Royal Huisman announces the launch of the modern classic 65m Aqaurius, which has been undergoing detailed outfitting and extensive testing since her hull was completed in March of last year. This performance ketch serves as the successor to the first Aquarius (now Apsara), delivered by Royal Huisman in 2018. The earlier 56m world-cruising ketch was hailed as "close to perfect" by her experienced owners – a husband-and-wife duo who desired a larger yacht with even more impressive sailing capabilities – leading to the creation of the stunning new big sister, Aquarius.
It speaks volumes when owners cherish their yacht so much that their sole request is for a larger version crafted by the same skilled team. The talented minds behind both Aquarius yachts, described by an independent observer as among the most experienced in the superyacht industry, include project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley, and the renowned builder Royal Huisman.
As the evolution of the original Aquarius (now Apsara), this project embodies Royal Huisman’s commitment to creating fully custom superyachts. While maintaining the elegant essence of her predecessor, Aquarius boasts a remarkable 45% increase in volume, featuring expanded social and crew areas, enhanced integrated sail-handling systems, and a lifting fin keel for optimal performance. The vessel blends timeless style with cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship.
A crucial aspect of this project is the application of insights gained from the original Aquarius and prior builds. Royal Huisman continually pushes the boundaries of innovation while refining their processes based on extensive experience. For instance, the lightweight Alustar® aluminum construction provides both high-performance sailing and exceptional comfort. The inclusion of semi-hybrid propulsion highlights a commitment to sustainability, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
CEO Jan Timmerman remarks: “We are grateful that the owners entrusted us with the realization of their dream, which has culminated in an exceptional and beautifully crafted yacht. Aquarius exemplifies our dedication to innovation and client-focused solutions across both sailing and motoryacht projects. Each superyacht we construct benefits from decades of experience and is meticulously tailored to the owner's vision. Aquarius vividly showcases this collaborative ethos.”
As the final stages of the project unfold, preparations are underway for stepping the carbon Rondal masts and booms, conducting a series of sea trials, and ultimately, delivering the yacht to her owners.
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: Royal Huisman
FARO Alternative Investments, through its Real Economy sub-fund and in collaboration with advisory firm Orienta Capital Partners, has finalized the acquisition of Sunseeker International (Holdings) Ltd., a prestigious British shipyard celebrated for its production of high-performance luxury motor yachts. The acquisition marks the transfer of ownership from the Chinese industrial giant Dalian Wanda Group.94 Yacht The acquisition of 100% of Sunseeker is a significant milestone for FARO Alternative Investments, an innovative platform focused on creating value through a unique ecosystem of expertise and networking for investors and stakeholders. The transaction was supported by Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital alongside a club deal orchestrated by Orienta Capital Partners.Located in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker has over five decades of experience in crafting top-tier yachts and is widely recognized as a pioneer in the luxury yachting industry. The shipyard generated approximately £320 million in sales in FY 2023, primarily from yachts measuring between 15 and 50 meters. Sunseeker currently boasts an order book valued at around £540 million (€640 million) and is set to expand its offerings by focusing on the development of high-end superyachts.Predator55Giancarlo Galeone, Chairman of FARO Value and lead advisor for FARO Alternative Investments SCSp SICAV RAIF, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter alongside Sunseeker. Our established expertise in the nautical sector, paired with our longstanding relationship with the CEO, will further enhance the shipyard’s identity and craftsmanship, steering the brand towards our ambitious growth objectives. Sunseeker will maintain its British identity, continuing operations from its headquarters in Poole, where its production, workforce, and infrastructure are based.”Predator55Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker, expressed confidence in the new ownership structure, stating, “We are confident that through this new ownership structure, Sunseeker will be able to grow and reach new milestones. Our goal will remain to build exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance, and innovation, while honoring the legacy and vision of our founders.”FARO Alternative Investments SICAV RAIF (“FARO”) is an alternative investment fund operating through a globally active scalable platform with diversified strategies, mainly in Private Equity and Venture Capital. Orienta Capital Partners is an investment firm based in Milan, Forlì and Reggio Emilia, specializing in cross-industry transaction as lead investors, focusing on high-growth potential SMEs.Credits: Sunseeker
October 31, 2024
Sirena Yachts has unveiled exciting new details about its latest project, the Sirena 118, at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024. This striking 36-meter GRP superyacht introduces a contemporary design and represents the launch of a new, larger composite line, boasting a waterline length exceeding 24 meters while remaining under 300 gross tons.The design is currently in the works, featuring a flexible tri-deck layout that includes three decks of accommodation topped by an expansive sun deck. Future amenities could include an optional circular pool and lounging area at the bow, as well as a spacious beach club at the rear.The Sirena 118’s bold plumb bow not only makes a strong aesthetic statement but also enhances the internal volume, providing ample room for a VIP cabin and up to four guest cabins on the lower deck. The owner’s stateroom occupies the forward section of the main deck and offers a unique option to span two decks, complete with a spiral staircase leading to a generous relaxation area and a fold-down swim platform for easy access to the water.Social spaces are equally impressive, featuring an informal dining and lounging area on the main deck aft with floor-to-ceiling windows facilitating a seamless connection to the outdoor deck. The upper deck provides additional dining options alongside a wet bar, complemented by a more secluded exterior space. The yacht is designed for a crew of five, with the possibility of expanding to seven with the inclusion of a captain's cabin on the upper deck.The sleek underwater profile is crafted by the renowned German Frers, while the yacht's exterior design comes from Sirena's in-house team, encapsulating the brand’s essence. Cor D Rover is in charge of the interior, which will possess a timeless and relaxed ambiance, although owners will have the option to customize their yacht to their preferences.Constructed from GRP, the Sirena 118 promises operational efficiency. It features a fast displacement hull powered by two MAN V12 engines generating a total of 3,100hp, allowing for a top speed of 16 knots and an economical cruising speed of 11 knots. An upgraded engine package producing 3,800hp is also available, which offers a top speed of 21 knots.“The 36-meter Sirena 118 will be the largest GRP yacht we have built to date,” stated Constantinos K. Constantinou, Head of Sirena Yachts USA. “This superyacht is being meticulously crafted to embody the pinnacle of the values that have driven the global success of Sirena Yachts and Sirena Superyachts. Intelligent design, flawless engineering, and sleek, modern aesthetics are seamlessly integrated with our profound passion for the yachting lifestyle. We’re excited to keep yachting enthusiasts informed as this exceptional project progresses toward its 2026 completion.”Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credit: Sirena Yachts
October 31, 2024
Quick Group is making waves in the US market. Headquartered in Italy, Quick has established its reputation in the yacht and superyacht industries by partnering with premier boatbuilders globally. With the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show as the backdrop, Quick USA is excited to introduce three newly acquired brands – Sanguineti, Nemo, and Xenta – enhancing its product portfolio and commitment to the American boating community.Spotlighting the Brands Each of the three brands offers unique contributions to the marine industry. Xenta is dedicated to improving onboard maneuverability with its cutting-edge control systems. Nemo specializes in essential products like portlights and hatches, recently unveiling the first-ever pantograph door featuring an active compressed-air seal. Meanwhile, Sanguineti boasts over 50 years of artisanal craftsmanship, providing bespoke hydraulic and electric motion systems, including gangways and ladders – all tailored to meet the specific needs of yacht owners or shipyards.Marco SantoroMarco Santoro, Managing Director of Quick USA, notes, “Sanguineti, Xenta, and Nemo deliver customized production solutions that are distinctly relevant to the yacht and superyacht markets. Sanguineti products are 99% tailor-made, providing a unique offering that sets us apart from competitors."Santoro emphasizes that the quality of Sanguineti and Nemo is unparalleled in the US market, and Xenta stands alone by offering innovative solutions for vessels with traditional shaft-line propulsion. “Xenta can customize steering systems in a manner akin to Brembo’s impact on the automotive world," he explains, considering various technical aspects like vessel size and operational speed.Customized Solutions for American Clients The three brands are not only launching products but also tailoring them for American tastes. Santoro reveals, “Nemo is modifying some of its top-selling products for the US market. Similarly, Xenta is developing a specific offering for sportfishers, allowing owners to navigate effortlessly in any conditions.”Enhanced Service and Support Quick Group is also boosting its regional maintenance and support capabilities, particularly with the recent acquisition of Florida-based Yachting Marine Service (YMS), which specializes in superyacht service. “Our entire after-sales team is trained not just for initial installations but also for scheduled maintenance and warranty services,” adds Santoro, ensuring top-notch customer satisfaction.Strategic Expansion The launch of Sanguineti, Nemo, and Xenta represents a significant step in Quick Group's strategic growth, offering a comprehensive suite of products for OEMs and yacht owners alike. Michele Marzucco, CEO of Quick Group, states, “This expansion allows us to cater to a broader range of vessels, including larger yachts, while enhancing our position as a one-stop shop for marine equipment.”Marzucco emphasizes the importance of the US market, which has been integral to Quick's journey since the establishment of Quick USA in 2006. “We are poised for a new era, backed by our experienced sales and support teams,” he concludes. “With the introduction of these exceptional brands alongside our existing offerings, we are better equipped than ever to serve both American and European customers.”Quick USA looks forward to redefining the American boating experience by bringing bold Italian innovations and a commitment to quality and service to the forefront of the industry, ensuring they remain a key player in the market for years to come.Credits: Quick Group
October 31, 2024
Following events in Alghero and Porto Cervo, the series will wrap up at Marina di Villasimius, a venue chosen for its strategic location in the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. This event will highlight the ClubSwan 28, introduced in this year’s races.With participants from seven nations – Japan, the U.S., Australia, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Monaco – the competition is supported by Sardinia’s Department of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Commerce, Marina di Villasimius, the Lega Navale Italiana (LNI) Villasimius, and Yacht Club Villasimius.Key figures involved in the regatta include Renato Marconi, CEO of the Marinedi Group, and Sergio Ghiani, president of LNI Villasimius. Both leaders noted the significance of the event in promoting Villasimius and Sardinia as an international sailing destination."We couldn't have chosen a better location to end this great season, in one of the most authentic yet welcoming parts of Sardinia, which, with the favor of autumn light, will surely offer memorable moments. Seeing the ClubSwan 28 fleet take shape and receive positive feedback after its debut at the Rolex Swan Cup fills us with pride and fuels our enthusiasm for the 2025 season, which promises to be exciting," said Federico Michetti, Head of Sport Activities at Nautor Swan."I am very pleased that Nautor has chosen Italian Sailing Federation - Sardinia, for the third time this season,” commented Corrado Fara, President of the Italian Sailing Federation - Sardinia. “I would like to thank ClubSwan Racing for selecting us once again; we are now certain that they are truly satisfied with the warm welcome our region offers and the excellent marine weather conditions they find here. For us, it is a great opportunity to end a season that has hosted international events from the north to the south of the island, making Sardinia a key center for sailing, both nationally and internationally. Thanks to the support of the Sardinia Region, we can organize regattas that bring economic benefits to the area and allow participants and their companions to discover our island, thereby extending our season."The regatta will open with a practice session on October 30, followed by three days of windward-leeward races. Alongside the competition, participants will gather for social activities on land, fostering both sportsmanship and international camaraderie at the event. The event is supported by primary sponsors including Rolex, Randstad, and Porsche Italia, with technical backing from QuantumSails, North Sails, and others.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. Credit: Nautor Swan
October 30, 2024
Lusben's new keel pit for sailing yachts up to 70 meters in length at its Livorno shipyard is officially operational, marking the beginning of refit work on the 56-meter S/Y Rosehearty, built by Perini Navi.As part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, Lusben recently unveiled this strategic addition, which serves as the largest keel pit in the Mediterranean. Measuring 12 meteres long, 8.5 meters deep, and 3.5 meters wide, it is designed to accommodate yachts equipped with lifting and canting keels, solidifying Lusben’s position as a leader in the sailing yacht refit sector.Rosehearty, renowned for her global voyages – including traversing the Northwest Passage and navigating Antarctic waters – is the first yacht to utilize this new facility. Crafted in 2006, she stands out not only for her remarkable journeys but also for her interiors designed by the acclaimed French designer Christian Liaigre.Lusben has been tasked with several critical refit operations on the yacht, including extensive maintenance on its engines and keel to ensure peak performance and safety. Additional work involves updates to the hydraulic systems, enhancements to the teak deck, and touch-ups to sections of the hull's paintwork.Ferdinando Pilli, General Manager of Lusben, expressed enthusiasm about this significant milestone: “We are thrilled to begin work on this Perini Navi yacht, the first to take advantage of our new keel pit for sailing yachts. This development represents a considerable advancement for our Livorno shipyard, allowing us to broaden our service offerings. Following this initial project, we anticipate welcoming more Perini Navi yachts to our facility.”Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben
October 30, 2024