Antigua recently welcomed the grand entrance of Nilaya, a 47m Panamax sloop crafted by Royal Huisman, signaling its readiness for a thrilling racing debut. After a swift Atlantic crossing, Nilaya, designed by Reichel/Pugh and Nauta Design, demonstrated its prowess under varying conditions, offering her owner, and Bouwe Bekking and skipper Romke Loopik a taste of its all-encompassing capabilities.
Delivered to its owners in June, Nilaya spent the summer cruising in the Mediterranean and fine-tuning its performance for upcoming races. With over 10,000nm under its keel and a brief pause before the St. Barth’s Bucket, the yacht has become a beacon for Royal Huisman’s innovative Featherlight™ approach.
The yacht is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Royal Huisman, Nauta Design, and Reichel/Pugh, addressing the owner's desire for a balance between speed, safety, reliability, and silence. The result is a bluewater cruiser that seamlessly blends the robustness of an aluminum hull with the speed characteristic of carbon fiber maxi yachts.
Nilaya's owner shared his vision: "The brief that I gave to Nauta and Reichel/Pugh was for more comfort in a fast yacht that can win a superyacht regatta."
To secure the contract, Royal Huisman had to demonstrate its ability to build an aluminum yacht considerably lighter than conventional methods. Utilizing an engineering approach inspired by European Space Agency methodology, Nilaya became a true aluminum/carbon hybrid. The use of finite element analysis (FEA) guided the selection of materials and thicknesses for optimal strength and weight distribution.
Throughout the build, continuous weight monitoring achieved an ambitious goal — a 15% total reduction in construction weight. Despite the weight reduction, Nilaya maintained stiffness and quality, avoiding the typical noise associated with carbon fiber hulls.
The revolutionary Featherlight™ method is not a singular process but a holistic lightweight approach that combines various weight-saving solutions. The yacht's impressive features include a spacious interior, a 10m-wide transom, three distinct outdoor areas, and a carbon composite hardtop for shaded comfort.
Reichel/Pugh conducted extensive CFD seakeeping studies to enhance Nilaya's performance in different wave conditions. Weight distribution played a critical role in ensuring comfortable motion, a factor meticulously managed by the build team. Rondal, Royal Huisman’s sister company, contributed innovations such as a radical carbon fiber spreader design and titanium deck hardware.
The result is a yacht that stands as a true hybrid, marrying the comfort of an aluminum yacht with the sailing performance demanded by enthusiasts. Nilaya, meaning "blissful home" in Sanskrit, is poised to turn heads and redefine the possibilities of luxury sailing.
Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, expressed pride in the team's innovative engineering approach, turning the vision of knowledgeable and experienced yachtsmen into a reality. Nilaya is not just a sailing machine; it's a statement of comfort, performance, and sophisticated engineering that pushes the boundaries of superyacht design.
Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.
Credits: Nauta Design; Royal Huisman
Northrop & Johnson has announced the launch of Ocean Angel, the second 40-meter explorer yacht in Ocean King's DOGE 400 series. The vessel has commenced sea trials and is scheduled for delivery ahead of its debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.Designed by aLOT with interiors by Burdissocapponi Yachts & Design, Ocean Angel features a commercial-grade steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines that deliver a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots, with a transoceanic range of 4,000 nautical miles.Accommodation includes five guest suites for 10 passengers and crew quarters for seven. Notable features include a beach club with sauna and hammam, a concealed 1.2-ton telescopic tender crane capable of launching a 6.25-meter tender, and fold-down sea terraces. The interior design emphasizes natural light through full-height windows and seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity."Ocean Angel demonstrates our commitment to building capable explorer yachts with customized interiors," said an Ocean King representative. The yacht's commercial-grade construction enables extended autonomous operation in remote cruising areas.Following sea trials, the yacht will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner. The first DOGE 400 series yacht was delivered earlier this year, with both units sharing the same rugged exploration capabilities paired with refined interior spaces.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
June 11, 2025
The Amels 60 Memories has departed from Damen Yachting’s main build facility in Vlissingen following its final delivery to the new Owner. The yacht was officially named during a private ceremony held at the Dutch shipyard, attended by the Owner’s team and crew.The exterior design of Memories was created by Espen Øino International, featuring the signature geometric windows and enhancements typical of recent Amels deliveries. Notably, Memories is the first Amels 60 to feature custom interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking a new collaboration for the shipyard.The Owner, introduced by Moran Yacht & Ship, joined the project just six months prior to delivery. Despite the late entry, the Owner was able to implement several customizations, including modifications to the Beach Club, Owner’s areas, and Sun Deck, where a large sofa with a ceiling-mounted TV replaced the original dining table and bar. The Bridge Deck Aft was transformed into an on-deck cinema setup from its original lounge configuration.Joppe Osté, Project Manager for Amels 60 Memories, commented: “When the Owner stepped in, we were already at an advanced stage of construction. The advantage of this was that the new Owner was able to make decisions quickly and take possession of it before the start of summer. Until the buyer steps in, we design the yacht for all potential clients. The sales, design, and proposal teams are all involved. That is a major advantage. The custom interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard appealed to her new Owner, which allowed us to stay on schedule and move forward according plan.”The interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard features a contemporary beach house luxury style with natural materials and refined detailing. A notable feature is the spiral staircase with illuminated handrail. Ben Harrison of Harrison Eidsgaard stated: “It has been an absolute delight working on this superyacht and a great collaboration with all partners involved. MEMORIES is our first Amels Limited Editions interior and brings a new look and feel to this successful 60-metre design.”Memories is expected to follow a busy charter schedule, with private use by the Owner also anticipated. The yacht will be available for charter through Moran Yacht & Ship, with its first destination being Ibiza.The next Amels 60 is already under construction and scheduled for delivery in Autumn 2025.The Amels 60 Memories features the following specifications: length of 60 metres, gross tonnage of 853 GT, accommodation for 12 guests and 12 crew plus Captain. The yacht boasts interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard, exterior design by Espen Øino International, and naval architecture by Damen Yachting.Credit: Damen Yachting
June 11, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced a significant price reduction on the 43.6m Feadship True North, now listed at $6,995,000. The yacht is represented by brokers Kevin Merrigan and Kristen Klein and is actively for sale, presenting a notable opportunity in the current market.Originally built in 1987 at the Van Lent shipyard under the name Fiffanella, True North underwent a comprehensive refit in 2021. The current owner invested approximately $4 million in capital improvements, which included a full exterior paint job, major upgrades to the air conditioning, electrical, and navigation systems, as well as a new Headhunter sanitation system. The vessel has completed its Bureau Veritas 35-year survey and is in turnkey condition, ready for immediate use.The yacht features accommodation for up to 16 guests across five staterooms. The main deck includes a full-beam master suite with his-and-her ensuites. The interior refit in 2021 introduced updated headliners and wall coverings, blending modern amenities with the yacht’s original character. The lower deck staterooms are flexible and suitable for families or groups, each with private en-suite facilities.Outdoor spaces include a large sundeck equipped with a Jacuzzi, swim-up bar, and lounging areas. The covered aft deck is ideal for dining and relaxation, while the swim platform provides convenient water access. The vessel is powered by twin CAT 3508 DI-TA engines, offering a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. True North is U.S. Duty Paid.True North represents a significant offering in the classic yacht segment, combining historical pedigree with modern upgrades and is now positioned as a competitive option in the market.Credit: Northrop & Johnson
June 11, 2025
ISA Yachts has secured the sale of the second hull in its Unica 45M Steel series to a European client, with delivery scheduled for 2028. The steel-hulled, aluminum-superstructure yacht follows the sale of the first unit announced earlier this year.Designed by Enrico Gobbi's Team for Design with naval engineering by ISA Yachts, the 45-meter displacement yacht features 60,000 liters of fuel capacity for extended ocean crossings. The design emphasizes outdoor connectivity through expanded deck spaces and full-height windows.Accommodation includes an owner's suite with lounge area and walk-in wardrobe on the main deck, plus four guest cabins below deck. Crew quarters house nine staff in four cabins, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Key features includes three-level stern area with infinity pool, 16-meter flybridge with dual sunbathing areas, two dining areas (indoor formal and outdoor casual), and convertible starboard space for sixth cabin or office use.Performance specifications include twin CAT C32 970kW engines delivering 15-knot top speed and 4,000+ nautical mile range at 10 knots.The sale increases ISA Yachts' current production to 11 vessels across its Ancona and Savona facilities, including three 80-meter projects and two 66-meter yachts. The Unica 45M Steel joins ISA's portfolio of semi-custom series alongside GT and Classic models.Palumbo Superyachts took root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 it launched its first 54m superyacht, emblematically christened Prima (the First). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona); it also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts
June 10, 2025
CRN's 70-meter fully custom superyacht Project Thunderball has entered advanced construction phases at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Division shipyard. The steel and aluminum displacement yacht, scheduled for delivery in 2026, has completed hull and superstructure carpentry work.Developed with Vripack Yacht Design handling exterior styling and preliminary naval architecture, and Nauta Design creating interiors, the project features classic elongated bow lines optimized for cruising efficiency. The five-deck layout accommodates 12 guests and 15 crew across 1,100 GT of interior volume.Current progress includes:exterior fairing completion scheduled for summer 2025,full hull painting to begin September 2025, main deck insulation and compartmentalization completed and initial furniture installations planned for late spring/early summer.Y.CO serves as owner's representative, overseeing construction quality and technical coordination between CRN and specialty contractors. The yacht will feature MAN V12-1213kW engines delivering 16-knot top speed and 12-knot cruising speed.Technical systems include energy recovery solutions and peak shaving technology to reduce fuel consumption. The design incorporates silent mode capability at anchor through optimized power management."Project Thunderball exemplifies CRN's fully custom approach," stated a yard representative. "From Vripack's naval architecture to Nauta's timeless interior concept, every element responds to owner specifications."The yacht's construction timeline remains on schedule with VIP cabin installations beginning June-July 2025. Final outfitting will continue through 2026 prior to sea trials and 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
June 10, 2025