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Heesen 40-meter "Galatea" completes sea trials​

Heesen has announced that following the launch on January 17th at their facility in Oss, the new 40-meter sportster "Galatea" moved to Hellevoetsluis for sea trials. On March 4th and 5th, in perfect sea conditions, Galatea achieved the impressive speed of 29.7-knots: 2.2-knots above the contractual speed.

Powered by twin 3,800 HP MTU engines and equipped with gyro-stabilisers, Galatea is the first in a new breed of Heesen superyachts. She derives from the very successful 37-meter class, of which 10 have been built, so her pedigree is clearly excellent. With her perfectly designed all-aluminium semi-displacement hull, Galatea is the incarnation of Heesen DNA: powerful performance, uncompromising interior design and peerless Dutch construction. Galatea will be delivered to her Owners by the end of March 2014...

Nordhavn introduces new Nordhavn 59' Coastal Pilot​

Nordhavn has always had a cult following having become synonymous with serving a niche boating market of the adventurous few since the first 46 arrived on the scene 25 years ago. But Nordhavn’s manufacturer, Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE) thinks it’s come up with a new model that will lead the brand down a more mainstream path. Introducing the new Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot. What makes the new 59 CP so revolutionary is that – rather than targeting world explorers – it caters to the needs of many different segments of the market.

This semi-displacement hull is designed for modest top speeds in the 20-knot range and offers an efficient and sea kindly ride at lower cruising speeds. At the same time, the N59 CP could prove to be the ultimate “jumping off” boat for anyone looking to get into the long range cruising game...

Riva launches 122-foot Mythos flagship yacht​

The largest planing yacht in Riva's history was recently launched, approximately one week ago. Riva is known for creating luxurious craft and they aren't staying 'small' anymore; the 122-foot Mythos flagship proves that. The Mythos was launched earlier this month at the CRN yard. Designed by Mauro Micheli of Officina Italiana Design, the team which is in charge of the design of all the models of the Riva range, in close collaboration with AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, Ferretti Group’s research and naval design center, and Centro Stile Ferretti group, a skillful team of architects and designers.

The new flagship for the Riva brand is more than 37-meters LOA and approximately 7.60-meters wide. The planing aluminum hull can run to a top speed of 27-knots and dial back to a cruising speed of around 25-knots. All thanks to twin MTU 12 V 4000 M 93L marine engines...

Sunseeker sells second 155-foot motoryacht​

UK-based yacht company Sunseeker recently announced good news. The news came in the form that they closed on the sale of a second Sunseeker 155-foot motoryacht at the recently concluded Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS). Of course, "Blush" is the first hull in Sunseeker's largest yacht of the range was commissioned by Formula 1's Eddie Jordan and is on the verge of being delivered to him.

The second hull in the series is expected to have accommodation for up to twelve guests in a six stateroom layout. The new yacht is also expected to carry the largest engine option available for the Sunseeker 155. A higher top speed can be anticipated, more-than-likely in the region of 25-knots. She can sail slowly at about 12-knots and cover a reasonable distance while providing her owner and guests great comfort. Hull 155/02 is expected to be launched in the Summer of 2016...

Custom Line launches 5th 37.8-meter planing motoryacht​

Another hull in the Custom Line 37.8-meter planing-hull series has been launched. The new hull now represents the fifth hull in the line to-date. This particular motoryacht is running with a pair of MTU 12V 4000 M93L marine engines that are each rated at 3,510 horse power. Using the above-mentioned powerplant the 5th hull will be expected to hit a maximum speed of 27.5-knots. Cruising speed will be a couple knots slower at 23.5-knots.

The design is not surprisingly by Studio Zuccon International Project in collaboration with AYT&D. As usual, there are a few updates to the fifth hull. There is a slightly restyled design compared to the other members in the class. For instance, there is a hardtop that shields the sun deck from the sun rays. Another feature is the rearrangement of the main saloon to the personal whims of the owner...

Lurssen to build 74-meter superyacht Project "Thor"​

This completely custom, full displacement motor yacht will feature interior volume larger than any other 242 Ft. (74m) floating today. While many of the details are still confidential at this point, we can say that Andrew Winch Designs will be responsible for both the interior and exterior of the vessel. The vessel will be built at the Lurssen Shipyard in Germany, who have earned a reputation for yachts built to the highest standard of quality.

The new vessel no doubt will be the third yacht following this design and colour scheme. Just cast you minds back to the original "Northern Star" (now "Polar Star") then was succeeded by the current Northern Star, Lurssen past builds. This one will spread over five decks and be the longest of the three to date. She will be built in steel and boast a 13.1-meter beam overall and a 3.75-meter draft...

CRN signs LOI for 77-meter superyacht​

Italian yard CRN has signed a Letter-of-Intent (LOI) to build a 77-meter superyacht which would become the second-largest superyacht they endeavour to construct -second behind the 80-meter "Chopi Chopi"-. Studio Zuccon International Project are in collaboration with CRN Engineering on this particular design with an interior by Laura Sessa. The 77-meter new project is a new challenge in such a strategic market as that of the Middle-East.

The Italian yard is continuing with its busy period and the new build only adds to it. The letter of intent joins a current six other CRN motoryachts under construction. CRN hull 131 has a design by Zuccon International Project, CRN hull 132 is designed by Omega Architects, CRN hull 133 takes design from Francesco Paszkowski Design and there is another one, CRN 134 designed by Nuvolari & Lenard.

For more information:

CRN SPA
Via Enrico Mattei, n...

Feadship 46.5-meter hull 689 arrives at De Vries for completion​

A new Feadship motoryacht is currently in the works and it recently arrived at the De Vries yard in Aalsmeer from Gouwerok who built the hull and superstructure. The design of this particular yacht, hull 689, is by Dubois Naval Architects and will have an interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon (RWD). Delivery of hull 689 is expected to be in 2015. Apart from its Dutch pegigree, the new yacht will be notable for its unusual accommodation layout; the entire upper deck is given over to a private owner’s apartment complete with a six-seat dining table on the aft deck and a comfortable saloon. The sleeping cabin occupies the forward section behind a panoramic sweep of windows. The top deck also features a private hot tub...

Lurssen 93-meter Superyacht "Kismet II"​

German builder Lurssen has another gem currently under construction. She is the 308-foot superyacht "Kismet II". The spectacular superyacht, whose build is currently being overseen by ***** Yacht & Ship, is the successor to the 2007 built 223-foot "Kismet" -now "GLOBAL"-. Kismet II again will be an Espen Oeino and Lurssen collaboration.

The interior is expected to be fleshed-out to a design by Reymond Langton. Some special features such as a unique winter garden deck, a relaxing full service spa and an enormous swimming pool help make this yacht a contender for a very luxurious charter vessel. Other features expected onboard include a one-of-a kind retractable outdoor fireplace. One off features aside, there is room for an ample number of people to stay, as well as accommodating a sizeable crew while whisking occupants across the ocean at a brisk 17-knots...

Soraya 46-meter megayacht completed​

Soraya's first luxury yacht build is now pretty much completed since the Soraya 46-meter motoryacht satisfactorily completed sea trials. Only thing is, there is no owner to deliver her to. Hence, she is for sale and looking for an owner. This yacht was behind the eight-ball from the start with an initial expected delivery date to have been in 2012 but a number of issues including the economic crisis ensured she launched a couple of years passed that...

73-meter Picchiotti superyacht "Grace E" completes sea trials​

The third and largest member of the Picchiotti superyacht series, "Grace E", has now successfully completed sea trials. Grace E achieved excellent results in all of the tests scheduled for her sea trails: range, maximum speed, fuel and power consumption, Dynamic Positioning system. Her quietness and lack of vibration have especially pleased the technicians aboard. Ideal for cruising on the high seas, Grace E has exterior spaces spread over five decks. The upper deck, or Wellness Deck, is entirely dedicated to care of the person and wellness with a gym, sauna and hydrotherapy equipment. The interiors, designed by Remi Tessier, are elegant with strong contemporary accents...

CRN splashes 61-meter superyacht "Saramour"​

Back in early February Italian yacht manufacturer CRN technically launched one of their latest builds in preparation for full launching into the water on March 1st. The latest build is the 61-meter superyacht steel and aluminium superyacht. Known as Hull 133 in build she was constructed to a design by Francesco Paszkowski and is believed to have an interior by the same firm.

The five-deck superyacht boasts accommodation for twelve guests in five guest suites and a master suite for the owner. There is also provision for accommodation for as many as fifteen crew members. The yacht, now bearing Saramourside name-plates, has an overall length of 61.3-meters and a healthy 10.20-meter overall beam. Below decks hull 133 is powered by twin Caterpillar 3512C engines, which will allow her to run at a maximum speed of 15-knots and a high cruising speed of 14-knots...

Couach launches second 50-meter superyacht "Belongers"​

French luxury yacht builder Couach recently celebrated the significant milestone of launching another hull in their top-of-the-line 50-meter series. The new yacht is now the second hull to be launched in the 50-meter line and has been christened with the name "Belongers". Looking very similar to the first hull, "La Pellegrina" one thing that strikes differently is the hull colour, totally different with the grey on white superstructure. Another feature that is different on Belongers is the fully glassed-in and covered forward sundeck.

Belongers is equipped with twin 5,226 hp MTU engines, providing a maximum speed of 28-knots and a cruising speed of 24-knots. Her equipment meets IMO standards and this, coupled with her range, would allow for transatlantc capabilites crossing at a speed of 12-knots...

Baglietto signs contract for 54-meter superyacht​

Italian builder Baglietto recently inked contract for a new 54-meter superyacht. Now that the superyacht has been sold, it is expected that construction will persist until her launch in the Summer of 2015. The deisgn by Francesco Paszcowski and will follow past yachts like "Blue Scorpion", "Gitana" and "Baraka", however, with a few subtle design changes to satisfy the European owner's tastes.

Below decks this 54-meter superyacht will be powered via twin Caterpillar 3512B engines. Top speed should be around 17-knots and a cruising speed of 13-knots. Back at the yard Baglietto is currently building this particular 54-meter and two 46-meter displacement yachts and tank testing is underway for an 58-meter yacht. They are also working on a 43-meter, 46-meter and 38-meter planning yacht...

Large 52.5-meter schooner "Doña Francisca" launches in Uraguay ​

The largest yacht to be launched in Latin America came to light recently. She is in the form of a classic looking pilot schooner and has an LOA of 52.5-meters. "Doña Francisca" was designed by Javier Soto Acebal, some may know him designing a few Wally builds-. The project represents one of the largest full carbon fiber endeavours to date and definitely the largest in Latin America so far.

The interior has been described classic styling and features accommodation in a full-beam master suite, two twins and one VIP-type double cabin. 'Doña Francisca is intended for deep ocean sailing,’ says Acebal. ‘Her generous displacement, high-form stability and low center of gravity will give a pleasant ride. Construction is in carbon/epoxy, improving the ballast/displacement ratio...

Benetti Delfino motoryacht "Mister Z" launched​

Benetti has launched the Delfino hull number 8 christened as "Mister Z", boasting the highest technical specification to date and built for a first time Belgian owner with considerable experience from years of extensive chartering. The spacious and contemporary five stateroom interior with accommodation for 12 guests and three crew was designed in-house by Benetti using soft grey white decaped oak and Testa di Moro tinted oak as a contrast supplemented with the Poltrona Frau furniture and exclusive bath rooms in Bronze Amani, blended with Striato Elegante marble matching the neutral color throughout the yacht.

The light interior benefits from the large windows and the customized 210cm headroom creates a spaciousness unusual for a 28-meter yacht and the excellent layout feature a master cabin on the main deck with an excellent view from the forward positioned bed...

Horizon RP105 "Agora" Christened in Japan​

On January 18th, the Horizon RP105 "Agora" was christened in Hiroshima, Japan by her new owners Mr. and Mrs. Akita; they held a traditional Japanese Shinto ceremony called "shinsuishiki" to launch and subsequently christen their new motor yacht at the Sakaigahama dock. In Japan, "shinsuishiki" formally announces the name of the vessel to the Gods and asks for prayers and blessings for the yacht on all of her voyages.

This was the second time Horizon attended a traditional Japanese naming ceremony for Mr. and Mrs. Akita -- they held a "shinsuishiki" for their first Horizon motoryacht, a 2010 E78 also named Agora. Horizon Group CEO John Lu was a special guest for the event, along with interior designer Luca Dini, Horizon Japan representative Mr. Shintani and the owners' family and friends...

Heesen Yachts sell Project Azuro, delivery in May​

Heesen Yachts has announced that YN 16650 – Project 'Azuro' has been sold, in close collaboration with Burgess, who introduced the client. Azuro’s highly distinctive flowing lines were designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects and embody the Heesen family look and feel with its iconic reverse sheer ‘pelican beak’ bow. The latest MTU engines - 16V 4000 M73L - power Azuro’s streamlined shape above and below the water resulting in a top speed of 23-knots and a range of over 3,100 nautical miles.

Azuro has the largest volume of any yacht of her length. She combines speed and space with uncompromised luxury. Acclaimed Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski created her interior design, adopting a form of natural minimalism that results in a beautifully pure concept...

SilVerYachts 77-meter superyacht "SilVer Fast"​

"SilVer Fast" combines the current and latest styles, speed and performance expected from the SilVer series of yachts that was pioneered by the former Hanseatic Marine. Another aspect is the very impressive long range high-speed cruising capabilities. A top speed is anticipated to be in the region of 30-knots and have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 18-knots. Silver Fast will reinforce the extraordinary and well proven fuel efficient credentials of the Silver Series characterised by lightweight aluminium construction.

Currently under construction the 77-meter Silver Fast expected to be ready for launching in the first quarter of 2015. Silver Fast follows on from the legacy left by her predecessors, namely 73.5-meter "SilVer", 73.5-meter "SilVer Zwei" and 77-meter "Smeralda"...