The Baltic Yachts facility in Jakobstad, Finland, recently witnessed the launch of the exceptional 34m custom superyacht, Baltic 111 Raven. This pioneering vessel, conceived by Reina founders Hayri Dayi and Emin Günal, is now undergoing preliminary sea trials.
Dubbed Raven, this performance-oriented model showcases a striking curved bow resembling a beak, along with two T-shaped foils and an impressive eight-meter tubular bowsprit. Designed to be an ultra-lightweight, foil-assisted superyacht, Raven caters to day sailing and high-speed, long-distance passages. Baltic Yachts, the renowned shipyard, has described it as "one of the most extreme yachts" they have ever built.
The concept of weight-saving was central to Raven's development. The yacht has been meticulously crafted using a blend of the lightest carbon and Nomex materials. The naval architecture and engineering credits go to Botin Partners and PURE Design, respectively, with the overarching design concept envisioned by Jarkko Jämsen.
Raven's stability and lift are achieved through two large T-shaped hydrofoils on hydraulically controlled side arms, capable of supporting a portion of the boat's displacement. With a target displacement of 55 tons, Raven represents a bold step forward for the shipyard, particularly considering their recent launch, Zemi, which displaces 95 tons.
Noteworthy is Raven's distinctive cockpit structure resembling a bird's nest. This unique feature incorporates Perspex set within crisscrossed carbon-composite mullions, creating an inverted observation dome. The cockpit can transform into a semi-covered, hardtop seating area using a clam-shell style forward section.
Raven's propulsion system involves a diesel-electric hybrid setup, emphasizing lower emissions and efficient weight distribution. The yacht's rig and sail plan are reminiscent of a performance maxi, featuring a Southern Spars carbon spar and a North Sails 3Di upwind wardrobe.
Baltic Yachts, along with Raven's experienced owner's project manager, Garth Brewer of A2B Marine Projects, express enthusiasm for this innovative venture. Brewer explains, "The boat is primarily for pure enjoyment, and the owner likes the challenge of doing something that hasn't been done before."
As Raven embarks on her sea trials journey, the anticipation builds for this yacht to unfurl her wings and realize her potential on the open waters.
Baltic Yachts was founded in 1973 with a clear objective to build better yachts that are lighter, stiffer, and faster. With more than 550 yachts launched, that objective has been continuously met.
Credits: Baltic Yachts
Ferretti Yachts has announced the Ferretti Yachts 800, a new flybridge yacht designed to enhance the cruising experience through a combination of elegance, functionality, and privacy. The project, presented at Boot Düsseldorf, is under construction at Ferretti Yachts’ Cattolica shipyard.The Ferretti Yachts 800 features exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interior design by IdeaeItalia. The yacht has an overall length of 24.47 meters and a maximum beam of 5.91 meters. A version with a shorter stern platform is also available to comply with the 24-meter limit established by French law.Filippo Salvetti commented, “With the introduction of a new aesthetic… the design of Ferretti Yachts 800 embraces a bold and functional approach that elegantly redefines the distribution of spaces between the main deck, the bridge and the flybridge.”Key features include large windows, optional sliding door on the starboard side, segregated spaces, and a 40 sq. m flybridge. The interior has a Classic or Contemporary mood option.Ideaeitalia stated, “Our aim with Ferretti Yachts 800 is to breathe life into a boat concept that’s future-forward without sacrificing the brand’s signature refinement… It’s a project that redefines the on-board experience through solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality."The yacht includes a 7 m2 beach area, a 15 m2 cockpit, and a salon with two-meter ceiling height. The lower deck has a master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins, providing eight berths and four en suite bathrooms. The flybridge area is 40 sq. m.The Ferretti Yachts 800 can be powered by two 1,550 HP MAN V12 engines (27 kn top speed/15 kn cruising speed) or two 1,800 HP MAN V12 engines (31 kn top speed/27 kn cruising speed).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
March 3, 2025
AES Yacht has launched the 35-meter custom superyacht Mereley I, with exterior and interior design by Milan-based studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group. The yacht is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson.Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab co-founder and design director, describes the vessel as positioned between a modern explorer and a sportier yacht: "Her volumes clearly reference the tradition of expedition vessels, yet at the same time have a more dynamic and sporty spirit. We wanted to give a sleeker look to a classic explorer."Built to RINA classification, Mereley I features a semi-displacement steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles at 11.5 knots. The design emphasizes contrasts, utilizing dark greys, blacks, and natural tones. Key materials include oak, lacquered finishes, and 3D-textured surfaces. The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in a full-beam owner's suite and four additional cabins.Erdem Biçer, shipyard manager and partner at AES Yacht, stated: “Our goal was to design a striking, modern explorer yacht with expansive windows, open bulwarks, and a spacious layout… and the Hot Lab team executed everything to perfection.”Deniz Kaymaz, yacht broker at Northrop & Johnson, commented: “More than just a yacht, Mereley I is a statement of ambition, sophistication, and the pursuit of adventure… Crafted with precision and vision, this yacht isn’t just about reaching destinations; she’s about redefining the journey."AES Yacht is planning a second hull and is collaborating with Hot Lab on a 40-meter version. Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, expects success in the charter market: “Mereley I is a perfect example of how it is possible to build a magnificent yacht from scratch in Turkey, featuring cutting-edge characteristics and top-tier aesthetic and technical finishes."AES Yacht is located in Kocaeli Free Zone, Turkey. The company is building mega-yachts made of steel and aluminum. Credits: Northrop & Johnson
March 3, 2025
At the Dubai International Boat Show, Majesty Yachts, part of Gulf Craft, announced the sale of the first unit in its 44.2-meter Majesty 145 series. The news was shared during a press conference led by Gulf Craft chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali.The Majesty 145 stands as a mid-range offering within the lineup, positioned between the 32.3-meter Majesty 100 Terrace and the 54.4-meter Majesty 175. Interior design by renowned Italian studio Cristiano Gatto Design features a neutral color scheme complemented by warm lighting and navy blue accents. The studio, known for its work on Gulf Craft's flagship Serenity MRF, brings a refined aesthetic to the vessel.While specific details remain limited, renderings showcase notable amenities such as dual dip pools located on the main deck aft and sundeck, along with an upper deck al fresco dining area and a lounge designed for panoramic ocean views.Chairman Alshaali highlighted the significance of the sale, stating it reflects client confidence in Gulf Craft's design and engineering capabilities. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, emphasizing the brand's commitment to setting new standards in the yachting sector.The first Majesty 145 is scheduled for launch in spring 2026.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
February 28, 2025
The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. has approved the consolidated preliminary financial results for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024. Key highlights include:Order Backlog: Reached an all-time high of €1.7 billion, marking a 25.5% increase compared to September 2024 and an 11.6% rise over December 2023.Revenue Growth: Net revenue from new yachts increased by 5.6% to €1,173.3 million compared to 2023.Profitability: Achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.2%, exceeding expectations and showing strong operational efficiency.Net Profit: Rose by 5.6% to €88.2 million compared to the previous year.Board Changes: The company appointed two new directors – Tan Ning and Hao Qinggui – and restructured its committees.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, expressed optimism about these results, attributing them to the company's innovative strategies, commitment to quality, and customer trust. He emphasized the group's focus on expanding globally, investing in technology, and enhancing products to reinforce their market leadership.These figures demonstrate Ferretti Group's robust financial health and continued success in the luxury yacht industry.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
February 28, 2025
Feadship announces the completion of Project 714, a 79.95-meter yacht destined to become a significant addition to its fleet. Having left the construction shed at the Aalsmeer facility, the vessel is now undergoing final outfitting and preparation for sea trials.Designed by RWD, Project 714 boasts an exterior characterized by sculpted curves and a striking blue hull, reflecting the pinnacle of sophistication and style. Feadship’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout, ensuring that both aesthetics and performance meet the highest standards.Naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects plays a crucial role in delivering optimal performance, while the yacht also incorporates cutting-edge technology through the FEAD (Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive) program. Featuring a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, Project 714 benefits from increased electrical storage capacity, surpassing previous iterations like the Savannah. Two contra-rotating thrusters replace conventional drive shafts and rudders, minimizing drag and improving efficiency.Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis informed the design of the pods and propellers, resulting in reduced vibration and enhanced comfort. This approach underscores Feadship’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its leadership 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
February 28, 2025