yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Sunseeker, 100 Yacht, Cannes Yachting Festival, Mark Chinery, Bryan Jones, Yacht Style, 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht, 95 Yacht, 90 Ocean, Ocean 182, Ocean 156

Sunseeker’s Top 100 Yacht

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Sunseeker’s Top 100 Yacht

June 8, 2023
3:19 pm

A strong statement that the British builder’s sporty DNA is still alive and kicking, the Sunseeker 100 Yacht can reach up to 30 knots, while its many attractions include walkaround access between the flybridge and foredeck, as well as a stunning owner’s suite fronted by a cosy bow terrace.
Words: John Higginson Photos: Sunseeker

The 100 Yacht at rest

Even when Sunseeker’s 100 Yacht is at rest, she looks like she’s ‘already moving’. The aggressive lines and sharp angles of this shark-like flagship of the Yacht series of larger flybridge models show the British shipyard staying true to its performance heritage while introducing a series of notable new features, many combined on a yacht of this length for the first time.

Joining the 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht and 95 Yacht, the 100 Yacht is a stylistic alternative to the likes of the beamy 90 Ocean, the first model in Sunseeker’s growing series of big-volume vessels and set to be followed by its skylounge edition, Ocean 182, and the shorter Ocean 156, both named after their volume in GT.

Powerful, lean and muscular, the 100 Yacht is even a little imposing from afar. It’s 9ft longer than the 90 Ocean and 20 tonnes heavier, yet it’s almost 1ft narrower. It’s just a different physique altogether, yet one that also has a sub-24m load line length, with her CE Category A certification easing demands on owners and crew.

The 100 Yacht can reach 30 knots

And just like the 88 Yacht did when it debuted alongside the 90 Ocean and others as part of the ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’ a couple of years ago, the 100 Yacht proves that both ranges can run in parallel and achieve great success.

Sunseeker announced 15 hulls had been sold by late April, an impressive tally considering the 100 Yacht only debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September and that the similar-sized 30M sold 17 during its entire life span over a decade ago.

Furthermore, the recent launch of the fourth unit of the 100 Yacht revealed dramatic Midnight Grey paintwork that should gain the new model further attention this summer.

The X-TEND™ can be raised to cockpit level

“The 100 Yacht is a fusion of our expertise in design and ultra-modern styling, and it’s a response to us listening to client feedback, asking what the market needs,” says Mark Chinery, Sunseeker’s Sales Manager. “We want to lead the market and we want a yacht that turns heads and appeals to owners.”

WALKAROUND TOP DECK

While sharing some of the styling and big-boat attributes of the 116 Yacht and tri-deck 131 Yacht, both now grouped in the builder’s Superyacht series, the 100 Yacht is more cohesive, with long bands of glazing all pointing to the knifelike bow, which cradles one of the model’s signature features – the owner’s private forepeak terrace.

However, it’s worth noting that there are other ways to reach this cosy nook other than through the master suite. After all, this is the first Sunseeker to feature full walkaround access between the aft flybridge and the foredeck.

The flybridge includes a jacuzzi, sunbeds, bar, dining table and sofas

There are at least three ways to reach the foredeck from the aft cockpit, with the flybridge providing the scenic route among the two outdoor paths. After heading up the starboard stairs to the flybridge, guests are provided with a first view of the starboard walkway, which spans much of the length of the top deck.

The stairway emerges behind a long bar that faces fixed bar stools as well as a huge, foldable dining table and lots of seating to port, all of which can be specified by the owner. The aft open area of the flybridge can feature one of three spa tubs offered by Sunseeker and integrated sunpads or space for free-standing sunbeds.

The foredeck is accessible from the aft flybridge and port stairs

Forward are two L-shaped sofas either side of the sliding glass companionway door to the pilothouse, although an outdoor helm is an option in place of the starboard corner couch. The new hard top design has the option of a sunroof or adjustable slats and is wide enough to cover the start of both side passages to the foredeck.

The forward social areas start with a C-shaped sofa – with fridge drawers to hand – and a table across from an opposing sofa, which is integrated aft of a magnificent quadruple sunpad with electrically adjustable backrests. This area can be covered by a bimini, then when the sun goes down, it can be transformed into an open-air cinema with a laser projector and 140-inch screen.

The forepeak is a few steps down from the walkaround foredeck and flybridge

To port are a few steps leading down to the forepeak, but as this area was designed for the owner’s use, we’ll retrace our steps to the aft cockpit and take the indoor route through the saloon.

X-TENDING SOCIAL OPTIONS

Before heading indoors, it’s worth having a closer look at the cockpit and the whole aft area. The cockpit can be arranged with free-standing or fixed furniture, with guests able to enjoy clear sea views and the beach club through the glass balustrade. In the forward port corner is an integrated wet bar with a fridge, ice maker, stainless-steel sink and storage.

The X-TEND™ folded out as a sofa

Furthermore, the 100 Yacht is Sunseeker’s third model to be offered with the X-TEND™ option, following the 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean. This remarkable in-house system folds out to become a huge sunpad above the swim platform or can be raised to main-deck level, creating a forward-facing sunpad and a nicely protected social area once the balustrade doors are opened.

The X-TEND™ is also the door to the impressive tender garage, which can house a Williams SportJet 460, 3.5m three-seat jetski, diving equipment, paddleboards and other water toys, along with dedicated Seabob storage. Should a bigger tender be required, or the garage needed for other items, it’s worth noting that the bathing platform can take up to a Williams DiesetJet 565.

The X-TEND™ raises to reveal the garage

A hydraulic ladder passarelle allows guests to easily access the toys and make the most of their time in the water, while Sunseeker’s renowned Beach Club offering includes an oversized rain shower and large built-in barbecue.

CALM INDOORS

In contrast to the array of enticing options and attractions in the outdoor areas, the interior – designed with long-time collaborator Design Unlimited – is refreshingly calming.

The calm saloon

It oozes a refined luxury that almost sits midway between the formal, intricate detailing seen in the 88 Yacht and the relaxed, laid-back vibe of the 90 Ocean.

The 100 Yacht benefits from floor-to-ceiling glazing, which provides magnificent views and allows for masses of natural light during the day. The standard layout for the saloon includes a large, L-shaped sofa to port and a 55-inch standing TV to starboard, where low cabinets ensure the window views take centre stage during the day.

The dining table seats 10 guests

Forward is a dining table for eight to 10 people, with Sunseeker offering the option of sliding doors on the starboard side, allowing for a cool breeze and easy access to the half-length side deck for an evening stroll or a chat overlooking the water.

A central cabinet and feature wall forward of the dining area also act as a screen for the central staircases – floating steps from port up to the wheelhouse, and the carpeted starboard stairway down to the four en-suite guest cabins.

VIP suite to port

The lower-deck hallway leads aft to two almost mirror VIP suites, each with an inward-facing double bed, bedside tables and an 11ft-long bathroom aft. Forward are two guest cabins, both with aft-facing single beds that can be slid together to form a double, while each room can also be fitted with a Pullman berth to expand the overnight capacity to 12 guests.

OWNER’S HAVEN

Back up on the main deck, the starboard hallway leads to the day head before the entrance to the master suite, which is arguably the crowning glory of the interior design.

Hall leading to the master suite

The long lobby is flanked to port by cupboards and drawers then a magnificent walk-in wardrobe with full-length mirror and feature shelving, while to starboard is an elegant countertop and long drawers next to a longer vanity desk and drawers following the same design.

Entering the main bedroom provides the view that puts a smile on your face, with beautifully designed, curved cabinets framing a feature stairway up to a sliding glass companionway door that provides direct access to the forepeak.

The entrance hallway is flanked by a desk, drawers, cupboards and walk-in wardrobe

It’s a stunning sight and one the owners can wake up to every day from their bed. However, it’s still not quite as nice as the almost 360-degree vistas from the bow terrace, where the teak decking – free of any hardware – can cosily fit two chairs and a table, ideal for coffee or a quiet place to read.

“Overall, the most innovative parts of the 100 Yacht have had a great response and the owner’s suite with the walkthrough to the forepeak has gone down really, really well,” says designer Ewen Foster, Sunseeker’s Chief Technical Officer, who has worked with the shipyard since 1985.

The master suite features a stunning stairway up to the forepeak

“The bow terrace is still a practical area for the anchoring side of things, but once you’re at anchor, it can be set up for the owners.”

The bedroom also has a pop-up TV port of the stairs, while the bathroom is aft of the bed on port side and features twin sinks and mirrors, a rain shower and an enclosed toilet with sink.

The private forepeak is a signature feature

As well as guest flow, crew flow was also essential in early design and development. Sunseeker is quick to emphasise that the bow terrace works as well as it does for the owners because service to the foredeck can be quick, with easy access from the galley via stairs from the port side deck.

“We’ve worked hard with our team and with clients and crew to make sure the circulation around the yacht works internally and externally,” Chinery says.

The forward part of the galley

Situated forward of the dining room to port, the galley starts with two full-height fridge-freezers and a sink, countertop and storage below the window, while inboard is a spacious three-sided working area with masses of storage.

Beside the side deck door, a forward staircase leads down to an impressive crew quarters featuring an L-shaped dinette, corner galley, laundry facilities, a captain’s cabin with en-suite to port, and two en-suite bunk-bed cabins forward.

The pilothouse

The pilothouse, linked by separate stairways to the galley entrance and the flybridge, has a single captain’s chair facing a console topped by three Simrad screens, with an oversized chart table to port and L-shaped companion seating in the aft starboard corner. Wing stations are fitted as standard, while an outdoor helm on the flybridge is optional.

Chinery, for one, has been impressed with the performance of the 100 Yacht along with the comfort, both in terms of vibrations and volume. “It’s a very quiet, smooth ride. I was astounded at how peaceful it was.”

Evening lighting on show

Sunseeker offers owners plenty of choice in terms of décor, furniture and fixtures, but the 100 Yacht is already a popular proposition due to its thoughtful layout and many highlights, be it the large tender and toy storage, beach club attractions including the X-TEND™, the walkaround top deck with numerous different social areas, or the master suite with the private terrace.

“The 100 Yacht has multiple unique selling points,” Chinery says. “Bringing them together in a single package of this size has been a significant achievement that our clients are now enjoying.”
www.sunseeker.com

Eco sailing cat using Torqeedo Deep Blue Hybrid

News / yachtstyle2020

Eco sailing cat using Torqeedo Deep Blue Hybrid

June 8, 2023
2:41 pm

A coastal cruising operator says business has benefited by offering visitors cruises on a catamaran using the Deep Blue Hybrid propulsion and energy-management system.

Mundo Marino’s hybrid sailing catamaran

“Cruise the Bay of Malaga on an ecological sailboat,” reads the advert for the sightseeing tour on Mundo Marino Eco, a sailing catamaran fitted with Torqeedo’s Deep Blue Hybrid technology.

The 24m-long, 10m-wide Mundo Marino Eco is the first hybrid catamaran in the fleet of passenger boats owned by Mundo Marino, which transports tourists along the Costa del Sol every day.

There are several tour providers that offer bay cruises, but the Deep Blue Hybrid propulsion and energy-management system distinguish this eco-catamaran as it sails silently and without emissions along the coast.

Lower helm on Mundo Marino Eco

From out in the bay, passengers aboard Mundo Marino Eco can admire the skyline of the capital of the Costa del Sol, the Moorish fortress called Alcazaba of Malaga and the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle.

It feels good to sail around the bay with a drink in hand while listening to relaxing music, especially when it’s in a sustainable manner.

After all, it feels better – and is better – to enjoy time on the water without damaging the marine environment through noise, exhaust fumes and other pollution.

Torqeedo Deep Blue Hybrid system on Mundo Marino Eco

David de Haro and his father co-founded Mundo Marino 25 years ago. For the first year after Mundo Marino Eco was commissioned, De Haro captained the Mundo Marino Eco himself. Nowadays, he only fills in when a mechanic or captain is out of action.

More often, you find him sitting in the office charting the course of the company, which has benefited from its first major move to green propulsion. “Business is good,” says De Haro, who believes sustainable tourism is a growth market.

View aboard Mundo Marino Eco

Mundo Marino offers a range of tours, 60-minute harbour tours, and swimming excursions into the turquoise Mediterranean. The sunset cruises are usually booked out weeks in advance.

“We’re mighty proud of our eco-catamaran,” De Haro says. He even has the elegant white boat as a screensaver on his phone.

Built at the Drassenes Dalmau boatyard, north of Barcelona, the catamaran is also equipped with two 300hp diesel engines, which proved useful in transporting the yacht from Barcelona to Málaga. But in everyday tour operations, De Haro says, they’re hardly ever used.

Torqeedo Deep Blue 25/50kw inboard

On an average one-hour tour of the bay with 150 passengers, the diesel engines are not needed at all. “It’s so quiet and relaxed on board,” De Haro enthuses. “The electric motors are perfect for our short trips and moderate speed of four knots.”

He’s most impressed with the sophisticated onboard energy-management system, which uses renewable energy to meet the catamaran’s various operational needs.

For example, the solar system powers the lighting, water pumps, music system and refrigerator. When there’s enough wind, the catamaran sets the sails and uses hydrogeneration to recharge the batteries.

Torqeedo Deep Blue 40kWh battery

Tourism businesses are increasingly realising that more sustainable operations can provide a competitive advantage, as vacationers are interested in patronising green businesses and new experiences.

In fact, many of Mundo Marino Eco’s passengers show a real interest in the catamaran’s ability to generate its own power under sail.

“When they see the battery indicator suddenly change from yellow to green while sailing, many of the passengers are simply amazed,” De Haro says. “They often say, ‘That’s free energy!’”

For more information on Torqeedo, email Tamás Brunecker of Torqeedo Asia-Pacific. asia@torqeedo.com www.torqeedo.com

Guillaume Andrebe: Leading the cat charge in Asia

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Guillaume Andrebe: Leading the cat charge in Asia

June 8, 2023
2:33 pm

As Asia-Pacific Sales Director for two Groupe Beneteau catamaran builders, Andrebe oversees a dealer network seeking to maintain Lagoon as the region’s leading multihull brand, while he also works on raising the profile of the sporty, twin-helm Excess line.

Guillaume Andrebe, Asia-Pacific Sales Director, Lagoon and Excess

Guillaume, you’ve represented Lagoon and Excess from Groupe Beneteau’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong since January 2019. How important is the city for Lagoon?

It’s a very important market for us. Hong Kong has been the Asia-Pacific home of Groupe Beneteau since 2016 and it has been a steady market for Lagoon for a long time.

With Simpson Marine as our dealer (in Hong Kong and other markets), we’ve been selling boats to Cathay Pacific pilots, expats and increasingly to locals enjoying the boating lifestyle. Some Lagoon owners even live on their boats, in Sai Kung, Aberdeen and so on. Hong Kong is an amazing playground, as you have lots of islands to go to on the weekend with your family and friends. What’s better than a Lagoon catamaran for that.

You’ve visited Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Singapore in recent months, so which are the leading Asia-Pacific markets for Lagoon?

Currently, it’s Australia, although it often changes from year to year. Japan is strong and one of the oldest markets for us in Asia. Tetsuo Sekiguchi from First Marine is a long-time distributor of Beneteau and Lagoon, and is a legend of the industry and for Groupe Beneteau. Over the years, he has created an amazing Lagoon community there.

The first Lagoon 55 in Asia; Photo: Simpson Marine

The Philippines is also a huge market. Europa Yachts is our dealer there and we have a group of clients who are successful businessmen and pretty much all friends. They’ve been purchasing our biggest units for years now and upgrading regularly, so it’s actually a very big market for us.

Where else has Lagoon been strong in Asia?

Malaysia and Sanya in China have also been amazing places for business for us. I think Simon Theseira of Simpson Marine Malaysia even set a record one year, where he was the best Lagoon 620 salesman in the world.

There was similar demand in Sanya. If you still go to the marinas in Sanya, you have 620s lined up in marinas. Sanya slowed down a bit, mostly for political reasons, but is starting again now that Hainan is a Free Trade Port. It’s still a bit quiet in Malaysia, although Simpson Marine is still busy and we’ve been delivering Lagoons there regularly.

How do you view Lagoon’s presence in Singapore, which hosted the Southeast Asia debut of the Lagoon 55 (Review, Issue 59) at this year’s Singapore Yachting Festival, following the model’s Asia premiere in Hong Kong late last year?

It has been growing for the last five years. Before, the interest in catamarans wasn’t so big, mostly a matter of berthing, but people are realising that having a catamaran is great for going to the islands at weekends or using when you go on holiday to Indonesia or Thailand, for example.

Lagoon Sixty 7 (right) beside a 55 at the 2023 Singapore Yachting Festival

As well as the new 55, there’s a recent Sixty 7 powercat that was previously owned by a client in the Middle East, who realised he preferred sailing. So, he sold the Sixty 7 to a client in Singapore and bought a 55.

Simpson Marine resumed the Lagoon Escapade Thailand last October. How important is this event and what feedback do you get from Lagoon owners in the country?

Apart from the boat shows, these are probably the most important events for us because we’re trying to build this community around the brand. The Escapades work well. People travel all around the world with their Lagoons and when they meet another Lagoon owner, they’re happy to talk to them and share their stories and experience. They’re also very active online, exchanging tips on how to fix or repair something.

This is what we wanted to create, a community around the brand, and because owners renew their boats every few years, we want them to stay with us because they feel happy with us and part of a family. So, these events are important for this. During Escapades, we get to go sailing with them, share good times, share stories about the brand, and create a community.

Andrebe (back row) at Lagoon Escapade Thailand last October; Photo: Simpson Marine

When you talk to owners, is there anything that surprises you?

Yeah, always – they’re so proud. The pride of owning a Lagoon, you can really see it in their eyes. And they like to tell you where they’ve been and tell you the good times, the bad moments as well, when they were caught in a storm, how and what they did, and so on.

They’re proud of the memories they make on their boats. When I join the Escapades, I spend hours listening to their stories. They’re very active users.

What’s next for Lagoon Escapades in Asia?

The Lagoon Escapade Philippines was scheduled to be held in late May and was set to have the full current range of models represented, from the 42 to the Seventy 8 powercat. However, we’ve had to postpone this due to the weather, so it should be held later this year.

Lagoon Escapade Thailand 2022; Photo: Simpson Marine

The next Lagoon Escapade in Thailand is from November 3-5 and we’re also planning the first Escapade in Japan next year because we have so many Lagoons there. We’re also looking to host events in Hong Kong and Sanya.

How successful has the Lagoon 51 (Review, Issue 67) been in launching the brand’s new emphasis on sustainability?

We felt having solar panels was not enough anymore. It’s not enough to put solar panels everywhere on the boat and call yourself sustainable. We want to go further than this. So, we started from the very beginning of the process from where we get our raw materials, so now we only source wood from forests certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

We source natural resin for use in the construction, which is another big step in the right direction. We offer recycled fabrics for all the upholstery. We even use natural fibres, so some structural parts of the boats are made of hemp fibre. Our R&D department is actively working into increasing the percentage of sustainable materials and we’re going to take more steps with future models.

Launched in 2022, the Lagoon 51 introduced the brand’s new sustainability focus

Groupe Beneteau is working with Torqeedo (click for article) and Vision Marine on electric propulsion. This is one of the main axis of the R&D department, but we don’t want to rush things. Lagoon was the first catamaran builder to put electric engines on a catamaran, in 2006, but the solution wasn’t great at the time, so we stopped.

Now, we want to take our time to find something that will bring enough power and autonomy to be safe. Also, something affordable because today this is a six-figure option, with competitors selling this for between €150,000 and €300,000, which is too much.

Even though it’s an expensive option, are people enquiring about hybrid or electric propulsion and energy?

Everybody is, but we tell them about the current performance of the systems, the price and the fact that it’s still very new technology. It’s going to be tough to find someone in a local marina willing to repair any such system because most are not trained for it, so clients quickly come back to choosing diesel engines. There are amazing initiatives happening, but we need to wait until these are workable and proven on a production scale.

Andrebe on a Lagoon 55 at this year’s Singapore Yachting Festival

Since Excess was introduced in 2019, where in Asia-Pacific has the brand proven popular?

French Polynesia is number one, ahead of Japan, Australia and New Zealand. We have a dealer, Sail Tahiti, that has found the perfect recipe. We never sold a new Lagoon to a private owner there, although we have sold to charter companies. But when David Allouch from Sail Tahiti arrived, he offered Excess models to anyone willing to keep them in French Polynesia.

Owners use it when they come and for the rest of the year, Sail Tahiti manages, charters and maintains it until the owners are back. And it works. We’ve sold at least 10 Excess catamarans in French Polynesia. For his first Excess 11, David took it from the shipyard in Les Sables-d’Olonne (on France’s west coast) and sailed it himself for three months to Tahiti.

The Excess 15 is the young brand’s flagship; Photo: Christophe Launay

What’s needed to increase the popularity of Excess in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, where Lagoon has been the leading catamaran brand for so long?

Groupe Beneteau created Excess because they realised the catamaran market was segmented into performance cats, like Outremer, HH and so on, and cruisers like Lagoon, but there was really nothing in the middle.

At a lot of boat shows, they heard on the pontoons that a lot of people weren’t willing to transition from a monohull to a catamaran because they didn’t want to give up on the sensations of sailing. So, they created Excess, which sits in the middle between performance and cruisers. You still have the comfort and the volume, but you also have a boat that sails well.

What do owners coming from monohulls want? They want helm stations at the back because they want to be right next to the water, have good vision of the sails and be directly connected to the rudders, so they can feel the water on their hands when they’re helming. This is what Excess offers.

There’s no flybridge on Excess, which makes the boat sportier looking, gives owners great access to the boom and the sails, and makes the boat lighter.

The Excess 11 is the brand’s popular entry model

Excess is not a performance cat, but it’s a bit faster than Lagoon and lighter, so will take off more easily in light winds. In five knots, you can start sailing. Owners then have everything they want. The family’s happy, they finally sail flat, everybody has their own room and privacy, as well as volume and comfort.

This is why we never have clients considering one or the other because the helm stations at the back and no flybridge is a ‘no’ for some people or appealing to others. In fact, we compared the data of people visiting Lagoon and Excess stands during boat shows, and only 10 per cent of people visited both, which means we have two different target audiences. Excess cats are very much for monohull sailors looking for similar sensations.

After the Excess 12 and 15 featured bridge decks and inner hulls from the Lagoon 40 and 52, the 11 and then 14 were all-new. Why is the brand’s management most excited about the Excess 14 (Review, Issue 68)?

I think we finally found our DNA. We’ve been looking for the Excess identity since 2019. The 12 and 15 were a good introduction, but not different enough from existing cats. With the 11, we started to feel something from the market. We’ve now sold over 250 units already, with a well-specced model costing about €400,000.

The new Excess 14 has helped the brand distinguish itself

Now, with the Excess 14 (click for Review), we went a step further in finding that DNA. It’s a sporty looking boat with those slightly aggressive lines. It’s innovative, very clever but simple, because sailors like simple boats that are easy to sail and maintain. We have an amazing naval architect, Herve Piveteau, who came up with all this, with the help of VPLP (Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost).

The Excess 14 is already a big commercial success and we’re sold out until the end of 2024. And from 2025, Excess is going to be able to build 250 boats a year, which will put it on the podium with the biggest catamaranbrands.
www.cata-lagoon.com
www.excess-catamarans.com

Multihull Special 2023: Powercats Part 1

News / yachtstyle2020

Multihull Special 2023: Powercats Part 1

June 8, 2023
1:47 pm

With power catamarans moving into the mainstream, monohull builders like Prestige and Gulf Craft have been moving into the multihull market, while Aquila maintains market leadership.

Note: The original article appears in Issue 71 and follows a chapter on supercats (click to read)

Prestige M48

Power catamarans used to be the preserve of the world’s leading sailing catamaran builders, who were able to use their expertise – and sometimes existing hulls – to develop twin-hulled motor yachts.

Fountaine Pajot introduced its Trawler series of powercats in 1998, Leopard ventured into powercats in 2007, and both continue to be among market leaders. Lagoon’s launch of its Seventy 8 in 2017 and Sunreef’s debut of its 80 Sunreef Power two years later kick-started the growing popularity of larger models.

The dominance of brands like these has been challenged in recent years by powercat-focused Aquila, which was formed in 2012 and launched its 100th unit five years later. However, the popularity of the 36 Sport cruiser that debuted that year and the earlier 44 Yacht flybridge then spearheaded an enormous growth surge, with each model selling about twice as many units as the company produced in its first five years.

In the US, the Aquila 36 Sport was even competing with some of the world’s leading monohull yacht builders for sales in its size sector. The industry was watching as powercat sales rose year after year, with monohull yacht builders among those taking notice.

GROUPE BENETEAU’S MAJOR MOVE

At the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival, Bluegame announced it would be moving into the multihull market and the much-anticipated BGM75 is set to launch this year.

Prestige M48

However, Prestige was the first of Europe’s leading luxury monohull motor yacht builders to move into multihulls, debuting its M48 at the Cannes show last year and showing it among an otherwise monohull-dominated Hall 6 at Boot Dusseldorf this January.

The builder says over 30 units have been ordered of the M48, which was designed by Italy’s Garroni Design, Prestige’s long-time collaborator, while French designer Philippe Briand handled naval architecture. Garroni also designed the M8 set to debut at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival (September 12-17), with the 65ft model featuring hull design by Marc Lombard.

Prestige, renowned as a world leader in 40-60ft monohull motor yachts, is now one of four Groupe Beneteau brands producing multihulls.

Lagoon started in 1984 as a catamaran offshoot of Jeanneau and over the past two decades has established itself as the world’s most prolific builder of pleasure cats, topping 6,000 units in early 2021. Sister brand Excess was founded in 2019 with a focus on sportier, twin-helm sailing cats.

Four Winns TH36

Last September, Prestige’s M48 premiere at Cannes coincided with the low-key ‘prototype’ debut of Four Winns’ first twin-hull model, the TH36 designed by Garroni and Lombard, which made its official world premiere at April’s International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte and will also show at Cannes and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 25-29). These recent moves into multihulls show the boatbuilding giant’s vast confidence in the platform.

Rosalie Le Gall, Product Manager at Prestige, says: “The M-Line all stemmed from discussion within Groupe Beneteau about where we can go with motor yachts at Prestige and how to go beyond what we’re already doing. We analysed the trends and needs of the market and saw that people are expecting more and more space, and were less concerned with speed.

“The stabilisation systems needed for beamier monohulls are amazing but expensive, heavy and use a lot of power, while we also have a responsibility towards reducing fuel consumption. The conclusion was that the catamaran platform really answers all these needs. It even offers more than we expected.”

Prestige can draw on vast catamaran expertise within Groupe Beneteau, but as it approached the multihull market from the view of a monohull yacht builder, it started from a blank sheet of paper.

Prestige M48

Erwin Bamps, Brand Director of Prestige, said the builder chose to create its own architecture as he believes the powercat market is not so evolved that it presents a standard set of norms and minimums required by potential clients.

“This was a very important step for the evolution of Prestige,” Bamps says. “However, this is not a consolidated market. Everyone has a different interpretation of what powercats should look like. If you go to five powercat manufacturers around the world, you find very different concepts.”

However, principals at Lagoon, whose powercat models comprise the Sixty 7 and Seventy 8, did advise Prestige to include a full-beam owner’s suite, stating that it was a key differentiator in the market.

Olivier Besson, founder and CEO of Asia Yachting, which represents Prestige in Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines, is expecting the first M48 in Asia to arrive in Hong Kong by the end of this year or early next year, with later hulls for Asia-Pacific destined for Japan and Australia.

“The positioning of the M48 is quite different in the sense that it’s a real Prestige, in the level of luxury of finish,” Besson says. “I think the innovation of the master cabin is really something quite special. I also believe the large swim platform that goes so high and so low, plus the big storage for toys, is very practical. I believe it’s a very interesting product.”

CGI of Prestige M8

Prestige will consolidate its own presence in the multihull sector with the M8, which again features exterior design and layouts by Camillo Garroni, while Lombard oversees naval architecture.

Le Gall says: “We haven’t raised the bridge deck height as much as we did on the M48, but we’ve raised the main-deck floor and overall height of the boat to make the saloon deck on one single level. We’ve also created some more space forward for the owner’s suite. That’s why it has much more space than competitors of this length, sail or motor cats.”

The first hull of the M8 is scheduled to depart for the US, where it could appear at the Fort Lauderdale show in late October. The second hull will be a special edition and will remain in Europe for the model’s world premiere at Cannes in September. It features a solar-panel system with a lithium battery bank designed to cover the yacht’s hotel load, with a highly efficient air-conditioning system among features designed to reduce energy consumption.

GULF CRAFT GROWS SILVERCATS

Meanwhile, Gulf Craft has steadily been developing its new SilverCat range, designed in-house and marking a return to catamarans for the UAE builder, which produced racing powercats in the 1980s. Today, it oversees four yacht brands: Silvercraft, Oryx, Nomad and Majesty, whose flagship 175 is the world’s largest composite production yacht.

Gulf Craft SilverCat 34 CC

Created within the builder’s Silvercraft brand of family cruisers, the SilverCat series kicked off with the 2020 launch of the enclosed SilverCat 34 Lux, built in the UAE builder’s Maldives production facility.

The SilverCat 34 Lux was Gulf Craft’s first speedboat equipped with solar panels to power all non-propulsion systems including air-conditioning, and the model is now offered in two other versions: HT with smaller wheelhouse and open-style CC (centre console).

The SilverCat 40 Lux debuted in 2021 and was followed by last year’s premiere of the 40 CC at the Dubai International Boat Show, while SilverCat’s flagship two-cabin 46 Lux premiered at the Dubai

show this March and is available with two 440hp inboard engines or four 400hp outboards.

Hulls and superstructures are made with a proprietary vacuum-infusion process, incorporate carbon fibre and even Kevlar, while the builder now also has a facility in Ajman (UAE) dedicated to the production of powercats.

Gulf Craft SilverCat 40 CC

Chairman Mohammed Alshaali, who co-founded the shipyard in 1982, says the time was right to introduce a pleasure cat series and has used each of the SilverCat 34, 40 and 46 models himself, including for fishing in the Maldives.

“We’ve found there is a trend and people like their advantages – stability, speed, space, everything – so we moved into the market with smaller models that are good for families and fishing,” says Alshaali, who says Gulf Craft will focus on sport cruisers and not move into flybridge catamarans.

“At the same time, we take care of the needs of clients in warm regions, so we offer air-conditioned interiors with a galley, cabins and so on. I love fishing and going to sea in catamarans. You feel the speed, yet it’s relaxing, and the economy is unbelievable, especially when you use diesel engines. SilverCat is still new, but we’re selling very well because I think the price is right compared to competitors.”

Gulf Craft SilverCat 40 Lux

Australian-owned ILIAD, which builds in China, hosted the debut of the 53S at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, while its other powercats include the 50 that launched the brand in 2019 and the 62.

For more information on ILIAD, the Thailand-built Cora Cat 48, France’s Leen Trimarans (50, 56, 72) and other brands represented by sister companies The Yacht Sales Co and Multihull Solutions, read PROFILE in Issue 71.

AQUILA POWERS FORWARD

Meanwhile, Aquila continues to grow from strength to strength, with company principals describing the MarineMax-Sino Eagle collaboration as the world’s No. 1 power catamaran manufacturer.

Aquila 42 Yacht

This year, Aquila debuted its 42 Yacht (click for Review) at the Miami International Boat Show and recently launched the 47 Molokai, which joins the 28 Molokai in the new Offshore series.

Featuring a design collaboration with French studio VPLP, the 42 Yacht is the fourth model in Aquila’s current line of flybridge motor yachts, which also includes the hugely popular 44 Yacht, 54 Yacht and flagship 70 Luxury (a hybrid version of the latter is in development).

“Aquila is extremely excited about the 42 Yacht, which offers great flexibility in terms of layout options, including two, three or four cabins,” says Yvan Eymieu, Aquila’s Asia-based International Sales and Distribution Manager.

“This versatility makes it an ideal choice for liveaboards, cruisers and the charter industry. The boat has experienced instant success in the USA and the first year of production is already sold out.”

Aquila 47 Molokai

The 42 Yacht is scheduled to make its European debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September and next year will have regional premieres in Dubai, Singapore and Australia, at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Dealers in Asia include Simpson Marine and the brand has experienced significant success in Southeast Asia, with Thailand a particularly strong market.

Aquila recently announced KJM Marine as its Gulf dealer across UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. The company has secured orders for the Molokai 47 and is planning to showcase the flagship 70 Luxury at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (November 16-19) followed by the Middle East debut of the 42 Yacht at the 2024 Dubai International Boat Show.

CLB65 Asia premiere begins in Hong Kong

News / yachtstyle2020

CLB65 Asia premiere begins in Hong Kong

June 8, 2023
1:38 pm

CL Yachts has kicked off CLB65’s Asia premiere, which offers personal tours of the flybridge motor yacht in Hong Kong until June 24. By Andrew Dembina.

View from the bow of hull two in Hong Kong

CL Yachts’ almost three-week Asia premiere of CLB65 (click for Review) recently commenced at its Hong Kong headquarters in Lai Chi Kok and is scheduled to last from June 5-24 (click to book a viewing).

The CLB line’s third model, which was preceded by CLB72 and CLB88, had its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October. Hull two is the first to show in Asia, with responses to the 64ft 6in flybridge motor yacht already appearing positive.

Forward end of the flybridge

A few steps above its notably long hydraulic swim platform is a cosy cockpit. This connects to the saloon that, with its near-20ft beam, appears voluminous beyond the space offered in similar-length luxury motor yacht by many leading European brands.

Despite this extra volume and CL Yachts’ comprehensive use of resin coating across the superstructure and hull, the yacht can access shallow waters due to a 4ft 9in draft created by clever naval architecture by US-based Howard Apollonio, structural carbon-fibre, and the use of lightweight interior fittings and furnishing.

Aft galley and dining, and forward saloon

The expansive flybridge features a large seating area opposite a fully-equipped wet bar including barbecue and fridge. Two well-appointed helm stations – on the flybridge and in the saloon – plus wing docking control stations on both sides of the cockpit allow piloting and docking versatility. Twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050 engines are fitted in a spacious engine room, while 1350s are an option.

Created with family use in mind, CLB65 has a layout optimised for multiple activity options on board. The first aft galley on a CL Yachts model is a natural gathering spot and sits between the forward raised saloon and the aft cockpit, where the glass door and adjacent windows can be opened to create an airy, indoor-outdoor connection.

Master suite midships

The lower deck has three en-suite cabins comprising a generous full-beam master suite that’s well illuminated by large windows, a VIP stateroom in the bow, and a guest cabin with twin beds that can convert into a double.

Martin Lo, Director of CL Yachts, says the shipyard is developing a four-cabin option, which he thinks will be among features that appeal to owners in Asia-Pacific, where CL Yachts has dealers in Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE and Australia.

VIP suite in the bow

“A four-stateroom version is in the design process, which we think may be appealing,” Lo says. “The simplicity and practicality of exterior and interior design and materials, and the openness and great sea views from indoors also make this model very usable and enjoyable.”

There are plans for hull two to tour the region, but these are pending visits scheduled in Hong Kong with dealers flying in to inspect CLB65 and discuss possibilities.

www.clyachts.com

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow”: To the Edge of Space

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow”: To the Edge of Space

June 8, 2023
12:32 am

This new bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan is inspired by the Kármán Line, the boundary between Earth and the outer space.

By Joseph Low

“Exploration is wired into our brains. If we can see the horizon, we want to know what’s beyond.” This is a quote by the former American astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon during the renowned 1969 Apollo 11 mission. And since time immemorial, humans have been fascinated with what lies beyond our planet and our curiosity has only grown deeper through the ages. The race to space does not only pertain to companies or agencies like NASA; on the ground, car manufacturers are also looking towards the cosmos for inspiration.

British luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has recently unveiled the Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow” Private Collection, which the marque said explores the “beauty and mystery of space” while never leaving the comfort of the car’s cabin. To create this spellbinding vehicle, Rolls-Royce’s team of designers looked towards the Kármán Line for inspiration. For those unfamiliar with the Kármán Line, it is an invisible boundary that defines the edge of space and is 62 miles above the Earth’s surface. Coincidentally, only 62 “Blue Shadow” examples have been made and are available exclusively through the brand’s Private Offices.

“Blue Shadow is a testament to our relentless pursuit of perfection and a celebration of the spirit of exploration, designed for the unique individuals who expand horizons and represent the very best of human endeavour,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The Kármán Line is an ethereal region where the Earth’s blueness slowly fades and mixes with the blackness of space. This creates an intense dark-blue zone where darkness is visible, and more than a place for admiration, it is a mysterious world reserved for adventurous individuals who appreciate its serenity and unique atmosphere.

Starting from the “Blue Shadow” facade, it is painted in a new shimmering hue called “Stardust Blue”, which recalls the rich blue tones seen at the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. The special Cullinan features a satin-tinted grille surround and aero bumper insert reminiscent of the thermal tiles used to protect Space Shuttles during atmospheric re-entry.

The same materials used in spacecrafts were utilised to craft the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy. The 3D printing technique involved titanium, which was then coated with a layer of blue-tinted lacquer. This added a pearlescent finish while revealing the titanium’s grained texture. The base of the Spirit of Ecstasy features the Black Badge infinity logo and the name of the “Blue Shadow” Private Collection, both of which are engraved and infilled with Charles Blue. Additionally, the wheels of Blue Shadow have been given a subtle darkening effect using translucent lacquer to complete the exterior look.

The blueish theme continues into the interior of the car’s dashboard and door panels. Specifically, the transitional shades of blue to black are captured using six layers of paint, where they are blended flawlessly to create a captivating three-dimensional effect. As with all Rolls-Royce cars, a bespoke clock is fitted and designed to reflect the Kármán Line with its blue anodised details and “Blue Shadow” engraving.

Looking up, Rolls-Royce’s fabled Starlight Headliner also gets an upgrade. Instead of just being surrounded by stars, an intricate embroidery of the Moon joins the celestial bodies. Sitting in the “Blue Shadow” is like one is brought to the edge of space and given front-row seats to admire these sparkling marvels up close. The embroidery comprises five different thread colours that create a distinct texture representing the Moon’s surface with its multitude of craters in three dimensions, and the embroidery process takes two full days to complete and involves 250,000 individual stitches.

The Starlight Headliner creates a soothing aura in the cabin, evoking a feeling of amazement. It boasts 1,183 stars, consisting of 799 white and 384 blue lights, meticulously inserted into the leather canvas through perforated holes that are accurately marked and punched by hand.

In a first-of-its-kind showcase, Rolls-Royce has made a unique and remarkable change by adding a perforated artwork to both the front and rear seats. This artwork is inspired by the stunning view of Earth from space and is created by using tiny perforations in luscious leather. The pattern resembles the graceful swirls of ever-shifting clouds over the continents and oceans. Each seat has over 75,000 perforations and had to undergo a meticulous design process that lasted two weeks before it was finally applied to these bespoke Cullinan.

Accompanying the “Blue Shadow” is a series of accessories the owners would need to travel to the edge of Earth. This includes a luggage set that corresponds to the colourway of the car. Furthermore, the owners can commission a 1:8 scale replica of the Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow” with functional lights, coach doors, and a detailed interior. All 62 units have all found their respective owners.

For more car reads, click here.

Asiamarine sells Galeon models across Asia

News / yachtstyle2020

Asiamarine sells Galeon models across Asia

June 8, 2023
12:24 am

The regional dealer has secured the sales of notable Galeon motor yachts in Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan.

Galeon 560 Fly at this year’s Miami International Boat Show

Asiamarine (click for Profile, Issue 70) has announced the first sale in Hong Kong of Galeon’s 560 Fly motor yacht, a new model from the European builder that had its world premiere at the Miami International Boat Show in February.

The regional dealer’s Galeon sales this year also include the first 640 Fly sold in Thailand, while the first Galeon 500 Fly in Taiwan was sold by a dealer appointed under Galeon Asia, a network managed by Asiamarine (click for article).

Galeon 560 Fly

Eric Noyel, founder and Chairman of Asiamarine, said: “After the golden Covid years, the market had anticipated a decline in boat sales and yet 2023 is proving as resilient and active as last year. In this context, we’re particularly proud of the sales of these Galeon models in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan this year.

“These firsts in Asia will increase exposure of Galeon in these markets and reach new customers drawn to the style and intelligence of the ‘transformer concept’, where the balconies truly increase the living space available for fun and enjoyment.”

Galeon 640 Fly

Asiamarine, which hosted a Bali Catspace Open Day in Deep Water Bay on June 8, also said sales of pre-owned yachts were at a record high in the first quarter “due to a noticeable increase in availability, which contrasts sharply with last year where buyers had no choice but to wait for long periods of time”.

The dealership also represents Fraser in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, and said Fraser Asia has already sold more boats in early 2023 than throughout last year, stating that the number of superyachts for sale has “more than tripled”.
www.asiamarine.com
www.fraseryachts.com

Venice Boat Show attracts 30,000 visitors

News / yachtstyle2020

Venice Boat Show attracts 30,000 visitors

June 7, 2023
11:58 pm

Attracting many of the world’s leading yacht builders, the fourth Venice Boat Show featured 300 boats and showed the potential for yachting in the Upper Adriatic region.

Luigi Brugnaro (far left), Mayor of Venice

Over 30,000 people from 30 countries attended the fourth Venice Boat Show, according to organiser Vela, which said the visitors to the historic city on Italy’s northeast coast came from “all over the Adriatic basin and eastern Europe”. Vela organised the five-day event in the Venetian Arsenal district on behalf of the City of Venice and in cooperation with the Italian Navy.

Luigi Brugnaro, Mayor of Venice, said: “The Arsenal has confirmed itself as the home of the peoples of the sea, which includes not only those who strolled the piers searching for their ideal boat but also many dedicated workers, researchers and politicians. We have seen great interest around the vessels presented and equally great satisfaction from the shipyards involved.”

The Arsenal again hosted the five-day show

The show featured 240 boats in the water and another 60 on land. The 220 exhibitors were dominated by 180 from Italy, led by Ferretti Group, which has participated in every edition and showcased 10 yachts for a second successive year.

Ferretti Group staged the wallywhy150’s world premiere, a Custom Line Navetta 30 (93ft), Pershing 7X (69ft) and 9X (92ft), Ferretti Yachts 500, 580 and 720 models, plus a Rivamare (38ft), 56’ Rivale and 68’ Diable from Riva’s Open series.

The show attracted over 30,000 visitors

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, said: “This year’s Venice Boat Show brought us great satisfaction, while highlighting the opportunity for sea travel and the economic benefits of tourism in this region. I’m increasingly convinced the Upper Adriatic and Venice can become our own French Riviera, due to the area’s beauty and the unparalleled year-round draw of Venice itself.

“We believed in the Venice Boat Show when others saw us as mere dreamers, just as now we believe that Italian seagoing, which accounts for half of global orders, can give solidity to this project, transforming the stretch of coast from Venice to Trieste into an international hub of great interest for leisurely sea travel.”

Motor yachts on display

Among fellow Italian shipyards, Azimut staged the European premiere of its Verve 42 alongside a Magellano 66, Fly 68 and Fly 72. Sanlorenzo showed an SL78 planing yacht, sister company Bluegame displayed the BG42 and new BG54, Arcadia returned with a Sherpa 80, while the steel-hulled Ducale 120 explorer by Oceanking was the show’s largest yacht.

Italian motor yacht builders also included Absolute, Rizzardi, Pardo, FIM (Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi or

Italian Motorboat Factory) and Explorer by Luxury Ocean Yachts (LOY), while Invictus, Solaris Power and Rio Yachts were first-time exhibitors in Venice.

Sanlorenzo SL78

British builder Sunseeker displayed its new Superhawk 55 alongside a Manhattan 55 and Manhattan 68. A Fountaine Pajot Power 67 catamaran was among yachts from French builders including Prestige and Beneteau. Nautor Swan from Finland (and Italy) was among international builders, Turkey’s Sirena showed its Sirena 58, while Greece’s Omikron Yachts debuted its OT-60.

We could not have chosen a better place for the launch of our Omikron OT-60,” said Nikolas Dendrinos, Chairman of Olympic Marine, Omikron Yachts’ parent company. “This is a very well organised boat show in an incredible location, which was perfect for us to exhibit our vessel. We received a great amount of interest and can confirm we will be present next year.”

Sailing yachts increased 50 per cent

Meanwhile, displays of sailing yachts increased 50 per cent and includes the 100ft Whimsea by CNB and a Swan 65. Exhibitors include Beneteau, Lagoon, Dufour, Jeanneau, Pegasus and Italia Yachts, while first-time attendees include Elan, Bavaria, Solaris, Neo, Felci, Kufner and Hallberg-Rassy.

Slovenia’s Pegasus Yachts presented its P50 in its traditional and electric versions. “We are grateful to the Venice Boat Show. This is the third edition we’ve attended and we’ve seen a great deal of development during these years,” said shipyard founder Marko Pas.

The show is a hub for Adriatic

“I believe it will continue to grow and will become a point of reference, just as the Genoa and Cannes shows are. We’re working on the American market and Venice is the ideal city for those who come from afar, as there are many direct flights from the largest cities in the US.”

Substantial growth was also evident in the electrical sector, with over 50 electrical vessels exhibited, a 30 per cent increase compared to last year’s edition. Exhibitors include Greenline, Candela, X Shore, Alfastreet Marine, FAP (Falegnameria Artigianale Pesce) and Rand Boats, while newcomers include Freepower, Laneva, Green Dream Boats and Amperetta.

Electric boats increased 30 per cent

Mayor Brugnaro said: “These five days have affirmed the will to transform this exhibition into a central event not only for our city but also for the eastern Mediterranean, as the show has demonstrated it has all the requirements to become a point of reference for the development and the economic growth of Italy.

“This year’s Venice Boat Show was beautiful, but the next one will be even better. We await all visitors who wish to return and repeat this incredible experience with us.”

The fifth Venice Boat Show will be held from May 29-June 2, 2024. www.salonenautico.venezia.it

Sunreef designs 110ft Explorer Eco powercat

News / yachtstyle2020

Sunreef designs 110ft Explorer Eco powercat

June 7, 2023
11:49 pm

Following the creation of an Explorer series of powercats, the Polish builder has developed the 33M Explorer Eco.

33M Sunreef Explorer Eco

After announcing an Explorer series with 40m and 50m powercats last year, Sunreef has released designs for a 33M Explorer Eco. The 33.4m (109ft 7in) powercat has a beam of 11.2m (36ft 9in), draft of 2m (6ft 7in), 535sqm of living area, 8,000 litres of water and accommodation for 10 guests and seven crew.

The yacht incorporates 990kWh of batteries and a 50kWp photovoltaic system, with solar panels integrated into the hulls, top of the enclosed flybridge and the entire full-beam bow terrace on the flybridge.

The 33M Sunreef Explorer Eco also benefits from energy-saving air-conditioning, smart energy management system, state-of-the-art watermakers, water-saving taps, rainwater collection system and ultra-efficient boiler using heat recovery. Recycled and recyclable materials and fabrics can be used, while the décor can be custom-tailored.

Standout design features include a beach club or ‘Ocean Lounge’, which has a high-low central platform, fixed transoms and drop-down sides that double as doors for toy cupboards. A tender and a jet-ski can be carried on the central platform, while Sunreef says the yacht can also store dive compressors, Seabobs, e-bikes, e-foils and sailing dinghies.

Ocean Club on 33M Sunreef Explorer Eco

The aft cockpit can feature a central spa pool, sunbathing areas on both sides, and covered alfresco dining. The layouts can be customised for owners and Sunreef says an indoor cinema, a spa, library or gym can be incorporated into “vast and light filled interiors that can be adapted to any navigation plan and lifestyle”.

Sunreef has shared GAs that feature a full-beam saloon with a dining table to port and lounge, plus four guest cabins forward on the main deck. The flybridge has an open aft terrace, a full-width master suite and the wheelhouse, while the hulls include the main galley, crew mess and five cabins for seven crew.

“The definition of luxury yachting is changing. Tailored for exploration, from tropical islands to the most extreme latitudes, the 33M Sunreef Explorer Eco is a trans-Pacific electric superyacht that rewrites the rules with bold architecture and a fresh approach to travel,” Sunreef stated.

“A safe, self-sufficient and autonomous electric craft for long private expeditions, she was designed to take you to the most remote cruising grounds in silence with no fumes and no vibrations.”
www.sunreef-yachts.com
www.sunreef-yachts-eco.com

Pershing GTX116 premieres in Monaco

News / yachtstyle2020

Pershing GTX116 premieres in Monaco

June 5, 2023
11:43 pm

The first Pershing GTX116 superyacht made her public debut at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, won by Max Verstappen.

The first Pershing Yacht GTX116, Caffeine (click for article), and her American owner attended the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, with the 35m yacht having some play time in the Med to work on her own manoeuvres and cornering.

Painted a new shade of grey with a special shade of blue for the deckhouse, Caffeine has 150sqm of outdoor areas and a triple waterjet propulsion system with three 2,000mhp MAN V12s, producing a top speed of 35.5 knots and a cruising speed of 29.5.

www.pershing-yacht.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Azimut-Benetti using HVOlution biofuel

News / yachtstyle2020

Azimut-Benetti using HVOlution biofuel

June 5, 2023
11:23 pm

The Italian company is collaborating with Eni Sustainable Mobility for the use of HVOlution, made from hydrogenated vegetable oil.

The first Magellano 60 is using HVOlution

Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility have signed an agreement for the supply and use of HVOlution, the biofuel made of 100 per cent HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) comprising renewable raw materials.

The collaboration kicks off with the first voyage of Azimut’s new Magellano 60, which travels from Savona to Taormina for her premiere at the ‘Yachting Gala’ event organised by Azimut for over 600 owners from around the world. Azimut is represented by Marine Italia in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, Taiwan and Singapore.

Later this summer, Azimut-Benetti Group will introduce HVOlution – to replace the fossil-based fuel currently used by the two motor yacht builders – for the technical testing of new yachts, sea trials and prototype model handling. Owners will be able to take delivery of new Azimut models with HVOlution biofuel in the tank.

HVOlution by Eni Sustainable Mobility

Stefano Ballista, CEO of Eni Sustainable Mobility, said: “This first supply of biofuel to the recreational boating industry confirms that Eni Sustainable Mobility can support maritime operators on the path to decarbonisation. The agreement with Azimut-Benetti Group is a first step that will be followed by increased sales of HVOlution to the maritime industry.”

HVOlution is produced in Eni Sustainable Mobility’s Venice and Gela biorefineries from waste raw materials and vegetable residues, or from oils generated from crops that don’t compete with the food chain, in a circular economy model applied to mobility.

Factoring in the entire logistics and production chain, HVOlution can reduce CO2eq emissions by 60-90 per cent compared to the benchmark fossil blend, depending on the raw materials used for its production.

The S7 is among Azimut’s Low Emission Yachts

For the partnership between Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility, future projects include developing the distribution network to provide better access to biofuel and offer owners the possibility of refuelling with HVO. In the initial phase involving bunkering operations, the plan will target Azimut-Benetti Group marinas as the first points of supply for private individuals in Italy.

Giovanna Vitelli, President of Azimut-Benetti Group, said: “For Azimut-Benetti Group, this agreement [with Eni Sustainable Mobility] is a tangible step forward on the course we’ve charted to reduce CO2 emissions. It enables us to extend our reduction of emissions by involving the supply chain, with a focus on energy decarbonisation.”

Over half of Azimut’s models are what the builder terms as ‘Low Emission Yachts’, which it defines as those with at least 20 per cent less fuel consumption and emissions compared to shaft-line boats of the same weight and size with a traditional hard-chine hull.

Meanwhile, Benetti’s efforts to reduce emissions include building the world’s largest hybrid yacht and the 37m B.Yond, which has an E-Mode Hybrid system that that reduces CO2 by 24 per cent and NOx by up to 85 per cent.

www.azimutyachts.com

www.azimutyachts.hk

www.benettiyachts.it

Damen Yachting launches Yacht Support 53

News / yachtstyle2020

Damen Yachting launches Yacht Support 53

June 1, 2023
4:45 pm

Anthony Hsieh is the owner of the first Yacht Support 53, which is being built in in Turkey and will be the mothership for his sport fishing expeditions.

The first Yacht Support 53 leaves the shed in Antalya

Taiwan-born Anthony Hsieh was present as his Yacht Support 53, Bad Company Support, hit the water for the first time, a landmark moment during its construction at Damen Yachting’s facility in Antalya. The first YS 53 (YS 5301) will be a mothership to the American’s well-established Bad Company fleet, which specialises in sports fishing missions and is currently on a world tour.

Bad Company Support will carry a Release 43 sportfisher and a Blackfin 32, the owner’s first game fishing boat, which was purchased more than 30 years ago and has recently been repurchased and refurbished for the current expeditions.

Bad Company Support will be the mothership for sport fishing expeditions

Once delivered this summer, Bad Company Support will tour the Mediterranean for a shakedown trip and then move into the Atlantic Ocean in her first year, followed by the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean the following year. A helicopter on board will provide the owner with easy airport transfers to and from the YS 53.

“We’re very excited about this milestone. This is a lifelong dream starting to become reality. The plans we have with the boat in future years are stunning — she will see the world,” said Hsieh, founder and Chairman of California-based mortgage lender loanDepot.

Anthony Hsieh, owner of Bad Company Support

“No one has ever done what we’re planning to do with the YS 5301, and I think it will set a whole new tier of adventure for future yachts people. We’ll spend all our time on this boat to make the most of all the different luxuries and amenities she has.”

Designed entirely by Damen Yachting, the 175ft, 499GT superyacht was sold to Hsieh in May 2022 and will replace the owner’s current YS 45 (also named Bad Company Support), which was built by Damen Yachting in 2019 and sold to Hsieh in 2021.

Bad Company Support pre-launch

Able to accommodate 6-16 guests and staff, as well as 10 crew plus a captain, the YS 53 was introduced to the market in February 2022 and is part of the next generation of highly flexible, customisable Yacht Support vessels that also include the YS 65 and YS 75.

Bad Company Support features a 15-tonne deck crane and is fully IMO Tier III compliant to reduce harmful emissions by 70 per cent for full-range operations, while her two main engines can deliver speeds of up to 19 knots. YS 5301 develops upon almost 20 Yacht Support vessels built by Damen Yachting over the last decade.

Bad Company Support has an overall length of 53.25m

Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting’s Commercial Executive North America, said: “This is one of the most exciting projects we’ve worked on. Not only is this the first of our new YS 53 range but this is also the first Yacht Support we’ve built that will be used exclusively as part of a sport fishing fleet and programme. Anthony Hsieh’s unique vision and mission are very inspiring.”

www.damenyachting.com

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