The schooner Athos has been extensively converted – outside and inside – updated and optimized by Huisfit in Amsterdam. Before acquiring the 62 m Hoek-designed, Holland Jachtbouw-built Athos (2010), the new owner chartered her for a year. He fell in love with the boat but saw many ways in which it could be optimized to enhance the amenities and user experience. As the project evolved in his mind, the refit list grew.
The stern overhang would be extended and, on deck, cockpit layouts had to be redesigned and a new forward navigation deckhouse had to be added. New booms, new sails and carbon rigging would ensure improved sail management and performance. All systems were to be updated. A considerable amount of the interior was to be replaced or reconfigured and updated.
Hoek Design was again involved in all naval architecture work to accommodate these changes, the interior styling and layout of the new owner’s cabin, one of the guest cabins, the main saloon, the new crew service area and the navigation deckhouse. Peter Mikic Interiors was responsible for the layout and styling of the main deckhouse and for the overall guest interior decoration.
Athos’ stern has been extended by 1.25 meters. Yet the concave and convex curves of the new section called for exceptional skills in the design and build of the aluminum structure in order to fit perfectly into the aluminum hull. The extension, with a relocated pushpit, provides a new two-meter area for sunbeds behind the owners’ private cockpit.
The cockpit itself has been reconfigured for easier access and got extra amenities, including a fridge and icemaker. The interior layout and furnishing of the owners’ deckhouse have been updated. As a finishing touch, the new stern section has been complemented by a fine teak transom.
The main cockpit and deckhouse, aft of the mainmast, have been extensively modified to provide a true social hub for meeting and greeting, al fresco dining and relaxed leisure activity.
The new cockpit is wider and longer and can comfortably provide dining for 12 people. There is also informal seating place for guests to meet in smaller groups or find a quiet corner to enjoy a read. Coffee tables are flexibly designed in order to adjust to become coffee tables or dining tables. A bar with fridge and icemaker has been installed. Just aft of the main cockpit, re-designed dashboard consoles sit to the port and starboard of the ship’s wheel.
The main deckhouse floor has been raised to one level and provides an enhanced outlook. The entire interior, including the nav station, was taken out and a new design installed. The deckhouse looks much larger, the traffic flow is better and the natural light has improved. A new classic looking bar has been built on the portside and a couch occupies the space of the nav station, while smaller dining tables and casual seating maximize flexibility.
More forward the former crew companionway which gave access to the crew quarters has been replaced by a larger, third deckhouse, styled and crafted in the same style as the other deckhouses.
This houses a new navigation and secondary steering station and provides additional social space for the crew and access below. At the same time, the new design of the crew deckhouse improved the flow of the engine room ventilation system and reduced the subsequent noise considerably.
The owners’ suite has been totally stripped out, re-designed and refitted. An additional porthole was made on either side and therewith wasted space was eliminated to make full use of idle space. There are now two bathrooms in place of one and a new walk-in closet. Hard paneling has been replaced by subtle fabrics and the plank flooring has been carpeted to create a warm and tranquil ambiance.
Everything inside the corridor that connects the guest cabins has been renewed – new walls, new flooring, new carpets, even a new chandelier! The biggest change in this area was the replacement of the original curved staircase to the main deckhouse with a beautifully crafted and space-liberating new stairway.
The galley to port, behind the new wall, has been custom-rebuilt and all equipment updated for modern haute cuisine practices. A stewardess station has been added meaning that there is more room in the galley for the chef.
Other enhancements include all-new navigation, alarm and safety systems and new lighting throughout. All PLCs have been changed and pumps upgraded. All guest spaces benefit from a state of the art communications and entertainment package. The main tender has been completely rebuilt and there is a new second tender. The bottom of the hull was blasted to bare aluminum before a full respray.
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: Guy Fleury; Mike i'Anson; RedCharlie Media; Tom Van Oossanen/Royal Huisman
Prestige Yachts has revealed its new M7 catamaran, a 17.7-meter model offering interior space comparable to larger 21-meter yachts. The French-Italian builder has already sold two units ahead of the model's official debut at September's Cannes Yachting Festival.The M7 fills a gap between Prestige's existing M8 and M48 catamarans, featuring a more manageable 7.5-meter beam compared to the M8's 9.1-meter width. Naval architect Marc Lombard designed the hull, while Garroni Design handled the exterior styling to maintain consistency with Prestige's M-series.The catamaran's layout includes four guest cabins with a forward primary suite featuring residential-style elements like translucent wardrobes and designer lighting. The main salon offers panoramic views through full-height windows, with a secondary helm station discreetly positioned for all-weather navigation. Outdoor spaces focus on the beach club with its transformer swim platform and an expansive flybridge with multiple seating areas.Twin Volvo Penta D8-550 engines power the M7, with various horsepower options available. The design prioritizes comfortable cruising over high-speed performance. Crew accommodations for three staff members allow for reduced operational requirements compared to larger vessels.Jean-François Lair, Groupe Beneteau's Chief Sales Officer, commented: "The M7 is much more human-sized. You feel like you can handle it on your own." The company expects the model to attract both experienced owners downsizing from larger yachts and first-time buyers seeking manageable dimensions.Prestige continues production at its French facilities, maintaining its hybrid French-Italian design and construction approach. The M7 joins the successful M48, which has sold 70 units since its 2022 launch, in Prestige's expanding multihull range.Credits: Prestige Yachts
August 5, 2025
Turkish yacht builder VisionF Yachts has launched the second hull of its 23.97-meter E-Cat 80 solar-electric catamaran series from its Tuzla shipyard. The carbon fiber vessel features design updates including an expanded solar array now producing 24.8 kW per hour through 62 panels, increased from the original configuration.The latest model incorporates several owner-requested modifications, adding a Jacuzzi on the flybridge and converting one of five guest cabins into dedicated children's quarters. The catamaran's 10.92-meter beam provides substantial interior volume, accommodating 12 guests and 4 crew members.Power comes from twin 180 kW Danfoss electric motors with bow and stern thrusters, enabling 6-8 knot cruising speeds under electric propulsion. The hybrid system combines solar charging with backup generators, offering over 1,000 nautical miles of extended range when required.Entertainment areas include multiple flybridge seating zones with cinema capabilities and massage chairs. The 15 square-meter tender garage features hydraulic launch systems for watercraft storage. Owners can select between open or enclosed flybridge configurations during the build process.VisionF's current production lineup includes seven catamaran models ranging from 14 to 36.5 meters, with the E-Cat series representing their fully electric offerings. The shipyard continues construction on additional units at its Istanbul facility, maintaining focus on sustainable marine technologies.VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
August 5, 2025
Nautor Swan has announced the ClubSwan 28 American Series, a new one-design racing circuit developed in partnership with American Magic. The eight-event schedule will commence in Pensacola, Florida in February 2026, concluding with a World Championship event.The 8.5-meter ClubSwan 28, designed with Juan Yacht Design, will serve as the series' platform boat. Terry Hutchinson of American Magic noted: "Nautor Swan has such a history of being a great boatbuilder. But with the new ClubSwan 28, they've evolved their timeless design into something that speaks directly to today's high-performance sailors."The racing calendar includes three winter events in Pensacola, followed by summer competitions in Newport, Rhode Island, and fall races returning to Florida. Federico Michetti, Nautor Swan's Head of Sport Activities, stated: "Our goal was to create a fun, fast, and safe entry point for sportsboat enthusiasts."Production of the ClubSwan 28 will occur in Pensacola through a collaboration between Nautor Swan and American Magic. Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, confirmed: "We'll base the fleet there, build boats there, and drive technical innovation."The initiative aims to combine professional racing with amateur participation while establishing Pensacola as a sailing development hub. Hutchinson added: "It's a platform for performance, growth, and a new chapter in U.S. sailing."The series represents Nautor Swan's continued expansion into competitive sailing markets, following the success of its larger ClubSwan racing yachts.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 5, 2025
Ferretti Group has launched the first Itama 54 unit from its new Marina di Ravenna production facility on July 11, 2025. The 16.44-meter open cruiser marks Itama's return to the 50-59 foot segment, featuring redesigned living spaces and improved onboard accessibility.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and Engineering Department, with design by Tommaso De Luca, the model introduces several functional innovations while maintaining Itama's signature styling. Key exterior features include a flush foredeck sunpad, extended side windows, and a starboard-side bow access point - a departure from previous models that improves circulation.The deck layout presents a dual-cockpit configuration: a main aft seating area with height-adjustable table and a forward wind-protected lounge. Both areas connect to a portside bar unit. The helm station incorporates a floating dashboard design. Below deck, accommodations include a forward master cabin, midship guest cabin, two bathrooms, galley and dinette.Power options include twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering 33-knot top speed, or optional MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) for 37-knot maximum speed. The raked transom and revised hull lines contribute to the model's performance characteristics.The Ravenna-built Itama 54 represents the brand's contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean open cruiser concepts, emphasizing outdoor living and simplified deck circulation. Production continues at Ferretti Group's specialized facility for the Itama range.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 4, 2025
ISA Yachts has moved its new 37.7-meter Viper 130 into the outfitting phase at its Ancona shipyard. The planing yacht, designed to deliver high performance and spacious accommodations, is scheduled for delivery in 2026 to an American client introduced by Zarpo Yachts.The Viper 130 features exterior and interior design by Fulvio De Simoni, with naval engineering developed in-house by ISA Yachts. Powered by three 2,200 hp MAN engines, the yacht will achieve a top speed of 33 knots.The aft cockpit is divided into three distinct areas: a beach club at sea level with a transformer platform, a sunbathing and lounge area, and an outdoor dining space seating eight. Side balconies can be opened to expand the living area. The aft galley includes a retractable privacy glass and connects to a bar, serving both as a functional kitchen and an entertainment space.The main deck features a portside walkway leading to the salon, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows and a second bar. A circular pool with sunbeds and seating dominates the bow area. The helm station is positioned forward, with access to the lower deck housing four guest cabins and an owner’s suite with dual bathrooms.The sun deck, with a carbon fiber hardtop, includes a secondary helm station, sunbeds, an L-shaped bar, and a dining table for 12. Crew quarters for five are discreetly accessed via the galley. A 5-meter tender is stored in the starboard garage.The Viper 130’s design emphasizes open living spaces, with multiple indoor-outdoor connections and functional layouts tailored for both entertainment and privacy. The yacht is currently in the final stages of construction ahead of its 2026 delivery.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
August 4, 2025