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.
Gulf Craft has delivered the first unit of its 32.3-meter Majesty 100 Terrace series following its debut at the 2025 Dubai International Boat Show. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) yacht features a semi-displacement hull designed by Dutch firm Phathom Studio.The model's distinctive features include multiple outdoor terraces, fold-down balconies, and a private owner's terrace on the foredeck with 270-degree views. The owner's cabin incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass and skylights, with direct access to the forward terrace. Accommodation includes five cabins for 10 guests and crew quarters for six.With a 199GT volume and 7.2-meter beam, the yacht reaches a top speed of 20 knots powered by twin MAN engines. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the range extends to 1,050 nautical miles. The upper deck features a hot tub and sunpad area with glass panels that illuminate the owner's terrace below.The Majesty 100 Terrace follows the 34.1-meter Majesty 111 model, sharing similar interior layouts but with a redesigned semi-displacement hull. Gulf Craft currently has two units of the new model under construction at its Umm al-Qaywayn shipyard in the UAE.Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world: once a builder of small fishing boats in its modest premises, which was a genuine passion for Gulf Craft, they then established their credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry. With five brands in their product portfolio ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience, such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts.Credits: Gulf Craft
August 1, 2025
Dutch yacht builder Oceanco has transitioned to new ownership under American entrepreneur Gabe Newell, while previous owners the Barwani family retain their stake in Turkish shipyard Turquoise Yachts. The ownership change follows Oceanco's legacy of constructing notable superyachts including the 110-meter Kaos, 109-meter Bravo Eugenia, 106-meter Black Pearl, and 127-meter Koru.Newell assumes ownership with stated intentions to maintain Oceanco's operational focus on craftsmanship and workforce development rather than implementing financial restructuring. The new owner has emphasized continuity in the shipyard's human-centered approach to yacht construction.Gabe Newel"Gabe Newell is not entering this world as a financier or a strategist, but as a hands-on visionary who respects the sea, the craft, and above all, the people who make it possible," stated the company's transition announcement.Dr. BarwaniThe Barwani family, Oceanco's previous owners since 2010, will continue their yachting industry involvement through Turquoise Yachts, which specializes in custom builds up to 77 meters. Oceanco's current project portfolio and management team are expected to remain unchanged under the new ownership structure.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Oceanco
August 1, 2025
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show will host "Tribute to Yachting," a photographic exhibition by French photographer Guillaume Plisson. The exhibition will display 100 large-format images throughout Port Hercule from September 24-27, integrated with the show's layout.A preview selection will debut during the Grand Opening Night on September 23. The exhibition aims to provide visual interludes for attendees while highlighting emotional aspects of yachting beyond technical specifications."This collaboration reflects our desire to celebrate the human side of yachting - the stories and quiet beauty beyond the surface," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of Monaco Yacht Show.Plisson's work documents various yachting elements including design, operations, and lifestyle. "The exhibition serves as a condensed retrospective and tribute to those who make yachting possible," Plisson stated, acknowledging industry support for his photographic access over the years.The exhibition aligns with the show's focus on innovation, design, sustainability and lifestyle. It represents an effort to engage visitors emotionally with yachting culture while maintaining the event's commercial focus.Credits: MYS
August 1, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the lease through donation of the 43.6-meter Feadship motor yacht True North, built in 1987 by Van Lent shipyard. The vessel's recent $4 million refit in 2021 addressed critical systems while preserving its classic Dutch craftsmanship.The comprehensive refit program included complete hull plating renewal and tank work to satisfy Bureau Veritas 35-year survey requirements. Mechanical upgrades focused on the twin CAT 3508 DI-TA engines, while new Quantum zero-speed stabilizers were installed to enhance onboard comfort. Guest areas received modernized accommodations, including renovated Crema Marfil marble bathrooms in the full-beam master suite.True North has compiled an extensive cruising history, having completed multiple transatlantic crossings and operated successfully in both tropical and temperate climates. The yacht's robust construction and 4,000-nautical-mile range at 11 knots have supported operations throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.Current configuration accommodates 16 guests across five staterooms, including four convertible guest cabins with multiple bedding options. Outdoor amenities feature a sundeck hot tub, swim-up bar, and expanded swim platform. The yacht's service areas utilize dedicated crew staircases to maintain operational efficiency."True North represents the enduring quality of Feadship construction," noted Northrop & Johnson brokers Kevin Merrigan and Kristen Klein. "The recent refit ensures this classic yacht meets contemporary expectations while retaining its original character."The donation lease arrangement provides for the yacht's continued operation while supporting the donor's philanthropic objectives. True North remains certified for global cruising following its recent survey compliance and mechanical upgrades.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
July 31, 2025
Swiss energy company Repower has unveiled Lucietta, Venice's first fully electric water taxi, marking a significant advancement in sustainable marine transportation for the historic city. The 9.3-meter vessel, designed by Nauta Design and built by Murano's Cantiere Serenella shipyard, debuted at the Venice Boat Show and will serve during the 2025 Venice Film Festival before entering regular service.Constructed using a combination of traditional Venetian boatbuilding techniques and modern sustainable materials, Lucietta features a lightweight carbon fiber hull and incorporates recycled Murano glass elements developed by local startup Rehub. The construction process maintained Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canal navigation while implementing contemporary electric propulsion technology.The vessel is powered by a 200kW electric motor with a 180 kWh battery system specifically optimized for Venice's operating conditions. Performance specifications include a top speed of 30 knots (55.5 km/h) and sufficient battery capacity for a full 8-hour workday at typical lagoon speeds of 7-20 km/h. Compared to conventional diesel water taxis, Lucietta completely eliminates direct emissions during operation and reduces energy consumption by approximately 60%.Environmental impact projections indicate each Lucietta water taxi will prevent about 12 tons of CO2 emissions annually while completely eliminating particulate matter emissions. The electric propulsion system also reduces noise pollution from 85 dB to 45 dB - an 85% decrease that significantly improves the acoustic environment of Venice's canals. Over its operational lifetime, the electric taxi is expected to have 30% lower maintenance costs than combustion engine models."Electric boating represents a crucial part of the sustainable mobility revolution," stated Fabio Bocchiola, CEO of Repower Italia, noting the European electric boating market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030. The project builds on Repower's previous electric boat initiative that received a Compasso d'Oro honorable mention in 2020.Nauta Design's Massimo Gino explained the design process: "We studied original taxi designs and interviewed operators to create a modern electric version that respects Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canals and bridges." The collaboration with local artisans at Cantiere Serenella ensured the preservation of traditional Venetian craftsmanship while implementing sustainable technologies.Lucietta can accommodate up to 14 passengers and will initially serve during high-profile Venice events before expanding to regular water taxi service. The introduction coincides with Venice's increasing restrictions on combustion engine vessels in its sensitive lagoon ecosystem, positioning electric water transportation as a viable solution for the city's unique mobility challenges.Credits: Nauta Design
July 31, 2025