AB Yachts

The 47m high-performance cruiser Nilaya has departed from Royal Huisman’s facilities in Amsterdam following a successful series of sea trials on the North Sea and subsequent delivery to her owners. Earlier this year, Royal Huisman's Project 405 made its way from the shipyard's state-of-the-art facilities in Vollenhove to prepare for its launch and the installation of its carbon performance sloop rig by Rondal. During an exclusive ceremony held at the national maritime museum, "Het Scheepvaartmuseum," in Amsterdam, the yacht was christened Nilaya, meaning "blissful home." As the first vessel to showcase Royal Huisman's innovative Featherlight™ design and production method, this highly anticipated Panamax superyacht marks a significant milestone for the shipyard.Throughout the construction of Project 405, also known as Reichel/Pugh - Nauta 154, meticulous weight monitoring was implemented, resulting in an impressive 11% reduction compared to the typical advanced aluminum cruising yachts built by Royal Huisman. This achievement is a testament to the shipyard's commitment to optimizing weight without compromising stiffness or compromising on the renowned quality expected from a high-performance cruiser. The Featherlight™ method employed in the construction of this sailing masterpiece is not a singular process or construction technique; rather, it represents a comprehensive lightweight approach that integrates various aluminum and carbon fiber components, all working in harmony to achieve remarkable weight savings.“For such a large yacht, the acceleration is exciting as she rapidly reaches high speeds,” says Nigel Ingram of MCM Newport, who served as owner’s project manager. “Twin rudders and the light, positive steering give superb maneuverability and she has reached all her project targets with ease. Rondal’s sailing systems enable fingertip control of the massive loads involved.”Nauta Design created the general concept, the exterior design, and the interior design plan with the light, calm, contemporary décor that has been unpacked for the first time now that trials are complete. Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design, reports back from the sea trials of Nilaya: “A full day in beautiful sunny and windy weather in the North Sea off Amsterdam showed how Nilaya’s performance under sail is truly outstanding,” Pedol says. “By the time the mainsail was hoisted the breeze had built to a steady 18 knots. We sailed on a broad reach with the mainsail and Code Zero and rapidly reached a truly impressive 17 kt. boat speed. It was just the beginning of a great day of sailing with the owner and all of the main players of his and the builder’s teams.” Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman called the Nilaya’s departure bittersweet. “We are always a bit sad to see one of our yachts sail away; it’s a bit like a child leaving home. At the same time, we are proud to have delivered another unique vessel, especially one that advances innovative engineering and build technology. Nilaya is a milestone in composite superyachts in the truest sense of the word and another fine example of Royal Huisman’s ability to provide owners with the ultimate expression of personal freedom. We wish her owners and all onboard fair winds and following seas during both world cruising and many exciting regattas.”Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman

Camper & Nicholsons announced that the 31.1.m Taiji was added to its Central Agency sales fleet, with the yacht being represented by sales advisor Maël Fiolet.Taiji was launched as Sanlorenzo SL102A in 2021 and presented for sale in as-new condition. She was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and has been equipped with many additional options, giving this yacht an incredibly high specification and enormous appeal.Benefiting from the advantages of Sanlorenzo's innovative Asymmetric design, the 31.1-meter Taiji showcases a plethora of cutting-edge features that set her apart. From an expanded main deck interior to a captivating fold-down terrace on the starboard side of the main saloon, this yacht exudes both elegance and functionality.Gracing the main deck, the master suite epitomizes luxury with its carefully curated elements. Adorned with an opening window on the port side, a walk-in wardrobe, an ensuite bathroom, and a private terrace on the foredeck. The lower deck houses four guest cabins, including two VIP doubles, one double, and one twin.Taiji's interior ambiance is characterized by a chic and contemporary style, featuring brushed oak panels, natural hues, and subtle accents of light pastel blue. Luxurious Santushi carpets grace the cabin floors, while Silk Georgette marble adds a touch of sophistication to the bathrooms.The sundeck offers an array of delightful amenities. Here, guests can indulge in the well-appointed bar, savor al fresco dining experiences, and bask in the sun on comfortable loungers. The retractable center panel of the hard top allows for customizable sun exposure, while an optional awning provides shade for the aft section of the sundeck.At the aft, Taiji showcases a hydraulic platform, providing easy access to the tender garage and water toy storage. Furthermore, she comes equipped with low engine hours and at-anchor stabilizers, ensuring optimal comfort and stability. Taiji has a top speed of 27 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots.Taiji is asking EUR10,500,000. Credits: Camper & Nicholson

Marco Casali and Umberto Tagliavini have created a new version of the best selling Gozzo 35 for year-round navigation, in all weather conditions and for several days at a time when desired, as well as in northern Europe waters, the great lakes of North America and Turkey. Elegant and impactful, the deckhouse bathes the entire cockpit in a profound sense of protection: the volume of the structure is made to look lighter by the extensive perimeter glazing, which floods the lounge with light and offers guests a spectacular 360-degree view of the horizon. The interiors and exteriors united through a four-section plate glass door. Its functions are twofold: to create a single space connecting the indoor and outdoor settings or, when closed, to protect guests from excessive heat or bad weather. Here is the helm station and a functional galley behind it with a sink and hob, there is also an L-shaped dinette.The new Cabin version is also characterized by the care lavished on onboard comfort: the very generous stern platform, an extensive sun pad forward with panoramic seating, the pull-out L-shaped table seating six in the cockpit and the wide side decks. The high bulwarks have also made it possible to raise the deck and therefore increase the volume of the interiors, without compromising the boat’s lines. As a result, the height of the gunwale is 20 cm lower and a rail has been added to maintain the boat’s lateral flow, but also and most importantly for reasons of safety, given this new model’s exceptional cruising capabilities. Below the deck guests can find the layout with two cabins and a bathroom. While the forward area remains basically the same, the new layout brings benefits for the bathroom and shower, which now offer more surface area. The guest cabin amidships also gains in terms of width, with room for a bed that is 140 cm wide at head level.In terms of propulsion, the boat offers the practicality and reliability of a traditional in-line shaft arrangement with two Volvo Penta D4 270 engines, but there is also the option of twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI stern drives.The first Gozzo 35 Cabin will be presented to the public in the early months of 2024.The history of the shipyard starts in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started to handbuild rowing and sailing boats used for fishing in Sorrento, basing his craft on the shape and form of the traditional “gozzo sorrentino”. Now the shipyard range includes the Apreamare and Maestro yachts.Credits: Apreamare

Omega Architects has lately unveiled its concept, the impressive 83.5-meter superyacht named Seasar. Designed by studio founder Frank Laupman, Seasar represents a "rational" evolution of Omega Architects' integrated hull-and-body design philosophy, seamlessly blending the two components for a visually cohesive superyacht.Crafted from a combination of steel and aluminum, Seasar features a masculine exterior characterized by a graceful arch that breaks up the horizontal lines and creates a captivating transition to the aft exterior spaces. The yacht boasts six decks, each thoughtfully designed to serve different purposes, enhancing privacy and ensuring a logical flow throughout the vessel. The lower deck is dedicated to the crew, while the main deck caters to guests and tender storage. The owner's deck offers exclusive accommodations, and the wheelhouse deck is focused on yacht handling and management. Finally, the observation deck provides unrivaled panoramic views from an elevated vantage point.Accommodating up to 14 guests, Seasar features five double cabins and a luxurious owner's suite. The owner's deck incorporates a unique glass window that maximizes interior freedom. It is equipped with a built-in heat barrier, ensuring a cool and comfortable atmosphere. Among its notable features, Seasar showcases a spacious swimming pool on the upper deck, offering enhanced privacy while in port, and an elevated beach-club style lounge area on the main deck, providing a delightful space for relaxation.With a gross tonnage of 2,000GT, Seasar offers the flexibility to be powered by fuel-cell or biofuel generators, allowing for a quieter and more environmentally friendly cruising experience. The yacht is optimized for exploration, featuring 150 sqm of toy storage to accommodate four Jet-Skis, a 9.6-meter limo tender, a five-meter rescue tender, and a submarine. The helideck is strategically designed without interior spaces below, providing a dedicated area for helicopter operations and seamless reception for arriving guests.Technically, Seasar boasts a moderate 3.2-meter draft and an impressive transpacific range of 5,000 nautical miles. The yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 18 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 16 knots. Laupman emphasizes that the welding of Seasar's steel structure will be executed with meticulous precision, requiring minimal fairing while maintaining the impeccable finish expected of a superyacht.Credits: Omega Architects

The iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon has been revitalized through an extensive refit. This 88-meter superyacht, commissioned by Tom Perkins and built in 2006 by renowned Perini Navi, with naval architecture by Gerard Dijkstra and interior design by Ken Freivokh, has undergone an impressive transformation at Lusben Shipyard. The meticulous refit, involving over 80 dedicated professionals collaborating seamlessly with the yacht's crew, spanned more than six months.“It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock. We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings. It was an honor for all of us to be able to carry out this modernisation work on such an iconic boat, one that has made international yachting history,” said Gianni Paladino, Lusben Commercial Director.Lusben successfully transformed the owner's vision into reality by orchestrating a range of aesthetic and functional enhancements. One of the most challenging tasks was the meticulous repainting of the entire hull, restoring the distinctive 'Perini Blue' color to its former glory.Following the hull's transformation, Lusben's expert teams meticulously carried out maintenance work on the yacht's intricate onboard systems, including generators, main engines, and propellers. Notably, the mast handling system received careful attention and a delicate overhaul.Embracing the growing significance of sustainability in the boating industry, Lusben prioritized eco-conscious upgrades during the refit process. The generators were replaced with superior-class units that boast enhanced efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, the main engine mufflers were exchanged, resulting in considerable environmental benefits and reduced noise levels for the comfort of guests. The propellers were inspected, with the shafts, blades, and bearings disassembled and serviced to optimize fuel efficiency for years to come, reflecting the collaborative efforts between Lusben, the captain, and the crew.The most vital and delicate system of the Maltese Falcon, its sail rig, underwent extensive work to ensure optimal performance. Developed by UK-based Insensys, the pioneering Dynarig system features three rotating carbon fiber masts capable of deploying an impressive 2,396 sqm of sail. This remarkable rig allows the yacht to reach top speeds of 25 knots with a displacement of 1,240 tonnes. During the refit, the teak deck was replaced, and the interiors were refurbished, with a particular focus on the cabins and bathrooms to enhance comfort and provide a more welcoming night area. The galley was also fully appointed to meet the highest standards. Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, resulting in substantial energy savings. Routine maintenance, including hull cleaning and valve overhauls, was also diligently executed as part of the commission.The yacht now returns to its captain and crew as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability in the yachting industry. “It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone, because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team. The Maltese Falcon can now return to the sea in all her splendor, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences,” said Pierfrancesco Cafaro, captain of Maltese Falcon.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben