yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Van der Valk, Shine, Dutch, Project Evo, Waalwijk, Netherlands, Cristiano Gatto Design, Cristiano Gatto, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Ginton Naval Architects, Jaron Ginton, Diana Yacht Design, Yoeri Bijker, Project Zen

Van der Valk splashes Shine

Leave a Comment / News / yachtstyle2020

Van der Valk splashes Shine

March 5, 2026
3:29 pm

The Dutch builder has launched and christened the 40m superyacht, built for an owner who “prefers to drive his own vessels”.

Van der Valk has splashed the 39.92m Shine, the biggest yacht launched by the Dutch boutique shipyard to date. Shine will undergo sea trials and final commissioning ahead of delivery in time for the summer boating season.

Formerly known as Project Evo, the yacht was officially christened Shine during her launch ceremony at the Van der Valk shipyard in the inland city of Waalwijk in southern Netherlands. The event was attended by the yacht’s owners, owner’s representative Thom Conboy, project team members, representatives from the design and engineering teams, and shipyard workers.

Cristiano Gatto Design developed the exterior styling – based on an original SFG Design concept that captured the owners’ attention – and was also appointed to develop the general arrangement and interior design.

Cristiano Gatto, the Italian studio’s founder, recalled: “The project began with a preliminary concept of around 36m based on a profile drawn by SFG Design, while the clients were searching for an interior designer to develop the layout and style.

“We met during the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2023 and started discussing furniture, including a collection I was designing at the time. That shared interest created a strong connection, and from there we were able to shape the concept into the 40m yacht she is today.”

As the owner prefers to drive his own vessels, a key part of the brief was to keep the yacht within an owner-friendly size while achieving the level of finish expected on much larger yachts. “The owner wanted a micro-megayacht built to the same standards as a 60m or 70m project,” Gatto explained. “The result exceeded my expectations.”

Shine features a round-bilge, fast displacement hull refined by Ginton Naval Architects. Combined with lightweight aluminium construction and twin MTU 16V2000 engines, the yacht is expected to achieve a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed in the low 20s.

Diana Yacht Design supported the project with structural engineering, integrating the exterior styling, interior layout and fast-displacement hull into a cohesive structure.

Yoeri Bijker, Van der Valk’s Commercial Director, stated: “From the earliest discussions with the owners and design team, it was clear this project would push boundaries in both design, engineering, and craftmanship.

“Shine stands out as a refined and highly capable 40m yacht, combining sleek exterior lines with a carefully considered interior and versatile layout. As the largest yacht launched by Van der Valk to date, she reflects the skill and dedication of every department within our shipyard.”

Although Shine is Van der Valk’s biggest launch to date, the shipyard’s current builds include the 48m Project Zen scheduled for delivery in 2028.

vandervalkshipyard.com

Pioneering Female Designers Shaping Contemporary Design Aesthetics

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Pioneering Female Designers Shaping Contemporary Design Aesthetics

March 5, 2026
7:54 am

From rising stars to veteran creators, LUXUO features eight leading women in design who are shaping the interior and furnishing industry.

By Joe Lim

From emerging talents to internationally recognised figures, LUXUO highlights a diverse group of women designers who are redefining leadership in contemporary design. Their practice is informed by personal experience and responsive to context. Working across furniture, interiors, lighting and objects, what unites them is a philosophy that views design as a vehicle for storytelling, material exploration and cultural dialogue. For these designers, objects carry meaning and materials are active participants that are capable of being reinterpreted, repurposed or elevated. In an industry often driven by trends and seasonal styles, these women assert influence through vision and the ability to shape how people experience space and objects. For International Women’s Day 2026, LUXUO celebrates their ingenuity and recognises the contributions that stand as a testament to the transformative potential of contemporary design.

Jay Sae Jung Oh — Rewriting Material Value

Jay Sae Jung Oh — who lives and works between Seoul and Seattle — has spent over 15 years expanding the boundaries between art, craft and furniture. Her “Salvage” series, which is made from discarded pieces bound and carved into cohesive forms, is a commentary on society’s overconsumption while maintaining her own brand of functional integrity.

Jay Sae Jung Oh’s Salvage chair is made from discarded materials. Image: saejungoh.com.

Oh — who has studied industrial design and fine art — sees garbage as both raw material and a statement. Her work has been shown at major design exhibitions and galleries, bolstering her reputation in collectable design. Her perspective is consistent with a broader trend among female designers: material transformation as authorship, sustainability as structural commitment and design as a lens through which behaviour is analysed.

Christina Z Antonio — Form, Tactility and Control

US-based designer Christina Z Antonio in her studio. Image: christinazantonio.com.

Christina Z Antonio is a furniture, lighting and interiors designer based in the United States whose work emphasises tactility with plaster, metal and stone moulded into rigid geometries that balance strength and restraint. She approaches furniture as micro architecture, drawing on her experience in design and spatial activity.

Aurellis V lighting, christinazantonio.com

Left: Aurellis V lighting. Image: christinazantonio.com.
Right: Raven credenza. Image: christinazantonio.com.

Her ethos discourages excess, instead emphasising proportion, weight and atmosphere. Antonio — like her contemporaries — views design as a human-centred discipline: objects must retain physical and emotional space, reflecting the increasing notion that design authority comes from clarity of perspective rather than visual noise.

Tiarra Bell — Craft as Cultural Position

Tiarra Bell’s creations are inspired by her Christian faith: Image: bellafontestudio.com.

USA-based Tiarra Bell is the founder of Bellafonté Studio and she forms part of a younger generation reinventing contemporary furniture through craft-driven storytelling. She has been active for about a decade, combining woodworking, upholstery and sculptural detailing to create limited edition pieces that highlight labour and tradition.

Left: Emptiness sconce. Image: bellafontestudio.com. Right: Mountain chair. Image: bellafontestudio.com

Her practice views furniture as a cultural document, with each object representing identity, authorship and intentional manufacture. Bell’s perspective is centred on narrative depth and community exposure, which aligns with broader themes prevalent throughout this cohort: transdisciplinary agility, material awareness and emotional resonance. Instead of aiming for mass scale, she creates an effect through perspective — promoting a structural change toward design based on purpose and accountability.

Paola Navone — Global Fluency, Industrial Authority

Paola Navone is one of Italy’s most decorated female designers. Image: Baxter.

Milan-based Paola Navone has almost four decades of experience in architecture, interior design and product design under her belt, making her one of Italy’s most productive creative directors. She co-founded the Alchimia movement in the 1970s and developed her career by rejecting dogmatic modernism in favour of instinct, travel and cultural interchange.

Left: Manila chair consists of leather cords and a rattan frame. Image: Baxter.
Right: Ghost sofa system, designed for Gervasoni. Image: Gervasoni.

Navone’s approach is founded on worldwide observation, combining vernacular craft, industrial production and everyday pragmatism. Her long-term cooperation with international brands demonstrates her commercial acumen. She — like the rising designers who follow — approaches design as a lived experience: emotionally intelligent, materially grounded, and resistant to trends.

Monica Förster — Precision with Emotional Clarity

Monica Förster is one of Scandinavia’s most famous designers. Image: monicaforster.se.

Stockholm-based artist Monica Förster has been active for over 25 years, working at the crossroads of Scandinavian restraint and material innovation. She trained in silversmithing before transitioning to industrial design and she tackles furniture with both technical rigour and poetic aim.

Kern table system, Fogia & Outt, monicaforster.se

Kala wooden bowls and vases, monicaforster.se

Left: Kern table system made from discarded marble, designed for Fogia & Outt. Image: monicaforster.se. Right: Kala wooden bowls and vases, designed for Zanat. Image: monicaforster.se.

Her work for renowned Nordic and worldwide brands demonstrates a rigorous awareness of proportion, tactility and manufacturing methods. Förster’s philosophy focuses on human connection — namely, how items are touched, utilised and integrated into daily life. Her long career reinforces a view shared by many of her peers: design authority comes from research, clear thinking and cultural awareness — not from chasing trends or visual excess.

India Mahdavi — Colour as Cultural Strategy

India Mahdavi, https://india-mahdavi.com

India Mahdavi is a French architect and designer. Image: https://india-mahdavi.com.

India Mahdavi — a Paris-based designer with over two decades of experience — has established an international reputation in interiors, hospitality and furniture. She is an architect who turns spatial intelligence into very identifiable settings through the careful use of colour and geometry.

Right: Mickey armchair, designed for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Image: Gebrüder Thonet Vienna.
Right: Bruto porcelain series, designed for Ginori 1735. Image: Ginori1735.com.

Mahdavi — widely regarded as a chromatic design pioneer — views colour as spatial structure rather than decoration, which she uses to create mood settings and brand presence. Her projects have a global scope and include residential, retail and hospitality. Behind the bold colours is a disciplined approach shared by her peers: design that reflects culture, shapes how people feel and functions with intent — not decoration for its own sake.

Elisa Ossino — Geometry, Atmosphere, Discipline

Elissa Ossino. Image: elisaossino.it

Milan-based Elisa Ossino has amassed over 20 years of experience working in architecture, interior design, art direction and product design. Her work is distinguished by geometric simplification, regulated colours and a precise use of lighting.

Left: Honore sofa system, designed for De Padova. Image: elisaossino.it.
Right: Zoey poufs, designed for Dieffebi. Image: elisaossino.it.

Using philosophical ideas and spatial psychology, Ossino creates spaces that prioritise ambience over adornment. Her work with well-known Italian brands showcases both creative depth and industrial dexterity. Her approach reflects a broader change in the industry, where many women designers are prioritising material research, emotional intelligence and cross-disciplinary practice — focusing on long-term relevance rather than short-term visibility.

Ana Kraš — Intuition as Discipline

Ana Kraš in her studio. Image: nyt.com.

Ana Kraš — based in Paris and originally from Serbia — has over a decade of experience working with furniture, lighting and textiles. Her production is marked by material honesty and personal narrative. She is trained in product design and prefers hand-woven textiles and uneven finishes that emphasise process over industrial polish.

Left: Bonbon light designed for HAY, offers a shade made from yarn. Image: Anakras.com.
Right: Slon table series, designed for Matter Made. Image: Anakras.com.

Her “Bonbon” lights helped her gain international recognition, portraying her as a designer who views products as emotional artefacts rather than commodities. Kraš’s design philosophy is based on instinct and lived experience, with a focus on creating authentic spaces rather than staged perfection. Like her peers, she sees design as narrative infrastructure — based on material intelligence, cultural memory and human use.

The work of Ana Kraš, Jay Sae Jung Oh, Christina Z Antonio, Tiarra Bell, Paola Navone, Monica Förster, India Mahdavi and Elisa Ossino represents a greater trend towards design as cultural authorship. Their voices remind us that the future of design resides in restraint, craft and intentional creation — an appropriate homage for International Women’s Day 2026.

For more on the latest in design reads, click here.

Damen Yachting launches third Amels 80

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Damen Yachting launches third Amels 80

March 5, 2026
7:41 am

Known as Project Zurich, the third hull in the Amels 80 Limited Editions series has been launched and is due for delivery later this year.

The third Amels 80, known as Project Zurich, has been launched at the Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen-East shipyard and will finish its outfitting at the builder’s main facility in Vlissingen City, where it joins the second Amels 80, Netto II.

Hull two is scheduled for delivery to her owner before the summer, while Project Zurich is scheduled for delivery “later this year”. Both units were sold just months after the Amels 80 Limited Editions was introduced to the market in 2022.

Sander Peeters, Project Manager at Damen Yachting, said: “Launching our third Amels 80 marks an important milestone for everyone involved. Yachts of this scale require meticulous planning, craftsmanship and close coordination across our teams, together with the owner’s representative.”

With Damen yachting also working on an Amels Full Custom project, multiple Amels 60s and various refit projects, Peeters added: “Managing multiple projects of this size simultaneously calls for experience, precision and focus as we move into the final stages ahead of delivery.”

As with all other Amels 80 units, Project Zurich’s exterior is designed by Espen Øino. The superyacht features the series’ signature amenities including a 6.5m glass-bottomed swimming pool, a beach club with three fold-down platforms, a gym, hammam and sauna, as well as a sundeck with a jacuzzi.

Damen Yachting described Project Zurich’s custom interior as “bright” but stated that the identity of the interior designer remains confidential. The 2,175GT superyacht includes seven suites for up to 14 guests, alongside quarters for 21 crew.

The first Amels 80 to have been officially delivered to her owner in 2025 was Pangea. As well as Netto II (hull two) and Project Zurich (hull three), three more Amels 80 units are in build, two of which are scheduled for delivery in 2027.

damenyachting.com

amelsyachting.com

Sedan sophistication at sea

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Sedan sophistication at sea

March 5, 2026
7:22 am

Combining sleek sedan styling and offshore capability, the Maritimo S60 Black Edition is ideal for Southeast Asia’s cruising grounds.

From Singapore to Phuket, Asia’s yachting market is maturing, with longer passages, larger builds and a new generation of discerning owners. Today’s buyers are looking beyond mere marina presence – they want freedom to explore offshore, confidence on long passages and a standard of onboard comfort that is both intentional and luxurious.

The Maritimo S60 Black Edition sedan motor yacht answers this call. With a sleek, low-profile sedan layout, it combines offshore pedigree, refined liveability and contemporary design, offering an unmatched yachting experience for the region’s discerning owners.

Australia’s offshore DNA, refined for Asia

Maritimo’s story begins with Bill Barry-Cotter, an offshore-racing legend and the brand’s founder. Every yacht is a testament to decades of bluewater expertise and rigorous testing in the Southern Ocean.

• Ocean going: Every Maritimo motor yacht delivers true blue water performance, along with ultimate confidence and comfort to all on board through unparalleled softer ride and stability.

• Shaft-drive reliability: Simple, robust propulsion systems that deliver confidence offshore.

• Fuel-efficient cruising: Designed to go further with less, ideal for extended passages across Asia’s archipelagos.

• Climate-controlled living: Enclosed saloon and helm ensure comfort in tropical climates.

• Vertically integrated build: From hull to finish, structural integrity and quality are guaranteed.

The result is a yacht that performs effortlessly in demanding waters, making long journeys feel smooth, safe and luxurious.

Why the sedan layout matters

The S60 Black Edition sedan motor yacht is a refined alternative to flybridge “SUV” vessels, offering a host of advantages for owner-operators who value both performance and elegance:

• Low centre of gravity: Enhances stability and handling, essential for offshore cruising.

• Seamless indoor-outdoor flow: An expansive saloon opens naturally to the aft deck, creating versatile spaces for entertaining or quiet relaxation.

• Full-beam master stateroom: Offers comfort and privacy typically reserved for larger yachts.

• Climate-controlled helm: Allows all-weather command and peace of mind in Asia’s tropical heat.

• Sleek, elegant profile: Reduces windage while projecting understated authority.

• Multi-generational comfort: Spacious cabins and social zones make extended family cruising effortless.

For owners seeking a yacht that is both stylish and high-performing, the sedan layout delivers an elegant, owner-focused experience. It’s perfect for sophisticated offshore adventures and social entertaining alike.

Built for Asia’s sophisticated waters

From Singapore to Phuket, Langkawi to the Anambas, Asia’s cruising routes demand yachts that are reliable, seaworthy and versatile. The Maritimo S60 Black Edition sedan motor yacht rises to the occasion by merging Australian offshore philosophy and Asia’s tropical realities.

• Offshore-capable: Handles extended coastal and open-sea passages with confidence.

• Versatile entertaining spaces: Saloon, aft deck and foredeck designed for both intimate gatherings and larger events.

• Owner-focused design: Intuitive systems, efficient operation and thoughtful layouts ensure ease of use for owner-operators.

Maritimo’s long-term commitment to Asia

Maritimo is strengthening its dealer network across Asia and the Middle East, forging long-term regional relationships and providing support that extends well beyond the initial purchase.

With Asia recognised as a key growth market for the coming decade, the brand is committed to delivering yachts that match the sophistication and ambition of the region’s owners.

As founder Bill Barry-Cotter notes: “Southeast Asia, in particular, is emerging as one of the most exciting luxury yacht markets globally, with owners who value long-range cruising capability, reliability and refined comfort. Maritimo is exceptionally well-suited to meet these needs.”

Singapore Yachting Festival 2026

Maritimo will present a dedicated brand pavilion at the Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 from April 23-26 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. Regional buyers can book an appointment to explore the S60 Black Edition sedan motor yacht beyond its technical specifications, including discussing customisation options, intended use and the lifestyle it provides.

Your next chapter begins here

The S60 Black Edition sedan motor yacht is a vessel crafted for the discerning owner and perfectly suited to Asia’s diverse waters, combining offshore capability, elegant sedan lines and refined liveability.

For those seeking to explore further, entertain in style and cruise with confidence, the S60 stands as the ultimate expression of performance and luxury in the region.

maritimo.com.au

DCH Marine’s Hong Kong showstoppers

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DCH Marine’s Hong Kong showstoppers

March 5, 2026
6:58 am

The Asia premieres of two large Sunseeker yachts stole the spotlight at DCH Marine’s two-day ‘Luxury Showcase’ event in Hong Kong.
Words: Andrew Dembina; Photos: DCH Marine

Moody early-spring skies in Hong Kong brightened on day one of the DCH Marine Hong Kong Luxury Showcase as invitation-only visitors eagerly walked through the dealership’s latest models from two of its exclusively distributed brands in Asia-Pacific: Sunseeker and Saxdor.

Two Asia premieres,the Sunseeker 100 Yacht and Sunseeker 82 Ocean Enclosed, arguably stole the on-water show at DCH Marine’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in Tsing Yi, while a Manhattan 55 from the British shipyard was also displayed.

Saxdor models on display comprised the 270 GTO, 320 GTO and 400 GTC, the latter hosting sea trials and all three models representing key model lines among the Finnish brand’s portfolio of performance-driven dayboats.

David Walder, DCH Marine’s Sales Director, commented in his opening remarks that this is an exciting time for Sunseeker International, with upcoming models including the Sunseeker 134 Yacht, scheduled to premiere in 2027.

Besides the yachts and dayboats on display, other lifestyle attractions included Bentley cars – available for short test drives – a rare whisky tasting and a golf simulator experience. Visitors were also invited to tour DCH Marine’s repair facilities and recently renovated showroom and office spaces.

After the event, Walder commented: “We proudly debuted the Sunseeker 100 Yacht and 82 Ocean Enclosed for the first time in Asia. We had clients, partners and friends who came and were impressed by the future of Sunseeker, which continues to invest and improve its research and design, which was evident at our luxury showcase.”

DCH Marine, which also represents Williams Jet Tenders, has further regional offices in mainland China, Singapore, Thailand and Australia, and works with exclusive partners in Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and New Zealand. The company plans to hold more luxury showcases in 2026, Walder said.

dch-marine.com

Sunseeker appoints permanent CEO

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Sunseeker appoints permanent CEO

March 5, 2026
6:33 am

The British shipyard has announced the successor of its interim CEO, while also announcing a new Chairman.

Andrés Rubio, CEO, Sunseeker

Sunseeker has appointed Andrés Rubio as its permanent CEO after confirming that the British shipyard has secured new owners. A debt purchase from the existing lenders by a consortium led by KCP, in partnership with Lionheart Capital, is expected to be completed this week, with the KCP group also set to enter into an agreement to purchase 100 per cent of the shares in Sunseeker.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, expected in the coming weeks, during which period the business will continue to operate as normal. Founded in 1952, KCP has teams in New York, Washington, London and Singapore.

Antony Sheriff, who has been a Board Member of Sunseeker since November 2024, will become Non-Executive Chairman. Sheriff was CEO of McLaren Automotive before becoming CEO and Executive Chairman of Princess Yachts, leaving the Plymouth shipyard in 2023.

Rubio succeeds Interim CEO Scott Millar of Teneo Financial Advisory, who took over the position in early December after the resignation of Andrea Frabetti. The Italian had been CEO since July 2019 after joining Sunseeker the previous year as Chief Technical Officer.

Rubio has a 30-year track record in commercial leadership and business transformation across the US, Europe and Asia. He was most recently the CEO of Intrum AB, a publicly listed pan-European credit management business, and prior to that served as a Senior Partner at Apollo Management International.

“I have long admired Sunseeker as the pinnacle of luxury yacht building, and its heritage genuinely sets it apart. It is an honour to be leading the business at such an exciting time and with a clear path to transformative growth,” Rubio said.

“I am also privileged to be joining a highly experienced leadership team and a dedicated workforce who are the heart and soul of the Sunseeker brand. We now have committed owners, an established leadership team, an industry-leading Chairman, and a clear plan. With the backing of KCP and Lionheart, and an accelerated focus on delivering our ambitions, I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

sunseeker.com

Indonesia welcoming the next wave of phinisis

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Indonesia welcoming the next wave of phinisis

March 5, 2026
5:50 am

Phinisis entered a new era in the 21st century with luxurious, charter-focused versions, which are now enjoying a new wave of popularity and productivity.
Words: Tristan Rutherford; Photos: As credited

The 48m Bhavana will be a high-end addition to Indonesia’s growing array of luxury charter phinisis; Image c/o Camper & Nicholsons

Cave art on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi depicts watercraft 20,000 years ago. At a ninth-century Buddhist temple on a neighbouring island, stone reliefs show sailing ships that could carry 200 guests. Come the 15th century, and Sulawesi shipwrights were constructing cargo ships that transported timber to China.

By contrast, Christopher Columbus chanced upon the Americas in a cramped caravel, then struggled to ascertain which continent he was on. Indonesians have saltwater in their blood.

Top deck on Bhavana; Image c/o Camper & Nicholsons

In 2026, a 48m Sulawesi-built schooner will rank among the world’s hottest yachts. Bhavana is being fitted out to superyacht standards in the Balinese port of Serangan for charter in Southeast Asia.

She has the first convertible cabins ever seen on a boat of this type. When her nitrox tanks are primed and her Starlink is installed, she will rival anything in the Mediterranean for adventure and amenities.

Frédéric Crétin from Camper & Nicholsons, the yacht’s charter manager, says: “Bhavana has a modern, contemporary and refined design that aligns with the tastes of most guests used to chartering from renowned shipyards.”

Master suite on Bhavana; Image c/o Camper & Nicholsons

Most importantly, more of these ultra-luxurious Sulawesi sailing vessels are being built than ever before. One shipyard, Persée, has four in build for the Southeast Asia market.

Guillaume Devora, the shipyard’s co-founder, says: “There is no reason why, just because it’s a wooden boat, we should have vintage comfort.” His modern boats can charter in Indonesia for six months, then cruise to Thailand, Myanmar and the Maldives. “Those boats can cross the ocean.”

Devora is correct. Navigating behemothic Indonesian ships to distant lands is nothing new. From the 17th century, sailmakers in the Sulawesi ports of Ara and Bira began copying the rig of Dutch merchants that raided the Spice Islands for cloves and nutmeg, the latter being considered more valuable than gold.

Pacific High has a 5,600sqm shipyard (above) in Sulawesi and several phinisis in build, having delivered the 36m Sanya (below) in August 2025; Photos: Pacific High

The two-masted sail plan, topped by a curtain of seven or more gaff sails, evolved to suit Asia’s monsoon winds. Trade winds would blow phinisis – as the type’s naval architecture became known – to Thailand or Australia. The 30m-long vessels would deliver sandalwood and tortoiseshell, returning home with porcelain or sea cucumbers depending on the destination.

The hull design evolved into a banana shape that bends upwards at bow and stern. This allowed phinisis – then as now – to ward off spray, keeping rice or Technogym equipment dry below deck.

LUXURY SURGE

The current phinisi building boom began in the 2000s. Not for cargo but for diving. Sulawesi sits near Raja Ampat, an emerald archipelago slap-bang in the Coral Triangle.

It’s home to the world’s most biodiverse seas, as a life-giving current called the Indonesian Throughflow nourishes everything from spaghetti worms to sperm whales. One marine biologist logged an astonishing 374 fish species during a single dive.

Yann Martinie de Maisonneuve, co-founder of Pacific High, one of Sulawesi’s largest phinisi builders, recalls: “Twenty or so years ago, phinisis were not like a premium charter yacht. They were liveaboards with small cabins in the hull with no windows.”

Completed in 2004, the 50m Silolona is the pioneer of luxury phinisis; Photo: Silolona Sojourns

The 2004 launch of the 50m-long Silolona, the brainchild of the late Patti Seery, showed what was possible by combining traditional craftsmanship with Western comfort.

Indonesian carvings mixed with hand-dyed fabrics and ensuite cabins. Instead of hiding the ship’s skeleton, as a European manufacturer would, the ironwood bones became part of the finish. Silolona is owned and operated by Silolona Sojourns and can also be chartered from US$130,900 per week.

LAMIMA LEADS

A decade later, 65m Lamima took charter capability to new realms. She also became the world’s joint-largest wooden sailing yacht, alongside the Gucci family schooner Creole, which has held or shared the record since its launch in 1927.

The 65m Lamima is the largest luxury phinisi; Photo: Lamima

Lamima enlivened destinations like the Spice Islands, Komodo and the Alor Archipelago with an armada of toys. WaveRunners to land on unnamed atolls. Paddleboards to explore cathedral-height caves. A Balinese spa that does facials and lemongrass massages. Plus enough scuba kit to send all 14 guests diving with whale sharks and giant mantas.

The only luxury charter with a fully Indonesian crew, her staff includes a chef snagged from Bali’s best hotels and a dive master who has made 5,000 scuba immersions in Raja Ampat. In short, Lamima proved that phinisis were the perfect platform for adventure. Big charter agencies took note.

“Phinisis combine exceptional seaworthiness with access to less-visited waters that modern vessels often cannot reach,” says Amy Harrigan from EYOS.

Lamima has an all-Indonesian crew, offering service with a smile; Photo: Lamima

Lamima charters with EYOS as her central agent for around US$200,000 per week. Note that Indonesian prices are all-inclusive, without the tax, fuel and provisioning charges that can add 50 per cent to a Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise.

LOCAL CHARTER

Another legal element has inspired the current charter uptick — and its knock-on effect on shipyard order books. Indonesia is a closed maritime registry. This means only locally owned boats can charter here. The vast majority are phinisis.

“I’m sure that fact has benefited this class of yachts,” says Crétin, who also manages 47m The Maj Oceanic, which has a full-beam master cabin with 270-degree views, and the barefoot-chic 50m Vela, which blends Hermès fabrics with local art.

Vela is among luxury phinisis available through Camper & Nicholsons; Photo: Emilio Kuzma-Floyd

Aside from growing charter potential in this closed marketplace, one final factor is fuelling the phinisi boom. Price. Shipyard sources claim the finished product costs one-quarter of a yacht made in Italy or Turkey.

“The latest phinisis are more like 40m to 45m, the cabins a minimum of 25sqm, all with sea views,” De Maisonneuve explains. A 45m will have a price tag of five or six million dollars, depending on the finish. “For a boat around 60m, we go around US$10 million.” Good luck buying a Benetti for that.

Best of all, this naval architecture has proved to be bulletproof, despite Southeast Asia’s monsoon winds and jagged reefs. In 1986, one 40m phinisi sailed from Indonesia to Vancouver via Tuvalu and Hawaii. It was named Nusantara, which translates as ‘archipelago’, after Indonesia’s 17,000 islands. Spending a day on each island would take 46 years, so most leisure-focused phinisis never leave.

Vela has six cabins; Photo: Emilio Kuzma-Floyd

Delivery time is fast, too. The completion of a 45m takes around 24 months from the laying of the keel. A 60m around three years. These timescales snip a third off the build of a similarly-sized GRP superyacht in Europe. And no owner wants to wait longer for their new toy.

LOOKING AHEAD

In 2026, Pacific High is working on four yachts in their 5,600sqm shipyard. Can anything steal the wind from the sails of the phinisi boom?

By bitter irony, the greatest threat to both manufacture and charters is an eco-initiative. Nickel is mined in both Sulawesi and Raja Ampat to fuel EV batteries in environmentally friendly vehicles. Mining in the latter archipelago sullied some dive sites with sediment until the Indonesian government revoked all but one mining licence in 2025. Deforestation is affecting Sulawesi’s ironwood forests.

As well as Sanya, Pacific High’s fleet of phinisis available for charter include Dewata (33m), Nataraja (32m) and Senja (31m); Photo: Pacific High

“Boat building probably only takes one per cent of the wood available in Indonesia,” says De Maisonneuve. “However, we are competing with resource-hungry industries,” like furniture, building and paper mills. Pacific High is exploring alternative hull structures from steel and aluminium, should the resource run dry.

One thing Sulawesi will never run out of is shipwrights, continues De Maisonneuve. “For craftsmen, the young generation are super interested in what their fathers or uncles are doing.”

A new cohort of female architects, engineers and project managers has entered the workplace, too, with four women working at Pacific High. “Indonesia will be in the top 10 global economies by 2030, so infrastructure and education are getting much better.”

Lamima offers a sunrise hike in Komodo; phinisis charter in some of the world’s most spectacular, pristine environments; Photo: Lamima

One question remains. Phinisis boast a UNESCO inscription for their hand-built heritage, but can the latest superyacht-style builds from Sulawesi be described as such?

“Technology is so advanced that not everything is done manually anymore,” admits Haji Saka, a Sulawesi shipwright who worked on Lamima. “But design is still done in the head, not on computers.”

This hard-won experience, passed on for generations over tens of thousands of years, has never been more in demand.

pacifichighcruise.com

perseeboats.com

lamima.com

camperandnicholsons.com

eyos-expeditions.com

Note: This article originally appeared in Issue 88 of Yacht Style

Custom Line to debut Navetta 35 in autumn

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Custom Line to debut Navetta 35 in autumn

March 5, 2026
5:01 am

The first two hulls of Custom Line’s new Navetta 35 have been sold, with a world premiere slated for September.

Custom Line has confirmed that the first two hulls of its new Navetta 35 motoryacht series have been sold, with construction on hull one well underway at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. Ferretti Group expects the Navetta 35 to have its world premiere at either the Cannes Yachting Festival or Monaco Yacht Show in September.

The Navetta 35 features an overall length of 34.5m and a 7.7m beam, as well as a “sporty design inspired by the automotive world”, according to Ferretti Group.

Exterior designer Filippo Salvetti has described the new project as a “more refined and contemporary” version of the Custom Line Navetta 38, noting that the Navetta 35 is a model that “doesn’t represent a break with tradition” but is “a natural evolution, a more mature expression of the range”.

Over 300sqm of interior and exterior spaces span across the yacht’s four levels. Highlights include a 58sqm sundeck with a ‘sunset solarium’ at the bow and an optional panoramic spa pool at the stern.

Other impressive areas include a 44sqm aft cockpit on the main deck and a 23sqm, fully glazed skylounge on the upper deck, while there’s accommodation for 10 guests in five cabins – including a main-deck master suite – plus six crew.

The interiors, designed by the ACPV Architects studio co-founded by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, feature custom-made free-standing furniture.

Owners can choose from three different colour schemes on board: ‘light mood’, characterised by white lacquered wood panelling; ‘contrast chocolate’, featuring dark brown leathers, bone-China lacquering and Grigio Alpi stone surfaces; or a subtle mix between the two styles, entitled ‘contrast oyster mood’.

Viel said: “On one hand, the Navetta 35 maintains the strong connection with yachting tradition, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, but on the other reveals striking stylistic differences compared to other Navettas. The background is white, with very little wood, and the surfaces become even more textured.”

In the standard version, the Navetta 35 will be powered by twin 1,400hp MAN V12 engines – offering a cruising range of up to 1,800nm – and will feature two Sleipner fin stabilisers and a selective catalytic reduction system to reduce NOx emissions by 70 per cent, in line with IMO Tier III regulations.

customline-yacht.com

ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Rolex China Sea Race fleet revealed

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Rolex China Sea Race fleet revealed

March 5, 2026
4:49 am

This year’s Rolex China Sea Race from Hong Kong to the Philippines features 20 entries, with an Olympic gold medallist among the sailors.

Xu Lijia and Happy Go owner Nie Hua

‘Lily’ Xu Lijia is making her Rolex China Sea debut at this year’s event, which starts on March 4. The 565nm race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines is set to feature 20 teams on the start line in Victoria Harbour.

Xu is a two-time Olympic medallist who won bronze in women’s Laser Radial class at Beijing 2008 and a gold in the same event at London 2012 , when she was the flag bearer for China at the closing ceremony. She was later named 2012 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year.

The 38-year-old is sailing on Happy Go, which won both Line Honours and IRC overall in 2024. Led by owner Nie Hua, the team is eager to defend their titles, with their TP52 having undergone significant maintenance and upgrades. “Winning double in the last edition was unforgettable, but now we’re focused on giving our very best,” Nie said.

Duncan Hine and Noel Chan of Team Alive–Rampage

Australian contender Team Alive–Rampage combines two leading crews aboard the Reichel/Pugh 66, Alive. Skippered by Duncan Hine and supported by Rampage owner Noel Chan, the team seeks to repeat Alive’s 2016 feat, when they set the enduring monohull race record of 47 hours, 31 minutes and 8 seconds, which still stands today.

Ernesto ‘Judes’ Echauz returns for his 14^th China Sea Race, leading Standard Insurance Centennial V, the 2023 Line Honours winner and the first Philippine entry to achieve this milestone. Echauz’s crew is made up of Philippine national team members, while Standard Insurance Centennial VII is another Philippine entry.

Making a groundbreaking solo run, Tiger Mok will helm 2 Easy, becoming the first competitor to enter the Rolex China Sea Race single-handed. Mok, who previously raced as part of a team, described solo racing as “akin to running a start-up – every problem is yours alone”. Other teams include Seawolf from China and two Swan yachts.

Adrian Pang, Commodore, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

In his welcome address, Adrian Pang, Commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, celebrated the race’s storied legacy. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Rolex for their unwavering support, which has made this event a pillar of international sailing. It is a privilege to host Asia’s first Rolex-sponsored sailing competition.”

Pang also welcomed new official partner, Nautor Swan, underscoring the event’s growing prestige and Hong Kong’s commitment to hosting major sporting events.

Hugues de Saint Germain, Chairman of Rolex China Sea Race 2026, echoed this appreciation. “While the course remains unchanged, each edition brings fresh challenges, from fishing nets and commercial traffic to the infamous Luzon Hole. It’s a true test of endurance, strategy and seamanship.”

He also thanked the organizing committee, safety officials, club staff, and participants for their dedication.

Entrants will compete for the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy, awarded to the overall IRC winner on corrected time, and the Sunday Telegraph Trophy, for the first yacht to finish in real time (Line Honours). Winners in both categories will also receive a coveted Rolex timepiece.

Rolex, the event’s title sponsor since 2008, shares a longstanding partnership with Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs. This relationship forms a cornerstone of Rolex’s nearly 70-year association with yachting.

rolexchinasearace.com

Big lift for Superyacht Service Centre

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Big lift for Superyacht Service Centre

March 5, 2026
4:42 am

In the UAE, the Superyacht Service Centre is now fully operational following the arrival of a 600-tonne Cimolai travel lift.

The Superyacht Service Centre (SYSC) in Ajman has commissioned a 600-tonne travel lift supplied by Cimolai Technology, which effectively completes infrastructure deployment and capacity build-out at the 10,000sqm purpose-built facility.

Part of Gulf Craft Group, which has boat-building facilities in nearby Umm Al Quwain and the Maldives, SYSC is designed to provide maintenance and support services for yachts operating in the Middle East and Indian Ocean, as well as those transiting to the Mediterranean and other connected cruising routes.

Located 40 minutes’ drive northeast of Dubai International Airport and 25 minutes southwest of Gulf Craft’s shipyard in Umm Al Quwain, SYSC has been progressively active in recent times, delivering maintenance, refit and repair services while scaling its infrastructure and technical capabilities.

However, the addition of the new travel lift rounds out its heavy-lift infrastructure and expands the site’s technical capacity, enabling the safe haul, launch and manoeuvring of yachts up to 60m. Complementing an additional 75-tonne mobile crane for daily maintenance requirements, the 600-tonne travel lift symbolises the yard’s transition from phased activation into full operation.

“This milestone reinforces SYSC position as one of the most advanced specialist refit and maintenance centres for superyachts in the region,” Gulf Craft stated.

“Purpose-built to meet the growing demands of the Middle East’s yacht market, SYSC is set to play a key role in strengthening the UAE’s national capacity to provide luxury yacht maintenance services and further enhancing the country’s position as a leading global hub for superyacht servicing.”

The facility features multiple deep-water berths, with a depth of 6m, and an 80m-long service quay capable of accommodating up to eight yachts simultaneously. Facilities include administrative offices, specialist workshops, technical support zones and secure equipment-storage facilities.

On-site teams provide refit and maintenance services including mechanical works, certified structural repairs, painting, carpentry and interior refurbishment. SYSC also offers a spare parts shop and vessel registration services in collaboration with Dubai Maritime Authority.

sysc.ae

gulfcraftgroup.com

Camper & Nicholsons sells Taku

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Camper & Nicholsons sells Taku

March 5, 2026
4:33 am

The global brokerage house sells the Riva 110’ Dolcevita, while adding two more listings currently based in Asia.

Taku, a Riva 110’ Dolcevita (2024)

Camper & Nicholsons has announced the sale of Taku (2024), with Sales Broker Della Pearce representing the seller. Taku is a Riva 110’ Dolcevita, from the Italian yard’s Flybridge series, and has four cabins for eight guests plus accommodation for five crew.

“Our warmest congratulations go to the new owner,” Camper & Nicholsons stated. “Her open-plan layout, flexible 32sqm main deck entertainment space and minimal fixed furnishings make her a rare opportunity to create a yacht that feels entirely one’s own.”

Soon after the announcement of the Taku sale, Camper & Nicholsons revealed it had been appointed as Exclusive Central Agent for the sale of the Asia-based Infinite Voyage III, also represented by Pearce.

Infinite Voyage III, an Azimut Grande 32M (2022)

Currently located in Phuket, Thailand, and available for viewing by prior appointment, Infinite Voyage III is an Azimut Grande 32M. Delivered in 2022 and under private ownership, she has been listed at €8.5 million. The yacht has five cabins for 10 guests and accommodation for five crew.

Camper & Nicholsons is also the Exclusive Central Agent for the sale of the 24m Codecasa Vero, priced at €5.8 million. Delivered in 2024 and currently located in Hong Kong, Vero is represented by Senior Advisor Carmen Lau, with viewings available exclusively by prior appointment.

Vero, a 24m Codecasa (2024)

Created as a ‘gentleman’s yacht’, Vero was designed by Luca Dini Design & Architecture and is a full-custom build constructed entirely in aluminium for strength, efficiency and long-term value. Built for an experienced owner with a dedicated project manager overseeing the entire construction, she remains under shipyard warranty until this summer and has accommodation for eight guests and four crew.

“Vero stands apart with her timeless profile inspired by the golden age of yachting, while delivering modern performance, long-range cruising capability and outstanding onboard comfort,” Camper & Nicholsons stated.

camperandnicholsons.com

Sunreef targets €1 billion annual revenue

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Sunreef targets €1 billion annual revenue

March 5, 2026
4:24 am

With expanding production facilities in both Poland and the UAE, the catamaran builder has unveiled its “next growth phase”.

Sunreef Yachts has announced Beyond 2030, a “structural transformation” designed to scale the catamaran builder towards the objective of €1 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Owners of its luxury yachts include brand ambassadors Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso and now Robert Lewandowski.

Sunreef recently stated that it increased its revenue by 10 per cent in 2025, recording a net profit of €40 million. Growing demand for its superyachts also led the company to rise to sixth among yacht builders in the 2026 Global Order Book for 24m-plus yachts.

Francis Lapp, founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts, said: “In a demanding market, our performance confirms the consistency of our strategy. Beyond 2030 is about scaling with purpose, investing, innovating and positioning Sunreef among the absolute leaders of global yachting. Our goal is clear: €1 billion in revenue while remaining independent and future driven.”

To support its growth trajectory, Sunreef is implementing a €30 million industrial expansion programme across its two major production facilities in Gdańsk, on Poland’s north coast, and Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate.

In Gdańsk, Sunreef has over 2,000 employees and construction has begun on a 160m-long production hall that will significantly increase overall manufacturing capacity and operational efficiency.

The Ras Al Khaimah facility has over 1,100 highly employees and is scheduled to have new composite and CNC production units, an enlarged carpentry workshop and upgraded logistics infrastructure by this summer.

As well as continued industrial expansion, Sunreef stated that growth in the Beyond 2030 roadmap will be driven by product innovation and increased sales.

New models will reflect further premiumisation of the product range, technological leadership in next-generation, sustainable yachting solutions, plus superyacht expansion through new builds and projects under development. Sales will be driven by reinforced representation in key markets and geographic diversification in high-growth regions.

sunreef-yachts.com