Caoz 14 (previously known as Selene and Parsifal IV) is a 56m Perini Navi sailing yacht launched in 2007. Following on from their win in the Best Refit category for the Vitters yacht G2 at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards, Nauta Design was tasked by the owner to refresh her aging interior design.
The owner’s brief aimed at opening up spaces longitudinally, so that guests could have a deep field of view, and transversely to have a full-beam salon with spectacular views of the surrounding seascape from both sides. Most of all, as a yacht destined for family use it had to have the feeling of “harmony, peace and light.”
The interior before refit
“We wanted to update the yacht starting with interiors that would be modern and warm, airy and welcoming,” says the owner. “We had an immediate feeling and connection with Nauta Design, Massimo Gino and Mario Pedol. Their team understood what we wanted to do very well, and they interpreted our initial brief in an exceptional way.”
Nauta focused attention on transforming the old-fashioned dark tones and series of separated or enclosed spaces into an open and connected contemporary environment, as well as introducing its signature clean and balanced lines to enhance the onboard lifestyle according to the owner’s brief.
After refit
For example, a crew corridor along the port side of the main salon had a negative impact on the sense of airiness which, combined with the dark color palette, made the space feel a bit oppressive. The stairwell was also enclosed by bulkheads and led to a sense of confinement.
Nauta redefined the yacht’s layout to open up the visuals from port to starboard and fore to aft. First of all, the crew corridor was eliminated so that the main salon became full beam with views on both sides. The stairway was also redesigned to be less intrusive with floating treads inserted in a central spine, all encased by a transparent structure.
The forward section of the saloon was redesigned and hosts now a multipurpose relax area, with a comfortable TV lounge and an extendable coffee/lunch table: a less formal, yet cozy area, which can be used also as a playroom for kids.
To open up the interior still further, a Smart Glass panel was inserted into the bulkhead between the TV lounge area and the wheelhouse. This window can be made opaque for privacy, but when in transparent mode it provides sightlines all the way to the bow to create the sensation of a continuous, uninterrupted space.
Along the same line of thinking, the heavy swinging doors between the aft cockpit and the main saloon were replaced with automatic sliding glass doors to bring light inside and connect the interior with the exterior.
Embracing all these improvements is an all-new color palette comprising light-toned oak wood, white lacquer and brighter flooring. The studio worked closely with the owner’s wife to choose loose furnishings and fabrics, such as the carpets by Kashtall, Dedon outdoor seating, Eames lounge chair and pouf by Vitra in the main saloon, and other items.
Another important part of Nauta’s work was to evaluate ergonomics, work paths and functionality to make on board life as comfortable as possible and to satisfy the owner’s brief for lots of spaces for books, art and other collections,” says Pedol. “This part of the job involved creating niches, shelves and other storage spaces, both open and closed.
The refit works were expertly carried out by MMC Allestimenti in Genoa in just six months, despite the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time of the refit that meant the company had to reorganize its workflow and organization.
“The owners are very happy with the final result and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute our experience to the successful Caoz 14 main deck refit, and for their very important participation in the design work itself, with their suggestions and choices,” says Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design in Milan. “We wish the family ‘buon vento’ in their voyages aboard the new-look Caoz 14.”
Credits: Giuliano Sargentini; Courtesy of Burgess; Perini Navi (all provided by Nauta Design)
Gulf Craft has delivered the first unit of its 32.3-meter Majesty 100 Terrace series following its debut at the 2025 Dubai International Boat Show. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) yacht features a semi-displacement hull designed by Dutch firm Phathom Studio.The model's distinctive features include multiple outdoor terraces, fold-down balconies, and a private owner's terrace on the foredeck with 270-degree views. The owner's cabin incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass and skylights, with direct access to the forward terrace. Accommodation includes five cabins for 10 guests and crew quarters for six.With a 199GT volume and 7.2-meter beam, the yacht reaches a top speed of 20 knots powered by twin MAN engines. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the range extends to 1,050 nautical miles. The upper deck features a hot tub and sunpad area with glass panels that illuminate the owner's terrace below.The Majesty 100 Terrace follows the 34.1-meter Majesty 111 model, sharing similar interior layouts but with a redesigned semi-displacement hull. Gulf Craft currently has two units of the new model under construction at its Umm al-Qaywayn shipyard in the UAE.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
August 1, 2025
Dutch yacht builder Oceanco has transitioned to new ownership under American entrepreneur Gabe Newell, while previous owners the Barwani family retain their stake in Turkish shipyard Turquoise Yachts. The ownership change follows Oceanco's legacy of constructing notable superyachts including the 110-meter Kaos, 109-meter Bravo Eugenia, 106-meter Black Pearl, and 127-meter Koru.Newell assumes ownership with stated intentions to maintain Oceanco's operational focus on craftsmanship and workforce development rather than implementing financial restructuring. The new owner has emphasized continuity in the shipyard's human-centered approach to yacht construction.Gabe Newel"Gabe Newell is not entering this world as a financier or a strategist, but as a hands-on visionary who respects the sea, the craft, and above all, the people who make it possible," stated the company's transition announcement.Dr. BarwaniThe Barwani family, Oceanco's previous owners since 2010, will continue their yachting industry involvement through Turquoise Yachts, which specializes in custom builds up to 77 meters. Oceanco's current project portfolio and management team are expected to remain unchanged under the new ownership structure.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
August 1, 2025
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show will host "Tribute to Yachting," a photographic exhibition by French photographer Guillaume Plisson. The exhibition will display 100 large-format images throughout Port Hercule from September 24-27, integrated with the show's layout.A preview selection will debut during the Grand Opening Night on September 23. The exhibition aims to provide visual interludes for attendees while highlighting emotional aspects of yachting beyond technical specifications."This collaboration reflects our desire to celebrate the human side of yachting - the stories and quiet beauty beyond the surface," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of Monaco Yacht Show.Plisson's work documents various yachting elements including design, operations, and lifestyle. "The exhibition serves as a condensed retrospective and tribute to those who make yachting possible," Plisson stated, acknowledging industry support for his photographic access over the years.The exhibition aligns with the show's focus on innovation, design, sustainability and lifestyle. It represents an effort to engage visitors emotionally with yachting culture while maintaining the event's commercial focus.Credits: MYS
August 1, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the lease through donation of the 43.6-meter Feadship motor yacht True North, built in 1987 by Van Lent shipyard. The vessel's recent $4 million refit in 2021 addressed critical systems while preserving its classic Dutch craftsmanship.The comprehensive refit program included complete hull plating renewal and tank work to satisfy Bureau Veritas 35-year survey requirements. Mechanical upgrades focused on the twin CAT 3508 DI-TA engines, while new Quantum zero-speed stabilizers were installed to enhance onboard comfort. Guest areas received modernized accommodations, including renovated Crema Marfil marble bathrooms in the full-beam master suite.True North has compiled an extensive cruising history, having completed multiple transatlantic crossings and operated successfully in both tropical and temperate climates. The yacht's robust construction and 4,000-nautical-mile range at 11 knots have supported operations throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.Current configuration accommodates 16 guests across five staterooms, including four convertible guest cabins with multiple bedding options. Outdoor amenities feature a sundeck hot tub, swim-up bar, and expanded swim platform. The yacht's service areas utilize dedicated crew staircases to maintain operational efficiency."True North represents the enduring quality of Feadship construction," noted Northrop & Johnson brokers Kevin Merrigan and Kristen Klein. "The recent refit ensures this classic yacht meets contemporary expectations while retaining its original character."The donation lease arrangement provides for the yacht's continued operation while supporting the donor's philanthropic objectives. True North remains certified for global cruising following its recent survey compliance and mechanical upgrades.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: Northrop & Johnson
July 31, 2025
Swiss energy company Repower has unveiled Lucietta, Venice's first fully electric water taxi, marking a significant advancement in sustainable marine transportation for the historic city. The 9.3-meter vessel, designed by Nauta Design and built by Murano's Cantiere Serenella shipyard, debuted at the Venice Boat Show and will serve during the 2025 Venice Film Festival before entering regular service.Constructed using a combination of traditional Venetian boatbuilding techniques and modern sustainable materials, Lucietta features a lightweight carbon fiber hull and incorporates recycled Murano glass elements developed by local startup Rehub. The construction process maintained Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canal navigation while implementing contemporary electric propulsion technology.The vessel is powered by a 200kW electric motor with a 180 kWh battery system specifically optimized for Venice's operating conditions. Performance specifications include a top speed of 30 knots (55.5 km/h) and sufficient battery capacity for a full 8-hour workday at typical lagoon speeds of 7-20 km/h. Compared to conventional diesel water taxis, Lucietta completely eliminates direct emissions during operation and reduces energy consumption by approximately 60%.Environmental impact projections indicate each Lucietta water taxi will prevent about 12 tons of CO2 emissions annually while completely eliminating particulate matter emissions. The electric propulsion system also reduces noise pollution from 85 dB to 45 dB - an 85% decrease that significantly improves the acoustic environment of Venice's canals. Over its operational lifetime, the electric taxi is expected to have 30% lower maintenance costs than combustion engine models."Electric boating represents a crucial part of the sustainable mobility revolution," stated Fabio Bocchiola, CEO of Repower Italia, noting the European electric boating market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030. The project builds on Repower's previous electric boat initiative that received a Compasso d'Oro honorable mention in 2020.Nauta Design's Massimo Gino explained the design process: "We studied original taxi designs and interviewed operators to create a modern electric version that respects Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canals and bridges." The collaboration with local artisans at Cantiere Serenella ensured the preservation of traditional Venetian craftsmanship while implementing sustainable technologies.Lucietta can accommodate up to 14 passengers and will initially serve during high-profile Venice events before expanding to regular water taxi service. The introduction coincides with Venice's increasing restrictions on combustion engine vessels in its sensitive lagoon ecosystem, positioning electric water transportation as a viable solution for the city's unique mobility challenges.Credits: Nauta Design
July 31, 2025