CRN’s mastery of shipbuilding reaches its utmost expression in the new 50-metre superyacht Latona, which will be presented as a world première at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 at the end of September. Delivered in May, the Italian Atelier’s latest masterpiece has been custom-built to meet the wishes of a highly selective and determined Owner. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Superconero’ of the 1960s, the Latona marks the success of a new joint project between CRN and Zuccon International Project. Indeed, this new yacht’s technical solutions and the slender lines of the hull have been developed by CRN’s Engineering Department, while the craft’s exterior lines were pencilled by design firm Zuccon International Project, who, together with the Shipyard’s Interiors & Design Department also took care of both interiors and exteriors.
With her 50 metres in length, four decks and an underdeck, the Latona stands out for her classical, timeliness profile that further enhances the style and elegance of outdoor areas. The yacht’s interiors are pervaded by a refined Liberty-style mood, a stylish fil rouge that unravels through all guest areas. The streamlined bow and the spacious interior and exterior volumes, in turn, also include some breathtaking areas almost ‘hanging’ over the sea, let the Latona shine in all her endless beauty.
Designed jointly with the Customer, this megayacht has been forged and built to meet her Owner’s request for the utmost customisation, in an effort to achieve pure uniqueness – a uniqueness that is also reflected by the colour chosen for the hull, a stylish shade of turquoise whose intensity varies depending on the sea bottom and the waters in which the yacht is cruising.
Onboard the Latona, guests will find numerous outdoor areas – from the wide Mediterranean-style sundeck to the lounge area at the bow, the outdoor living areas and the al fresco dining area located aft to the magnificent terraces overlooking the sea, all the way to the exclusive tender bay obtained on the lower deck. The latter forms a large open-air lounge integrated with the beach club, featuring a solarium, a fitness area, a hammam and a sea-water indoor pool perfect for children to have fun and also ideal to store the tender in the yacht’s ‘belly’ during navigation.
The Latona is a yacht endowed with a strong personality, capable of harmoniously combining the elegant style of her exterior lines with highly functional outdoor and indoor areas as well as interiors boasting a truly distinctive design. And it is just in the interiors that the skilful, refined craftsmanship of the Shipyard and its suppliers has reached its peak, thanks to a painstaking study of the Central European style from the 1920s. This mood now pervades all interiors, starting from the floors, which are enriched by unique decorations chosen by the Owner, like the sinuous dark brown embroidery - a leitmotiv that is found across all decks. Depending on the areas of the yacht, this elegant pattern unravels along the floors (both marble and carpeted ones) as well as on the curved handrail of the internal staircase, creating a pleasant contrast with the light-shade wood panelling on the walls.
Sinuous lines are, indeed, like a fil rouge accompanying guests in all areas of the yacht. Furniture too is characterised by soft, rounded shapes that stylishly harmonise with handcrafted, sophisticated décor elements - from the lacquered doors decorated by graceful, ‘waving’ bass-reliefs to the custom-made lamps in Murano glass with flower and leaf patterns drawing inspiration from nature, in perfect Liberty style. The elegant interiors are further enriched by oak-wood wall panelling with silver pickle finish. Every wood panel is a unique piece, created with unparalleled craftsmanship and decorated with fabrics selected individually by the Owner and wooden flower patterns that are also found in the ceiling-mounted spotlights of the master stateroom.
The Latona can comfortably host up to 10 guests in five cabins characterised by extremely refined details: the master cabin, two VIP cabins and two double cabins, plus accommodation for 9 crew members, including the Captain.
The cockpit on the main deck features large, comfortable living areas in the light blue and turquoise colour shades found in all outdoor decorations and a wide swimming pool with a mosaic that delightfully combines turquoise shades and golden details while also letting plenty of natural light shine through to illuminate the tender bay located below it.
Inside, the Latona elegantly combines precious materials, sinuous pieces of furniture, and very refined hand-made decorations. All main deck areas are characterised by carved wood panels with fabric inserts and mirrors, dark oak-wood, and elegant marbles.
The main deck salon includes a large dining room furnished with a stylish round table in walnut wood with silver decorations and chairs embellished by a floral pattern that will add an exclusive touch to equally exclusive gala dinners. The ceiling above this area has mirrors and wooden carvings that accurately reproduce the Emperor Dark embroidery decorating the floor. The ceiling-high glazing allows the opening of the dining area on three sides, to dine al fresco and enjoy the breathtaking view from the two sided
terraces.
As specifically requested by the Owner, the galley has been located behind the dining area, and a convenient hatch has been cut out in the wood panelling, making service even more efficient while being discreet and easily concealed when not needed.
Amidship, along the corridor, the 1920s Parisian atmosphere embraces and enchants guests, thanks to the Liberty decorations on the doors and the uninterrupted wood panels decorated with floral patterns that separate the main salon from the lobby and the Owner’s apartment. In particular, the spiral staircase in front of the lift, which connects the three guest decks internally, is fitted with a central backlit column in wood lined with silver leaf.
Slightly further, towards the bow, is the exclusive full-beam Owner’s apartment, characterised by a very original layout. The cabin opens up to a living room furnished with a neutral-shade rounded sofa, a very exclusive and private area for the Owner couple. A distinctive element in this area is the fumoir, a private balcony that can also be enjoyed while cruising.
The master stateroom impresses for the countless hand-made details, such as the bed headboard in dark walnut wood and light-blue velvet, the soft and sinuous lines of the furniture, the white wool and silk carpeting decorated with the dark brown embroidery that runs across the entire yacht, and the elegant appliques in blown glass. The ceiling too is a true masterpiece of the skilful craftsmen that worked on it, with wooden five-petal flowers forming a crown around the spotlights. On the right-hand side of the suite is a spacious, exclusive private terrace offering a magnificent view of the sea.
Inside the suite, two entrances allow to gain access to the bathroom for him and for her, entirely in magnificent bright Carrara marble. Here, the Emperor Dark shade makes the two mirroring washbasins and the sinuous dark brown embroidery decorating the floor stand out against the golden Calacatta marble. The large circular hydromassage tub and the walkthrough shower are located in the central part of the bathroom, while the finely elegant taps and the doors in processed glass with haut- and bas-relief decorations are all stylishly harmonised details that add a truly unique touch to this room.
The Latona is a peaceful, luxurious haven, the peak of CRN’s innovative solutions being reached in the lower deck aft area, which has been turned into a large, exclusive open-air living area integrated with the beach club – over 70 square meters allowing space to enjoy moments of pure celebration both indoor and outdoor, to relax in the Turkish bath decorated with a custom mosaic, work out in the fitness area, lie down in the solarium, but also store all the water toys available for the whole family. Children can also have fun in the sea-water indoor pool - also featuring a precious blue and turquoise mosaic - that becomes a garage for the tender when the yacht is cruising.
The lower deck also hosts the four guest cabins. Two double VIP cabins can be found aft, decorated with fabric-lined panels, lacquered panels, mirrors adding even more depth to the cabins, and carpeting with a refined, sinuous pattern reminiscent of sea waves. Two twin cabins are located at the bow. One is for the younger children and is furnished with a bunk bed (plus a concealed one for the nanny), while the second
has two sliding beds that can be converted into a double, as well as an additional pullman bed. All cabins are ensuite, with bathrooms sharing the same style as the Owner’s, from the fine marbles to the large showers with a seat.
Reaching the upper deck, guests are welcomed into a large salon devoted to music. Liberty style pervades this area too, as shown by the special custom-made sofa shaped as a lyre, a musical instrument typical of the 1920s, and by the decoration of the white carpet lying at its feet. Another eye-catcher in this room is the elegant, white-lacquered grand piano.
All interiors are pervaded by bleached oakwood, with alternating matte and polished sections, and marble.The embroidered ceiling, the curved engravings in the wall wood panels, the precious curtains, and the Lalique lamps contribute to making this area truly unique. Thanks to the wide side windows and the glazed surfaces opening up to 120°, the music salon is very bright and offers breathtaking views of thesurrounding landscape.
Outdoor, guests can find the al fresco dining area, featuring a fully-customized teak table in Liberty style, a bar, and a lovely open-air tea room, the real jewel on this deck. Two large sun pads complete this area, while the inflatable climbing wall will undoubtedly offer unforgettable and exciting adventures. The upper deck lobby is embellished by Central European-style details and is covered by a skylight that lets in plenty of light directly from the sundeck. Walking further towards the bow, the Captain’s cabin and office can be reached, followed by the navigation bridge, built in the same dark brown shade as Latona’s recurrent embroidery motif.
The living area and the solarium located in the forward part of the yacht are very large and comfortable. Here, all the furniture is in navy with furnishings in a lovely palette of light blue shades. This area also features the concealed garage for the rescue boat - located under a huge sun pad with cushions, a roll-out awning - and two jet skis.
The sundeck, in typical Mediterranean style, is made up of three ideally-separate but physically-uninterrupted areas that unite to become one single open space: the dining area, the forward sunbathing area fitted with a Jacuzzi, and the aft solarium, furnished with four sunbeds and an imposing sunbathing area that develops vertically, remains isolated from the rest of the deck and therefore ideal for total relaxation.
The inflatable slide, one of the family’s favourite toys, is deployed on one side towards the stern, while the central area, conceived to enjoy the pleasure of sharing meals with the family’s dear ones, also features a pleasant water mist system installed in the ceiling to cool this area when needed. A barbecue and an American Bar can also be found here.
Onboard comfort is ensured by latest-generation home automation solutions, allowing control of the audio-video system, the lights, as well as the decorative and black-out curtains using the i-Pads installed in all areas and rooms or directly from one’s own device after downloading the dedicated app.
Thanks to two Caterpillar C32 1081kW @ 2300 rpm engines, the yacht can reach a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
The Latona is the latest jewel created by CRN and the utmost expression of the craftsmanship and mastery of a dedicated and demanding team, driven by the vision and passion of a highly-selective and determined Owner family. This yacht fully embodies the Shipyard’s will to shape the Owner’s talent and wishes, as expressed by the motto “Made by you with our own hands.”
CRN’s Latona will be presented as a world première at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 at the end of September.
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.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
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025