Countdown has started for the 58th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show taking place December 4-9, 2019. This year’s event, like in the past, will take place at the Nelson’s Dockyard Marina in English Harbour, and the Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina both located in Falmouth Harbour. Yacht Harbour lists top 10 superyachts on view not to miss this year.
#1. Aquijo
LOA: 86.26m
Builder: Vitters/Oceanco (2016)
The 6th largest sailing superyacht in the world, the 85-metre Aquijo was created in collaboration between Dutch shipyards Oceanco and Vitters. BGerman studio Dölker + Voges was responsible for her interior design, whilst Tripp Design Naval Architecture styled her exterior. The yacht comprises 4 decks and accommodates up to 12 guests on-board.
Noteworthy, Vitters developed a custom steering system for Aquijo. It works by translating the hydrodynamic forces on the rudder blades directly to the steering wheels on the flybridge, thus providing the helmsman with immediate feedback and a feeling for how the yacht is moving through the water.
#2. Aquila
LOA: 85.34m
Builder: Derecktor (2010)
Formerly known as Cakewalk, the largest superyacht built on the territory of the USA since the 1930s, was sold to her current owner at an asking price of €119,000,000 at the end of 2014. Consequently, the 85-metre vessel underwent a 12-month refit at Pendennis in the UK and had her name changed to Aquila.
The motor yacht can accommodate 14 guests in 7 cabins with an interior design by Dalton Designs and an exterior design by Tim Heywood. She is powered by MTU engines of 3306 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Aquila's improvement focused mainly on the interior. For instance, the owner's stateroom was entirely remodelled, a 60 square metre private deck was added, while the Jacuzzi was repositioned to the forward sun deck.
The vessel is available for charter from € 945,000 p/w.
#3. Naia
LOA: 73.76m
Builder: Freire Shipyard (2011)
With a beam of 13.2 metres and a draft of 3.8 metres, Naia features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2,059 tons. The motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests across 8 cabins with an interior design by Mark Berryman and an exterior design by H2 Design.
Naia can reach a maximum speed of 16 knots, with a cruising speed of 14 knots. The vessel is available for charter from € 525,000 p/w.
#4. Eminence
LOA: 78.33m
Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen (2008)
Initially built for American businessman Herb Chambers, the project was sold right before delivery in 2008. Classified by Lloyds, Eminence features a beam of 12.4 metres and a draft of 3.2 metres along with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2054 tonnes.
Eminence offers accommodation to up to 14 guests across 7 cabins, within interiors and exteriors by Reymond Langton. One of the most outstanding features of the yacht is her bridge deck dining room, which features a horseshoe table surrounded by sliding glass doors that can open the space entirely and deliver panoramic views when closed. Eminence comes fitted with a generous beach club and swim platform.
Powered by Caterpillar 3516 DITA engines of 2000 HP each, the yacht reaches a maximum speed at 16 knots and cruises comfortably at 14 knots for 6,000 nautical miles.
She was sold in summer 2019 asking € 80,000,000.
#5. Elixir
LOA: 54.86m
Builder: Amels (2016)
Elixir was delivered by Dutch shipyard Amels in 2016. Her exterior design concept was developed by Tim Heywood, with interiors by Laura Sessa. Her to modern interior look contributes to jet black gloss and stainless steel around the superstructure.
The magnificent outdoor spaces of Elixir include a huge Sun Deck, folding bulwarks for Main Deck indoor dining with an al fresco feeling, along with the owner's Suite balcony.
The vessel is asking € 38,900,000.
#6. JOY
LOA: 69.8m
Builder: Feadship (2016)
With a beam of 11.5 metres and a draft of 3 metres, JOY has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She is powered by MTU engines of 1850 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots, next to a cruising speed of 12 knots. Joy's maximum range is estimated at 4,500 nautical miles.
The motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins with an interior design by Studio Indigo and an exterior design by Bannenberg & Rowell.
JOY is available for charter from € 700,000 p/w.
#7. OKTO
LOA: 66.45m
Builder: ISA (2014)
The 66.45-metre built by ISA unit bears exterior design by Andrea Vallicelli, while the interior design is by late Alberto Pinto. Both designers worked to combine design and architectural aspects in a strong contrast between the curvaceous lines of the decks with the rigorous and diamond-like geometry of the transom and sundeck.
The naval architecture is developed in-house by ISA Technical Department in conjunction with BMT NIGEL GEE naval architects, including intense tank testing program to evaluate all possible sea-conditions before starting the production of the vessel.
As for the accommodation, the yacht can sleep up to 12 guests and 17 crew. Okto is powered by twin CATERPILLAR 3512 C engines providing a top speed of 18,5 knots and a cruising speed of 16,5 knots.
The yacht is listed for sale asking € 39,000,000.
#8. Wheels
LOA: 75m
Builder: Oceanco (2008)
In 2008, the yacht originally named Anastasia was delivered amongst an uptick in the superyacht market. According to Forbes, she also became the first of a series of 3 yachts that her Russian billionaire owner, Vladimir Potanin would build at Oceanco. The vessel changed owners and the name in 2018.
The superyacht was designed by Sam Sorgiovanni. With a beam of 13.4 metres and a draft of 3.95 metres, Wheels has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She is powered by MTU engines of 3648 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. The motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins.
The vessel is available for charter from € 580,000 p/w.
#9. Phoenix 2
LOA: 89.92m
Builder: Lürssen
Launched in 2010 by German shipbuilder Lürssen and last refitted in 2011, the 90-mere Phoenix2 boasts design by Andrew Winch and offers elegant exterior lines, complemented by beautiful interiors and spacious socialising areas throughout. The most notable feature is definitely the giant sculpted phoenix figurehead that sits proudly on the prow of the vessel.
Built for the late Polish billionaire, Jan Kulczyk as a replacement for his previous 61-meter Lürssen, Phoenix was delivered by the German shipyard in 2010. Designed by Andrew Winch, Phoenix boasts over 100 metres of steel handrails built specially to follow the shape of the hull.
Photo: @Superyacht_styles
The owner's stateroom located forward of the yacht is styled like a New York duplex from the 1930s with a private staircase linking the two areas together and leading to a private jacuzzi and owner's deck on the yacht's bow. Other features include a spa pool, Jacuzzi and cinema on the sundeck.
The vessel is available for charter from € 1,000,000 p/w.
#10. Solo
LOA: 89.92m
Builder: Tankoa (2018)
Solo was launched in August 2018, making her international debut at the Monaco Yacht Show the same year. Francesco Paszkowski was responsible for both her exteriors and interiors, collaborating with Margherita Casprini for the latter. Solo’s interiors feature spacious main and upper salons providing relaxation zones with large plush seating areas, along with a dazzling baby grand piano and numerous entertainment options.
The yacht’s six staterooms can accommodate up to 12 guests, including a spacious VIP, two doubles and two twins. The master suite is fitted with a private terrace complete with sunpads and a Jacuzzi with panoramic views.
Some of key features include a swimming pool and a private dance floor, which easily converts to a touch-and-go helipad, on the skylounge aft. Solo’s beach club, meanwhile, represents a spacious and welcoming space with sofa, bar, TV, oversized glass walled gym with fold-out terrace, bathroom, sauna (also fitted with its own fold-out terrace) and hammam.
The vessel is listed for sale asking €71,500,000.
Mengi-Yay's 47.4-meter sailing yacht Seleda has entered the brokerage market for the first time since her delivery in 2021, listed for sale by Bertrand Vogèle and Sebastiano Pitasi of NEXT Yachting.Constructed to RINA class specifications using cold laminated wood, Seleda features an exterior design by the Turkish shipyard, naval architecture by Ginton Naval Architects, and interiors by BTA Design. The yacht has had only one owner since new, with her broker describing her as the "perfect balance of luxury, performance, and indulgence."Seleda accommodates 11 guests in five cabins, including a master suite with a lounge and office, two VIP cabins, and two twins. Eight crew members are housed in four cabins. The yacht's interiors are open-plan and contemporary, characterized by dark wood flooring and a mix of curved lines and geometric shapes in furniture, wall panels, and art pieces. The main saloon is bright and spacious, featuring a comfortable elongated sofa, bar, and dining table seating 10.Above deck, a large sundeck offers panoramic views, equipped with sun loungers and an L-shaped sofa. The long foredeck includes an elevated sunpad near an al fresco table, seating area, and tender storage, while the aft deck features an additional dining table sheltered from the sundeck overhang.Powered by twin 671hp Caterpillar diesel engines, Seleda reaches a maximum speed of 12 knots and cruising speed of 10 knots. She boasts an impressive 990 square meters of sail area.Seleda is listed for €11.5 million.Credits: Mengi-Yay
April 8, 2025
Exteta x Riva have collaborated to produce a line of outdoor furnishings that combines the design philosophies of both brands. The collection is inspired by Riva's heritage and the nautical lifestyle, offering a contemporary aesthetic rooted in the traditions of Italian craftsmanship.Materials and design elements from Riva motorboats are integrated into the Exteta x Riva collection, creating a seamless blend of sophistication and durability. The pieces are designed to enhance both residential and yacht environments, offering versatility and style.The collection includes seating, upholstered furniture, tables, and complementary accessories, all crafted with high-quality materials. The use of sapele mahogany and stainless steel reflects the attention to detail and timeless appeal of Riva’s legacy.The Exteta x Riva collection is intended to bring a refined touch to outdoor living, with thoughtful design elements that mimic the elegance of Riva yachts. Each piece is designed to complement both residential and nautical settings, providing users with a cohesive and stylish experience.Credits: Exteta x Riva
April 8, 2025
Ocean Independence has announced the addition of Thanuja to its fleet after an extensive four-year refit. This 50-meter-long yacht, which began life as Grayzone, has undergone such a dramatic transformation that it is being hailed as the equivalent of a brand-new build. The refurbishment, carried out by a collaborative effort between several Hamburg-based firms, has prepared Thanuja for her debut charter season.Originally built by Concept Marine in Turkey back in 2011, Grayzone arrived at Serenity Shipyard in Antalya in 2021 for what was intended to be a simple refit. However, the scope quickly expanded into a total overhaul. The yacht was dismantled down to its bare metal structure, and major changes followed. The stern and aft decks were extended, increasing the overall length from 43 to 50 meters, while the flybridge received substantial upgrades.As a result of these modifications, the vessel's gross tonnage (GT) grew significantly—from 380 GT to 463 GT. These alterations were so profound that the classification society deemed them comparable to constructing a new yacht altogether. Renamed Thanuja, the yacht emerged from the shipyard with a fresh identity and vastly improved capabilities.Main saloon At the heart of this ambitious project stood the Hamburg-based yacht design and engineering firm iYacht GmbH. They developed the initial concept, handled the exterior design, and managed the naval architecture. Working within the constraints of the existing hull and prior design elements, they successfully adapted the vessel to meet the new owner's expectations while retaining some of its original character.While the original plan called for minor cosmetic updates to the interiors, the project evolved into a comprehensive redesign under the guidance of Katharina Raczek Design, another Hamburg-based firm. Their team crafted a luxurious living environment capable of hosting up to ten guests across five elegant staterooms. Additionally, the crew quarters were enlarged to accommodate a staff of nine. Every aspect of the interior – from bespoke furniture and lighting to detailed decorations –was meticulously curated by Katharina Raczek Design.Sky loungeStefan Zucker, founder of the consultancy Zucker & Partner, played a pivotal role in managing the project. His expertise ensured smooth coordination among various parties involved, resulting in a cohesive outcome. Furthermore, the owner contributed his own experienced project manager to ensure that every detail aligned with the vision.Each deck aboard Thanuja offers unique spaces tailored for different moods and activities. Guests can relax in the shaded sanctuary of the main deck aft or enjoy panoramic views from the expansive upper deck, which boasts plush sofas, an al fresco dining area, and a barbecue setup. The sundeck invites guests to unwind with its hot tub, lounge chairs, and well-stocked bar, making it perfect for both daytime leisure and evening entertainment.Owner cabin In addition to the aesthetic improvements, Thanuja underwent a thorough technical revamp. All electrical systems, wiring, and pipework were replaced, and the engine room was upgraded with state-of-the-art components. Powered by twin MAN engines equipped with SCR units, the yacht meets the strictest environmental standards set by IMO Tier III regulations. Advanced bow and stern thrusters further enhance her maneuverability.With her combination of luxury, performance, and versatility, Thanuja is primed for success in the competitive charter market. Adelheid Chirco, Central Agent at Ocean Independence, expressed confidence in the yacht's appeal, highlighting its ideal size and stunning amenities. Starting at EUR210,000 per week, Thanuja will be available for charters in the Mediterranean, promising unforgettable experiences for her future guests.Credits: Ocean Independence
April 8, 2025
Heesen Yachts announced its full acquisition by Dutch entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last.Laurens Last is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate yachtsman, brings extensive business experience and a deep personal connection to the yachting lifestyle and community."This acquisition is more than an investment—it’s a dream," said Last. "Heesen represents the pinnacle of Dutch engineering and maritime craftsmanship. I am honored to take ownership and ensure the brand continues to flourish for generations to come."Heesen reported record-breaking financial performance in 2024, with revenue reaching EUR 209 million and EBITDA of EUR 17 million, underscoring its solid foundation and readiness for future growth. Under Mr. Last’s leadership, the company will continue to focus on global sales expansion, technological innovation, and excellence in yacht design and construction.Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Laurens Last to the Heesen family. His profile is a perfect fit: a successful Dutch entrepreneur with a genuine passion for yachting. His vision and commitment will enable us to preserve the legacy our clients value while propelling Heesen into an exciting future."Heesen remains the only fully integrated yacht builder in the Netherlands, controlling every phase of the yacht-building process—from concept and engineering to final outfitting. This approach ensures unrivaled quality, efficiency, and a seamless client experience. The acquisition strengthens Heesen’s mission to push the boundaries of yacht design, embrace advanced technologies, and deliver bespoke yachts that set new standards in the industry.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
April 7, 2025
Benetti announces the delivery of M/Y Iryna, marking the debut of the B.Now 67M yacht line with the innovative Oasis Deck®. Transformed from a platform-based model into a bespoke superyacht, Iryna reflects Benetti’s ability to merge cutting-edge design with personalized touches. Working closely with the owner’s representative, Arcon Yachts, the project was realized in just under three years at the Livorno shipyard.This superyacht represents a significant milestone, being the first in the B.Now 67M series to feature the Oasis Deck®. Certified by Lloyd’s Register as a benchmark in excellence, Iryna sets the tone for future units in the line. By starting with a flexible platform, Benetti and Arcon Yachts tailored the vessel to meet the owner’s exacting standards, resulting in a highly customized yacht.Iryna showcases numerous bespoke elements, notably the color scheme of the hull and superstructure, which uses three distinct shades of grey specially formulated for this unit. Extensive curved glass panels cover up to 70% of the vertical surfaces, allowing abundant natural light to fill the interior spaces. The interiors, crafted by Benetti’s in-house team under the direction of Style Manager Mariorosa Remedi, highlight the owner’s individuality. The four guest cabins on the lower deck exemplify this, incorporating custom pleated leather and season-inspired fabric choices.Environmentally-conscious material selections are evident throughout the yacht, from the use of sustainably sourced woods certified by organizations like FSC and PEFC to ceiling finishes in eco-friendly leathers and marble-effect ceramic tiles. Additionally, the layout diverges from the original blueprint, integrating wellness-focused amenities such as a sauna in the beach club and a gym on the main deck, reflecting the owner’s priorities.Designed by RWD, Iryna embraces the Oasis Deck® concept, fostering a lifestyle centered around social interaction and connection with nature. Sprawling across six decks, the yacht provides approximately 500 square meters of outdoor space and lavish indoor living areas, including a 65-square-meter main saloon and a full-beam owner’s suite on the upper deck. Accommodating up to 15 guests, Iryna features two VIP suites on the main deck and four additional cabins below.Collaborating with Visionnaire, Iryna integrates design accents that align with the owner’s appreciation for fine craftsmanship. This partnership underscores Benetti’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled aesthetic and sensory experience.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
April 7, 2025