yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Project Mimer, Sweden, Tillberg Design of Sweden, TDoS, Yacht, Hot Lab, Thalia Marine, AES Yacht, Turkey, Kocaeli, Antonio Romano, Erdem Bicer, Daniel Nerhagen, Laurent Giles, Scandinavian, World Traveller, Adventure Explorer, Air Explorer, Range Rover

Turkish shipyard partners Project Mimer

News / yachtstyle2020

Turkish shipyard partners Project Mimer

June 1, 2023
4:28 pm

The Viken Group selects AES Yacht as the build partner for the 60m Mimer explorer yacht project by Swedish studio TDoS Yacht.

Viken Group, which includes Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) and Italian companies Hot Lab and Thalia Marine, has selected Turkish builder AES Yacht as its partner in the development of Project Mimer, a 60m, 6,000nm-range expedition platform. The project has been designed and developed by TDoS Yacht, while the AES team prepared technical specifications.

Milan-based studio Hot Lab has three superyacht projects ranging from 24-68m in development at Kocaeli-based AES Yacht, which has the capacity and a slot available for the Mimer project and can build it in 36 months from signing. Mimer is named after the Norse god who protected the well of knowledge at the base of the mythical tree Yggdrasil.

Antonio Romano, Hot Lab co-founder and Commercial Director of Viken Group, said: “The Viken Group is very happy about this new collaboration with AES Yacht. We’ve worked with them on other projects, we’re aware of their capabilities and we know the team.

“We’ve chosen this shipyard because it has one of the largest facilities in Turkey with very experienced naval architects and engineers. They can provide everything in-house, from steel and metal construction to furniture and interior.”

Erdem Bicer, Shipyard Manager and Partner at AES Yacht, said: “We are delighted to become partners of The Viken Group on the Mimer project. Mimer is a unique explorer superyacht that provides owners with unlimited experiences all around the world. As the shipyard, we’ll ensure the superyacht quality and comfort during this adventure with our experienced team.”

The team’s target client when they started the design was an owner in their 30s or early 40s looking for a family boat or platform to share with family and friends.

Daniel Nerhagen, Partner and Yacht Director at TDoS, said: “We’ve done a lot of expedition vessels before, and they’re all very masculine in their design. We believe an expedition vessel doesn’t need to look aggressive, so we wanted to create a ‘she’.

“We also wanted to showcase our Scandinavian design heritage, which is about simplicity, ‘less is more’. It should be somewhere you feel at home, calm and relaxed. I think we’ve really captured that with Mimer.”

Viken Group has also collaborated with two expedition companies, a yacht management company and UK-based naval architects Laurent Giles on Mimer. The yacht caters for up to 12 guests in five main-deck guest suites and an upper deck owner’s suite that includes its own forward terrace with spa pool, while there’s also accommodation for 17 crew and an owner’s staff member.

Social areas include a huge sundeck atop the superstructure and up to three saloons, two dining areas, and a gym and beach club in the stern.

Designed to carry a wide range of tenders and toys, Mimer is offered in three layouts – World Traveller, Adventure Explorer and Air Explorer. World Traveller offers a helipad aft, an additional guest lounge below on the main deck, and space for tenders and toys including a luxury electric tender, landing craft, two expedition RIBS, quad bikes, submersible, jet-skis, and even an amphibious vehicle and a beach buggy.

Air Explorer offers the same as the World Traveller but with a helicopter hangar in place of the aft guest lounge, making it suitable for high-latitude or trans-ocean cruising. Adventure Explorer uses the aft lounge/hangar area as an additional tender garage, adding further capacity for carrying toys such as a Range Rover, more quad bikes and a hovercraft.

Mimer is offered both with a full high-latitude hull built to Polar Code Category C, Ice 1-C standards, or with a conventional hull offering a more economical build solution for owners who don’t intend to cruise in extreme latitudes.

Propulsion configurations include pod drives with diesel-electric generators or conventional engines and shaft drives. Studies are being undertaken to consider alternative propulsion and power solutions.

Drawing on sustainable principles in all aspects of its design and build, Mimer will incorporate recycled and recyclable materials, eco-friendly antifouling and include measures to protect biodiversity.

“TDoS has been working on sustainability with our commercial projects for a very long time,” Nerhagen said. “For us as Scandinavians, it’s not a trend; it’s just something you do and it’s very much in our culture.”

www.vikengroup.se

www.tillbergdesign.com

Swan evolving motor yacht division

News / yachtstyle2020

Swan evolving motor yacht division

June 1, 2023
4:17 pm

Nautor Swan hosted a discussion at the Venice Boat Show outlining the brand’s motor yacht offerings, which started with the Shadow and will soon include the Overshadow.

Swan Shadow

The Swan Motor Yacht Division Talk at the Venice Boat Show presented new developments in the iconic sailing yacht builder’s new powerboat division.

Hosted by Maria Elisa Altese, the discussion included Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO; Fabio Marcellino, Power Yacht Division COO; Roy Capasso, EMEA and USA Regional Director and Power Yacht Commercial Director; and designer Jarkko Jamsén.

Swan Shadow

The division was launched by the Shadow and that will be expanded by the upcoming Overshadow, which will launch in July and have a world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 7-12.

Swan’s motor yacht division was launched in 2021 after a careful study of the market. Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Nautor Group, had been thinking of entering the power segment for a long time, but wanted a debut with a product able to make a difference.

Swan Shadow

At first, the Shadow was intended as a tender for superyacht, such as for Swan Maxi yachts, with the ability to explore bays and ports not reachable with a big yacht. The project evolved to become not only a tender but a weekender, supply vessel or day boat.

“The entry in the motor yacht segment makes Nautor Swan a very complete brand, able to respond to any need of the market,” Pomati said.

Swan Shadow

“We strive to do our best in offering the finest yachts, either for sailing or power, according to what’s always been in our DNA. Swan Shadow aims to be one of a kind, but we firmly believe we can grow in this division and are investing in finding the best talents, facilities and partners to widen the division with a full range.”

The success of this first model led the team to think about a range to propose and this led to the OverShadow, the inboard, ‘gran turismo’ version of the first model, engineered for long-distance trips and with additional space below deck.

CGI of Swan Overshadow

The OverShadow is based on the Shadow’s high-performing hull and features inboard engines and two alternative layout configurations on and below deck. On deck, the flush deck offers great liveability with an external wet bar and a 2m-plus sunbed, with a wide dining area around them.

The full, closed bow of the design creates more space in the bow of the lower deck, where OverShadow features two optional layouts: a double or a twin-bed configuration, offering a larger head than its predecessor.

CGI of Swan Overshadow

While much of the brand heritage stems from the Finnish shipyard founded in 1966, the yachts are designed by an international team and built in Italy at Oversea, which has been active in boat production and service for decades.

Called ‘Casa Shadow’, the dedicated state-of-the-art facility includes advanced equipment to allow the industrialisation of the boats and deliver a high-quality product. The Shadow uses Mercury engines and Simrad instrumentation, while the OverShadow uses Volvo Penta and Garmin respectively.

CGI of Swan Overshadow

Marcellino said: “Reliability is our biggest challenge. Owning a boat is driven by passion. Yachting is like a romantic relationship; it can be the best time of your life but can easily turn into a nightmare. To avoid that, we really work very hard trying to anticipate any possible risk with an open mindset, clean engineering solutions and simple production installations.”

The Shadow is already present in north and south Europe, Asia and the Americas, where outboard models are appreciated for the shallow waters.

CGI of Swan Overshadow

Capasso said: “We are very happy for the success of Swan Shadow, but we want to raise the bar and achieve more. When we launched the model, we never thought to have a serial production, but we designed her as a niche 42-footer, for real connoisseurs.

“Today, with the feedback received, we’re creating a proper range. In July we’re launching the OverShadow and in Cannes we’ll have more news to share. We’re proceeding with baby steps, studying the segment, listening to the clients and create something unique.”

CGI of Swan Overshadow

As well as Cannes, Nautor Swan’s power yacht division will also be present at the Genoa International Boat Show (September 21-26) and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 25-29).

www.nautorswan.com
www.swanshadow.net
www.asiamarine.com

Wally premieres wallywhy150

News / yachtstyle2020

Wally premieres wallywhy150

June 1, 2023
1:07 pm

A world premiere among Ferretti Group’s 10-yacht display at the Venice Boat Show, the wallywhy150 will also exhibit at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Wally staged the world premiere of the all-new wallywhy150 on the opening day of the fourth Venice Boat Show (Salone Nautico Venezia). Sporting a raised pilothouse design, the wallywhy150 was created by the experienced Wally-Ferretti Group Engineering team, with Studio Vallicelli Design responsible for interior design.

Following the design language of the 89ft, 200GT wallywhy200 (click for Review), which debuted at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, the wallywhy150 offers 150GT of interior volume on a 79ft yacht that will exhibit at this year’s Cannes show from September 7-12. The wallywhy150 can reach 21 knots with three Volvo Penta IPS1200 engines or 23 knots with three IPS1350 engines.

Stefano de Vivo, Wally’s Managing Director, said: “Our goal was to anticipate market demands developing a yacht capable, once again, of being ahead of its time, starting from those innovative features that made the wallywhy200 successful.

“With its 24m length and 150GT of volume, the wallywhy150 is a flexible yacht, ideal for experienced owners who fully understand and appreciate the skilful use of space, the considerable living areas and its unmistakable personality.

“For nearly 30 years, Wally has been designing and building cutting-edge yachts, which have led to epochal changes in yacht design and we’re sure the wallywhy150 will also be able to establish itself on the most diverse international markets.”

The wallywhy150’s exterior areas are “unmatched for her size”, Wally states. The aft deck offers a large, high-low platform that includes a hydraulic multipurpose ladder and can house a wide range of water toys including a 3.9m (12ft 8in) tender.

Luca Bassani, Wally’s founder and Chief Designer, said: “The simplicity and accessibility of the layout make it appealing to a huge range of clients. It offers the ultimate flexible platform for those looking to expand the horizon of traditional planing-craft usage. This is the first vessel with direct access to the sea at cockpit level with no stairs necessary; it’s effectively a floating loft on the water.”

On the main deck, floor-to-ceiling glass ensures lots of light indoors, while the forward master suite – as on the wallywhy200 – offers 270-degree ‘amphitheatre’ views due to an unusually high bow. Guest accommodation on the lower deck can comprise VIP, double cabin and twin cabins, or two VIP suites.

Most of the upper deck is open, with a large lounging area aft, while much of the forward part –

including an alfresco dining area – is covered by a hard top.

www.wally.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Fountaine Pajot’s stylish, sexy sedan

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Fountaine Pajot’s stylish, sexy sedan

June 1, 2023
11:25 am

The French multihull builder has maintained a long commitment to powercats, but shook up the market with its sedan-style MY4.S, the new 36ft entry model for its four-model motor yacht range.
Words: Emmanuel Van Deth Photos: Fountaine Pajot

Below 1,400rpm, the range of the MY4.S is over 1,000nm

Fountaine Pajot’s introduction of the MY4.S coincided with the rebranding of its Motor Yachts range, with MY5 and MY6 becoming the new names for the MY40 and MY44 respectively. The idea was to give ‘monohull equivalent’ references in terms of surface area and volume, with the MY5 corresponding to a 50ft motorboat and the MY6 to a small 60ft motor yacht.

As for the 36ft MY4.S, it’s comparable to 40ft monohulls. And the S stands for sedan or ‘sportop’, as Fountaine Pajot describes it. The La Rochelle builder has opted for a racy design by sacrificing the flybridge, an option offered on the MY37 it succeeds while sharing its hulls.

With no flybridge, the MY4.S becomes a very elegant sedan

The manufacturer has done well. Daniel Andrieu’s design already offered excellent seakeeping qualities, with hulls characterised by particularly fine-entry bows and a chine so marked that it forms a deep recess on the bows. However, above the chine, everything is new.

And what stands out is the finesse of the coachroof. Without the flybridge, the 4.S becomes a very elegant sedan, capable of holding its own among the gleaming single-hulled weekenders.

POWER AND RANGE

Fountaine Pajot offers twin 150hp or 250hp Yanmar engines, the latter featuring on our test model. The MY37 was equipped with two 150hp Volvo engines as standard and 220hp versions as an option, and the extra 60hp on the MY4.S increases the top speed from 20 to 23 knots.

The cockpit bimini neatly extends the coachroof lines

The helm, without being hard, responds well and the trajectory is always precise. We find the same excellent behaviour as aboard the MY37: perfectly flat turns, smooth passage in short chop, absence of spray – it’s literally broken by the chine – and hulls optimised for cruising between 9-15 knots in open water.

The best illustration of the efficiency at these speeds is that the range is greater when motoring at 13 knots than at 11!

Due to the low-consumption engines, efficient hulls and fuel tanks totalling 1,200 litres, the range of the MY4.S is 1,600nm at five knots and even more than 1,000nm at six knots. The MY4.S lends itself to a programme of weekend boating, as well as semi-high-speed cruising, although the range is about 400nm at 18 knots or 265nm at full speed.

Strangely enough, it’s during low-speed sailing that the underside of the nacelle or the flat face of the chines are likely to slam a little. When manoeuvring in port, you can play with the twin engines to pivot at will, although a bow thruster is an option. Housed in large compartments at the stern, the engines are easy to access, while camera surveillance of the engine rooms is also an option.

CLEAN DECK PLAN

The increasing willingness of boat builders to install flybridges on all their boats has almost made us forget the charm and features of a sedan. In addition to a much more elegant silhouette, this configuration benefits from better weight distribution and frees up the cockpit or side decks from one or two stairways.

The 8ft 6in-wide cockpit sofa can be converted into a sunbathing area

The cockpit is equipped with a large bench seat spanning 8ft 6in (2.6m) that can be converted into a sunbathing area. Optional extras include a fixed or hydraulic platform, a galley and an outdoor table.

The side decks are 1ft 5in (43cm) wide at the cockpit end and relatively narrow compared to those of sailing multihulls. Yet this is not surprising when you consider the beam of the MY4.S is 16ft 9in (5.1m), which is 4ft 10in (1.5m) thinner than a similar-length sailing cat, for example.

The solid foredeck incorporates a large sunbathing area

Moving around on board is made safe by a stainless-steel rail and the small handrail near the cockpit deserves to be complemented by optional handholds on the coachroof. The solid foredeck offers large sunbathing areas. Ground tackle and other lockers are ready to use.

FINE FINISH, OPEN TOP

The aft bay window forms a nice, wide opening. In the interior by Pierangelo Andreani, the saloon has a similar layout to the MY37, with the galley on port side, dining area to starboard, and helm station forward. However, the overall finish seems much more flattering, in keeping with the builder’s increasingly sophisticated interiors.

The cockpit sofa backrests can fold down

The builder has set the bar very high, always with the aim of being a credible competitor to the single hulled weekenders, which are generally quite luxuriously finished. The headroom in the saloon is very comfortable, at 6ft 9in (2.07m). The galley countertop is a useful size, at 8ft 10in (2.71m) in length, and there’s a double sink, two-ring burner, refrigerator and numerous storage spaces.

The dining area is a bit more modest and features a kind of L-shaped sofa and a table measuring 2ft 4in by 2ft (70cm x 60cm), with the option of a foldout version. You can share a meal with five people, but not really any more, without using stools that would inevitably interfere with circulation.

The opening sunroof and fold-out dining table are appealing options

Up front, the helm station and companion seating occupy a central space under the windscreen. You can stand or sit at the twin helm seat, which can be raised a few inches for the shorter to medium-sized skipper. From the control helm to port of the centreline, you have an excellent view of the water, except for two small blind spots aft.

Natural light simply floods in: first of all, because the windows are an imposing size, up to almost 3ft high and quite clear. As for the coachroof uprights, they’re slender. Above your head is a car-like sunroof, but an extra-large version.

The Pierangelo Andreani interior includes an almost 9ft-long galley countertop with a TV

The control for this is a bit lazy, but you can sail as if with the top down or almost. The sunroof and electric awning add more than €24,000 (before tax) and an owner could pay almost €200,000 in options and a ‘Pack’ (Exclusive, Gold or Platinum) for a well specced model.

MAESTRO OR QUATUOR

On the Maestro version, the port hull is dedicated to the owner. There is a large semi-island bed with a width of 5ft 3in (1.6m), plenty of storage, an incredible sea view, two ventilation openings and a beautiful bathroom in the bow. Headroom is 6ft 3in (1.91 m), with the floor set four steps or 3ft 5in (1.03m) below the saloon.

On the Maestro version, the port hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite

The starboard hull houses two cabins and a shared central bathroom. The aft berth is as generous as that in the port hull, although the forward berth is a little less inviting, measuring 4ft 11in (1.5m) wide at the pillow end as you walk in, and just 2ft 4in (0.70m) at the forward end. This twin-cabin, one-head set-up is mirrored in the port side in the four-cabin Quatuor version.

Aft, the sound volume remains contained, even with the motors at higher rpm, although a few squeaks can sometimes be heard. Each cabin has two opening windows to ensure effective ventilation.

In the starboard hull, the aft guest cabin offers a wide semi-island bed

Even more convincing to former sailors, Fountaine Pajot’s challenge with its MY range is to shake up the supremacy of monohulls. By opting for a range – and model names – that highlight the surface area and volume provided by a catamaran, and now by offering a very elegant Sedan version, the manufacturer is widening its appeal.

And we can’t blame the builder for sharing the hulls of the former MY37. Firstly, because the design is proven, and secondly, because the previous model sold 72 units, which bodes well for the MY4.S.

www.fountaine-pajot.com

Tanguy Tertrais: M-Line expands Prestige options

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Tanguy Tertrais: M-Line expands Prestige options

June 1, 2023
11:09 am

As Asia-Pacific Sales Director for Prestige, Tanguy Tertrais is preparing for the French builder’s M Line of multihull motor yachts to enter Asia, while the brand introduces new developments for the popular F-Line.

Tanguy Tertrais, Asia-Pacific Sales Director, Prestige

Having recently visited Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Japan, what have you learnt since taking on the role of Prestige Sales Director for Asia-Pacific last September?

I’ve noticed each market is quite specific. I went to this year’s Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama and found that the way owners use their boats there is completely different from how boats are used in Hong Kong, mainland China or Singapore.

The Japanese clients, for example, don’t use their boats as much as they’re used in Hong Kong. It’s more of a social status in Japan, whereas in Hong Kong, it’s really something you use for the weekend or for day trips. It’s interesting to see these differences, whereas in Europe, it’s a different usage of the boat. These cultural differences are new to me, so it’s very interesting.

Tertrais in Japan with Prestige Brand Director Erwin Bamps and Yamaha Marine

However, the demands from our customers are similar. Most are looking for quality time on the water with their family and friends, and for more volume and space rather than speed. If we asked people a decade ago what they wanted, they would have said ‘a fast boat to go from A to B and back’.

Which are Prestige’s biggest markets in Asia?

Hong Kong is number one. Japan is picking up the pace and other markets are growing. We’ve talked a lot about Thailand, where a lot of Russian clients have come back and Chinese are visiting again. There is money all around the region such as in Indonesia and Malaysia, while the Philippines is a big market, especially for the new M-Line of multihull motor yachts.

But Hong Kong is our main market today and the F-Line of flybridges is the best seller, especially the 520. That’s our best-selling model worldwide and that’s also reflected in Asia. We see a demand for the X-Line as well. It has only been introduced in Asia quite recently, but the X-Line is becoming a trend as we’ve seen in the European market.

Tertrais at the China International Boat Show in Shanghai

Meanwhile, there’s growing interest in the M-Line worldwide and there have already been 30-plus retail orders for the M48, which is a good start for a yacht launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September. And with the announcement of the M8, everyone is getting excited about these models and it’s a trend we’re going to see across Asia, such as in Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan and so on.

Asia Yachting represents Prestige in Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines, so what have you learnt from their team about these markets?

Most of the owners in these markets have crew, so it’s a different way of using the boat. In terms of layout options, the designs of the boats differ when someone uses the boat with a full crew. A Seakeeper stabiliser and air-conditioning are common options, so these are also things to consider when creating models to cover these markets.

Prestige 690 Swarovski Edition

Perceived quality is very important in Asia, which is why we partnered with Swarovski on the Prestige 690. The Prestige 690 Swarovski Edition is already on its way to Asia.

How closely are you cooperating with Asia Yachting?

Working closely with our dealers in all their markets is key to making sure our brand is well represented. I was talking about the Philippines with the M-Line. That’s a key market for us so we’re working closely with Asia Yachting to understand how we can build our presence there with the M-Line. Thailand is also picking up.

Asia Yachting is an expert on the yachting industry in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, so we want to build that partnership to have a presence for Prestige in those key markets. Event wise, they are a true partner and regularly host Prestige events. In November, we host the Prestige Exclusive Days at our shipyard in France and we’ll do it in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in August with some sea trials, so we want to increase those events.

Tertrais and Bamps with Asia Yachting at the Prestige Exclusive Day in Hong Kong

Asia Yachting has hosted the first official Prestige Exclusive Days outside of France, so the idea is to spread these throughout the world in the US, for example, but also hopefully one day in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and so on. They’re a true partner to help us grow our visibility and our branding across the region.

What has been the reaction to the X-Line in Asia, where the region’s first X70 arrived in Hong Kong in late 2021?

There has been an excellent response and I believe it will be even better for the X60, with the first model in Asia potentially arriving in Hong Kong late summer. We had an X70 handover in December and we had 15-20 people on the boat having a good time, and that’s how owners here like to use their boats, so the X-Line is right on point.

Prestige X60

You don’t see the volumes on the X-Line models on other brands. That’s what yacht owners in Asia are looking for because when they go boating, they don’t go by themselves. They’re going with the full family, with some friends or even some business partners, and they’re looking for those volumes.

What about the M-Line, the brand’s entry into the multihull market?

The M-Line is a step further. The boats have been designed from scratch as powercats, to offer unprecedented space and experiences for guests and the owner, including what we call an owner’s suite, because that’s really what it is.

Today, many of our competitors in the multihull motor yacht market are coming from sailing catamarans. We don’t have the same constraints, so we manage to offer unrivalled spaces for a new way of experiencing the sea. The design of our M8, for instance, is based on a perfect technical platform to meet four pillars: comfort, conscious luxury, environmental awareness and natural stability.

Prestige M48

I think the M48 is going to be well received in Asia and when we talk to Asia Yachting, it’s clear that’s what their customers are asking for: huge volumes and comfort on board. And that’s the feedback we got from all over the world but especially Asia.

Do you think Prestige surprised its competitors by moving into multihulls?

I think it was a surprise for them. I think we may have surprised them with our timing and if you look at Boot Dusseldorf this year, Prestige was the only exhibitor in Hall 6 (for luxury yachts) with a powercat.

However, I think if we meet in two years or three years, other brands could have power cats. We created a boat that interests a lot of owners of monohulls, multihulls and sailing boats, as well as first-time boat owners.

Prestige M48

It feels like there’s a trend and a lot of companies are talking about it, but for now, we’re going to distribute the boat everywhere. The first one in Asia will be in Hong Kong by the end of this year or early 2024, there will be one at the Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama in March 2024, one in Australia for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2024 and so on.

As a brand, we’ve ensured that the first 15 units are dedicated to visibility around the world, to cover the main markets and main boat shows.

What about the M8 model in build at Groupe Beneteau Italia in Monfalcone and the most expensive Prestige model to date?

The M8 is coming with a new dimension of comfort. It’s a high-end catamaran representing a new generation, linking comfort and luxury with luminous spaces. It’s going to put Prestige and the M-Line on another level. We’re not talking to the same customers; instead, we’re talking to superyacht owners that want more stability and efficiency.

Prestige M8

On the finishing, the materials, the layout, the furniture, we’re putting the M8 on the level we want to put the brand to be able to talk to those customers, who are owners of 80-90ft superyachts that want to feel the same volume, but in a more compact platform. That’s what the M8 is about.

The debut of the M8 will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2023. It will be hull two and will feature a ‘silent mode’ due to the use of solar panels, so you don’t have to use the generator. Hull one is for the US.

So, Prestige believes multihull motor yachts are here to stay?

When you look at the advantages multihulls bring – efficiency, comfort and stability, and space – that’s everything our yachting customers are looking for today. They’re looking for those key points when they’re purchasing a boat and the M-Line power catamarans are ticking all the boxes. It’s a trend we’ve seen for the past few years, it’s going to grow and it’s going to stay.

Asia Yachting Open Day

Hong Kong and some Southeast Asia markets have a bias towards Italian and British motor yacht builders, especially in the 50-100ft motor yacht market. Although Prestige has done very well in the 40-70ft segment, does the brand have to upgrade its image to remain a leader in this sector?

Today, Prestige is the leading brand for 40-60ft flybridge motor yachts, but we have a demand for a higher level of finish and bigger sizes and volumes. The X-Line answers this demand in the 60-70ft segment, but as we look to keep leading the 40-60ft flybridge market, we’re developing the F-Line to ensure we continue to answer all the needs of our clients and future owners within the 40-80ft range.

www.prestige-yachts.com

www.asiayachting.net

Multihull Special 2023: Supercats

News / yachtstyle2020

Multihull Special 2023: Supercats

May 31, 2023
11:32 pm

The world’s largest sailing catamaran is set to launch in Italy, while Poland’s Sunreef has signed the first 100 Eco and two orders for its 43M Eco, as more shipyards and owners around the world commit to ‘supercats’.

Sunreef Explorer series

When Sunreef celebrated its 20th anniversary at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, famous guests included Polish statesman Lech Walesa, 2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg and celebrated explorer Mike Horn, an ambassador for the builder’s Explorer series of powercats and now embarking on his four-year What’s Left global expedition (click for article).

As popular as some of the attending VIPs were, the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Sunreef’s announcement that it had secured the sale of the first 43M Eco, one of a growing selection of ‘supercat’ designs and concepts promoted by studios and shipyards around the world in recent years.

Sunreef 43M Eco

However, there was more to come from the all-action shipyard, whose dealers in Asia include Hong Seh Marine in Singapore and Lee Marine in Thailand. In January this year, Sunreef announced a second sale of the 140ft solar-powered sailing cat with a 50ft 6in beam, which it has described as the “world’s biggest electric luxury catamaran”.

As if it wasn’t busy enough running two shipyards in Gdansk and establishing another in the UAE, the shipyard confirmed the signing of the first Sunreef 100 Eco, meaning the two units of the Sunreef 80 Eco and the 80 Sunreef Power Eco already in the water will be joined by at least three much bigger sisters in the coming years.

All three of the upcoming Eco superyachts will feature the environmentally friendly, emission-free, noiseless technology that Sunreef has developed for its new Eco range of sailing and power catamarans, which now accounts for over half of the shipyard’s enquiries and orders.

Sunreef 100 Eco

Able to accommodate 12 guests, the 43M Eco can incorporate composite-integrated solar panels in its hull sides, superstructure, hard top and even mast, potentially delivering up to 60kW.

A hydrogeneration system linked to the propellers can regenerate up to 40kW while under sail or when powering along with the two 200kW electric motors, which offer a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 14. The rig includes a 49m mast supporting 1,000sqm of upwind sail area and 1,600sqm of downwind sail area.

The outdoor areas include an enormous flybridge and foredeck, and an aft cockpit overlooking the vast ‘ocean lounge’, which combines the high-low aft platform and transoms with fold-down balconies on either side. There’s also a hidden garage below the cockpit that can stow two jet-skis and other water toys.

Sunreef 100 Eco

Meanwhile, the Sunreef 100 Eco has an LOA of 96ft 6in and a beam of 42ft 8in, making it a little longer and slimmer than the 100 Power (Issue 65 cover story). The 100 Eco can be fitted with twin 180kW engines and a solar-panel system delivering up to 45kW, while its design includes a three sided ocean club – like the 43M Eco – and the option of a master suite forward on the main deck.

GROWING POPULARITY

Sunreef has a strong history in superyacht catamarans, even before the late 2021 launch of its 100 Power, an imposing 94ft-long, 44ft-wide powercat that only made its public debut at this year’s Palma International Boat Show at the end of April.

Founded by Francis Lapp in 2002, Sunreef quickly proved a pioneer in the luxury catamaran sector and in 2010 launched not one but two 100ft-plus sailing catamarans – the Sunreef 102 Ipharra (31m) and the Sunreef 114 Che (35m).

Sunreef 102 Ipharra

They were among only a handful of similar-sized sailing cats of the period, which included the 31m Hutiane (former La Sella Del Diavolo) built in Italy by Nuovo Arsenale Cartubi and the 44m VPLP designed Hemisphere built in the UK by Pendennis, launched in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The latter is the world’s largest sailing catamaran, but is set to hand over that title later this year – read on.

Over the past decade or so, Asia-Pacific has been home to multiple multihull superyacht projects including the 110ft sailing cat Ruizi (2018) built in northern China by Jinlong Mega Yacht (which also built a 46m monohull motor yacht for Jackie Chan).

On the motor yacht side, the 43m trimaran Adastra launched by McConaghy in Zhuhai in 2012 for a Hong Kong-based owner was followed six years later by a trimaran on a different scale altogether, the 84m White Rabbit built by Western Australia’s Echo Yachts for a Singaporean owner.

Royal Falcon One (41m)

In 2019, the 39m catamaran The Beast emerged from New Zealand and the 41m Royal Falcon One was launched in Sweden for a Singapore-registered company. Designed by Studio F.A. Porsche with naval architecture by Incat Crowther, Royal Falcon One has roots in Asia and is currently listed for sale with Carmen Lau of Camper & Nicholsons.

Last year, Australia-based shipyard SilverYachts launched the first Spacecat 36M from its China facility in Guangdong province. Meanwhile, HH Catamarans, an offshoot of Hudson Yacht Group, is currently completing the first HH88 sailing catamaran, its 26.8m, all-carbon flagship due to launch in Xiamen later this year.

SUMMER LAUNCHES

Another of this year’s most anticipated multihull superyachts is the 46.5m sailing cat ArtExplorer, an “aquatic museum” scheduled to launch this summer in The Italian Sea Group’s facilities in Marina di Carrara and succeed Hemisphere as the world’s longest sailing catamaran.

ArtExplorer (46.5m)

Perini Navi will present the yacht at the Monaco Yacht Show (September 27-30) before she departs for her first exposition in Marseille in the south of France.

French entrepreneur and philanthropist Frederic Jousset, 53, is the owner of ArtExplorer, which has been designed to be the first floating art gallery and host thousands of visitors around the world each year, although some time will be spent chartering in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Fraser has been leading the team in charge of the project since ArtExplorer was commissioned. Laurent Bredy, Head of Project Management at Fraser, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of such a project, with an exceptional rig, technologies specifically developed for the museum, and an iconic design.”

ArtExplorer (46.5m)

Also this summer, Italian shipyard Wider is scheduled to launch its first WiderCat 92 in Fano ahead of the model’s world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 12-17).

Featuring hybrid propulsion, the 28m powercat was designed by Luca Dini with Centro Stile Wider and features a 12m (39ft 4in) beam. The wingspan extends when the side platforms drop, offering direct access to both VIP cabins and linking with the fold-down garage door to form a 720sqft, three-sided beach club.

The WiderCat 92 features 1,830sqft of solar panels, so is energy self-sufficient when anchored at sea, with unused energy stored in the lithium batteries to power systems at night.

WiderCat 92 (28m)

The most recent version of the shipyard’s Serial Hybrid Propulsion System enables a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range over 1,600nm at eight knots or up to 2,400nm at six knots. In zero-emission mode, the yacht can travel 27nm at six knots in silence.

MORE TO COME

Rossinavi, which has facilities in Viareggio and Pisa, is scheduled to launch its 43m aluminium Sea Cat in spring 2024. Designed by Italy’s Fulvio de Simoni with interiors by US-based Meyer Davis, the sub-500GT hybrid-electric powercat has an LOA of 140ft and a 45ft beam, with accommodation for 10-12 guests and up to seven crew.

Attractions include a beach club with a sauna, a pool in the aft cockpit, an American bar on the large sun deck, and a large forward outdoor lounge with Jacuzzi, firepits and cinema.

Rossinavi Sea Cat (43m)

Along with Rossinavi’s ‘Zero Noise Technology’, Sea Cat features solar panels on the top parts of the superstructure. The yacht is designed to operate in four modes including ‘one-day trip’, cruising in full electric mode, and ‘multi-day trip’, spending 90 per cent of the time in full-electric mode if passing the nights at anchor.

For a ‘transatlantic trip’, Sea Cat is estimated to spend 80 per cent of the time in full-electric mode and 20 per cent in diesel-electric mode, using diesel generators, while in ‘hibernation’, the catamaran can be self-sufficient and even donate excess energy.

Silent-Yachts, the Austrian-owned pioneer of solar-electric catamarans, is also scheduled to launch its flagship Silent 120 Explorer in 2024. Under construction at partner shipyard VisionF Yachts in Turkey, the 36.7m catamaran has a 13.85m beam, a volume of 499GT and offers extended cruising at 6-8 knots in economical mode or up to 16 knots at full power.

Featuring styling and interior design by Marco Casali, the Silent 120 incorporates a flybridge hard top covered in solar panels including two large sections that can slide outwards on each side to reveal a touch-and-go landing pad.

Silent 120 Explorer (37m)

Silent-Yachts, which also has its own production facility in Italy, has even announced that all-electric toys can include the XP4 ‘flying car’ by British company VRCO and the Nemo 2 two-person submersible by Dutch manufacturer U-Boat Worx.

VisionF is also moving up in size with the VisionF 100, having built multiple models of its aluminium VisionF 80 including Black, which exhibited at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show and is owned by shipyard founder Coşkun Bayraktar.

With the first hull set to be delivered in early 2025, the VisionF 100 is built of Kevlar composite for high strength-to-weight ratio and will have four Volvo Penta IPS 1050 engines for a top speed of 22 knots. The 30.5m flybridge powercat has a beam of 12m and space for up to six en-suite guest cabins, while exciting options include a 2.4m-long glass-bottomed jacuzzi on the foredeck.

VisionF 100 (30.5m)

Meanwhile, Alva Yachts is building the Ocean Eco 90 H2, the first fuel-free 90ft catamaran with wings, which the German-owned company expects to be in the water by late 2024.

Fitted with two electric motors connected to a 500kWh-plus battery pack, the yacht features over 200sqm of solar panelling, a hydrogen fuel cell range extender and Ayro’s Oceanwings© wind-propulsion system with wind sensors on the wing sails.

There’s much more out there, in build or in design. Germany’s Ultimate Catamarans is promoting a full line of aluminium powercats with hybrid propulsion comprising the Spaceline 69, 88, 120, 150 and 150S, all designed by the Italian studio Luxury Projects headed by Laura Pomponi.

Extra X30 Villa

StellarPM, which builds in Vietnam and China, recently expanded its new-build offerings with the StellarEXP32 (105ft) and StellarEXP37 (122ft) tri-deck explorer powercats, each offered with a steel or aluminium or hull, and an extended or shorter upper deck. The company’s portfolio also includes the StellarCat series featuring the AL20-2 (67ft 6in), AL25-2 and AL25-3 tri-deck (both 82ft 5in).

Within Italy’s Palumbo Superyachts group, Extra Yachts has announced the X30 Villa powercat featuring exterior and interior by Amsterdam-based studio Phathom, while France’s Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design is behind the Zeffiro 130 and 150 powercats for sister company ISA Yachts.

Camper & Nicholsons’ listings include a 46m trimaran motor yacht design by Mani Frers for a 36 month build at McConaghy, which recently released designs for its own MC115 sailing cat (35m).

https://yachtstyle.co/yacht-style-issue-71/

Note: The original article appears in YACHT STYLE Issue 71

Armani Group continues growth in Q1 2023

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Armani Group continues growth in Q1 2023

May 31, 2023
11:03 pm

After increasing annual revenue last year by 16.5 per cent to €2.35 billion, Armani Group recorded positive growth of 18 per cent across all its sales channels in the first quarter of 2023..

By Joseph Low

There is much to celebrate at Italian luxury group Armani as the fashion house reported strong 2022 and Q1 2023 results as per the press release shared on 25 May. The group’s revenue ended 31 December rose 16.5 per cent to €2.35 billion when compared to 2021, and earnings before tax and interest grew 25 per cent to €289 million. As for the first quarter of 2023, Armani Group recorded positive growth of 18 per cent across all its sales channels.

As owners of Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange, the group joins other companies like LVMH, Kering, Richemont and others in displaying resilience despite global and economic uncertainties like the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and rising prices. “Notwithstanding a global economic environment that is still characterised by multiple crises, all sales channels registered significant growth in 2022 over 2021,” shared the brand in a press release. A balanced breakdown was observed with “direct retail up 17 per cent, wholesale up 16 per cent, and e-commerce up 9 per cent”.

The group further elaborated that in 2022, its key markets were Europe and America as both were the first to relax public health restrictions and travel was reinstated. Performance on these two continents was up by 24 per cent and 19.5 per cent respectively. In contrast, Asia as a whole saw a decline of 6.3 per cent and the group “[attributed it] to extensive lockdowns and the reintroduction of strict mobility limitations, which in China were only lifted at the beginning of 2023.” Despite the shortfall, its constant focus on service quality has enabled the group to achieve a strong performance that contributed to continuous growth.

“The medium-long term strategic path I have chosen to undertake continues to prove effective as is evidenced in the results: 2022 ended with further growth that has continued into the first quarter of 2023, further solidifying the Group’s soundness,” commented Giorgio Armani, Chairman and CEO of the Armani Group.

“I am firmly convinced that operating with a vision aimed at continuity, following a concrete and consistent approach, centred on the values that have always underpinned my creative and managerial philosophy, is the only way to face the challenges and unforeseen events that characterise the current global scenario.”

“In an increasingly difficult and competitive context, I am proud to have been able to maintain my independence and the stability of the Group, also thanks to the work and commitment of my collaborators and employees.”

On the other hand, in Q1 of 2023, the geographical trends showed a significant shift when compared to 2022. Where most of the growth recorded was from Europe and America, its sales were given an additional boost from Asia. Led by China’s reopening, it reported a 14 per cent growth while Europe climbed 22 per cent and America at only 10 per cent. A slowdown in America has been on the horizon, and other luxury companies have also seen its sales from the region turn sluggish.

Just last week, LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, the world’s richest person, had US$11.2 billion wiped out after concerns about a softening US economy which will dampen demand for luxury goods. A report by Bloomberg said that LVMH’s shares fell 5 per cent, and this was amid a broader decline that erased about US$30 billion from the European luxury market. Across the board, CEOs at different companies have acknowledged US’ declining growth but most are hopeful of China’s post Covid-19 recovery to offset these differences in sales.

In a joint statement, Chief Commercial Officer Giuseppe Marsocci and COO and CFO Daniele Ballestrazzi said: “The adjustment period that followed the decision to reorganise the company’s portfolio by focusing on its three main brands, namely Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange may be considered concluded on a positive note with highly satisfactory sales levels, corroborated by even better growth trends in operating profitability.”

“In 2022, direct brand turnover — represented by sales of Armani branded products made directly by the group and third-party licensees — reached 4.6 billion euros, with estimated retail sales of over 6.5 billion euros. We are advancing, well ahead of schedule, towards the objectives set for 2025, the year that marks the 50th anniversary of Giorgio Armani.”

For more business reads, click here.

Silent-Yachts’ Fano facility focuses on 60/62 series

News / yachtstyle2020

Silent-Yachts’ Fano facility focuses on 60/62 series

May 31, 2023
10:54 pm

The Austrian-owned builder of solar-electric catamarans has restructured its facility in Fano to increase production of the Silent 60/62 and Silent Tender models.

Silent-Yachts is dedicating production of its solar-electric catamaran yachts at its Italian facility in Fano to the Silent 60/62 models and is aiming to launch one unit per month from 2024. The remaining Silent 60/62 yachts, all Silent 80s and the flagship Silent 120 are being built by a partner shipyard in Turkey.

Over 15 Silent 60/62 yachts have been assigned for construction in Italy, with the next available delivery in early 2025. The slightly longer Silent 62 3-deck, which offers a full-size flybridge, enclosed or open, is proving more popular than the original Silent 60, with both based on the same platform. The first Silent 62 3-deck is scheduled to launch in late summer.

However, the next delivery in June will be a two-deck version of the Silent 62, a special one-off project with two dedicated conference rooms, two guest cabins and accommodation for crew. Her US owner plans to make the yacht available for charter to corporate clients.

Fully acquired by Silent-Yachts last year (click for article), the Fano facility has 22,000sqm of covered space and a similar exterior surface area, and benefits from a long-standing network of subcontractors and suppliers.

Michael Köhler (right) and wife Heike

Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts (click for interview), said: “Since fully acquiring the facility, the focus has been on establishing a thoroughly reliable and efficient series production process.

“The GRP hulls and superstructures are produced and assembled in one shed, then transferred to another for installation of the technical equipment and interior furniture. Next door to the outfitting shed, we have a large warehouse for storing components and materials.”

Köhler also revealed that production of the fully electric Silent Tender series will be based in Fano. Late last year, Silent-Yachts launched the prototype of the 4m Silent Tender 400 (click for article), which was fitted with an electric outboard motor. The Silent Tender range will expand to include 400, 450 and 520 models available with electric jet propulsion.

Silent-Yachts is presented in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand by Asiamarine (click for Profile).

http://www.silent-yachts.com

www.asiamarine.com

Venice Boat Show highlights include Wallywhy150 debut

News / yachtstyle2020

Venice Boat Show highlights include Wallywhy150 debut

May 31, 2023
10:42 pm

The fourth edition of the Venice Boat Show in the city’s Arsenale district features many of the world’s leading luxury yacht builders.

The Arsenale again hosts the Venice Boat Show

Ferretti Group is staging the world premiere of the wallywhy150 at the fourth edition of the Venice Boat Show (May 31-June 4). Featuring 180 exhibitors from Italy and over 40 exhibitors from the rest of Europe, the show has about 300 boats including 250 in the water.

Ferretti Group has participated in every edition and its 10-Yacht line-up this year also includes 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.

CGI of wallywhy150

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, said: “What can be more exciting than displaying yachts against the splendid backdrop of the Arsenal. We see Venice as our home, an intrinsic stage and an exclusive boutique, and it’s where we present the Wallywhy150, the latest extraordinary model in our Wallywhy line.”

Azimut is staging the European premiere of the Verve 42 alongside a Magellano 66, Fly 68 and Fly 72. Giovanna Vitelli, President of Azimut-Benetti, said: “It was very important for us to participate in a show aimed at the Eastern European market and focused on the theme of sustainability, both strategic elements in our sector.”

Azimut Verve 42

Sanlorenzo is showing an SL78 planing yacht, sister company Bluegame is displaying the BG42 and new BG54, Arcadia returns with a Sherpa 80, while the steel-hulled Ducale 120 explorer by Oceanking is the show’s largest yacht.

Italian motor yacht builders also include Absolute, Rizzardi, FIM, Pardo and Explorer by Luxury Ocean Yachts (LOY), while Invictus, Solaris Power and Rio Yachts are first-time exhibitors in Venice. International shipyards include Sunseeker, Prestige, Beneteau, Fountaine Pajot, Nautor Swan and Sirena.

The sailing boat display has increased 50 per cent

Meanwhile, displays of sailing yachts have increased 50 per cent and include the 100ft Whimsea by CNB and 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.

Substantial growth can also be witnessed in the electrical sector, with over 50 electrical vessels being exhibited, a 30 per cent increase compared to last year’s edition.

Electric boats have increased 30 per cent

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.

The five-day show includes 1,100m of piers along the historic Arsenale waterfront and 30,000sqm of external exhibition spaces.

www.salonenautico.venezia.it

Maritimo debuts S75 at Sanctuary Cove

News / yachtstyle2020

Maritimo debuts S75 at Sanctuary Cove

May 31, 2023
12:31 am

The Australian builder staged the world premiere of the S75 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Maritimo, represented in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia by The Yacht Sales Co, hosted the global debut of its S75 sedan motor yacht at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The launch of the brand’s current flagship was a landmark event as the Australian builder celebrates two decades since it was founded in 2003 by Bill Barry-Cotter, father of Tom Barry-Cotter, the shipyard’s Managing Director.

“The global launch of the S75 heralds the start of Maritimo’s 20^th-anniversary celebrations and what could be more fitting in our 20^th year than releasing this grand vessel,” said Tom Barry-Cotter. “The S75 is the epitome of everything that is Maritimo. We’re incredibly proud to be launching this majestic vessel and of what it represents for Maritimo.”

The S75 starts aft with the ‘adventure deck’, which is close to 200sqft and allows for storage of water toys and offers space for lounging, barbecuing and relaxation.

Three steps on each side lead to the cockpit, which has a wide sofa aft, while forward to starboard is an L-shaped sofa and a flexible table offering alfresco dining. The cockpit can be enclosed in case of inclement weather.

Deep-sided walkaround decks lead to the forward outdoor lounge area, which has a free-standing sun bed and forward-facing lounge.

In an interior notable for diagonal lines, the aft galley to starboard serves both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and features a refined palette of materials and finishes along with leading appliances.

Forward to port, an elevated cruising lounge can act as companion seating, allowing for great interaction with those on the helm, who benefit from ergonomically designed and electrically adjustable heated helm seats.

The saloon has lot of seating on both sides and features panoramic glazing, which create a light and airy space.

An enormous 65-inch screen on the port side reveals itself via electric lift and can be swivelled and viewed from the galley and even the cockpit.

The atrium stairwell forward leads to the lower-deck guest cabins, which include a full-beam master suite with king-size bed and a VIP suite in the bow. A twin guest cabin to starboard has en-suite access to a bathroom that also acts as the day head and can be used by guests in the bunk cabin to port.

Engine options include twin 1,150hp Scania DI16 V8s, while Maritimo is the first Australian manufacturer to offer 1,625hp MTU 2000 Series V10 engines by Rolls-Royce Power Systems. The S75 will be joined by the M75, which features an enclosed flybridge, and both models are the largest built by Maritimo to date.

“The S75 is the culmination of over three years of development by the dedicated Maritimo team. The company has invested hundreds of thousands of hours in the planning, development and pre-production of the S75, collaborating with Maritimo owners intensively throughout the process,” Barry-Cotter said.

“When you consider the evolution of Maritimo over the last 20 years, it’s clear the foundations for the development of the S75 really started back then. When my father founded Maritimo back in 2003, he had the vision to see the scale of vessels we’d be producing today and set about creating an environment where that would be possible.”

www.maritimo.com.au

www.yachtsalesco.com

Sunseeker Superhawk 55 shines at sea

News / yachtstyle2020

Sunseeker Superhawk 55 shines at sea

May 25, 2023
3:57 pm

The British shipyard has revealed photography of its first new model of the year, which it has described as the “ultimate open day boat”.

The Superhawk 55 has a top speed of 38 knots

Sunseeker International has revealed photography of its new Superhawk 55 in the Mediterranean, where the British builder’s new Performance series model showcased its performance and range of social and entertainment options. The Superhawk 55’s world premiere was staged at Boot Dusseldorf in January and the model will next appear at the Venice Boat Show from May 31-June 4.

Powered by twin Volvo Penta D11-IPS950 engines matched with a hull form designed for the IPS propulsion system, the Superhawk 55 is capable of thrilling performance with “unparalleled agility”, according to Sunseeker, which says the CE Category A yacht has a potential top speed of 38 knots.

The forward part of the sunpad can slide forward to create seating

A spectacular updating of Sunseeker’s iconic Superhawk series, the 55 has an overall length of 56ft 2in and weighs 26 tonnes at half load. Conceived in response to the current demands for open day boats, the full-walkaround model features an open-plan arrangement and a full-beam cockpit.

The yacht starts with a large, clean open swim platform and a remarkably well concealed garage door that drops to reveal space for a Williams MiniJet. Up a couple of steps, the aft cockpit can make full use of the yacht’s 16ft 2in beam due to twin pantograph doors adjacent to the helm allowing forward access.

The huge swim platform and concealed tender garage

The aft half of the island sunpad can fold upwards to reveal storage for water toys like Seabobs, while covered L-shaped sofas positioned on each side of the cockpit can move diagonally aft and inwards to complete seating around the cockpit table.

Concealed appliances are integrated into the feature wet bar, while there’s also the option of a rise-and-fall TV. The finishing details are impressive, with overhead and in-deck LED lighting making a striking statement together with beautiful stainless-steel accents.

The L-shaped sofas can slide towards the table

The central, three-seat helm offers the skipper and companions panoramic views and a console complete with dual display screens, charging pads and chrome multi-purpose dials.

Pantograph doors on each side offer protection from the elements or access to the foredeck. The bow area can be set up with two lounging areas fore and aft of a pop-up table or the forward section can slide aft to join form one very long triple sunpad.

Overhead view of lower lounge and galley

The interior has an exceptional 7ft of head height in the lower lounge and galley, with natural light flooding in through a large, glazed roof with impressive lighting details.

The forward VIP and master stateroom each have an en-suite bathroom and complete a remarkable lower deck for what Sunseeker has described as the “ultimate open day boat”.

Full-beam master suite

“With the spirit of Sunseeker’s original Superhawk series, this 55ft performance yacht is steeped in Sunseeker heritage but re-imagined for the owners of today,” said Sean Robertson, Sales and Marketing Director at Sunseeker International. “The Superhawk 55 is the ultimate boat for day time cruising, long weekends and extended trips away.”

Sunseeker is represented in Hong Kong by NextWave Yachting and in the GCC countries by Sunseeker Gulf.

www.sunseeker.com

www.nextwaveyachting.com

www.sunseekergulf.com

Amels 60 Entourage custom interiors revealed

News / yachtstyle2020

Amels 60 Entourage custom interiors revealed

May 25, 2023
2:23 pm

Damen Yachting highlights Entourage’s custom interiors by Burdifilek and structural changes that will be reflected in future editions of the Amels 60.

Damen Yachting has revealed the custom interiors on board the 60m Entourage delivered to her owner earlier this year. As the second superyacht in the Amels 60 range, the 197ft, 830GT Entourage features an exterior design by Monaco-based Espen Øino International and naval architecture by Damen Yachting.

Each Amels 60 has a unique interior design and Entourage’s experienced owner appointed the Canadian design studio Burdifilek to create a luxurious, serene interior.

As the studio’s first superyacht project, the team at Burdifilek developed the owner’s clear brief and global vision into a tranquil and elegant home at sea.

“The owner knew exactly how he wanted to entertain and how he wanted the flow through the spaces to be. When the sun sets, the yacht transforms, shifting from day to night, evoking a completely different feeling,” says Diego Burdi, Burdifilek’s co-founder whose portfolio includes the W Hotel and New York’s Club Monaco.

“This unique opportunity led us on a journey of exploration where every design aspect of the yacht was considered at the highest level. Conceived as a floating oasis of luxury, the interiors are a playground of timeless elegance, ultimate comfort with a sense of peace conveyed through a monochromatic palette.”

Another interior highlight is the accommodation arrangement for both guests and crew. The extra-large owner’s suite on the main deck has a fold-down balcony, lounge area, two bathrooms and a neighbouring twin-bed guest suite.

With four more suites on the lower deck, Entourage can accommodate up to 12 guests. The 13 crew members are granted a modified crew area with a large laundry room and dry store.

The overall design of the Amels 60 focuses on the onboard experience, and so Burdifilek reversed the structure of the staircase to develop a more eye-catching and spacious passage.

Arie Midavaine, Project Manager at Damen Yachting, says: “I think the staircase is beautiful and very innovative.

“The structure is on the outside and tucked away, which is substantially different than previous models and gives much more space to move around. The ceilings are also beautiful and are free of domes – a feature that the owner brought in from this experience in real estate.”

The sense of freedom is maximised on the large sun deck, which has been lengthened in the aft by 1.5m and features a jacuzzi pool surrounded by sunpads, a large bar and barbecue, an alfresco dining area and a shaded L-shaped lounge.

Here, the sun awning poles were repositioned to the outside of the railing to maximise the space available.

Other dining and lounging options can be found throughout the yacht, including on the swim platform, main deck aft, the bridge-deck saloon, and a casual dining set-up in the main saloon. Owner input also led to an extended bridge deck, with the changes now set to influence future models.

Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting’s Commercial Executive North America, explains: “At the request of the owner, we extended the bridge and sun decks aft, which has impacted the use of these decks in such a positive way that we decided to implement this change for all future builds.”

Other dining and lounging options can be found throughout the yacht, including on the swim platform, main deck aft, the bridge deck saloon, and a casual dining set-up in the main saloon.

The owner worked closely with Amels and build supervisors Moran Yacht & Ship to customise the project and utilise the builder’s well-balanced Limited Editions technical platform and fast build time.

Another notable change was made to the exterior styling, where the owner opted for a seamless stream of windows instead of the signature angular windows.

Sean Moran, Managing Director at Moran Yacht & Ship, says: “We’re very proud of the many customisations we were able to implement into this platform, which is a testament to the Damen Yachting engineering and production team.”

Having been represented in the original sale by Moran Yacht & Ship, the owner has appointed the US brokerage house as the charter Central Agent for Entourage.

On the foredeck, there is space for two tenders and two Yamaha WaveRunners, with additional toys such as Seabobs, wakeboards and diving equipment stored in the beach club, which has a sauna, day head and gym equipment.

The Amels 60 has been developed to carry the spirit and philosophy of the Amels Limited Editions forward to a new generation.

Designed with the environment in mind, Entourage features IMO Tier III compliant hybrid power and propulsion technology, cutting-edge equipment and technology, superior seakeeping abilities and a transatlantic range of 4,500nm.

www.amelsyachting.com

www.damenyachting.com