Barely cracking the first half of the world's 100 largest yachts, Aviva became the first yacht to have an indoor padel tennis court. Built for a UK billionaire, the 98-meter Aviva is also the largest yacht ever built by Abeking & Rasmussen.
The yacht is currently anchored by the Ross Dock picnic area near the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. Abeking & Rasmussen’s superyacht Aviva is a winner at this year´s World Superyacht Awards which took place on May 19, in Florence.
Photo by Adam Jeffery
Launched in January 2017, Aviva was designed by British design studio, Reymond Langton, morphing into their largest creation to date. Boasting large interior volumes throughout its hull, Aviva also manages to feature some exterior space to take in the sun. Its sheer scale required Abeking & Rasmussen to create a special system to launch the yacht with a special pontoon.
Delivered within 33 months of signing the contract, Aviva was commissioned by UK billionaire Joe Lewis, currently valued by Forbes at $5 billion. His fourth superyacht named Aviva, Lewis' former yacht was a 68-meter version of his current flagship also built by Abeking & Rasmussen. Extensively used as a floating home and office by the investment mogul, Aviva's volume would be impressive for any yacht.
Photo by Adam Jeffery
The powerful looking hull is the result of new research and testing which ensures superior seakeeping abilities combined with a 20% decrease in drag. Less engine output is required, fuel consumption is reduced and the maximum speed is a full 20 knots. A very special feature is the hybrid drive system: it allows Aviva to run at up to 11 knots without the use of the main engines, using electric motors only.
Aviva's main feature, however, became an indoor, full-sized padel tennis court. Stretching across a length of 20 meters and a width of 10 meters, the court area goes up 6.65 meters high, a space that would be difficult to fit into any type of yacht. Aviva's 5,000GT of interior volume, however, allowed to blend in this space without compromises as to the size of the court.
Photo by Adam Jeffery
"It is not only a lifestyle change for the owner but also for the crew as this is also the largest gym of any yacht." the yacht's designers' commented. "The crew is encouraged to play with the owner and guests and when the court is not in use for padel, the net can be removed and the crew plays football and use other exercise equipment in the space. It is after all a sports hall."
Perfectly lit through lights on the ceiling, this indoor court sits amidst the yacht's hull and stretches down to the bottom of its draft. In addition to the padel tennis court is a small lounging and viewing area up a series of stairs. Hidden away behind a net to protect the ball from flying away, the viewing area can also be used for gym equipment whilst a game is being played. "The owner is adamant that this is the best padel tennis court in the world, period!" the studio continued.
Photo by Adam Jeffery
In terms of exterior relaxation areas, Aviva features a circular set of lounging pads up on her sun deck as well as small, hidden away lounging pads towards the yacht's bridge. Powered by an eco-friendly system, the 98-meter can reach a top speed of 20 knots and cruise at 11 knots by using only electric power. This is achieved, in part, thanks to her innovative hull design couple with an electric propulsion system.
Photo by Adam Jeffery
Apart from her sundeck, most of the areas on the 98-meter superyacht are found inside, which gives it tremendous volume required for a live onboard owner. An exterior lounging area can, however, still be found aft of the main, upper and third decks with a series of lounging chairs and sun pads. A swimming platform also opens up onto the sea, creating a beach club area, her tenders being launched through side doors.
"Featuring a fresh and dynamic contemporary exterior design, unique, highly personalized layout for the interior and a cutting edge technical platform, Aviva is intended as a home away from home, and as a result the layout moves away from current trends to maximise the spaces that will be used the most, and create a welcome, inviting atmosphere, with a combination of spacious, open social lounges alongside more intimate and discreet areas for dining, working and relaxation." commented Andrew Langton.
"The interior design features a number of avant-garde architectural elements and details, and uses a rich combination of fabric and leathers in light, warm tones."
Throughout the yacht, Aviva features a modern design with sleek shapes couple with an extensive use of glass and stainless steel. Opting for a clear colour scheme with sprinkles of vivd soft furnishings, Aviva's exterior and interior look follows that of Lewis' former 68m Aviva.
"Communication and information are critical to me." Lewis said in an interview with regards to his requirements for his floating office. "To be effective, I need reliable phones and internet, these have improved much over the past few years, but, it is too expensive, too slow and not consistently reliable. Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world."
Currently valued at $5 billion by Forbes, Joe Lewis sits as the 5th richest man in the United Kingdom. Chairman of the Tavistock Group with investments in over 200 companies, the 81 year-old started his career in the catering business in London, joining his father's company at the age of 15 in 1958.
Initially making his wealth by selling that business in 1979, Lewis moved into currency trading, switching his residence to the Bahamas. Teaming up with George Soros in 1992, the pair bet against the pound and earned exponential returns with Lewis reportedly pocketing even more than Soros.
Lewis' portfolio now includes Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur as well as Lake Nona, a fast growing development in Orlando, Florida. In December 2016, he paid $165 million to acquire the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six hotel in Fort Lauderdale through Tavistock. In addition to this, Lewis owns stakes in UK's largest pub operator, Mitchell's and Butlers as well as luxury club resort Albany.
In a deal profiled by the Guardian, Lewis was able to back a Christie's art auction for the Ganz collection, guaranteeing a minimum sales price of $168 million and, eventually, splitting the $38 million net profit with the auction house when the sale fetched $206 million weeks later. "Being a trader means that you are wrong at the very least three times out of 10, and that is very hard." Lewis once told Fortune magazine.
Prior to taking deliver of the 98-meter flagship, Lewis' largest yacht was the 68-meter Aviva delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2007. A smaller version of his current yacht, the 68-meter featured a similar focus towards interior volume and acted as Lewis' floating office with a Bloomberg terminal and several trading screens onboard.
In 1998, Lewis had taken delivery of 62-meter Feadship, Lady Aviva, which later caught fire in the Red Sea. The yacht was eventually salvaged by serial yacht owner, Dennis Washington, who transformed the yacht into Attessa III. Lewis' second Aviva became the 60-meter Oceanco built in 2004 as Alfa Four and now known as Sea Pearl.
Check our Timeline platform to get the full access to our analytics platform, that offers you a detailed report on the timeline of each superyacht, real time market view to see the yacht market developing and much more!
The 115.1-meter Lürssen superyacht Ahpo has returned to the brokerage market with an asking price of €340 million, making it the most expensive luxury yacht currently listed for sale. Represented by Alex Busher of Edmiston and Moran Yacht & Ship, Ahpo was originally sold as a new build by Moran Yacht & Ship in 2017 to a repeat Lürssen client and began construction under the codename Project Enzo.Completed in 2021 and showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show the following year, Ahpo boasts a striking design by Nuvolari Lenard, featuring trademark half-moon windows and tapered decks. The yacht was last sold in-house by Moran Yacht & Ship in May 2023, believed to be the largest brokerage deal in history.Designed with both exterior and interior detailing on technical and aesthetic fronts, Ahpo offers accommodation for 16 guests in eight staterooms and four staff cabins. The owner's private duplex includes an exceptional gym, while side decks on the sky lounge deck span 100 meters, allowing guests to take strolls in the fresh air without disembarking.Health and wellness are priorities on board, with a nature-themed spa featuring a massage room, Himalayan salt sauna, and a Turkish-style Hammam finished in vibrant mosaics and ivory onyx. Throughout the vessel, nature is a recurring theme, seen in the artwork, the central staircase depicting an olive tree, and the grand dining room themed around water lilies.Technical highlights include twin MTU 20V 4,000hp engines, advanced systems such as a heat recovery mechanism for warming the swimming pool, dynamic positioning, four Quantum fin stabilizers, and controllable-pitch propellers for low-speed manoeuvrability. The 5,257GT superyacht is crewed by 36 and is equipped with two custom 12-meter IC Yacht guest tenders, rescue tenders, and a commercially certified helipad supporting a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Lürssen
April 3, 2025
At its recent annual general meeting, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) announced the introduction of a brand-new Paris-based boat show, set to take place in November 2025.The highly anticipated Paris Nautic Show will run from Wednesday, November 26th, to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, hosted at the prestigious Parc des Expositions du Bourget in northeastern Paris. This announcement follows the cancellation of the initial Nautic-en-Seine boat show, which had been planned for April 2025 along the banks of the River Seine. Market conditions led to the decision to cancel the open-air event, originally intended as a fresh iteration of the longstanding Nautic Paris boat show.The newly organized indoor event will be managed by M2O, FIN's dedicated event subsidiary. FIN emphasized the critical role of a Paris-based boat show in supporting the nautical industry amid challenging economic and political environments, serving as a vital platform to showcase resilience and innovation within the sector.Approximately 350 exhibitors and between 300 to 400 boats are expected to participate, occupying two expansive halls totaling 40,000 square meters. Compared to earlier iterations of Paris-based boat shows, the duration of the event has been streamlined to align better with the global exhibition calendar.The show's leadership team comprises experienced professionals, including Jean-Paul Chapeleau as President, Christophe Vieux as Managing Director, Caroline Popovici as Deputy Commissioner General and Operations Director, and Guillaume Verbrugghe as Deputy Commissioner General and Commercial Director. At the general meeting, they unveiled the event's new branding, including its distinctive logo and marketing materials, marking the official start of commercial activities for the show.Credits: jerileecornelio/unsplash.com
April 2, 2025
The 2014 Sunseeker 28m yacht Play the Game has recently been sold through an in-house deal by Northrop & Johnson. Yacht Broker Ed Dickinson represented the seller, while Matt Palmer brought the buyer. Previously listed at €3,500,000, this vessel is part of the esteemed Sunseeker 28m series.Built in 2014, Play the Game has been meticulously maintained by its sole owner since launch. Its extensive refit history includes a 2022 kitchen renovation, complete reupholstering and new carpeting in 2018, along with a thorough 10-year RINA class survey and MCA commercial compliance update during the winter of 2023. The vessel is fully compliant with modern safety standards.One of the highlights of Play the Game is her expansive flybridge and remarkable volume relative to her size, offering unparalleled space for both indoor and outdoor living. With zero-speed stabilizers ensuring steadiness even when anchored, guests can enjoy every moment aboard without discomfort.Inside, her bright, open-plan design features large windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Warm wooden accents blend harmoniously with subtle blue hues and neutral finishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere. An especially notable feature is the drop-down balcony on the starboard side of the main deck – an ideal setting for intimate dinners or quiet mornings overlooking the sea.Play the Game accommodates up to eight guests across four lavishly appointed staterooms. The full-beam master suite boasts a king-sized bed, ample closet space, a cozy seating area, and a beautifully designed ensuite bathroom. Outdoor spaces are equally breathtaking, including an alfresco dining area on the aft deck, a versatile foredeck lounge with sunpads and a dining table, and a generously sized flybridge featuring two U-shaped lounges, dual wet bars, and a retractable hardtop for customizable sun exposure. A hydraulic swim platform provides effortless access to the water and facilitates smooth tender operations.Powered to reach speeds of up to 23 knots, Play the Game, delivers a truly exceptional experience on the water.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker Yachts
April 2, 2025
Ocean Alexander honors Scott Roberton as the recipient of its 2024 Annual Sales Award, celebrating his exceptional achievements, dedication, and contributions to the brand’s success.Roberton’s career is distinguished by his expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. His extensive knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of client needs have led to outstanding sales results and elevated client happiness.Dan Mundy, Head of Global Operations, praised Roberton, stating, "Scott’s professionalism and passion for Ocean Alexander are evident in every transaction. His ability to match clients with their ideal yacht while providing unmatched service makes him a leader in our industry. We are honored to recognize him with this award."With over 25 Ocean Alexander transactions to his name, Roberton has played a crucial role in introducing new owners to the brand, ensuring they experience the exceptional quality, design, and service that define Ocean Alexander.Reflecting on the achievement, Roberton expressed, "It’s an honor to receive this recognition. Ocean Alexander continues to set the standard in yacht design, usability, and service, making it a privilege to represent the brand. I’m grateful for the support of my clients and the entire OA team, and I look forward to another exciting year ahead."Ocean Alexander congratulates Scott Roberton on this well-deserved accolade and extends gratitude to all its sales professionals for their dedication to excellence.Credits: Ocean Alexander
April 2, 2025
Spanish shipyard Maxim Yachts returns to familiar shores as they participate in the Palma International Boat Show from April 30 to May 3. Making their debut at the event, the company showcases the Max 43 Comfort – a dynamic day cruiser capable of achieving speeds up to 45 knots. Designed by Alex Cherigny and engineered by Isonaval, this 13-meter model exemplifies speed and luxury combined.The Max 43 Comfort is powered by twin 440-horsepower Volvo Penta engines, ensuring swift and stable navigation. Its exterior layout is highly adaptable, featuring two foldable tables and four sofas, one of which comes with built-in refrigerators. The ergonomic helm station houses two double seats and a stylish carbon fiber console, outfitted with state-of-the-art marine technology, including dual 16-inch Garmin screens and 11 analog gauges.The onboard galley is fitted with a ceramic cooktop, sink, and two large refrigerators, with optional upgrades available such as additional refrigerators and an ice maker. Adjacent to the galley is a flexible dining area equipped with a double table and cozy side seating. Inside, the interiors, adorned with high-quality finishes, house a spacious double cabin capable of sleeping up to four guests. The cabin also boasts one of the tallest ceilings in its class, emphasizing both comfort and practicality.Established just last year, Maxim Yachts has quickly made waves in the industry, marking their presence at prestigious global events. Their participation in the Palma Boat Show signifies their commitment to growth and innovation, as they join approximately 300 exhibitors representing the best in maritime craftsmanship.Credits: Maxim Yachts
April 1, 2025