YachtForums: We Know Big Boats!

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"...

Christensen signs contract for new 50-meter Custom superyacht ​

American yacht builder Christensen already has had a successful Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show with the sale of a new 50-meter superyacht from their 164-foot line. Although the yacht is similar to what we have grown accustomed to from this segment of their portfolio offering. However, the new hull has stylistic updates. Some of them include a fold-out balcony midships on the upper-deck, styled windows in the hull and fashion-plates.

The new order adds to the already impressive backlog of yachts Christensen has under construction at the moment. To shed some light on this, they have three other 50-meter superyachts in build, two Ocean Alexander 120-footers, one, Custom 142-footer and two 160-footers. The latest 50-meter is expected to be delivered in 2016.

For more information:

Christensen Shipyards, Ltd...

SilVerYachts start construction on 83-meter 'SilverLoft'​

SilVerYachts, formerly Hanseatic Marine, announced the start of construction work on an 83-meter superyacht that they call 'SilVerLoft'. Hardly anything is known about the project to date but if more information is release, YF will be sure to keep you informed. What we do know is that the design is by Espen Oeino along with SilVerYacht's expertise on hull technology.

The long aft main deck features an expanse of deck space, enough for a large helicopter to land on the helipad. Several lounges/saloons exist and are aided by copious use of virtual floor-to-ceiling glass. Perhaps insight into why she is named SilVerLoft. The superyacht has a long foredeck and relatively straight bow. The bridge is located well forward giving perfect views across the bow. Aft of the bridge is the main open-deck deck area for guests...

Benetti launches third Benetti Classic Supreme motoryacht​

Italian builder Benetti recently launched the third hull in the Benetti Classic Supreme class from their Lusben yard. This one features a grey hull and white superstructure, easily distinguishing herself from her sisters. The Benetti Classic Supreme class is a 132-foot hull with updated styling and fetaures over the older Classic model that many were accustomed to.

The design is by noted designer Stefano Righini with an interior by Francois Zuretti. The launching of hull three was attended by the hard-working yard staff that all helped to make her a reality. Now that she is in the water, outfitting work will continue and preparations for her sea trials. Delivery is expected to follow course for April 2014.

For more information:

Azimut | Benetti S.p.A...

CRN signs Letter-of-Intent for two 44-meter motoryachts​

Two weeks after Italian yacht build CRN signed a letter of intent to start the construction of a 68-meter superyacht, the company has signed two more LOI contracts for the construction of two 44-meter yachts. The two yachts, once followed through on are expected to be destined for the Middle-Eastern and European markets respectively. The two new megayachts are expected to feature CRN trademark features like a balcony that can be enjoyed while underway, an open stern terrace overlooking the sea, and a floodable garage for the main tender, reminiscent of that introduced on board the 60-meter "J’Ade".

Lamberto Tacoli, Chairman and CEO of CRN, said: “I am happy about the signing of these two Letters of Intent for the 44-meters 'SuperConero Line'. This confirms that we have made the right choices in a very important segment of market for CRN...

Wider Yachts to build their largest yacht , Wider 165-footer​

Innovative yacht builder has hit more success at the start of this year's edition of the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show. Wider Yachts is pleased to announce the signing of contract for their largest yacht yet, the Wider 165, yes a 50-meter yacht. The order initially was calculated to be only a 150-footer but the owner wanted to be able to carry a three-person submarine and that necessitated the extra length.

Speaking of the Wider 150, the first hull in that model is well underway in construction and is expected to launch in 2015. The Wider 165 will actually start cutting at the end of this month and continue construction up until launching in 2016. She will be built in aluminium to a design by Fulvio De Simoni...

Hargrave debuts 101-foot RPH motoryacht "Sassy"​

"Sassy" might be a familiar name to many of YF's readers and that is because partly, the name has been used on the owner's yachts in the past. The latest Sassy is in the form of a Hargrave 101-foot Raised Pilot House motoryacht and she makes her debut at the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show. In fact she is the fourth yacht built by the American owner...

Sunrise Yachts sign contract for 68-meter Project 'Skyfall'​

Antalya-based yacht builder Sunrise Yachts will deliver John and Jeanette Staluppis nineteenth and largest project to date in 2017. Project 'Skyfall', designed by Vallicelli & Co., with an interior design by Focus Yacht Design and naval architecture by Mulder Design and OYD, is packed with new technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts, who have been advising the clients, will be following up on the projects construction until delivery in 2017.

"There are some yachts that become game changers, that alter the desires and aspirations of future designs simply becoming the way of the future: this is one of those yachts". stated Peter Thompson. Project Skyfall is a fast displacement, steel hull and aluminum superstructure, transatlantic luxury motor yacht designed to meet the owners particular requirements in terms of esthetics, speed and comfort...

First Canados Oceanic 140-footer sold, in build​

Good news for Canados and their new Oceanic line of yachts. After the sale of the Oceanic 90-footer they have announced the sale of the first hull in the Oceanic 140-foot model as well. The 140-footer has been under construction with work progressing well. Presently, the superstructure is being worked on and the hull lamination process has been pretty much completed.

The Oceanic 140's interior design has been put together by Michela Reverberi. The vast wheelhouse of the Oceanic 140’ is located on the main deck, ensuring the entire upper deck is reserved solely to accommodate the Owner’s private suite. Along with panoramic views from a high vantage point, this magnificent suite includes a 25 sq. meter en-suite with steam bath, a secluded terrace with Jacuzzi facing forward, plus a private aft outdoor bridge with private dining area and lounges...

Northern Marine 90-foot expedition "Blood Baron"​

"Blood Baron" is a 90-foot expedition yacht currently in the final phases of construction at Northern Marine in the U.S. As you will expect she carries the range and fuel efficiency of a long-range cruiser while having the attributes and appointments of a luxury yacht larger than she is. Blood Baron has a voluminous interior for her size and large windows to further enhance the spatial appeal...