AB Yachts

World-renowned naval architect, designer and Vitruvius Yachts creative compass Philippe Briand has a lot of experience in the yachting industry. Under the Vitruvius banner, Briand has developed a recognisable aesthetic that is efficient, practical and beautiful, covering the full spectrum of motor yachts from conventional lifestyle cruisers to exceptionally adventurous expedition vessels. Philippe BriandBelow, Briand reflects on what he has learned from the past ten years of designing some of the world’s most adventurous motor yachts, and what the future holds for the market.On the needs of clients We have historically split the yachting market into an oversimplified, condensed range of categories for owners. In order to design the best yachts for our clients, we need to understand what they want to do with them, and appreciate that this might change throughout their ownership journey. Galileo G. Philippe Briand's sketches.In the luxury car industry, there are approximately ten different categories for buyers to choose from, ranging from sporty Ferraris to sumptuous Bentleys to robust 4x4 Range Rovers, with intermediate categories like SUVs in between. By subdividing the market into these niches, the car industry has been able to expand the market by identifying clients more precisely; this is something we need to do in yachting. Nautilus in New YorkAt Vitruvius Yachts, we believe that the motor yacht market fits onto a spectrum with three major categories: lifestyle yachts sit at one end, highly autonomous and specialized expedition yachts are at the other, and versatile explorer yachts sit somewhere in between the two, depending on their owners’ requirements for equipment. Naturally, all the yachts, whatever their category definition, need to be comfortable, seaworthy and efficient. On lifestyle yachtsTo be a gamechanger in the lifestyle yacht category, which is by far the most prolific, you need to find ways to improve efficiency and provide a lifestyle suited to young-minded owners. Lifestyle yachts make up around 90% of the market today. When it comes to designing these ‘Superyachts,’ like those we usually see cruising in the warm climates of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, in order to stand out you need to be able to tailor the offering to owners’ lifestyles and preferences, with the utmost level of comfort. Najiba. Photo: Tom van OossanenOur yachts 58m Najiba and 73m Nautilus (ex Grace E) are great examples of this. They provided their owners with wellness facilities, vast amounts of outdoor space, superb views throughout their interiors thanks to large amounts of glass, and all the desirable water sports toys and technologies to entertain the family. On explorer yachtsExploring the world brings you a richness in knowledge and culture. Explorer yachts – which are capable of visiting more remote waters – need to be even more seaworthy and practical than lifestyle yachts, with a wider range of autonomy. Exuma. Photo: Giuliano SargentiniIt is our job as a designer or naval architect to improve or refine these qualities, bringing our knowledge of hydrodynamics and engineering to create a yacht that complies with the owner’s intended cruising programmes. We also need to take into account additional stowage requirements within the hull for large, specialist equipment such as submersibles or land vehicles. This thinking led to the concepts of Vitruvius’s earliest projects,45m Exuma and 55m Galileo G.Galileo G. Photo: Giuliano SargentiniWhen Exuma was delivered in 2010, she was a completely unique offering. Everything that came before her was more like a trawler, a type of yacht that was a fixture in the market for a long time. Trawlers have a long range of autonomy but they are usually quite small – within the 20-30m range – and are not generally comfortable or modern enough by today’s yachting standards, particularly in regards to the space provided for accommodation. It is safe to say that the solution we came up with was an explorer yacht that positively encouraged a desire to cruise as much as possible. Since her delivery, Exuma has logged more than 100,000 nm, which is more than two complete circumnavigations and quite exceptional for a pleasure yacht; her owner counts his visits to remote islands in the Pacific Ocean as one of the best experiences he has ever had. Galileo G has also travelled extensively, including to the high latitudes, taking in Antarctica and the Northwest Passage.Exuma. Photo: Giuliano SargentiniThey say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we feel heartened that there has been a growing trend in the use of many design features and capabilities that first appeared on our explorer yacht Exuma, including the plumb line bow. Of course, before Exuma there were luxury yachts that travelled the world extensively, such as Octopus, but their scale needed to be much, much larger to achieve the kind of autonomy required for a global cruising programme with this degree of comfort and lifestyle onboard. On expedition yachtsAn expedition yacht is distinguished from an explorer yacht in that it needs to have very specific qualities and capabilities for a particular purpose or goal, with corresponding tools, tenders or equipment on deck. The purpose of the vessel is usually to take the owner to a particular spot or to carry out a specific activity – the destination being more important than the act of travelling itself – and, once the vessel is onsite, they can then execute the purpose. The entire design concept therefore revolves around these highly specialised owner requirements. It is not unlike the approach for creating a scientific research vessel – much like those adapted and used by Jean Cousteau in his time – except with a much higher level of comfort and detail. Vitruvius No. 8.For our Vitruvius No. 8 55m expedition yacht, which is currently being built at Feadship in the Netherlands, all our design work stemmed from the owner’s requirement to have a 6.3-t, three-person submersible onboard, launched and retrieved by a hefty 8-t Palfinger knuckle-boom crane. The yacht’s open aft deck needed to house the submersible and crane, as well as a Toyota Land Cruiser and two tenders, including a 5.6m multipurpose tender and an 8.0m limousine. All this had to fit on the rear exterior deck of a 55m yacht, while still providing ample luxury guest space inside to enjoy the degree of comfort you would expect on a superyacht, including a large owner’s suite and four further guest cabins alongside accommodation for a crew of fifteen. The owner wants to experience the kind of comfort we see on traditional superyachts, so we effectively needed to fit the interior real estate of what would be expected on a 55m luxury lifestyle vessel into half of the yacht. Vitruvius No. 8.We are in exciting new territory when it comes to offering truly ‘luxury’ level expedition yachts of this kind. There almost always has to be a trade-off in volume for luxury spaces when you want more functionality, more equipment like SUVs and submersibles, and more opportunity to explore the world. However, less volume does not have to mean that the yacht is less functional or comfortable, and it is down to the designer’s skill to optimize the yacht’s potential. As long as the client understands the realities of the trade-offs, they can gain so much more in terms of the experiences they have with their yacht. On adventurous yachts for a new generationThe profile of clients buying explorer and expedition yachts is evolving, which is thrilling as a designer. We can offer a modern luxury yachting solution that is not at odds with the values of a newly emerging generation of owners. In the past, clients for explorer and expedition yachts have tended to be more experienced, perhaps having owned several vessels and expressing more interest in specific design details and technical performance. But I believe that explorer and expedition yachts are becoming less niche, and more first-time buyers will be starting their ownership journeys with them in the near future. It has been reported that the explorer and expedition yacht market has experienced a two-digit growth since 2008, and that it currently represents around 10% of the entire superyacht market, which is not far off the proportion of sailing yachts at this size level. I believe it is not a stretch to suggest that clients who in the past would have bought sailing yachts are now transferring their interest to more of an explorer- or expedition-type yacht, because, just like a sailing yachts, they are ideal for longer journeys, and they can bring you closer to nature. Exuma in Fiji.These new clients also want to minimise the impact on the environment from their yachting activities by choosing vessels that offer higher efficiency and lower emissions. The greatest influence you can have on the sustainability of a yacht starts with your approach to its naval architecture, through the development of an efficient hull, supported by technologically advanced propulsion systems. Through collaborative efforts initiated by the Water Revolution Foundation, the yachting industry is making great advances in quantifying the relative sustainability of yachts through the creation of the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI, for short). This allows us to indicate and provide guidance on what constitutes an environmentally responsible yacht in a more precise way.Nautilus (ex Grace E). Philippe Briand's sketches.Although I maintain that the Mediterranean Sea is an exquisite option when it comes to cruising, our oceans have the potential to offer much more. Today’s yachts visit just 3% of the planet’s coastlines; there is still so much left to discover and experience. This can be a point of attraction for both experienced owners who have extensively cruised the typical waters in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as newcomers to yachting who have a respect, curiosity and appreciation for the natural wonders of the world. With the technology and design tools at our disposal, we can deliver the experience that these new owners desire without the yacht’s operation being at odds with their environmental sensibilities.Najiba. Photo: Tom van OossanenPhilippe Briand is the founder and designer of Vitruvius Yachts Ltd. He made his name designing award-winning sailing yachts under his own brand name and building on that experience has led him to create a revolutionary range of motor yachts: Vitruvius Yachts with a range in size of over 100m in length.With over 12,000 boats built to date, Philippe Briand could reasonably be considered the most prolific yacht designer of our time. Credits: Vitruvius Yachts

The 94.6m motor yacht O’Pari was launched by a Greek superyacht builder at the facility of Golden Yachts Halkitis in Athens. O’Pari follows the successful 85m O'Ptasia launched in 2018. Her exterior and interior designs are signed by Studio Vafiadis.O'Pari has a top speed of 18 knots and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Here is a close look at this 95m charter-ready yacht. There are a lot of places for outdoor leisure such as a longitudinal swimming pool on the bridge deck aft and a jacuzzi, a bar and dining area and an open air movie theatre. The spacious beach club has a lot to offer, including a 5m swimming platform, a lounge area and a bar. A wellness centre with a sauna and massage room is also located nearby. The interior has a Mediterranean style and includes warm colours and natural materials – pearl, onyx and wood. Golden Yachts was founded in 1996. The company began its activities by consulting and supervising the construction of the 42m luxury M/Y O’Pari new building at Intermarine SpA. Golden Yachts entered a new era in the 2000’s with a team of enthusiastic and committed naval architects and engineers. Currently, Golden Yachts are constructing an 88m M/Y named Project X. Measuring approximately 3,000 GRT with a beam of 14.8m, it is expected to be delivered in spring 2022.Credits: Golden Yachts

Heesen has announced that the hull and superstructure of YN 19850 were joined together at the shipyard in Oss on Saturday, 16 January. The 50m Project Sapphire is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminium Class, a fast-cruising design of under 500GT which follows from the successful Satori Class. For this new class of vessel, Heesen’s in-house team of naval architects created an optimised, low-drag hull design with a reduced transom depth and propeller tunnels to allow for a shallower shaft angle. Together, these refinements have led to efficiency gains of some 12%, while a draught of just 2.15m makes Sapphire the perfect yacht for exploration. The in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests.Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created a shape for the new 5000 Aluminium Class that is unique yet elegant and represents the culmination of a ten-year programme of design development at Heesen. Project Sapphire’s ultra-efficient hull shape is perfectly complemented by two MTU 16V4000M65L ‘green oceanic’ engines, fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units to reduce NOx emissions. Particulate filters on the generators augment the environmental package, while a pair of interceptors will guarantee an optimal dynamic trim at high speeds. With a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots, Sapphire will be ideal for both island hopping and longer passages. Italian designer Cristiano Gatto has created a refined and elegant interior design. Twelve guests can be accommodated in four spacious suites on the lower deck and a master stateroom forward on the main deck.Project Sapphire is on schedule for delivery in June 2022.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminium and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen

A sporty character, pared-down lines and seafaring style make up the true DNA of Itama. In 2020 there was a renewal of the range to perfect and modernise various functional design and technology features, helping maintain Itama’s typically evergreen character.Designed in collaboration with Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee (led by engineer Piero Ferrari, the Group Engineering Department and architect Marco Casali), the Itama range is a combination of power and elegance, with its unmistakable Mediterranean spirit and unique streamlined and sporty lines.The real novelty in the new range is the form of a central glass door incorporated in the windscreen that makes access to the bow area on the main deck safer and more practical. The sliding hatch acts as a passageway, which is why it not only has steps built into it but also is made of a special aluminium honeycomb that is both strong and lightweight. This solution, which increases not only the comfort but also the safety of Itama yachts, will be added to traditional forward access along the side walkways. On Itama 45S and 62S, the opening mechanism for the central door is manual, while on Itama 75 it is electric.The Itama 45S is heir to one of the shipyard’s most successful models. It shares numerous aesthetic elements with its predecessor, including the concealed hydraulic gangway integrated into the hull and the stern swimming platform, which can be lowered into the water to launch and land the tender.This model is designed to meet the needs of each individual owner.The predominant colour in the interiors is white lacquered wood and teak Venetian blinds; in contrast with the blue bridge, when combined with the big windows, this gives the space a very bright and airy feel. The boat can be ordered with one or two guest cabins in addition to the master stateroom in the bow.Itama 45S can reach a top speed of 34 knots. 45SItama 62S focuses on solutions that make the most of her effective volume, onboard liveability, space optimisation and the experience of freedom during navigation. This mood can be seen starting from the large cockpit, which, in addition to the spacious sunbathing area, contains a living and dining area with an extendable table and a comfortable sofa facing the bar unit on the left.Twin MAN V12 1400 mhp engines deliver a top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 37 knots.62SItama 75 offers a deeply rich and innovative experience. The main deck is divided into four areas. It has a sunpad in the bow over the hangar for the tender or jet ski; a living area with big sofas upholstered with waterproof fabric that slide together in the shape of the letter C and can accommodate up to twelve people around a teak table; and the helm station is in the centre, with the copilot’s chair on the left and a big chaise longue under the windscreen so that you can cruise in total relaxation from the most comfortable position on the boat.Below deck, the interiors are decorated in warm, welcoming colours and the standard layout features three cabins: the full beam master stateroom, a VIP cabin in the bow and a guest cabin with twin beds on the left. The roomy dinette can also be fitted with a bar. The boat is also available with a four-cabin layout, all with en suite bathrooms.Itama 75 is equipped with twin 1823 hp MTU engines with ZF Sea Rex 140 propulsion, driving it to a top speed of up to 42 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 37 knots.75Ferretti Group is a world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of eight prestigious and exclusive brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally. Led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the Ferretti Group owns and manages six shipyards located across Italy, which combine the efficiency of industrial production with typical world-class Italian craftsmanship, reaching customers in more than seventy countries across the world. Credits: Itama

The new Pearl 62 was declared Best Flybridge over 50ft at the 2021 Motor Boat Awards. Having announced a shortlist of contenders as usual in December, the winners and a few ‘highly commended’ runners-up were finally disclosed a couple days ago during a streamed event co-hosted by MBY’s editor Hugo Andreae and deputy editor Jack Haines. Normally these coveted awards are concluded with a gala dinner at a top London hotel with a large marine industry and VIP audience, but alas this year there was a virtual delivery due to the pandemic. Announcing the Volvo Penta IPS-propelled 32-knot Pearl 62’s win, Hugo Andreae stressed that Pearl’s naval architect Bill Dixon has pulled off a “major design coup, by managing to fit four stellar cabins, plus crew space, aboard a boat of this size,” coupled with “strong performance and solid seakeeping”. “The annual Motor Boat Awards are always keenly anticipated, and this year we were thrilled to see the stunning new Pearl 62 win in such a hotly contested 50–80ft category,” says Pearl Yachts’ managing director Iain Smallridge. “But then we already knew this model is a real winner. Having first presented the model a year ago at the 2020 Boot Düsseldorf, we have already seen just how well it has been received by our customers and potential customers. To date we have sold no fewer than eight of them and the ninth will be delivered in spring next year.”Pearl Yachts was founded in 1998 and has now become one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards. Every Pearl motor yacht is designed and built by experienced craftsmen. Pearl’s fleet consists of the new Pearl 62, the Pearl 80 and the Pearl 95. All newly launched Pearl Yachts are covered by a unique, comprehensive five-year warranty program.Credits: Pearl Yachts