On the first day of the Dubai International Boat Show, Oceanco revealed a revolutionary yacht design: Aeolus. Named after the Greek god of the wind, Aeolus, she delivers both a strikingly elegant proportion and a timeless sense of pure, nature-inspired modernity. Her exterior design comes from Giles Taylor, the interior is made by Njord by Bergman Design House.
“Aeolus’s design sculpture is harmonious and borne of the function and flow envisaged for her future owner. Her curves do not make her overly feminine because there is a masculine quality to her bold, forthright architecture. Apart from the deck surfaces themselves, not one surface is flat or brutally geometric, which provides a unique aesthetic that sets Aeolus apart,” says Taylor.
At the heart of her design is a reference to the J Class sailing yachts of the last century. Her hull launches two dynamic, forward-orientated buttresses to frame a beautiful opening onto the sea, perfect for the morning workout or an evening cocktail reception.
Her three distinct, glass-clad, layered decks invite guests to actively participate in the surrounding seascape.
Aeolus generous outside spaces effortlessly to her interior, stimulating reflection and inspiration. Her interior is at once sensual and timeless, organic and sustainable; a place where art, the body and nature entwine. Megayacht interior has a strong language of introducing fully sustainable and traceable materials, including biomaterials, at her core.
Main saloon
“Organic nature, sensual being and playfulness played a big part of Aeolus’s design, bringing that exterior language to her interior for a soft and cocooning feeling. Every element has been rigorously considered, including sourcing and traceability of materials and working with some of the world’s most innovative artisans in biomaterials and sustainable development such as Desserto, a premium vegan leather alternative that is made from climate-positive cactus plants and Oliveri Homes, which exclusively works with Global Organic Textile Standard cottons and uses non-toxic processes and dyes to create its materials,” explains Sarah Colbon, Co-founder of Njord.
Master suite
She accommodates just enough suites for the owner family and favored guests while ensuring that the elevated master suite delivers the best views in the house. The private owner’s deck, with a bar and relaxation area located above, can be reserved just for the owner or opened up for socializing. In this remarkable hideaway the ocean view is shared by no-one else and offers the ultimate private space.
VIP suite
The next level down, or upper deck, is home to the cocoon-like master suite with its unobstructed panoramic vistas, not to mention a stunning sunken bath and private seating nook for quiet contemplation. The aft part of the upper deck is given over to a multifunctional space for relaxing, dining with guests or hosting a business function; fully glazed with stunning views, it has a symmetry of layout that reminds one of the great ocean liners from the Golden Age.
The main deck features a stylishly integrated pool and lounging area to the stern with stairs descending to the beach club. The first point of entry on Aeolus is the main deck lounge, with a staircase leading up to an inner atrium, which offers a place to dine, meet day guests and host drinks receptions or business gatherings. Two guest suites are situated forward on the main deck, adjacent to the gym and exterior atrium, which is open from above and provides far-reaching views to both sides, right next to the ocean.
Beach club
Two VIP suites and two guest suites are located on the lower deck, located a short walk from the expansive and multifunctional beach club with its flanking fold-down terraces. All decks are connected by a central feature elevator and staircase.
Oceanco's Aeolus design team
Together with Aeolus’s technical partners ABB & MTU, Oceanco and Lateral have developed the Energy Transition Platform (ETP), an adaptable architecture to enable a future-proofed pathway to net zero.
“Any yacht built today will have to span the energy transition, a period of significant change in available fuel types and associated technologies. This demands an adaptable technical architecture that can accommodate the alterations to layout, configuration and specifications needed to integrate future technologies and alternative fuels in the least invasive way possible. Lateral and Oceanco have developed the ETP to ensure multiple technical pathways can be pursued as technologies mature during the energy transition timeline,” comments James Roy of Lateral.
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
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.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
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025