2016's Most Notable Superyacht Launches

Most Noted Superyacht Launches of 2016
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It is coming on to the end of the year and it is also the time to take a look back at some of the most memorable superyacht launches of 2016. There were quite a few stand out launches whether in regards to sheer size, styling or just originality. The majority of the large launches came from the usual top European yards in Germany, The Netherlands and Italy.

1. Lurssen launched the 123-meter Project 'Jupiter' and in usual fashion due to confidentiality not a lot was known about this build. Other than being large, with a length of just over 400-feet, Project Jupiter has a very stylish exterior design by H2 Yacht Design and interior by March & White. Even though she was launched towards the end of October, there is still no indication of what her final name will be but she is due to be delivered in Spring of 2017.

2. Recently Kleven –The Norwegian yard responsible for the build of the Explorer Yacht "Ulysses"- ran seatrials on the 116-meter explorer yacht and since then arrived in Germany for completion. The yacht is being built for well-known New Zealand owner Greame Hart. Since the 107-meter grey-hulled Ulysses is already up for sale it is unclear whether this new blue-hulled yacht will be called Ulysses as well. The design of Hull 370 is by Marin Teknikk again and follows the a similar design philosophy to the first build with stand out features being foredeck space for a very large main tender, a helipad, large main pool on the aft upper deck and flotilla of tenders and toys. This yacht will be handed over to her owner in 2017.

3. Dutch superyacht builder OceAnco launched one of the most innovative yachts of 2016 back in September. We are referring to the 106-meter hull Y712, otherwise known as Project 'Solar'. The yacht not only has an eye-catching exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard that features a hybrid reverse bow and three free-standing Dyna-rig masts –Think "Maltese Falcon"-, but very efficient systems integrated onboard that allow for a more greener operation. The interior is also by Nuvolari & Lenard. OceAnco can have pride in this yacht as she is the first sail yacht fully built by this yard. The yard launched the sailyacht "Aquijo" but that was in collaboration with fellow Dutch yard Vitters.

4. Back over to Germany where custom superyacht specialists Lurssen launched the 100+ meter (106M) superyacht Project 'Mistral' in April. Again not a lot is known about Mistral but she sports an exterior design by Espen Oeino. Key features onboard can easily be seen in a large Helipad on the bow, a large glass-edge swimming pool on the aft main deck. Project Mistral is expected to head to the Middle East once delivered.

5. Coming in at just under 100-meters, the 96.5-meter superyacht Project 'Vertigo' was one of the most recently launched big yachts of the year. She was towed out of the build shed at Feadship’s Makkum yard towards the end of November. Rising an impressive five decks above the waterline, this yacht features both exterior and interior design by British firm Redman Whiteley Dixon in collaboration with Chahan Interior Design. Key features include a large glass pool on the aft main deck that filters natural light to the vast beach club below. A helipad on the bow with helicopter garage storage below, vast exterior deck space with large Jacuzzi on the forward sundeck.

6. At 92-meters, "Aquarius" takes the next spot. She was also built by Feadship as project 'Touchdown' for a very well-known owner –think Wynn Resorts-. This yacht was launched in September and actually is now delivered to her owner. The yacht was recently seen in Gibraltar preparing for her first Atlantic crossing towards Winter cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Both the exterior and interior of Aquarius were executed by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design.

7. The 90-meter "Lionheart" by Italian yard Benetti represents their largest build to date and was constructed for Sir Philip Green who is no stranger to yacht ownership. In fact he owned another Benetti of the same name a few years ago. Since then, that 63-meter Lionheart changed hands and became "Lioness V". The new and much larger upgrade for Mr. Green is a bit of a mystery and Benetti did well keeping major information about this yacht quiet. Exterior design is by Stefano Natucci with an interior by Green Mingarelli. Lionheart has since been delivered and has been a wide swath of Mediterranean ports including Malta and Greece.

8. OceAnco launched another yacht towards the end of October. This time it was the 88-meter Project Y715 showcasing a Sam Sorgiovani design. Looking familiar to those who are deep into yachting, think of her as a larger version to past Sorgiovanni designs and builds of OceAnco, namely Y703 "Anastasia" and Y707 "Nirvana" This yacht will be delivered to her owner in 2017.

9. Dutch builder Amels launched their largest build with an interesting name. In the early we knew the final name of this 83-meter superyacht. "Here Comes The Sun" certainly stands out not only for her size and bulk but with a hull colour that is mocha lover’s delight. A characteristic sweeping and plunging line towards the bow gives away the designer as Tim Heywood. The interior is by Winch Designs.