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.
Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind
April 23, 2024
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
April 23, 2024
On April 22nd, the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, Finland, witnessed the launch of the first unit of the Swan 88 featuring hybrid electric propulsion. The Swan 88 is a groundbreaking model, meticulously developed to offer a hybrid electric propulsion option in collaboration with Torqeedo. This innovative project continues the successful partnership with German Frers for Naval Architecture, Misa Poggi for Interior Design, and Lucio Micheletti, Micheletti + Partners, for the exterior styling.A defining feature of this new project is the coachroof's shape, inspired by the wind, boasting essential and dynamic lines. The transom beckons to the 'Beach Club' swim platform. With a focus on space, functional quality, and on-board comfort, both indoors and outdoors, the Swan 88 is designed to impress. Natural light floods in from the stunning 'atrium' companionway, coachroof, and hull windows, providing a bright interior ambiance.The Swan 88 offers Owners a super-smart opportunity to reduce running costs through chartering. This performance maxi design ingeniously complies with the critical 24-meter load line length rule for light MCA charter regulations. Nautor Swan's decision to develop this vessel aims to offer a true performance superyacht based on an efficient platform, minimizing management costs, and simplifying the charter certification process.Dedicated cruising appendages include a moderate draught fin T-keel of 4 meters and twin rudders, providing advantages such as reduced draught, enhanced safety, and excellent sailing balance. The hull and deck boast full carbon fiber epoxy construction, utilizing Sprint® lamination technology and the yard's advanced carbon mold technology."The Swan 88 marks an important milestone for the shipyard's production. It's the first hybrid propulsion yacht, showcasing our constant collaboration with Torqeedo and contributing to the study and development of similar features across the entire range, not just maxi yachts," says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. "This significant new model, of which we will launch the second unit in a few days, epitomizes Swan's 360-degree essence, the DNA that has made our boats recognizable worldwide for 58 years, and we are immensely proud of it."The Swan 88 will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 10-15 and the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25-28.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
April 23, 2024
On Saturday, April 20, Heesen announced the delivery of YN 20150 Cinderella Noel IV, following rigorous trials in the North Sea. The owners christened their yacht on December 23, 2023, marking an unforgettable moment for all shipyard employees and subcontractors involved in the construction.Stefan Zucker and Sven Stark, the clients' surveyors and project managers, expressed their appreciation for the shipyard's efforts, stating: "We have hardly experienced such intense involvement of clients ever before."Cinderella Noel IV stands out not only for her exceptional design but also for her owners' deep involvement. With a passion for sailing, the clients actively participated in the yacht's creation, bringing practical and technical insights from years of experience on the water.During three days of sea trials in challenging conditions, Cinderella Noel IV surpassed all expectations. Captain Bob van Zundert praised her swift responses and exceptional handling, even in rough seas.Built on a proven engineering platform, Cinderella Noel IV integrates a hybrid propulsion system chosen by the owner to minimize environmental impact. Heesen's hybrid system, powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 main engines and Danfoss electric motors, ensures cleaner, quieter, and more efficient cruising.Rick van de Wetering, Heesen's Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in the collaboration with the owners and their teams, highlighting the strong bond formed during the 41-month construction period. He concluded, "On behalf of everyone at the shipyard, we wish them fair winds and following seas on their wonderful yacht."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: Ruben Griffioen/Heesen Yachts
April 22, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has been honored with the "Best Performing Large Size Company" award at the Alychlo Awards 2024, marking its third consecutive win in this category.TISG secured the recognition for its outstanding turnover and EBITDA results, which ranked as the best in its reference category.The awards ceremony took place at the enchanting Pairi Daiza, a renowned botanical garden and zoo, bringing together 160 guests, including entrepreneurs and managers from companies in which Alychlo, the family investment company of Belgian entrepreneur Marc Coucke, invests.The Alychlo Awards celebrate companies, individuals, and teams that have achieved exceptional results. In the 2023 edition, 10 prestigious awards were presented to 10 outstanding winners.Alychlo, the cornerstone investor of The Italian Sea Group since its IPO, has investments in over 40 public and private companies across various sectors, with a focus on high-value-added companies that contribute significantly to job creation."We are extremely honored to receive this recognition and to be selected among important and excellent companies," commented Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "We thank Mr. Marc Coucke for his constant trust in our Group since its listing on Euronext Milan. We will continue working passionately and with dedication to achieve increasingly ambitious results."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
April 22, 2024