Superyacht News

Cape Town, February 25, 2024 – The Southern Wind Shipyard is proud to announce the latest marvel in its prestigious lineup, the SW96#05 Liberty, now gracing the waters of Cape Town. This yacht marks a significant milestone as the fifth installment in the acclaimed SW96 series, embodying a seamless blend of comfort, style, and high performance.

Liberty was commissioned by a discerning owner, returning to Southern Wind for his second project, with a vision to balance luxurious family cruising and spirited racing adventures. The yacht’s design is a collaborative masterpiece by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, pushing the envelope of the SW96 series’ success with an enhanced focus on competitive sailing.

In commemoration of Don Jaime Fernández Begoña Epalza (1927-2010), I would like to share a curious anecdote about diving safety that he shared with me back in 2007. Don Jaime was the first commercial diver in the small town of Getxo (Spanish Basque Country). While looking at his old dive helmet in a room dedicated to his collection of relics found underwater over the years, I asked him how they monitored their ascend speed and bottom time back in the day. He mentioned that they knew the US military dive tables by heart, but essentially, they would light up a cigarette as soon as they came out of the water. If the cigarette tasted ‘good’, all was fine, but if it had a ‘bad’ taste, they would return to the water and complete more decompression time and a slower ascend.

Heesen Yachts, the esteemed Dutch shipyard, has set the maritime industry abuzz with the delivery of its latest nautical masterpiece, the YN 20255, christened Iris Blue. As the premier yacht launched in 2024, Iris Blue is a testament to Heesen's unwavering commitment to innovation, luxury, and nautical excellence.

Revolutionary Design and Architecture

Omega Architects, with Frank Laupman at the helm, has meticulously reimagined the exterior silhouette of this vessel. The evolution is evident in the sweeping expanse of floor-to-ceiling glass, replacing the traditional vertical windows and eschewing mullions in the main saloon. This design choice not only enhances the vessel's assertive presence on the waves but also elevates its aesthetic, harmonizing the iconic Heesen family appearance with a newfound elegance.

Internally, the creative genius of Luca Dini Design & Architecture has breathed life into Iris Blue's interiors. The owner's suite, a lavish 78 square meters of refined luxury, now boasts an exclusive veranda on the starboard side. This transformative innovation offers an oasis of privacy and an invigorating openness, rarely achieved in maritime design.

Project 406, crafted by Royal Huisman, emerges as a significant innovation in luxury sportfishing yachts. This vessel is set to launch in Amsterdam, distinguished by its size, luxury, and design, tailored for the ardent angler who demands excellence.

Visionary Design and Performance

Vripack Yacht Design has sculpted Project 406 with a unique vision, resulting in a yacht that marries functionality with high-end aesthetics. Spanning 52 meters with a six-deck profile, Project 406 stands as the most extensive sportfish yacht to date, designed to offer a superior fishing and at-sea living experience.

The yacht features a high tower, strategically incorporated to provide expansive ocean views and to enhance the fishing experience. This design element doubles as a luxury viewing platform, ensuring guests can engage with the marine environment and the excitement of fishing.

Damen Yachting, a revered name in the luxury yacht industry, has marked the beginning of 2024 with the prestigious delivery of the Amels 60 SATEMI. This 60-metre superyacht, the fourth vessel from Damen's avant-garde Amels Limited Editions range, exemplifies the blend of bespoke craftsmanship and cutting-edge design.

The Amels 60 SATEMI is a testament to Damen Yachting's commitment to excellence. The yacht, gracing the Dutch builder's shipyard in the Netherlands, is set to embark on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean shortly. Its presence at the yard offers a unique preview into the exceptional quality and design Damen Yachting is renowned for.

A 50-Metre Marvel of Hybrid Engineering and Custom Luxury

Heesen Yachts, a renowned name in the world of luxury yachting, has once again set a new benchmark in maritime excellence with the christening of their latest project, YN 20150, now named MY Cinderella Noel IV. The event, held in the presence of the owners, their family and friends, as well as Heesen's dedicated team and subcontractors, marked a significant milestone in the world of luxury yachting. The 50-metre steel vessel, set for delivery in March 2024, is a testament to Heesen's commitment to superior craftsmanship and innovative design.

The yachting world is witnessing a transformative era, led by Feadship, the renowned yacht builder. In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, Feadship's pioneering approach to sustainability marks a significant milestone. Their latest venture, aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, reflects a growing consciousness within the luxury maritime sector.

The Art of Luxury Yachting in the Caribbean and Bahamas

In the serene embrace of the Caribbean and the Bahamas, luxury yachting offers an unparalleled experience of adventure and relaxation. Guided by the expertise of seasoned captains, yachts like KOJU, HOSPITALITY, and LOON set sail to explore these tropical paradises, each offering a distinct flavor of luxury and adventure.

KOJU: A Symphony of Service and Culinary Delight

Captain Battaglia of KOJU, a 121’5” marvel, orchestrates a unique charter experience that transcends mere travel. His philosophy, honed by Forbes training, emphasizes service that blends into the background, ensuring guests enjoy uninterrupted bliss. KOJU’s appeal lies in its exceptional culinary journey, often surpassing even renowned onshore establishments. Captain Battaglia takes pride in offering experiences like dancing at Nikki Beach or secluded beach escapades. He keeps the yacht up-to-date with the latest water sports trends, ensuring every journey with KOJU is an unforgettable chapter in the guests’ lives.

Oceanco, a renowned shipyard, has made a significant advancement in the construction of its new luxury yacht, the Y726. This exceptional vessel was recently transported along the Oude Maas River from Oceanco's initial construction site in Zwijndrecht to its outfitting facilities in Alblasserdam. This move marks a pivotal stage in the yacht's construction, where it will undergo final outfitting before its launch, sea trials, and delivery.

Rockport, ME, December 2023 - In a spectacle of engineering and design, Rockport Marine has successfully righted the hull of the 95-foot pilothouse sloop, Project Ouzel, marking a pivotal moment in the yacht's construction journey. On a crisp Maine winter day, the team, along with local enthusiasts, witnessed this critical phase, solidifying Rockport's status as a leader in bespoke yacht building.

Project Ouzel, a brainchild of Langan Design Partners and Mark Whiteley Design, is an epitome of luxury and modern sailing technology. Constructed using a combination of cold-molded Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and reinforced with carbon fiber, the yacht promises unparalleled performance and elegance.

Hamburg, December 13, 2023 – In a move that underscores its standing as a trailblazer in luxury yacht craftsmanship, Lürssen has recently initiated the final stages of construction for their latest masterpiece, Project Ali Baba, at their Hamburg facilities. This project, shrouded in secrecy and anticipation, is poised to become a new benchmark in the world of luxury yachts.

Project Ali Baba, a name that conjures images of mystery and opulence, represents the epitome of Lürssen's commitment to excellence in yacht building. With a heritage steeped in innovation and precision, Lürssen's latest venture is expected to showcase the pinnacle of design, technology, and luxury amenities.

Unveiling the Contest 67CS: A Nautical Masterpiece

In the heart of Crewe, on November 9, 2023, a landmark event took place – the unveiling of the Contest 67CS, a 20-metre luxury sailing cruiser, born from the collaborative genius of Bentley Motors and Contest Yachts. This project, commissioned by a discerning private client, signifies more than just a partnership; it's a harmonious blend of two worlds – automotive luxury and nautical elegance.

The Bentley Touch

Known for their impeccable craftsmanship in the automotive world, Bentley Motors took on the challenge of redefining yacht interiors. The team, famous for their work on the Continental GT and Bentayga, embarked on this journey with a vision to infuse the yacht with the essence of Bentley's design philosophy. The result? A bespoke interior that resonates with the materials, motifs, and techniques synonymous with Bentley's legendary cars.

Lürssen, a renowned shipbuilder, has proudly unveiled the launch of "Project CALI", a luxury vessel that stands out for its sleek design and innovative features. Boasting a total length of 82 meters (269 feet) and a beam of 12.5 meters (41 feet), this yacht is a testament to marine engineering prowess.

The yacht's exterior design is credited to Lürssen's in-house exterior designer, Jim Robert Sluijter, who has imparted CALI with a sleek and streamlined appearance, further accentuated by its distinctive reversed bow.

Furthermore, "Project CALI" has been crafted with an outdoor-loving family in mind. It's no surprise then that two of its most notable features are its expansive outdoor areas. The spacious beach club, located on the lower deck, opens on both sides to generous sea terraces and is linked to a large swim platform at the stern. Meanwhile, the 30-meter-long sun deck offers panoramic views and ample space for both daytime and nighttime activities. Its amenities include a jacuzzi, a lounge area, a bar, and a dining space equipped with a barbecue, a pizza oven, and an outdoor cinema.

The delivery of "Project CALI" is slated for the first quarter of 2024. The project has seen involvement from Kees De Keizer as the owner's representative and RWD as the interior designer.

Fort Lauderdale, often dubbed as the ‘Venice of America’, witnessed yet another opulent addition to its illustrious waters as the Grande 36M from Azimut, a renowned Italian yacht builder, graced the 64th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). This magnificent superyacht didn't just mark its territory but stole the spotlight by receiving the coveted Best of Show award, solidifying Azimut's status as an avant-garde force in the luxury maritime sphere.

One need only to gaze upon the Grande 36M to understand why it’s being lauded as an epitome of luxury and innovation. Its revolutionary design erases barriers, such as its semi-walkaround upper deck, stretching seamlessly from stern to almost the tip of the bow, a concept unheard of for yachts of this stature. This ingenious layout creates an unchartered vantage point, transforming traditional naval architecture.

Moreover, with glazed surfaces that morph and retract to offer unobstructed panoramic views, the deck transforms into a vast horizon-gazing platform. This unique design is the brainchild of Alberto Mancini, known for his impeccable flair in exterior design, complemented by Achille Salvagni's ultra-luxe interiors, making the Grande 36M a masterpiece both inside and out.

Emerging majestically from the construction shed at Feadship's facility in Makkum, Project 1011 signifies a leap in luxury yachting that transcends mere size and delves deep into the realms of innovation, design and client collaboration. As this superyacht prepares for its sea trials in the formidable North Sea, a brief overview scarcely does justice to the meticulous craftsmanship and radical design choices that epitomise this project.

The first glimpse of Project 1011 is truly unforgettable. Crafted by the maestros at Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, with naval architecture by Azure Yacht Design, its sleek exterior, underlined by clean-cut lines and a vertical bow, radiates an aura of regality. This distinctive silhouette makes Project 1011 instantly recognisable, underscoring its unique character.

Following an Extensive Refit

The 97-meter Carinthia VII has left the Lürssen facilities in Hamburg and been redelivered to her delighted owners. After being in the same hands for 20 years, with only a handful of people ever seeing the inside of this world famous yacht, she has been carefully refitted for her new owner, who bought her in 2022, to ensure she remains at the forefront of the yachting industry.

The refit was extensive and included both interior and exterior changes. The most visible change is the new 11-meter pool on the main deck. An amazing glass front allows for a stunning participation between the swimming pool and the dining space, and there is generous access via a brand new staircase.

A Breathtaking Vision of Sustainable Yachting

Monaco's glittering shores and azure waters have always played host to the globe's most extraordinary superyachts. But this year, at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, the maritime elite witnessed a debut that represents not just luxury and opulence but a promising vision for the future: Feadship’s latest Concept Design, "Dunes".

For the uninitiated, Feadship, the iconic Dutch shipbuilder, embarked on a transformative journey in 2006. Through unveiling their annual concept designs, they've been showcasing radical shifts in luxury yachting expectations. These aren’t mere drafts of excess; they're purposeful evolutions. Evolutions driven by the confluence of client aspirations, visionary brainstorming, and breakthroughs in marine technology.

Marina di Carrara, Italy - The Italian Sea Group has unveiled Art Explorer, the first sailing catamaran from the iconic Perini Navi brand. The 47-meter yacht is a groundbreaking vessel that sets new standards for luxury, performance, and sustainability.

Art Explorer was designed by Axel De Beaufort and features an all-carbon fiber hull and superstructure. The yacht is powered by a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric motors and diesel engines, making it one of the most environmentally friendly sailing yachts in the world.

The interior of Art Explorer is equally impressive. The yacht features five spacious cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests, as well as a large salon, dining room, and sundeck. The yacht also has a dedicated art gallery that will be used to showcase works by emerging and established artists.

The Italian shipyard Rossinavi has unveiled its latest superyacht, the M/Y No Stress Two. The 50-meter yacht is the first in a new line of hybrid vessels from Rossinavi, and it features a number of innovative technologies that make it one of the most environmentally friendly superyachts on the market.

One of the most striking features of the M/Y No Stress Two is its hybrid propulsion system. The yacht is powered by a combination of diesel engines and electric motors, which can be used in either parallel or series mode. In parallel mode, the diesel engines and electric motors work together to provide maximum power. In series mode, the electric motors power the yacht while the diesel engines are used to recharge the batteries.

Benetti, the Italian shipyard known for its luxury yachts, has unveiled its new flagship for the Class Range: the Benetti Class 44M. The yacht is designed to be a luxurious and comfortable home away from home for its owners, with a spacious layout and a focus on sustainability.

The Benetti Class 44M is 44 meters long and has four decks. The main deck is home to the master suite, the galley, and the living room. The upper deck has a large sundeck and a dining area. The lower deck has four guest cabins and the crew quarters.

The yacht is made with sustainable materials, including FSC-certified wood. The interior is designed to be informal and natural, with a focus on light and airiness. The yacht also has a number of features that are designed to reduce its environmental impact, such as a water purification system and a soundproofing system.