The French studio YXXI Yacht Design has unveiled their latest superyacht concept. Influenced by aerospace and car design, this yacht features all you can expect from a modern and comfortable yacht, with additional equipment that makes her unique among all others. Everything is designed to provide guests an incomparable experience with family and friends, around sea, sports and entertainment.
All rooms are equipped with electrochromatic glass windows that can be automatically or manually teinted, to protect from the sunlight and prevent the visibility from outside. An elevator allows easy access to all decks for guests. Style and general arrangement of interior spaces will be adapted to customer's requests.
Upper deck offers generous space for relaxation, under the sun or in the shadow of the mast surface, and a large sunbathing area. The high position allows a wide overview on the environment, and privacy at anchor or when moored in a port. The mast hides an outdoor cinema screen to enjoy movies under the starry sky.
On the middle part of the sundeck, standing as one of the main features of this yacht, is the sports dedicated area. It offers a full-scale tennis court, and all equipment needed to use it as a playground for basketball, football, badminton, golf, or any other sport. An integrated folding net prevents balls from falling in the water, and can also provide protection from the sun. In the front part of this deck is located the owner’s suite, with its own spa and private terrace overlooking the yacht bow. This terrace can also be enjoyed as a closed space thanks to the sliding glass roof.
On the deck below, most of the space is dedicated to 8 main guests suites. The two rear suites open on their own private terrace and spa, with a wide view on the sea. Other suites are surrounded by wide balconies, offering plenty of quiet and convivial space for relaxation. Front part of this deck is occupied by the cockpit and an exterior crew resting area.
The main deck is splitted between private, living and service spaces. Rear part of the superstructure contains the upper saloon and the dining room.Wide doors open on a terrace that can be shaded by a roller sunblind, and then used as an exterior dining room or saloon at any time.The central part is occupied by the galley, food and equipment storage rooms, and other service areas.The front part is occupied by 6 additional guests suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows to offer an open view on the sea. Guests suites have direct access to the foredeck by a folding door in the superstructure.
On the foredeck, the helipad features a lifting platform which measures eleven metres in diameter.When in down position, this platform is invisible and allows normal use of the foredeck for guests.For helicopter landing and take-off, the platform is in high position, giving sufficient clearance around for secured operations.
A wide exterior walkway allows wandering around the superstructure.This all-round walkway makes a 200 meter loop that can be used as a running track. Below the dining terrace is the main terrace and the swimming pool, with large shaded and sunny space available. The swimming pool is 12 x 8 metres large (40 x 26 feet) and 2.75 metres deep (9 feet). Its side walls are made of transparent glass, which creates an astounding view from lower level.
On both sides of the terrace, stairs leads down to the open beach club at water level. When entering the yacht, the first room is the main saloon, featuring relaxing spaces with games and multimedia equipment. Next to the main saloon is a 30-seat movie theater and a video games room. The front part of this deck and decks below are dedicated to service and technical areas, crew quarters and engine room.
For the yacht propulsion, YXXI imagined 2 different solutions, each of them with 2 in-line propellers and a battery bank supplied by autonomous generators.In the first solution, propellers can be driven by both diesel and electric engines via a specific gearbox. An additional small unidirectionnal thruster is installed aft of the hull for easy manoeuvring. In the second solution, in line propellers are driven by diesel engines only, and an additional electric azimuthing pod allows silent navigation and easy manoeuvring.
In both cases, at cruise speed the yacht is driven by diesel engines working at their nominal speed for maximum fuel savings and emissions reduction. At low speed, only silent electrical energy is used. At high speed, diesel and electric sources can be mixed to have maximum power.
At water level, folding hull doors on both sides of the yacht give access to various guests and service areas. Port and starboard sides, the 2 most forward hull doors open on entertainment equipment never seen on a yacht before : a golf and a surfing indoor practice installations. With open or closed doors, guests can still improve their surfing or golfing skills at any time of the day, whatever the external weather. The next 2 hull doors open on the tenders room, which dimensions make operations easy for tenders up to 12 metres long. Additional available volume can be used to store all sea and ground toys. Port side, another hull door allows boarding and unboarding operations for a submarine.
All needed equipment for submarine and scuba-diving activities is available in the room. Aft hull doors open on the covered beach club, with a wide view on the sea and the swimming-pool glass walls. This volume can be arranged as a saloon to enjoy the sea in calm and comfort, or as a party room at night.Next to the beach club, guests can find a fitness room, a massage room, a hair and body-care room, a spa and a sauna. At the rear of the yacht is the open beach club, with large sunbathes, and space to possibly accomodate additional equipment or furniture.
Heesen Yachts celebrates the delivery of Solemates (YN 20655), a fully customized 55-meter steel superyacht, to an experienced owner who has chosen the Dutch shipyard for the second time. This milestone underscores Heesen’s reputation for engineering excellence, build quality, and the flexibility of its speculative build program – enabling clients to personalize proven platforms without compromising on time efficiency.Built on Heesen’s successful 55m Steel design, Solemates combines the proven Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen Naval Architects with Omega Architects’ sleek exterior lines. The owner, a seasoned yachtsman, leveraged the platform’s inherent reliability to focus on tailored interior enhancements that reflect a family-oriented approach to cruising.Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group noted: "While the changes from the previous model appear subtle, the cumulative refinements across the entire platform elevate this yacht significantly. Heesen’s commitment to continuous improvement shines through."The owner’s deep yachting expertise and hands-on involvement ensured a streamlined build process. Ralf Oortman, Heesen’s Project Manager, remarked: "Their team’s insight into the client’s lifestyle was invaluable. We collaborated seamlessly to introduce standout features, such as the breathtaking atrium – a true masterpiece that sets Solemates apart."Working alongside Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture, the owner reimagined the interior with vibrant accents, a redesigned main staircase featuring gold-flaked acrylic panels, and an expanded sundeck hot tub area for social gatherings. Every detail was meticulously crafted to enhance onboard living.Following flawless sea trials in the North Sea, Solemates confirms her robust performance and efficiency. With a 760 GT volume, she offers ample space for extended cruising while maintaining the comfort and reliability expected of a Northern European build.Solemates will be available for exclusive charter through Luxury Yacht Group, with her world premiere set for the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, where she will headline Heesen’s display.Niels Vaessen, Heesen’s CEO, reflected: "Delivering Solemates to a repeat client is a testament to our craftsmanship and the trust owners place in us. This project exemplifies how we blend efficiency with bespoke luxury – creating yachts that exceed expectations."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
May 1, 2025
Damen Yachting has successfully launched the first Amels 80. The vessel is the latest addition to the Amels Limited Editions range.The 80-meter superyacht boasts a gross tonnage of 2,175 GT and features a hybrid propulsion system for reduced emissions and improved cruising efficiency. The vessel can accommodate 14 guests across 7 luxurious suites, supported by a crew of 21. Notable features include a foredeck helipad, a 200-square-meter Sun Deck, a private Owner’s Deck, a 6.5-meter swimming pool, and a Beach Club with spa facilities.The exterior design is the work of renowned superyacht designer Espen Oino, while the interior was created by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in their first collaboration with Amels. Paul Costerus, Designer Interior at Sinot, commented: “The Amels 80 marks the first collaboration between Sinot and Amels. A project which provided us with the opportunity to develop something truly unique. You will feel at home from the moment you step on board.”The build of the first Amels 80 was managed by Burgess on behalf of the Owner following the yacht’s sale in 2022. Sean Bianchi, Partner and Head of Burgess Technical Services, stated: “We are delighted to see Amels 80, hull number 01 depart her construction dock and enter the commissioning and sea trials phase. This milestone marks the culmination of close collaboration between Damen Yachting, Sinot, and the Owner’s team in crafting a yacht that is truly one of a kind.”Adriaan Roose, Product Design Manager for the Amels 80 series at Damen Yachting, emphasized the balance between customisation and efficiency: “The Amels 80 offered the client many custom options whilst still benefitting from the shortened delivery time. This yacht is the ultimate balance of individuality and efficiency.”The Amels 80 has the following specifications: length overall is 80.00 meters (261 ft), beam overall is 12.50 meters (41 ft), range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, with delivery scheduled for Summer 2025.Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “With today’s launch of the first Amels 80, we have reached another landmark achievement in the history of Amels. I would like to thank our Client and the team at Burgess for entrusting us with this very special build. We are honoured and excited to see the final phase through to delivery.”Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting
April 30, 2025
Grand Soleil Yachts has introduced its first weekender model, the Grand Soleil Blue, marking a significant departure from its traditional performance and long-cruise yachts. The 32ft 9in (9.99m) vessel is designed for day sailing and weekend getaways, featuring a sustainable build and electric propulsion options.The yacht is the smallest in the Grand Soleil range and sets new standards for recyclability. According to Gigi Servidati, Cantiere del Pardo Chairman, “The GS Blue represents the beginning of a new concept within the Grand Soleil range: a line that is agile, sustainable, fun, highly liveable, and designed for more immediate and flexible use.”The vessel’s design emphasizes performance and comfort, developed by naval architect Matteo Polli and Nauta Design for exterior, interior design, and layout. Polli noted, “The striking hull shape is designed to provide stability when the boat heels, to maximize power upwind. And in light winds, or when running, the narrow waterline beam delivers lower drag and therefore higher speeds.”Sustainability is a core feature of the GS Blue. The yacht utilizes Arkema’s Elium resin in its composite lay-up, allowing for recovery and reuse at the end of its life. The PET core material in the hull’s sandwich construction is derived from post-consumer waste, and the design allows for easy disassembly of components.The yacht offers fully electric propulsion as an option, featuring a 6kW pod drive from ePropulsion powered by a 190Ah lithium battery. This setup provides a range of up to 30 nautical miles at 5 knots, with the option to double that range by adding a second battery pack. The electric system enables silent maneuvering and a top speed of 6.5 knots.Performance-wise, the GS Blue boasts a 2.2m bulb keel (with a 1.8m shallow draft option) and a generous sailplan. It can achieve upwind speeds of 6-8 knots and downwind speeds of 10-12 knots. The design prioritizes easy shorthanded or solo sailing, featuring push-button electric Harken winches.Inside, the yacht offers modern Italian-style amenities including a heads compartment with freshwater shower, an efficient galley with hob, oven, and fridge, and berths for up to four, optimized for two. The interior design focuses on light and space, as highlighted by Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta: “A key element of the interior design is the light scheme, which ensures that even with lower ceiling heights, the yacht feels spacious and welcoming for guests.”The project is co-financed by the Emilia Romagna region as part of the PR-ERDF 2021/2027 program, emphasizing its experimental research and development nature.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts
April 30, 2025
Feadship has successfully launched its latest superyacht, Project 827, marking another milestone in the company’s history of luxury yacht construction. The vessel was launched at the Royal Van Lent shipyard in Sneek, the Netherlands.Project 827 is a 75-meter motor yacht designed by the renowned studio Winch Design. The exterior design features clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, while the interior showcases a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and comfort. The yacht boasts a spacious main deck and a large owner’s deck, providing ample living space for its occupants.“Project 827 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Feadship CEO Henk de Vries. “We have pushed the boundaries of design and engineering to create a yacht that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our discerning clients.”The yacht’s design emphasizes functionality and comfort. It features a unique layout with a large owner’s deck, offering unobstructed panoramic views. The interior design, also by Winch Design, combines modern materials with classic craftsmanship, creating a luxurious yet livable environment.Project 827 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and engineering solutions. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines, providing efficient performance and low emissions. The vessel also incorporates advanced systems for noise and vibration control, ensuring a quiet and comfortable onboard experience.“This launch is a significant moment for Feadship,” commented Project Manager Jan van der Meer. “Project 827 represents the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between our teams and the client. We are proud to deliver a yacht that truly embodies the spirit of modern luxury.”The completion of Project 827 further strengthens Feadship’s position as a leading builder of custom superyachts. The company continues to focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design solutions to its clients.Feadship plans to complete the final outfitting and sea trials before delivering the yacht to its owner later this year. The launch of Project 827 demonstrates the shipyard’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the superyacht industry.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: Feadship
April 30, 2025
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show will introduce several new features when it returns to Mayflower Park from September 19-28, 2025. Organizers British Marine confirmed a redesigned layout with specialized zones including The Powerhub for powerboats and Angler's Alley for fishing enthusiasts.New additions include: the Boating Academy offering educational sessions, waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders, expanded marina area with grouped vessel displays, on the Water stage featuring high-speed demonstrations. Visitor experiences will include the Try A Boat program with FlexiSail and accessible powerboat rides through Wetwheels. The Shipyard festival area will host live music and family activities, with a headline act to be announced.Ticket prices currently start at £24.99 for adults, with free entry for two children per adult ticket. Marina space remains in high demand among exhibitors, with increased berth capacity for 2025."The 2025 edition represents an exciting transformation," stated British Marine representatives. The event will showcase products ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, though exhibitor lists remain unconfirmed.British Marine, representing over 1,300 UK marine businesses, organizes the annual show which supports an industry employing 38,000 nationwide.Credits: Southampton International Boat Show
April 29, 2025