a noticeable growing client interest in sustainable interior design materials for yachts. However, addressing this demand posed a challenge due to the lack of what I often refer to as 'tools', comprehensive resources and materials to support sustainable projects.In order to address this gap, we initiated research, collaborating with the university Sant'Anna in Pisa. Our aim was to identify companies producing sustainable materials, including biomaterials and bioplastics. The goal was to curate finishing products and materials that, when combined, could contribute to a design that is 100 percent or close to 100 percent sustainable. In the course of our research, we identified a company that develops biomaterials derived from sources like oranges and lemons.&nbsp;This endeavour aligns with a broader movement in the industry where dedicated research and innovation are focused on creating new materials for the future. It's a crucial consideration, as we stand at the threshold of the future, prompting us to think about the well-being of the next generation. Personally, as a parent of three children, I find it imperative to shift our approach from traditional methods to conducting research for a sustainable future.&nbsp;When you are designing a yacht, how do you ensure that the design remains stylish and relevant when the yacht is eventually launched?Addressing the question of maintaining style and relevance in yacht design is undoubtedly one of the most significant challenges a designer faces especially with interior yacht design. The goal is to cultivate a contemporary interior design that emanates a perpetual sense of freshness, resists the pull of passing trends and ensures an enduring appeal that stands the test of time.During my involvement in the design of the third hull of the Crystal series, the 42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4629" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Soy Amor42.0m (137'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2014">Soy Amour</a>, achieving synchronisation with the owners proved to be a meticulous process. This often entailed multiple revisions to ensure perfect alignment and harmony between the design vision and their preferences. This summer, I had the opportunity to revisit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4629" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Soy Amor42.0m (137'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2014">Soy Amour</a> after approximately 18 years, and it still radiated a sense of freshness and contemporaneity.&nbsp;The success of this enduring appeal can be attributed to my design approach in eschewing a fixed historical period, and embracing a heritage process that transcends time. Yacht refits are common after seven to eight years, but our aim is to extend the longevity of our designs.&nbsp;If you could purchase your own yacht or advise a client, is there one design feature you feel contributes most towards a luxurious experience onboard?Absolutely, when considering yacht design, our approach is to reimagine life onboard. The market traditionally adheres to standard layouts with a fixed number of cabins and public areas. However, our experience, particularly in designing villas in diverse locations such as China and Abu Dhabi, has revealed a shift in client preferences. Now, it's less about a specific number of guest bedrooms and more about creating versatile spaces that foster communal activities.&nbsp;We're exploring concepts like winter gardens and chill rooms where people can engage in various activities. Clients are seeking modern office spaces on yachts, deviating from the traditional setup. The contemporary onboard office is designed as an experiential space equipped with technology, multiple screens, meeting areas, and a setting conducive for conducting business. Our vision is to revolutionise the yacht experience, moving away from the conventional desire for a set number of cabins to a more dynamic and multifunctional onboard lifestyle.Finally, any exciting projects or developments you would like to unveil?Whilst I can't disclose specifics, I can share that in China we have entered into a collaborative venture with prominent car brands for an innovative yacht project. Additionally, we're also engaged in projects with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yihong Yachts (Company)">Yihong Yachts</a> as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eastar yacht (Company)">Eastar Yacht</a>. Closer to home in Italy, we're underway with a refit project for a 55-metre superyacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295421/image/large-7537bf0d751362c5540917a40199ebaf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295421">

Meet the Italian designer informing China's superyacht sector

Superyacht Times had the opportunity to speak with Founder Alessandro Pulina who has undertaken projects worldwide, with a growing emphasis in China.

From a Picasso painting seized upon the 65-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1613" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adix64.85m (212'9&quot;)Astilleros de Mallorca S.A.1984">Adix</a> to Basquiats hanging beside champagne bars, there is an art to collecting art for your superyacht, and it comes with a host of obligations and practicalities. Swerving pirates, the real threat to offshore masterpieces, can be as simple as a lack of crew training, a flying champagne cork, or sailing unchartered waters. As the value of these floating galleries is often equated to that of the yacht itself, the intricacies surrounding how to understand, transport, store, and preserve art onboard are broadening. With specialist tax lawyers to educational programmes for staff onboard, owners have many resources for logistical and practical solutions to ensure a secure floating gallery.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> Digital Editor Emma Becque spoke with experts about how best to safeguard precious gallery-worthy content onboard superyachts.Art appreciation and training<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">ArtOnSuperyachts</a>, founded by Oxford-educated art historian Pandora Mather-Lees, provides training and consultancy services for managing and preserving art collections on international yachts. After working at Hedley's Group, a fine art shipper, Pandora gained an intricate insight into the world of superyachts and the lack of training for those onboard handling the art in yachting. Thanks to her expertise, she strategised a company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">ArtOnSuperyachts</a> consisting of training &nbsp;courses featuring &nbsp;a catalogue of modules which offer practical training and troubleshooting for those handling and caring for the art while at sea. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295120/image/large-acf5843d7bfbbfd1f7722111edbcd123.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295120">Pandora notes how her “art history module is one of my most popular. It exemplifies how the crew are eager to learn more about various art collections they are surrounded with." The modules take an in-depth approach with graduates understanding the pieces and also able to clarify the difference between abstract and figurative. "This module is essential when you have some of the world's most valuable collections onboard. When explaining the collections, the crew can delve deeper with guests, making this training beneficial for the crew and the owners.”The 12-module training, available both online and in-person, is designed for those interested in enhancing their careers and knowledge in handling valuable objects at home, institutions, or on superyachts. This training is vital for interior crew, captains, yacht management, shipyards, designers, training companies, and marine project managers to avoid serious financial repercussions.Other training modules by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">ArtOnSuperyachts</a> include:Art Appreciation: Enhancing crew understanding of the value and significance of onboard art, fostering better relationships with owners and yacht management.Care &amp; Conservation: Addressing the challenges of handling fine and decorative arts on vessels, focusing on climate control, placement, and maintenance.Legal Export Risks: Highlighting the importance of understanding regulations governing cultural objects for captains, yacht management, and senior interior crew.The online training offers four levels, ranging from Art Appreciation to Art Due Diligence, while the classroom program covers a wide range of topics over one or two days, including art history, insurance, and understanding the art market. Additionally, private lectures focus on cultural heritage in maritime environments, catering to select groups and directly teaching yacht crews.Commission rather than collect&nbsp;An alternative to an art collection is to commission and curate your works of art, moulded explicitly to meet the function and form of the yacht itself. Founded in 2012 in Bristol, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier</a> has rapidly become a cornerstone in art consultancy, specialising in superyachts. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier</a> emerged to fill this niche with expertise and art knowledge, recognising a gap in expertise traditionally served by interior designers. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284223/image/large-66058aea2786ab0722eae73533a25a58.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284223">David Knowles, Founder and Creative Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier</a>, is confident of his catalogue of artists' talents and return on investment when highlighting a recent project. “For a recent <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/601" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Falcon Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Falcon Yachts</a> project, we collaborated closely with the client, taking charge of the entire art package. The interior design firm facilitated the connection between us and the client, allowing us to work directly with them. The project had a distinct theme revolving around the concept of “Lucine”, which translates to “Moon” in Armenian. As a result, all the artwork we curated and presented to the client had a meaningful connection to the moon and the celestial realm.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243145/image/large-77c71b609b346f6786c94e408e1d5a16.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243145"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier's</a> approach to sourcing artists is dynamic and inclusive, encompassing art fairs, galleries, online research, and studio visits. They are open to artists of all backgrounds, valuing quality over formal qualifications. Their selection criteria include originality, technical skill, innovative use of materials, and the potential for growth and evolution in an artist's work.Collaborating closely with designers, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier</a> engages in projects at various stages, from initial concepts to final touches, ensuring art significantly influences the design process. For yacht interiors, they prioritise unique and handcrafted artworks, avoiding mass-produced items. This preference aligns with the current trend towards sustainable art, using natural or recycled materials.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier's</a> notable yacht project was for the “67.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6200" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neninka67.6m (221'9&quot;)Amels2019">Neninka</a> (ex. Aurora Borealis), where they “had the privilege of collaborating with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> to curate the entire art package for Neninka. One of the standout features of this project was a remarkable 5-metre-long curved wall in the owner’s suite is adorned with pure gold leaf. This wall created a captivating focal point within the space. The inspiration for this feature wall stemmed from the client’s interest in Mount Fuji. We incorporated shades of gold leaf to bring depth and dimension to the design, capturing the essence of the owner’s passion. Considering the yacht’s purpose as a charter vessel and its availability for sale, the aesthetic was intentionally kept neutral, ensuring it would appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Our goal was to harmonise the art with the interior design scheme, seamlessly blending it into the ambience of the yacht.This gold leaf wall stands as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and the ability to create a bespoke art piece that aligns perfectly with the owner’s vision and the overall design concept. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7277" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artelier (Company)">Artelier</a> is evolving rapidly, with Knowles noting recent trends when observing how owners opt for “sustainable choices; while not necessarily new in the art world, artists have been incorporating recycled materials and traditional craftsmanship for years. It is gratifying to resurface artworks from our extensive database, giving them the recognition they deserve in line with this growing trend.”&nbsp;Technological replicationsRather than house an art collection onboard, with tax and legal obligations, it can also be wise to seek out other alternatives. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arius Technology (Company)">Arius Technology</a>, a leader in art technology, has revolutionised the industry with its 3D digitisation-to-print solution, initially used for analysing the Mona Lisa masterpiece. Collaborating with prestigious institutions like Tate and the National Gallery of Canada, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arius Technology (Company)">Arius</a> has replicated masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and many others. Its technology, comprising a 3D colour laser system and a robotic handling system, allows precise replications while preserving the original art.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295114/image/large-d6f9fe7a9f22bd81fd38159df2167f49.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295114">This innovation extends to multiple sectors - from museum-quality reproductions to aiding artists in creating digital and NFT versions of their work. Arius not only enhances art replication and preservation but also bridges traditional and digital art worlds, maintaining the quality, guarding the safety and swerving any challenges of housing museum-quality artworks at sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295113/image/large-479d477956989b38152b9241a4a06d3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295113" 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;">The paperworkIn an insightful discussion with Carla Bellieni, a Certified Chartered Accountant and expert in Maritime Tax and Customs Law, the complexities of housing artworks onboard yachts are revealed. Bellieni notes how “In my experience, the most commonly underestimated aspects at the time of purchasing artworks, which may lead to unintentional loss of value, avoidable costs, or damage, include”:&nbsp;<ul><li>The tax aspects are linked to legal classification, where digital artworks or modern pieces may not be classified as art, sometimes more aptly classified as furnishings.</li><li>In customs, incorrect classification can result in tariffs or border rejections. The importance of declaring the origin and value of the artwork for tax and customs is incredibly challenging with international artists and works without a clear market price.&nbsp;</li><li>The connection between the artwork and the geographical mobility of the yacht can complicate tax events due to territorial taxation scopes and customs issues, including restrictions on paintings of national interest.</li><li>The necessity of legal assistance in obtaining proper insurance coverage.</li><li>Anti-Money Laundering (AML) considerations in the transfer of artworks.</li><li>The risk of an inadequately trained crew managing and maintaining artworks, particularly with innovative art mediums, could lead to a total loss of value not covered by insurance.</li></ul>To avoid mishaps in housing artworks on yachts, Bellieni suggests, “It's crucial to approach purchases and planning beyond financial and aesthetic considerations, incorporating legal, tax, insurance, and management aspects.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212321/image/large-170d0b1e08e46ab129f8e4df2c229f65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212321">Equally, owners “should assemble a specialised team of experts tailored to their specific needs, focusing on the authenticity and legalities of the artwork's purchase and movement. This team must be chosen based on their education, skills, and experience, ensuring that all potential risks and complexities are addressed. This includes understanding the intricacies of tax laws and the dynamic nature of maritime transactions.” For Bellieni, “Pandora of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">ArtOnSuperyachts</a>&nbsp; plays a crucial role in this strategy, aiding in identifying and classifying artworks and providing essential support to the legal team in navigating uncertainties regarding the artworks' classification, origin, and value.”&nbsp;In line with this notion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">ArtOnSuperyachts</a> offers comprehensive strategies incorporating legal, fiscal, customs, and technical aspects to preserve artwork value and ensure legal compliance. Their courses include Pandora's module on art insurance, and another module focusing on media and materials, addressing optimal art placement onboard to maintain appropriate temperature, light, and heating conditions.

How to collect art onboard superyachts

SuperYacht Times Digital Editor Emma Becque spoke with experts about how best to safeguard precious gallery-worthy content onboard superyachts.

Navigating the choppy waters for collecting art onboard superyachts

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> is an innovative company that seeks to disrupt the traditional yacht ownership model. Founded in 2020 by brothers Matthew and Thomas Locastro, their owners will enjoy the superyacht lifestyle and its perks without the financial burden and logistical challenges associated with full ownership.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> envisions a transformative shift in the luxury ownership experience. Their first of its kind shared usage ownership program will be launching with the 85.01-metre 2021 new build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYACHT</a>, superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a>. The brothers say that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> will have a total of 60 ownership units available for purchase, with ten units already sold and a growing list of interested buyers being developed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295084/image/large-6029af0be29c56caa83f7e8b7010cb8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295084">Each ownership unit, priced at three million Euros, grants its owner an equity interest in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> and an average of thirty-five nights of shared usage per year. Owners will be able to book one or multiple staterooms on any available date throughout the year along the preset Mediterranean summer and Caribbean winter itinerary. The experience can be compared to staying at a luxury boutique hotel at sea that is exclusively for a private co-ownership group. With over 1,947 square-metres of guest spaces, owners will have the opportunity to interact as much or as little as they desire with other guests onboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295083/image/large-9788492187c09a23ba291afddc810893.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295083">Matthew says that, “One of the hardest things to convey is what it is like staying aboard a superyacht of this magnitude. You and your guests are far outnumbered by the crew. Your every want is catered to with an attention to detail that can’t be fully described - only experienced. Meals are set against the gorgeous vistas of ever-changing landscapes. The chef delights you with daily tasting menus based on fresh caught fish and local ingredients. The service feels effortless. There is an almost infectious relaxation that starts to set in. To spend time onboard a superyacht is to experience the absolute pinnacle of luxury.” The brothers say that the itinerary will leverage opportunities that are uniquely available to superyachts - like stopping in the Aeolian Islands or having dinner at night near Stromboli, Italy while watching the lava flow from an active volcano. There will be a leisurely yachting pace from one destination to the next, all timed to coincide with major hotspots along the “UHNW circuit” such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix and St Barth’s New Year’s Eve.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295079/image/large-c5595aff2a7350a7829b39a90d309d34.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295079">Delving into the operational aspects of the program, the brothers explained that owners will utilise the company’s straightforward points-based system to make bookings, with adjustments made for stateroom size and peak dates. For example, an owner could use their points to book three weeks in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a>' master suite, five weeks in a Double Plus stateroom with an Olympic Queen and sofa, seven weeks in a Twin Stateroom or any combination thereof. The annual operating expense dues of 300,000 Euros per unit covers everything: all yacht operations and maintenance, crew, gratuities, amenities, premium food and beverage and a reserve fund to cover the lumpy cash flows of yacht ownership.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295082/image/large-99c0023eff5cb01d3bacfa0dd0538a29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295082">Vincenzo Poerio, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> and former CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, commented that “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> is offering a truly unique product that will welcome a new type of customer into the industry.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> distinguishes itself from the traditional charter experience by emphasising flexibility. Matthew explained, "This is a new kind of yachting experience. Owners can join for as few or as many nights as they'd like throughout an expansive 280-day annual itinerary. This concept diverges from the conventional one-week charter in the summer. An owner might spend a weekend onboard in Sardinia, attend business meetings in Europe, and then return to join the yacht again in Capri. It epitomises the ultimate in flexibility and luxury for a fast-paced modern lifestyle." Furthermore, owners also have the option to exchange points among themselves through a Points Clearing House. Thomas expanded on Matthew's point, highlighting that “Owners have the freedom to utilise the yacht for an afternoon outing, or an extended stay of up to seven weeks in a twin stateroom onboard, offering unparalleled flexibility that doesn’t exist outside of 100 percent ownership.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244474/image/large-dc3aec346d310069d07953420b1f5878.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244474">The brothers have a background in finance, co-founding TXN Advisors, a Washington, DC based investment banking firm, dealing with transaction advisory and outsourced c-suite services. They gained extensive experience in the maritime sector, facilitating the negotiations and transactions for the sale of a shipyard, several yachts and an investment for the completion of a 50-metre yacht. The brothers also served as co-Chief Operating Officers for a luxury holding company that owned and operated five vessels as part of a yacht charter fleet.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295080/image/large-d81f8908015f02909eb5b0b27ce67063.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295080">The idea to establish <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> emerged from two sources of inspiration. The first is from the brothers having lived the superyacht lifestyle first-hand, spending more than 100 nights as guests onboard yachts ranging from 70-85 plus metres in length. Their experiences included everything from cruising the Red Sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas by themselves and in small groups, to large parties onboard in St Barths, Nassau, Monaco and Cannes.The second and most pivotal source of inspiration was The Locastro brothers' astute observations about The World Residences at Sea, a co-owned shared-usage cruise ship. At times, 25 percent of The World’s owners have been billionaires with a third of the customers owning yachts of their own. Buy-ins ranged up to 25 million dollars with operating expense dues of up to a million and a half dollars per year. The World clientele’s willingness to make such substantial financial commitments for a cruise ship proved to the brothers that there is distinct demand for co-owned shared-usage vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244428/image/large-c494dfa9a5b4faa90ffec74faf5af513.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244428">Thomas explained that “Encountering individuals with units on The World prompted us to question why such a concept couldn't be translated to the superyacht sector.” The brothers then went to work on building a product that would be more affordable than The World and that would deliver an even higher level of personalised luxury on an actual superyacht.Matthew notes that, “We recruited the team that built The World. This included appointing The World’s first successful President &amp; CEO, James St. John, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a>' President.” St John brings massive operational experience to the team and is recognised for rescuing The World from bankruptcy by selling out the residences and maintaining stable operations for six years. He spent an impressive 600 days living onboard The World and has travelled to all seven continents visiting more than 100 countries. St John says that “After being approached by and working with some of the most notable maritime projects in this space, this is the first company I have decided to put my name on since leaving The World. It is the only company of its kind that makes both financial and operational sense.”Matthew says that, “Since the founding of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a>, we have developed and refined our product, leveraging our team’s insights from having visited well over 300 ports, our extensive time on superyachts and a combined 17 years of senior executive experience running The World.” Given the numerous false starts of residential cruise ship projects that have been selling off of renderings, Superyacht Holdings made the decision to wait until they had a fully operational superyacht for the program before announcing publicly at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> this year.When asked how the deal occurred with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYACHT</a> shipyard, Thomas shared, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> emerged as the tenth yacht we extensively considered and engaged in substantive discussions with the owners. During our first visit, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a>’ general arrangement and features immediately resonated with us as an ideal platform for our unique shared usage program. The yacht is a masterpiece of interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2</a> that our owners will proudly get to call their own. One of the most impressive parts of the yacht is its beach club, which is consistently ranked as being one of the top 10 of any yacht in the world. It is 199.742 square-metres and features a large swim platform, indoor heated pool and two mid-ship foldout balconies in addition to its numerous amenities.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> won Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” in 2022 and features 12 staterooms, four stabilisers, two Jacuzzis, seven informal dining areas, five formal dining areas, six bars, a movie theatre, piano lounge, fireplace lounge and helipad. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244433/image/large-d496c975435787f9c5bfe768e32307c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244433">For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYACHT</a>, Superyacht Holdings offers a compelling proposition for their long-term cooperation. Matthew explains that “Large yacht construction, particularly on speculation, entails heightened risk due to elevated costs narrowing the potential customer demographic. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> presents a paradigm shift by inverting this dynamic so that larger superyachts actually become more affordable.” Vural Ak, who owns <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYACHT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a>, says “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> will disrupt the industry by selling the world’s largest superyachts to a much wider segment of the market."Bob Denison, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> which sold more Superyachts globally than any other brokerage house in 2022, affirmed that "in the very large yacht segment, yachts upwards of 280ft in length, the market typically will see two or three brokerage transactions per year, less than one percent of global superyacht sales. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> is creating increased demand and much needed liquidity for the largest superyachts in the world.” Moreover, the pricing structure of utilising <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> through the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> program significantly reduces costs compared to the current charter rates. Presently, chartering Victorious would incur expenses of approximately 1.2 million Euros or more after tax, tip and APA. Thomas affirmed that “In our program, by purchasing a three million Euro equity stake, an owner’s effective cost comes down to just 60,000 Euros per week, representing a staggering reduction at nearly 1/20th of the cost for shared usage.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295081/image/large-55e694177683769b1d1d04a3b5315334.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295081">Thomas explains, “Each owner has an equity interest in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> and may sell their unit of ownership at any time.” With multiple owners already buying more than one unit, the program anticipates around 40 unique owners for the 60 ownership units forming what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> calls the most exclusive private club in the world. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244441/image/large-d14618dcdf5085005cb0f5f71258e45f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244441"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> plans to launch with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a>. All existing and future charter bookings will be honoured when the yacht transitions from charter to program launch after the yacht is acquired by the co-ownership group. A waitlist of buyers will be developed for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.01m (278'11&quot;)AKYACHT2021">Victorious</a> until <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> offers a second yacht for sale through the program. Thomas remarking on the vision for the company says, “As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Holdings (Company)">Superyacht Holdings</a> expands, owners will be able to use their points to book time onboard an entire fleet of the world’s largest superyachts. Considering our ownership model is the same cost as buying and maintaining an 18-metre yacht, we are going to completely disrupt the industry.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295085/image/large-a68da4accf9a43db45c13e587ca3bad4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295085">

Superyacht Holdings: Revolutionising yacht ownership with their innovative shared-usage program

Superyacht Holdings is an innovative company that seeks to disrupt the traditional yacht ownership model.

When new owners acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> early in 2022, they channelled their vision into a technical refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> in Livorno. The best way to bring the iconic yacht up to date and protect her legacy well into the future was to assemble as many of the contractors involved in the original project as possible.When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> launched the mighty <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> in 2006, she represented not only the culmination of extraordinary ingenuity and vision on the part of her pioneering owner, the late Tom Perkins, but also a long list of subcontractors and suppliers. Her ground-breaking Dynarig had been pulled from design theory and engineered into existence on what would quickly become one of the most-photographed yachts in the world. But the development of her rig and sail plan introduced other technical challenges, from the unstayed rotating masts to the unique furlers and associated monitoring systems. Her place in the limelight is well deserved, but with that comes a certain pressure to maintain her iconic status.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272536/image/large-ae1f5fd33237b177737c568c13aa0ad2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272536">Fast forward to 7th April 2022, when new owners took possession of the 88-metre yacht in the eastern Mediterranean. Neither they nor their captain, Pierfrancesco Cafaro, were strangers to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a>, having owned and sailed the 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/543" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Luna52.0m (170'7&quot;)Perini Navi1997">La Luna</a> around the world. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> is a very different animal. It took 12 years for someone to build a second Dynarig yacht, and by the time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> was taking shape many of the technologies had evolved. This presented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a>’s new owners with a dilemma.“The previous owner had essentially left much of the yacht as she was in 2006,” says Captain Cafaro. “In September 2022 we decided to come to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> yard in Livorno, which had a suitable dry dock available, and we set out a huge plan to refit her – although we reduced that a little in order to save the summer 2023 season. Why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>? Because it looks easy but it’s very specialist work and a mistake can stop the boat. I wanted it done by a big shipyard like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut-Benetti</a> who can give us a warranty.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272540/image/large-f50ae6bd879c381d01b3db2bff696427.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272540">Remade in ItalyThe nature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> means that most of her core equipment and control systems are completely custom, and refitting her in Italy rather than in her homeports of Malta or Palma meant that all the expertise that went into the original build was on the doorstep. Most of the contractors had heavy work schedules, but by staying local the team maximised the chances for the works to be completed in time for the 2023 Med season. The process started with the decision to strip the hull back to bare metal.&nbsp;“It wasn’t anything that the previous owners had done wrong, it’s just that the paint was 15 years old and the yacht has done a lot of sailing,” says Cafaro. “Also at close to 90 metres, there is some movement in the hull and that had clearly taken its toll on the filler.” It was also a chance to change the colour of the hull; gone is the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Falcon</a>’s original black paint scheme and in its place is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini</a> blue.On deck, there have been alterations and additions to the guest areas. The addition of a fixed bimini, for example, now offers weather protection and shade for the aft deck dining table. Made by Massimo Forti of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4308" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FM Architettura (Company)">F.M.</a> Srl and stretching from the superstructure to the mizzen mast, it creates an area that when the saloon doors are fully open offers 50 metres of protected indoor/outdoor living (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4308" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FM Architettura (Company)">F.M.</a> was also responsible for the class-certified welding and hotworks for the new exhaust system where it meets the hull).There have been some changes inside too, with much of the dark gloss and stainless steel décor replaced with warmer hues and softer touches, all under the watchful eye of Roman studio Emanuela Esposito. The artwork has been changed to reflect a Japanese influence, and the guest areas, cabins, VIP and master have all been overhauled. The guest bathrooms have been gutted and refitted with pale marble and less masculine palettes, and the deckheads have been replaced with new leather.&nbsp;The crew quarters have also received a makeover with a new wooden floor, new Miele appliances for the laundry, and new lower crew and upper guest pantries, as well as a completely new main galley installed by commercial specialists CS Refrigeration. All the tanks have been de-rusted and painted, the bilges painted and the sensors replaced.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294408/image/large-47a6848dcc558e357a84ce2b72205db9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294408">Technical treatmentThe real focus and biggest challenge of the refit, however, has been a multi-million-euro technical overhaul. Due to the extent of the works and the complexities of the systems needed to control, drive and monitor the Dynarig which presented the biggest challenges for the team, the choice of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> and the decision to use the contractors involved in the original build proved a wise decision.Ascheo was brought back in to service all the motors and hydraulics that control the rotation of the masts (see sidebar). The owner’s team considered switching to electric drives as on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, but electric motors were too big for the existing space so they had no choice but to work with the original system. Fabbri Fiore was also brought back to overhaul and update the unique Dynarig furlers, winches and deck hardware, while Cacini &amp; C – another of the original build contractors – returned to update the sail control system and the yacht’s monitoring system (see sidebar).“Since the very beginning, the Maltese Falcon project has been an amazing challenge for all suppliers that has exerted a magic charm on all the companies participating in her construction,” says Angelo Cacini. “The opportunity to work again on this vessel rekindled these feelings, and the captain – working side by side, day by day with the workers onboard – transferred the new owners’ intention to make the Maltese Falcon greater than ever.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272549/image/large-04b8f076cb63199cc0d053576f952c95.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272549">Tiers before bedtimeFor the mechanical upgrades the team turned to 2gtech, yet another of the original build team, to replace the three generators with modern, more efficient and more appropriately sized Lindenberg-Anlagen 270kW gensets based on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines, and to overhaul the original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deutz AG (Company)">Deutz</a>-MWM main engines. A urea tank and SCR exhaust treatment system has been added alongside a new exhaust system and silencers. Meanwhile Manrico Francesconi Srl in Viareggio , who was also involved in the original project, replaced all the fan coils in the air-con system and made some improvements to the compressors.&nbsp;Similarly, all the bridge PLCs and navigation electronics have been updated or replaced by Caim and the entire yacht rewired to replace the old halogen lights with warm-Kelvin LEDs – a huge upgrade that will have a positive impact on power draw and heat generation.&nbsp;After flirting with Kymeta flat panels for satcomms a few years ago, these have been removed and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> has gone full Starlink, even removing the traditional TV antennas. The yacht also has a new fire-suppression system.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272554/image/large-757c00f1d4ff1d027fc06b35f28d2feb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272554">Digging deepAs with most refits, the team frequently came across more than they bargained for when digging deep into systems: “Sometimes we decided to do some works and we opened things up and found the situation was critical because it hadn’t been looked at for many years,” Cafaro says. “For example, when we were overhauling the mechanical and shaft elements, we realised the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> systems that usually have to be serviced every five years hadn’t been done for 10 years. It not only added to the budget, but facing these kinds of problems – which we found in more than one department – has taken up a lot of time and energy.”The result is a refreshed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> that will stay relevant into the future as environmental responsibility takes centre stage. “We could have spent half of what we did, but sustainability was a very important consideration for the owners – the boat had to be updated for the next 10 years,” says Cafaro. “Can you imagine using the gensets from the original build in 2032? You would be arrested as soon as you turned them on! And even if you weren’t, you would be out of the charter market because people are increasingly mindful of what’s going on. That goes for the crew too. So the focus was on safe sailing first, then doing it without damaging the environment.”What is clear from the love and attention (and money) that has been invested in the refit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a>, is that the sailing yacht is still able to capture the imagination and stir the emotions 15 years after her launch. Just as important, the experience and expertise that went into building her is as valuable today as it was then.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294421/image/large-1af108451a4fcbb2af83c14452f96cf8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294421">Automation &amp; monitoringCacini &amp; C was involved in the original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> project for implementing the sailing control and monitoring system. The company was responsible for designing the software, building the hardware, installed and commissioning it on-site in Tuzla, Turkey. Cacini’s main task was to design, build and install a new ship automation and monitoring system. The project comprises eight new automation panels, the integration of three new diesel generators, and the replacement of all sensors throughout the yacht.“One of the hardest challenges was to install the new wiring,” says Angelo Cacini, the company’s chairman.“This required laying more than 15 kilometres of cables, basically across the whole boat.” &nbsp;A second team worked to refit and, on occasion, to redesign some of the yacht’s core services ranging from the compressed air system to 24-volt distribution, the urea system and the rebuilding of lighting in several technical zones including the engine room. &nbsp;“This refit is a big upgrade for the whole boat,” says Cacini. “A lot of the elements have been replaced with up-to-date systems in an overall modernisation of the yacht with significant improvements in terms of increased features and reliability.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272550/image/large-4ea24c385d484d1a69789c4b1f4d07e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272550">Pool cool Part of the original plan for the winter 2022-23 refit was the addition of a swimming pool on the bridge deck aft in the area that serves as a terrace for the VIP cabin. The 10-square-metre pool with a capacity of 10,000 litres, presented a challenge for the design and engineering teams, as well as for the schedule of the refit works as in order to be signed off, it would have to to be emptied within three minutes. This would normally mean installing a large pump in the engine room, which is fine on a new-build, but problematic for a refit. The solution that was agreed upon was that the pool could drain to the main deck below.“Procedure means all the documents and designs have to be approved by ABS, but they were taking too much time and without that authorisation you can’t start building,” says Cafaro. “They told us they should be able to give authorisation by January 2023, but we didn’t trust that timeline so we decided to postpone those works.”The paperwork has now been completed, and the plan is for Lusben to begin construction of the pool module ready for installation in a brief follow-up refit period between the end of September and early November 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They are all contractors that I know well, but they are all so full of work that it can be hard for them to give a firm completion date,” says Cafaro. “If they tell us the pool needs more time, we won’t do it this Autumn because we have to be in the Caribbean at the end of the year. But if they can do it, then we can start the Caribbean season with another big new feature.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272544/image/large-132ad960e42b9a75d0ba30f4d2c2f72e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272544">Keeping the rig runningThe overhauling of the Dynarig was left to Ascheo, who developed and installed the original system. The team was tasked with servicing the rescue crane and helm wing stations, and the hydraulic mast rotation units (indeed, Ascheo’s team now includes the original designer of the MRU system). Aside from replacing worn-out components, the team was also able to update the MRU hydraulic supply system, leading to a 50 per cent reduction in noise.It wasn’t all plain sailing, however: “We faced the challenge of insufficient information about previous troubles and maintenance coupled with limited time and space on board, also due to other refit work that was happening on the yacht,” says Ascheo president Guglielmo Lorenzoni. “All three systems had never been built before, and coming back on board meant we could observe and evaluate their condition after 18 years of operation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> is certainly one of the most prestigious constructions in yachting and the refit keeps her abreast of the times, as well as improving the liveability on board with the noise reduction.”Lorenzoni’s advice for such a complex technical refit is simple: “Proactively coordinate so all agencies are informed and ready to service the boat before it docks,” he asserts. “Remember that new technologies could offer opportunities for energy saving. Using the original suppliers could bring some advantages, and keep in mind the availability of spare parts, obsolescence, and long delivery times.”This article was originally published in Issue 3 of How To Build It, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-3" target="_blank">download the magazine for free here</a>.

Exploring the refit of the 88m superyacht Maltese Falcon

Charlotte Thomas takes a look at the refit of the iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. 

Flight of the Falcon: exploring the refit of the 88m superyacht Maltese Falcon

For Thanksgiving, discover a coveted selection of the world’s most expensive American-built superyachts currently on the market as of Mid-November.&nbsp;73-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurel73.2m (240'2&quot;)Delta Marine2006">Laurel</a> is currently on the market with an asking price of $69,500,000The 73-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurel73.2m (240'2&quot;)Delta Marine2006">Laurel</a> was launched in 2006 by US shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurel73.2m (240'2&quot;)Delta Marine2006">Laurel</a> is one of the largest yachts ever to be built in North America. She features both exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey</a>. The 1,595 GT superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests taken care of by a crew of 24. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269338/image/large-29f4ff7b6a86e8071080057bbc5cc495.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269338">Onboard, the superyacht exhibits a timeless interior design with highlights including the expansive saloon featuring a game table and unique oval reading nook overlooking the oceanic landscape. A classical study and massage room are just a few of the many amenities on offer. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269355/image/large-ffe71c672427f8f8daf65550c312f2eb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269355"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269352/image/large-6198314ae438fc062ea03b131d5fd830.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269352">Performance-wise she is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines of 2,500 horsepower each, allowing her to reach a top speed of 18.2 knots and cruise comfortably at 14.5 knots.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurel73.2m (240'2&quot;)Delta Marine2006">Laurel</a> is currently on the market with a last known asking price of $69,500,000 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.50-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jackpot50.0m (164'1&quot;)Christensen Shipyards, LLC.2020">Jackpot</a> is on the market for $39,500,000<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/42791/image/large-ed84b636f4c095c9eb013acfde6da852.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/42791"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jackpot50.0m (164'1&quot;)Christensen Shipyards, LLC.2020">Jackpot</a> is a 50-metre superyacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christensen Shipyards, LLC. (Company)">Christensen Shipyard</a>. Delivered in 2020, the luxury yacht sleeps up to 16 guests across six staterooms and has accommodations for 11 crew. Her interior and exterior design were also crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christensen Shipyards, LLC. (Company)">Christensen Shipyard</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/83892/image/large-0a264681f72a10211b3567971187b9b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/83892">The American-built yacht can reach top speeds of 15.5 knots with a cruising speed is 12.5 knots powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jackpot50.0m (164'1&quot;)Christensen Shipyards, LLC.2020">Jackpot</a> is currently on the market with a last known asking price of $39,500,000 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a>.&nbsp;60-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia Elise II60.15m (197'4&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2012">Mia Elise II</a> is on the market with an asking price of $34,900,000<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216384/image/large-c931a219d3e84f6ef60437ee95773938.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216384">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity</a>-built superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia Elise II60.15m (197'4&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2012">Mia Elise II</a>&nbsp; was launched in 2012 and has been meticulously maintained. She’s offered in turnkey condition, thanks to a substantial 2022 refit.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia Elise II60.15m (197'4&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2012">Mia Elise II</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by her builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity Yachts</a>, with interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Knowles Designs (Company)">Patrick Knowles Designs</a>. She can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests across a six-stateroom configuration, as well as 10 cabins for a crew of 19.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207602/image/large-11ab3e8e209a7bfbe745d16138324d8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207602"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207604/image/large-8a038a69ef1a2bcfa4b18eaba8390cc6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207604">Highlights onboard include an oval wine cellar cast in mahogany and Pacific Northwest madrone panelling with cherry burl inlays, a design accent exemplified throughout. Other amenities include a spa and gym, a cinema, a beach club, a private owner’s deck, and an arsenal of water toys. The Trinity Yacht also has an elevator that serves all three of her decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279022/image/large-95c9bc57c0a53e1614cffad351953070.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279022"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia Elise II60.15m (197'4&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2012">Mia Elise II</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia Elise II60.15m (197'4&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2012">Mia Elise II</a> is currently on the market with a last known asking price of &nbsp;34,900,000 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a>. .50-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4818" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chasseur48.8m (160'1&quot;)Christensen Shipyards, LLC.2016">Chasseur</a> is on the market with an asking price of $32,750,000<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/288502/image/large-67963e4ddfe17d225ebd2c591502390e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/288502">The 48.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christensen Shipyards, LLC. (Company)">Christensen</a>-built superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4818" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chasseur48.8m (160'1&quot;)Christensen Shipyards, LLC.2016">Chasseur</a> showcases exterior design and naval architecture crafted by her builder. VARO crafted her original interior design, but in 2022, she underwent an extensive refit, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Knowles Designs (Company)">Patrick Knowles</a> penning the designs. The superyacht can accommodate up to 13 guests across six staterooms, with space for a crew of up to 10 members.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/288486/image/large-3026ebaf327e396af750c2a0035b8146.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/288486"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/288499/image/large-e0692dec7d219b257d6959ed4578d18e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/288499">Highlights onboard include a lift reaching each guest suite, an expansive gym, a touch-and-go helipad, and a full-service aft deck bar. Regarding performance, the superyacht can reach top speeds of up to 15 knots, while her cruising speed is 12 knots.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4818" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chasseur48.8m (160'1&quot;)Christensen Shipyards, LLC.2016">Chasseur</a> is on the market with an asking price of $32,750,000 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop and Johnson</a>.52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanam52.4m (171'11&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2016">Sanam</a> is currently on the market with an asking price of €29,900,000<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179388/image/large-62d4ad5829e4c963bacee3da2bab1deb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179388"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanam52.4m (171'11&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2016">Sanam</a>&nbsp; was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a> in 2016. She features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Todhunter Earle (Company)">Todhunter Earle</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson Yachts</a>. Up to 14 guests are accommodated onboard, with accommodation for 10 crew members. Impeccably maintained, one owner has used the superyacht privately as a single-season yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241664/image/large-11041d5af3f1c3a032ff91dfe082dde8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241664"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275756/image/large-9b882d4cd488ababd9d3fc5f1eda4945.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275756">Highlights include a large saltwater swimming pool on the foredeck and a sun deck Jacuzzi. Bright, contemporary, and minimalist interior styling throughout the yacht, with fold-out balconies on the port and starboard sides of the main deck for open-air living<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275758/image/large-7f59b9fed65ccd60512f766fa4563a4e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275758">She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 17 knots and a top speed of 30 knots.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanam52.4m (171'11&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2016">Sanam</a> is currently for sale at an asking price of €29,900,000 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>.

Most expensive American superyachts on the market

For Thanksgiving, discover a coveted selection of the most expensive American superyachts.

This October, the 82-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a> was launched, unveiling the new superyacht to the industry for the very first time. A highly secretive project, the superyacht, Hull 13775 is the first superyacht designed by the yard’s Lead Exterior Designer Jim Robert Sluijter. British studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> has designed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a>’s interiors, and in another milestone, she is the first collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and the studio since the launch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Said155.0m (508'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2008">Al Said</a> in 2008.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292976/image/large-c300998f43ab6d20e25045b0653b12a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292976">Despite <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a> being his first design project to hit the water since joining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, Jim was attending the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/183" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - 2023">Fort Lauderdale Boat Show</a> during her splash. Fortunately, that gave SuperYacht Times the opportunity to sit down with him to find out more about the project, as well as talk about his own path, from working alongside of the industry's top studios, to becoming <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’s Lead Designer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291965/image/large-a594dabd47cba9af9a44df3b54d7e71f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291965">How did your career at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>&nbsp;begin – what were you doing beforehand?Well, let's start at the beginning. As a young boy I’d had the amazing opportunity to tour the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> shipyard with Jan Van Lent and having never seen a superyacht before, I was absolutely amazed by the visit. When it came to deciding on my first internship during my Industrial Design course at TU Delft, it felt natural for me to reach back out to the yard that so inspired me as a child and thankfully they took me on.My responsibilities during that time were fairly basic, but it gave me an incredible insight into the superyacht construction industry and showed me how superyacht builders operated from the inside. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt</a> had a wall in one of the buildings with all of the in-build projects so when it came to choosing a company to guide my final year project, I stood back, reviewed all of the projects and decided that the Andrew Winch design yacht was the most exciting for me. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/7330/image/large-34cf424c69fef88fba28c515709a84a3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7330">I reached out to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> and asked if I could do my final year project with them, an offer to which they said no. However, they did offer me a six month internship. So I moved to London and joined the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> team, and following my internship they assisted me with the finalisation of my degree before I joined the studio’s exterior design team. I was at Winch for six years, during which time we signed three contracts with <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/5624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aurora74.0m (242'9&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2017">Aurora</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gigia85.0m (278'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2017">Areti</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gigia85.0m (278'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2017">Gigia</a>) and Tis&nbsp;(now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.5m (365'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Alaiya</a>), so I became familiar with the Rendsburg facility and many of the team. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45215/image/large-51b9018786f8673d3c7d489cee428dc1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45215">When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaiya111.5m (365'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Tis</a> was delivered, I decided it was time to do something different, so came back to the Netherlands and joined the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a> inHaarlem. During that time, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure</a> was working on the naval architecture of Moon Sand, the 55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, and the studio was closely aligned with the yard for any 50-60-metre proposals. Because I had worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a>, many of these proposals fell to me and so my relationship with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and particularly Michael Breman, became very strong.&nbsp;After I left <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure</a>, I received a call from Michael asking me to meet him and Peter Lürssen at Schiphol for a meeting, and that turned out to be the job interview for the role I have today.&nbsp;That must have felt like the golden ticket! What was the proposed role?The yard had been looking for an in-house designer to focus on the smaller yacht sector (50-70-metre), to quickly create proposals that could assist the sales team and build on the existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> portfolio. While the yard is committed to its relationship with external studios, an in-house designer could create a variety of potential designs, to be shown during client meetings at very short notice. Having worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in both my previous roles, I had come to know the yard and its processes very well and Peter and Michael thought I would make a great fit for the role.&nbsp;I joined 4.5 years ago, initially in Rendsburg and then later from home in Amsterdam. During my first year I was creating proposals in that 50-70-metre range, but as the role progressed, it became clear that there was more interest from clients in the slightly larger range of 70-90-metres. The yard has an extraordinary level of expertise and the team is accustomed to working on very large projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292972/image/large-4d0445e96017bc8decc73609440e5db2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292972">Tell us about&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a>, how did the project begin and is it not unusual for an owner to go with a relatively unknown designer?Absolutely and I think that is part of the reason that it is only now that she is launched that we have announced her as an in-house design. In the case of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a>, she actually began as a 73-metre proposal sketch and it so happened that the owner in question loved the original exterior design and style, with the only major change being the length. I think for this owner, the fact that I was an in-house designer was less important than the fact that he loved her lines and that Lürssen’s reputation for excellence guaranteed a wonderful end result.&nbsp;The client had a very clear vision of what he wanted. He wanted his next yacht to feature some of the elements he felt his current yacht was missing, namely a beach club and an even larger sundeck with wind protection. He wanted four staterooms on the lower deck, as well as two VIPs on the main deck alongside the owner's stateroom. Unlike many yachts of her size today, the owner opted not to have an owner’s deck, instead having an enlarged sundeck and a sleeker exterior design. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292977/image/large-87daf37dbe9b3a11abeefcdaf5a977a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292977">When it comes to your proposals, are you given creative licence, or do you draw inspiration from the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>&nbsp;fleet?One of the best things about working as a designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> is the unequalled access to the yards portfolio of yachts, which enables me to draw inspiration from what has come before and also to match my designs to the capabilities of the yard. For example, when it comes to design intricacies, such as the pool on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a>, I was able to call the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> specialist and have a discussion there and then about potential design features or limitations. I am however given freedom to interpret the owner's wishes and I think that is something really unique to both the role and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291962/image/large-1a60c0a4f219b247435b74a38e4d234f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291962">How has the process been for you, launching your first own-design&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>?It has been a fantastic experience. Working alongside the brilliant team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> on the interiors and Kees de Keizer who has represented the owner throughout the process, has been great. In my experience, it has been one of the most seamless build projects, despite the interruption of Covid in the middle. &nbsp;We had a very tight schedule for the build, and often when it comes to the big decision phases, projects sometimes become delayed because owners change their focus during the project and change priorities. This was not the case for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a>, her owner was so clear on his ambition with the boat, he was incredibly responsive and we had a fantastic collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, RWD and the owner’s team.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291963/image/large-2070c3703f5c4d0047a6af6e4c2219da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291963">Can you share a few of your favourite features of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cali82.0m (269'0&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Cali</a>?There are many things that I love about this project, but in particular the shapes of the exterior. Not having an owner’s deck allowed us to play with the lines and create a very sleek exterior and then that massive sundeck that could only have happened without an upper deck, is really special. The sundeck has 2.5 metres ceiling height and it is completely open aside from windbreak panels.&nbsp;She has a huge swim platform to accommodate the tenders, a floating dock for the Jet Skis and all other water sports activities. In combination with the pool on the main deck aft this will be the main area for day time &nbsp;activities onboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292975/image/large-9c05ff8d14ed240e801a4dec0c627d68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292975">Finally, your first yacht is out there now, can we expect to see more&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>-designed yachts hitting the water?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> is famed for its incredible collaborations with the best designers in the superyacht industry, and this will never change. The work we have done over the past 4.5 years, I believe, has been very successful, but it will only be one string in the shipyard’s bow, though we currently have a few irons in the fire for a next project. I think it is a great addition to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> offering to have an in-house designer that can work alongside the sales team and show owners what is possible on the smaller scale of things.&nbsp;Peter and Michael have been extraordinary mentors, I truly see them as the most respected professionals in the industry and it is amazing to work alongside them. I look forward to whatever it is we do next! &nbsp;

Interview with yacht designer Jim Sluijter

Last month Lürssen launched its first yacht from a smaller superyacht segment, the 82m Cali. We interviewed her designer.

In conversation: Lürssen's in-house designer Jim Sluijter on 82m superyacht Cali

Tilse yacht glazing manufacturer

Tilse in Germany, a pioneer of glazing solutions on superyachts, has influenced the rules and standards to keep pace with developments in design. 

Clear as crystal: defining yacht glass standards with Tilse

The 34.86-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> motor yacht Project Fox is nearing completion. With her exterior almost complete, the focus has shifted to the yacht’s interior outfitting. The motor yacht is currently for sale with Ian Sherwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> and is expected to be launched by the end of February this year, with her delivery scheduled for spring 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299494/image/large-8c56ce23c313ad7584801a5081567f5f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299494">Currently in-build at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> shipyard in Falmouth, UK, the explorer yacht features exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tansu Yachts (Company)">Tansu Yachts</a>, laid onto a hull by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>, while her interiors derived from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q London (Company)">Q London</a>. Project Fox’s steel hull and aluminium superstructure have been constructed to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> commercial classification and she boasts a bold, muscular profile. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299495/image/large-dcc81a4e036608a75cba3d9115929e94.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299495">Regarding accommodation, Project Fox can accommodate up to 10 guests across her five spacious staterooms, taken care of by a crew of seven. The motor yacht houses four staterooms situated on her lower deck, while her owner’s suite can be found on her main deck, each stateroom is equipped with an opulent ensuite. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299492/image/large-2057dd27fb48d1d2fe970b789a119145.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299492"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299489/image/large-4c55fd0b925249cb8b9f7fa1f1d8efa9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299489">The explorer yacht Project Fox is fittingly named after Falmouth born scientist Robert Were Fox the Younger, who encouraged polar exploration in the 19th century through his development of an improved form of compass. Displaying a strong exterior and extensive 103.5-square-metre main deck aft, Project Fox has been designed with world cruising in mind and boasts a large carrying capacity for a yacht of her size. A wide variety of equipment, including watertoys, two 7.5-metre tenders, submersibles and more can be stored on the yacht’s aft deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299500/image/large-c7f7df0cc903e3518168155ef041fc43.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299500"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299498/image/large-5bcfda10472b1e0b09444bd0b86a1413.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299498">Notable features include the use of Tesumo as a teak-substitute across Project Fox’s exterior decks. This teak alternative is a fast-growing and sustainable wood, boasting the same positive properties as teak, including durability and stability, without the environmental footprint. The use of Tesumo decking across her entire exterior is a stand-out-feature onboard Project Fox given her size.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299488/image/large-2d738a982a79adedde3ae304afadf408.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299488"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299501/image/large-3f8760c5b9c4678d922c256e7a0628e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299501">Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/pendennis-project-fox-construction-update" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">A new era of exploration: At Pendennis with the 35m Project Fox</a>The current focus is on the final stages of the interior installation, Project Fox is due to display a bright and contemporary aesthetic, reminiscent of a coastal villa. The interior has been designed to be flexible and practical, consisting of an upper deck sky lounge, featuring a luxurious wine cellar in the lobby. The sky lounge will provide seamless access to the 46-square-metre upper deck aft, complete with a formal alfresco dining area and barbecue.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220717/image/large-f799c97d07d211a4a2b0ff37a67c1f26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220717"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220716/image/large-9241984bc2b13d9359387d90605d6629.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220716"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220711/image/large-db9772b2016ec81da3b5507c6d50cdbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220711">The large main saloon situated on the main deck will similarly lead into a cosy lounge area. Equipped with an advanced sound system, the extensive main deck aft serves as the ideal spot for entertaining guests onboard when the toys are in use, featuring a bar, open-air dining and set to include a DJ station, this is the perfect spot to host parties onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220715/image/large-6b30f54aa3d456d4505380ee7e090ed1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220715"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220713/image/large-54153d4e5d1e3d1d3eb0b81b8abc34ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220713"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299496/image/large-e7d1d7d2d21b8cb762cf97fc2e0701f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299496">Regarding performance, the yacht is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299497/image/large-2748c895b5c11b2e47b02befde64f6b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299497"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220720/image/large-50e613d3c6ec500d98b3083dc6cff027.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220720">While some final changes to the yacht’s exterior have resulted in a slight construction delay, Project Fox is still on schedule to hit the water for the first time at the end of February, with approximately a month of sea trials leading to a delivery in the spring.

Pendennis yacht Project Fox nears completion

The 34.9-metre Pendennis explorer yacht Project Fox is nearing completion, with an expected delivery of spring this year.

Construction update: 35m Pendennis explorer yacht Project Fox nears completion

Data from <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> reveals an approximate 20% growth in 30-metre plus yachts delivered in 2023, rising from 170 in 2022 to 201 in 2023. This surpasses the forecast of 190 deliveries stated in the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/the-state-of-yachting-2023" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">State of Yachting 2023 report</a> and represents a 35% increase from the 150 yachts delivered in 2018.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299473/image/large-0abf1aa412c99d933405f9829d2f6173.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299473">The increase in yacht deliveries in 2023 can primarily be attributed to a continued relatively high order intake, leading to a backlog of orders. The yacht industry encountered considerable supply chain disruptions throughout 2021 and 2022. These disruptions significantly impeded yacht construction timelines, resulting in widespread delays that subsequently contributed to the increased number of deliveries observed in 2023. <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> indicates that some of the largest deliveries in 2023 were the 146.35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8520" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Opera146.35m (480'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Opera</a>, the 127-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a>, the 118.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7928" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Liva O118.2m (387'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2023">Liva O</a> and the 111.85-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Renaissance</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280947/image/large-fcc36a753c85e4eab89be06b9d99818b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280947">A closer look at <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> data reveals that while the average length of yachts delivered has been decreasing, the total length has been increasing, as illustrated in the graphs below. The average length of yachts delivered in 2023 was 42.6-metres, which while unchanged from 2022, represents a 6% decrease from 2018, where the average length was 45.4-metres. In contrast, the total length of yachts delivered in 2023 reached 8,567-metres, marking a 20% increase from 2022 and a 27% increase from 2018, when the total length was 6,771-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299460/image/large-e50864c03cf5069606a3b6a50f5ff056.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299460"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299459/image/large-142ca79adc7d9c46ddc57240c03d1f8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299459">This trend can be explained by the increased delivery of the smaller yacht segment, particularly those between the 30-40 metres, in 2023 compared to 2022 and previous years. This rise in the delivery of yachts in this size category potentially explains the decrease in the average length, while also contributing to the overall increase in total length. Notably, there were 124 yachts between 30-40-metres delivered in 2023, an increase from the 107 delivered in 2022, as depicted in the graph below.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299467/image/large-d0eff554504270081dd3565626e38a83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299467">In addition, data from <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> indicates a consistent upward trend in the number of motor yachts delivered over the past six years, mirroring the overall pattern observed in all 30m+ yacht deliveries. From 2018 to 2021, the growth in deliveries was steady, albeit modest. A noticeable acceleration occurred between 2022 and 2023, with a jump in deliveries from 163 in 2022 to 185 in 2023, representing a 13% increase.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299476/image/large-f5279c2a399cbe8412bd645fb0dc9c3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299476">Bengü Ozdogan, Sales &amp; Marketing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> commented, “After the pandemic, we have seen that leisure time understanding has changed. People started to spend more time onboard and realised the need for space. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> has sold 18 units of 30-metre plus in the last 2.5 years and continues to work on upcoming deliveries”.However, as for sailing yacht deliveries, <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> shows a differing pattern, the graph below highlights how the delivery of sailing yachts fluctuates each year as opposed to following a consistent upward or downward trend. The most noticeable drop is seen from 2021 to 2022 where sailing yacht deliveries declined by about 63% from 19 in 2021 to 7 in 2022 and then had a rebound of 129% to 16 in 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299474/image/large-153d9e90e56c0cc4d5e1c31f3adea16e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299474">Data for our upcoming market report, The State of Yachting 2024 suggests we could expect around 205 deliveries in 2024.Providing an insight into future deliveries Ferruccio Rossi, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> General Manager and President of the Superyacht division commented: “sales in 2023 have normalised compared to the post lockdown peak, but are still robust, in line with a long term high single digit growth trend. Similarly, looking ahead, we expect the new building market in the medium to long term to settle into a ‘new normal’ situation compared to the strong acceleration seen in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic period”.The expected number of deliveries in the coming year will mirror those of 2023. This points towards a more balanced pace of growth in the industry as it adjusts to a post-pandemic landscape.To find out more about <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">SYT iQ</a>, <a href="https://sytiq.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">reach out to the team to book a demo today.</a>

SYT iQ Insight: Superyacht deliveries grow by 20% and pass the 200 mark

Data from SYT iQ reveals an approximate 20% growth in 30-metre plus yachts delivered in 2023, rising from 170 in 2022 to 201 in 2023.

The 35.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Byeee...35.24m (115'7&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2024">Byeee…</a> launched on Wednesday of this week in the port of Fano, Italy. The motor yacht is the third unit in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> GTX116 series and showcases a sporty exterior profile.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299483/image/large-911503154c42d7683274be62e492d3d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299483"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Byeee...35.24m (115'7&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2024">Byeee…</a> derived from a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>’s Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, <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>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Group</a>’s Engineering Department, with naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>. Displaying a streamlined silhouette, the motor yacht was built for a European owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299481/image/large-17555a5afa51e76c16a3d9eeffb25da5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299481">The motor yacht’s superstructure and sundeck area display a classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> grey tone, while the hull and the forward and aft sunpad areas feature a metallic anthracite colour, a darker tone than the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Byeee...35.24m (115'7&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2024">Pershing</a> GTX116 yachts launched previously. The motor yacht displays extensive exterior glazing, allowing a plethora of natural light to illuminate the interior.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299479/image/large-e21eab27bb9d329607ea43ee24ff84d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299479">Showcasing a spacious main saloon, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> yacht houses sophisticated furnishings, displaying a formal dining table, complete with dark brown upholstery. Warm-toned Poltrona Frau sofas blend with pale beige and grey detailing. Like the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> GTX116, the owner has kept the living space and galley separate, choosing not to open a direct passageway.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299480/image/large-08e3a6be9c2e28781c41d1ceaa248555.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299480">In the main saloon, taupe oak parquet floor by Listone Giordano complements the yacht’s warm interior. The galley echoes the muted colour palette of the saloon, showcasing titanium and grey-toned cabinetry. The lower deck displays three guest staterooms and a master suite, showcasing a combination of darker shades and paler tones. The master stateroom features a Poltrona Frau bed and dedicated study area, complete with a herringbone mosaic by Metalborder in the ensuite.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299482/image/large-c507088713c858979035e897b1cea8bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299482">In addition, the motor yacht’s cockpit houses a large teak table, with an adjacent adjustable height table, while the aft deck showcases oversized sunpads. Notable features onboard include the extensive 39-square metre beach club, equipped with comfortable sun loungers, this serves as the ideal spot for guests to take in their surroundings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299484/image/large-c3e3181124d068368f6ce47c76ae85cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299484">Designed with relaxation in mind, a generous sunpad and opulent bar area can be found at the yacht’s bow, replacing the six person Jacuzzi proposed by the shipyard and chosen for the first and second units.Regarding performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Byeee...35.24m (115'7&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2024">Byeee…</a> is equipped with a triple water jet propulsion system, which can be paired with triple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 34 knots and a cruising speed of 29 knots.

Pershing yacht Byeee… launched

The third Pershing GTX116 yacht Byeee… launched on Wednesday this week from the port of Fano, Italy.

35m Pershing GTX116 yacht Byeee… launched

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bergman Design House (Company)">Njord Bergman Design House</a> has unveiled the first renderings of the 46.57-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4739" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethos46.57m (152'9&quot;)Admiral2014">Ethos</a>, which is currently undergoing an extensive interior refit.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258188/image/large-2b2a430270348d00fbec99a0715f610c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258188">Built in 2014, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4739" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethos46.57m (152'9&quot;)Admiral2014">Ethos</a> is currently being reconstructed at the Papilas Yacht Yard in Perama, Greece and will be completed in May 2024. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4739" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethos46.57m (152'9&quot;)Admiral2014">Ethos</a> is being refitted with interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bergman Design House (Company)">Njord Bergman Design House</a> and is described as a “tribute to the Greek islands," with light and bright furnishings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258167/image/large-dad73641c09b4762909ec66cc6bbd7a6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258167"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299468/image/large-4b08238dd2b2c72d884b25afb4c6c9f8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299468">“Imagine embarking on a journey that's steeped in the timeless elegance, natural allure, and cultural richness of the Greek Islands in the heart of the Mediterranean. This refit was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the vision of the clients and breathes life into the very essence of this mesmerising destination” explained Albin Berglund co-founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bergman Design House (Company)">Njord by Bergman</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299472/image/large-aa93ee3dcaf41f4c3cd6791fc9e25d45.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299472">The refit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4739" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethos46.57m (152'9&quot;)Admiral2014">Ethos</a> uses local resources and community partnerships, infused with the work of Greek artists to encapsulate the spirit of the Mediterranean. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bergman Design House (Company)">Njord</a>’s vision was to restore the beautiful characteristics of Ethos’ interior without having to rip out and rebuild where it was not necessary,” said Sarah Colbon, co-founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bergman Design House (Company)">Njord by Bergman</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258171/image/large-8e6e1e43899468c1076428f5d645b4ef.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258171"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299469/image/large-df16a1523c126b5e8b27f3eaafdc3193.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299469">Previously named Petratara, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4739" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethos46.57m (152'9&quot;)Admiral2014">Ethos</a> can sleep up to 12 guests across five sumptuous staterooms with ensuites, including a full-beam master suite with sea views. She can also accommodate up to nine crew to attend to her guests' needs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299471/image/large-7d8eaf28a17684150e05abc9019fafea.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299471">The refit by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bergman Design House (Company)">Njord</a> showcases a dedication to sourcing materials in the most sustainable manner. “Once we showcase the new design and apply new materials and finishes that compliment or actually bring out the beauty within, this can achieve a whole new look and feel, whilst being sustainable and overall saving time and budget for the client,” concluded Sarah Colbon.Once completed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4739" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethos46.57m (152'9&quot;)Admiral2014">Ethos</a> will be available to charter this summer with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6674" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emperio Yachting Alliance (Company)">Emperio Yachting</a>.

First renderings of Admiral superyacht Ethos’ interior refit 

Njord Bergham Design House has unveiled the first renderings of the Admiral yacht Ethos, which is currently undergoing an extensive interior refit.

47m Admiral superyacht Ethos undergoing extensive interior refit

The 37.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 122 Martinique yacht completed her first journey following the launch of her hull earlier this week. She was transported to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> outfitting yard in Den Bosch, the Netherlands, where her steel hull and aluminium superstructure will be joined before she enters the outfitting shed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299449/image/large-f923cbb196dc5fa56601fe2b741db9d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299449"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299448/image/large-29afb498d66f45c1683745ed5b49e9d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299448"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299269/image/large-818a3710a040f9c99d60192a9b7e6f87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299269"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299271/image/large-fdc29a9c288762509b7751601f135efb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299271">The motor yacht is currently for sale and scheduled for delivery at the end of April 2025, she is the seventh yacht in the Martinique series. The 345 GT motor yacht features exterior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/241" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="René van der Velden Yacht Design (Company)">René van der Velden</a>, while her naval architecture stemmed from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> and her custom interior will be crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6871" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hollander Yacht Design (Company)">Hollander Yacht Design</a>⁠.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299451/image/large-57e0a7b9d401cc36cb2064760dea0de1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299451"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> Project Manager Ian Vermoen reflected on the hull’s launch at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>’s partner shipyard Talsma, "This is the third Martinique hull that we have built with Talsma. We work very closely together with them and that results in very well-built hulls." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299270/image/large-2b43bed6172f71c209dd05ebd59bfd8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299270">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> Martinique yacht boasts a five stateroom configuration, with accommodation for up to 12 guests and also has space for a crew of seven members, including the motor yacht’s captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299450/image/large-03e2c81595b638adb8a079ee2d7bb713.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299450"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265976/image/large-dda23ea98615b50d6e26b36ecbb6ad59.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265976">The yacht’s design is inspired by informal living and natural beauty, displaying a coastal modern aesthetic, her interior is set to blend light woods with loose furniture to provide a beach house style. With the hull currently in white primer and the interiors and tanks already painted, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> outfitting team is set to get started.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/moonen-122-martinique-hull-turned" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Construction update: 37m Moonen 122 Martinique yacht hull turned</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265977/image/large-4a9916a12e11360137435310570e7020.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265977">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> 122 Martinique features a top speed of 17 knots, offering a transatlantic range of 4,000 nautical miles. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> currently has two other Martiniques in build for their owners with deliveries scheduled in April and June this year.

Moonen 122 Martinique yacht prepares for outfitting

The 37m Moonen 122 Martinique yacht has been transported to the Moonen Yachts outfitting yard in Den Bosch, the Netherlands.

37m Moonen 122 Martinique yacht prepares for outfitting

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluewater Yachting (Company)">Bluewater Yachting</a> has announced that the iconic 136-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/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> has returned to the charter market.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299432/image/large-dd28c301c554122e5b9385defd145803.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299432">Often referred to as the market’s largest and most iconic vessel, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> is now available for charter via <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluewater Yachting (Company)">Bluewater Yachting</a> Dubai. “With immense pride, we are proud to announce that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a>, the epitome of grandeur in the superyacht realm, is now back on the charter market,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluewater Yachting (Company)">Bluewater Yachting</a>.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> is still sanctioned by the US, due to her previous management, however the owner is not and has not been sanctioned. She is currently unavailable for charter to US citizens and in US waters, but has no restrictions for UK and EU citizens.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299441/image/large-d1c1368797e02c7300fcf4b26fc54e20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299441"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299442/image/large-c04d16fee798fb905e888779058b4306.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299442">Built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and delivered in 2019, the 9,022 GT superyacht was envisioned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>, with the opulent interiors curated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Berryman Design Ltd (Company)">Mark Berryman</a>, featuring a palette of neutral tones and plush fabrics.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/115354/image/large-ab071b902aa55cb2630bdd7b6f91d38c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/115354">The entire atmosphere onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> is enhanced through the use of greenery. With towering ficus trees and planters, the contemporary and neutral colour palette and natural textures create a warm and relaxing ambience. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299430/image/large-b16e664a6c47769b45b8bd61ad512912.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299430"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms. Her master suite is situated on the upper deck and includes a beauty room, his-and-hers dressing rooms, a private office, fireplace and a private Jacuzzi. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299439/image/large-19f0dc1cd78191216900c516bdeabb21.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299439">Her remaining guest staterooms consist of 10 VIP suites, all with their own balcony, office, bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, with two of the suites operating as convertible twins. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> can also sleep a crew of 55. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299443/image/large-fe0a151ca25cc33525a824baa1ab6964.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299443">Some of the key features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> include a 400 square metre, two-floor spa, with the first cryotherapy chamber ever installed on a yacht. She is also equipped with a 12-metre swimming pool, dual helipads and a ‘wet massage room’. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299446/image/large-2dfce77f84c4cd3cb8532c929bb281ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299446">Guests are also able to engage in kite surfing, sailing or powered watersports, under the supervision of the water sports team, while the onboard dive instructors offer PADI courses, with closed circuit rebreathers. For those who are already masters of the deep, there is a professional standard IHC deck decompression chamber, allowing remote diving expeditions, without compromising safety.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299438/image/large-8e02e142c9cc01ddbe3eb401105319e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299438">“We are eager to assist in orchestrating an unparalleled experience aboard this extraordinary vessel in the Maldives, the Seychelles or the Red Sea,” commented Bluewater Yachting. “Your enquiries are welcomed with the utmost enthusiasm as we embark on this prestigious journey.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299435/image/large-036d08f2ed082af80486c30b8f9e0167.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299435"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Flying Fox136.0m (446'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2019">Flying Fox</a> is currently available for charter in the Red Sea, Seychelles and Maldives with no delivery fees.

136m Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox available for charter

Bluewater Yachting has announced that the iconic 136-metre Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox has returned to the charter market.

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136m Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox returns to the charter market amidst ongoing US restrictions

Antalya-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia Yachts</a> and brokerage house <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> have signed a contract to build a fully custom 45-metre superyacht, with a volume just under 500 GT. The yacht is set to be delivered in summer 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299423/image/large-7da1d67b7a9814742ddd93dc96df47a3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299423">The motor yacht will feature exterior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>, while her interiors will stem from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4540" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vickers Studio (Company)">Vickers Studio</a> and her naval architecture will be crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> Technical Services will be working with all parties to oversee the build.Gökhan Çelik, Founder and Owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia Yachts</a> commented, “I am thrilled to be starting the new year on such a positive note. We have worked tirelessly with partners involved to get this project to the signature stage, and I am confident that the results will exceed expectations. In particular, we have relished the frequent owner input and the very close relationship we have built with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> team. I hope that this is just the start of a mutually rewarding collaboration.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299425/image/large-84046d60edcc10ce9bed6283cad2c7c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299425">Equipped with over 15 years of experience building superyachts, specifically custom yachts and a portfolio of vessels up to 60-metres in length, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia Yachts</a> will be well-suited to this upcoming project. In addition, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> and its New Build Sales team has worked with the client from the outset to select the shipyard and the designers for the 45-metre project.“We have worked extensively in Turkey over the last 30 years, so it’s a pleasure to be finally building a yacht with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia Yachts</a>,” commented Jonny Horsfield of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Design</a>. “Our design is extremely rakish and fluid, with a strong belt line giving her a uniquely strong aesthetic, along with a focus on outdoor living on the transom area. Together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia</a> and their partners, I believe we will deliver a really special, beautiful product that will become a strong contender in this marketplace.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299426/image/large-0517ac25ed81aad7772c720a35935335.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299426">John Vickers reflected on the project, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4540" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vickers Studio (Company)">Vickers Studio</a> is very excited about creating the interior design for the new 45m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia</a> motor yacht. Working with a superb owner's team, including the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> new build department, we will develop our vision for a modern, light, fresh interior - infused with all the extra depth and personalisation to the client’s story that we like to add to our designs. She’s going to be a really wonderful yacht for the owner and his family and friends.”Details regarding the yacht’s design remain tightly under wraps, but she is due to showcase intriguing interiors and a bold exterior, ideal for alfresco living.

Alia Yachts to build 45m yacht for Burgess client 

Alia Yachts and Burgess have signed a contract to build a fully custom 45m superyacht, just under 500 GT.

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Alia Yachts collaborates with Burgess to build a fully custom 45m superyacht

In Livorno, Italy, a long-term vision is taking its first steps towards becoming a reality as the local Port Authority, under the leadership of Luciano Guerrieri, has recently initiated plans to establish a shipyard for the construction of superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299429/image/large-c4df5354665dba1dfb4e42be59ea2db4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299429">The Port Authority has just issued tenders for the concession of four out of five areas, totaling approximately 53,000 square-metres, spanning between the Calafati Docks and Pisa. These tenders are designed to facilitate the continuation of existing activities, involving several companies such as the Fratelli Neri group, the Castalia environmental protection consortium, Gestione Bacini ship repair company, Tommaso Montano&amp;Figli, and Romoli Roberto, all engaged in various maritime operations.Notably, these new concessions will be valid only until mid-2026, with the fifth concessionaire, Lorenzoni Luigi e Fratelli, set to expire at the end of the same year. This appears to align with the launch of an industrial plan recently published by Adsp (the Port Authority). Adsp commissioned this plan to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> Consulting to evaluate the transformation of these areas into a shipyard exclusively dedicated to the construction of superyachts.The plan presented by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> Consulting suggests the necessity of implementing technical adjustments and administrative procedures, as well as considering the possibility of demolishing or renovating certain structures and making infrastructural improvements to the docks. These investments, as recommended by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>, would fall under the responsibility of future concessionaires.Moreover, the plan aims to reconfigure the area into four sections from the existing five. This involves a restructuring and optimisation of current activities while potentially discontinuing or relocating some. Depending on the extent of these changes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> Consulting outlines two scenarios for the development of shipbuilding and nautical activities, both offering significantly improved economic returns and job opportunities compared to the current concession holders.According to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>, the driving force behind these changes lies in the substantial demand within the luxury yacht industry for dedicated spaces for the manufacturing of luxury yacht vessels to address the order backlog . This surge in demand is underscored by a collection of declarations and press releases from key industry players such as &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> , <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confindustra Nautica (Company)">Confindustria Nautica</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Permare s.r.l. (Company)">Permare</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>.According to the document, the current concessionaires have a combined turnover of less than €12 million and employ fewer than 50 people. In contrast, the worst-case scenario, which allocates fewer spaces to the new shipyard, predicts a turnover exceeding 26 million euros and the employment of 148 people, with an average gross salary surpassing 52,000 euros annually. This growth is expected to be driven by the construction of a 50-metre yacht (estimated at 50 percent completion, considering the two-year construction period), an average-sized refitting project, and comprehensive refitting of two vessels measuring 40 and 60 metres.More optimistic projections, under the 'high' scenarios, envision at least three or four new construction projects annually and 7-8 refitting operations, resulting in revenues ranging from €79 -81 million and 442-484 employees (under the same economic conditions). Furthermore, existing activities that are retained, including workshops and services for Olt and Castalia, are expected to benefit from synergies that would increase overall profitability to over €17 million and employ around 90 individuals.

Livorno plans to establish a shipyard for the construction of superyachts

The local Port Authority in Livorno has recently initiated plans to establish a shipyard for the construction of superyachts.

Livorno plans to establish a superyacht construction shipyard

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299362/image/large-a25c81266c48d57e3707899057fdfbd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299362">Last summer, the 62.6-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lucky Lady62.6m (205'5&quot;)Oceanco2002">Lucky Lady</a> was seen anchored in the charming coastal town of Portovenere, Italy, with the historic Doria Castle towering in the background. Originally launched in 2002 as Lady Lola, the motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lucky Lady62.6m (205'5&quot;)Oceanco2002">Lucky Lady</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, boasts an exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/80" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The A Group (Company)">The A Group</a> and an interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a>. After her recent extensive six-month refit in 2022, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lucky Lady62.6m (205'5&quot;)Oceanco2002">Lucky Lady</a> features a luxurious owner's suite that encompasses an entire deck, complete with an office and a skylounge offering panoramic views. Accommodating up to 10 guests, her outdoor amenities include two dining areas, ample lounging space, a standout 7,000-litre Jacuzzi, and a unique pool with a two-level waterfall on the sundeck. Equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> 3512B DITA engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lucky Lady62.6m (205'5&quot;)Oceanco2002">Lucky Lady</a> can reach a top speed of 15 knots and comfortably cruises at 12 knots.

63m Oceanco superyacht Lucky Lady in Portovenere

The 63-metre Oceanco motor yacht Lucky Lady built in 2002 is seen in Portovenere, Italy. 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Grou</a>p (TISG) has confirmed production progress for 2024, with the launch and delivery of six yachts scheduled for this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299411/image/large-0c278c95831829aaa8d38b96eac3721f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299411">Five <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> yachts are set to be launched and delivered including two full custom 78-metre yachts, Platinum featuring interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> and exteriors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lobanov Design (Company)">Lobanov Design</a>, while Blue Marlin is entirely designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot</a>. The 72-metre Metamorphosis superyacht penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Armani/Casa (Company)">Giorgio Armani</a>, a 67-metre yacht featuring interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Berryman Design Ltd (Company)">Mark Berryman</a> and a 55-metre S-Force model crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">TISG</a> Centro Stile will also be launched and delivered in 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/180163/image/large-17b29e006641afe09e4ff6600516f5dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/180163"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/192694/image/large-3494bdd20a58907ccedd745e46bc2913.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/192694">In addition, 60-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Nav</a>i ketch Katana, featuring naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/52" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ron Holland Design (Company)">Ron Holland</a> and interiors crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a> will be launched. Following this, the first 24-metre Picchiotti Gentleman yacht is set to be delivered in 2025.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/67900/image/large-bc660d3bbb868531fbb7d7a7cd4c9144.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67900"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/278455/image/large-009945219760b3cdf0ee6304d28719ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/278455">Giovanni Costantino Founder &amp; CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a> stated, “In 2024 we will continue to grow as outlined in last year's Capital Markets Day forecast. In February there will be a new Capital Markets Day to illustrate the next objectives. We will continue to consolidate our business model in the name of innovation and sustainability, pursuing increasingly challenging and exciting goals”.

The Italian Sea Group production progress 2024

The Italian Sea Group confirms production progress for 2024, with the launch and delivery of six yachts scheduled for this year.

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