A pioneer in automation and furling systems on large sailing yachts, Italian shipyard Perini Navi was founded in 1983 by Fabio Perini. The builder has constructed 61 motor and sailing superyachts so far, with an average LOA of 49 metres. Meanwhile, the company’s legendary Maltese Falcon remained the world’s largest sailing yacht until 2017.
Today Yacht Harbour recalls the largest vessels built by the yard.
#1. Maltese Falcon
Length: 88m
Year: 2006
Maltese Falcon is an iconic yacht that had held the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht until Oceanco launched the Black Pearl in 2017.
Commissioned in 2000 by Tom Perkins, the late venture capitalist, the Maltese Falcon took nearly six years to complete. Sold to hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou at an asking price of €70 million in 2009, the 88-meter is now one of the largest yachts available for charter with a rate starting from €360,000 per week.
Maltese Falcon’ most innovative attribute became her sails that could rotate based on the direction of the wind. This was a first for the yachting industry. This innovative system allows the yacht to even sail against the wind.
Maltese Falcon features a cruising speed of 16 knots. Meanwhile, in a storm in the Gulf of Lion, France she demonstrated a speed of 26 knots under sail alone.
Designed by Ken Freivokh, the Maltese Falcon was extensively refurbished in 2015/2016 during a refit. She can accommodate up to 12 guests on-board.
Length: 73m
Year: 2013
Delivered in 2013 by Picchiotti, part of the Perini Navi group, Nautilus (back then Grace E) instantly received a positive reaction at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2014, thanks to a unique design.
Her first owner, according to several sources, was Florida-based billionaire Bob Stiller, who built his fortune on a coffee empire known as Keurig Green Mountain. In Q2 2017, the yacht was listed for sale and ultimately found a buyer in March 2018. She was sold asking € 78,500,000.
With a beam of 13.2 metres and a draft of 4 metres, Nautilus features exterior design by Philippe Briand and interior style by Remi Tessier. Her gross tonnage makes 1590 tons.
The superyacht's key features include an open-air Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, hydrotherapy bath and pool. She also hosts a beauty salon, meditation room, sunbathing and massage area as well as a sushi bar. If that is not enough to entertain the guests, there is also a film library, satellite TV, iPod docking stations and Wi-Fi.
From a technical standpoint, Nautilus can reach a top speed of 16.5 knots and cruise at 14.5 knots. As for the accommodation, 12 guests in 6 suites can be carried on-board, as well as a crew of 20.
Length: 70m
Year: 2016
The second largest sailing yacht built by the yard since the Maltese Falcon, Badis I (originally Sybaris) was conceived for American businessman Bill Duker in 2016. The yacht was listed for sale in April 2017 asking €88 million and sold at the same asking price in October 2018.
Naval architecture on this project was handled by Perini Navi's in-house team and French designer, Philippe Briand who had previously worked with the group on the 73-metre motor yacht Grace E.
The yacht was built out of alloy complete with a keel of variable draught (4.5m to 11.74m) in order to allow access to shallow areas and achieve good sailing performance. Badis I' sails stretch over a surface of 2,300 square meters and can be controlled solely with consoles in the cockpit.
Badis I cruises at 12.5 knots and reaches a top speed at 17.5 knots. She can host up to 12 guests taken care of by a crew of 12.
Length: 64m
Year: 2003
The Spirit Of The C’s is the largest aluminium sailing yacht in the world. She features a beam of 12.7 metres and a draft of 9.4 metres, adding up to a gross tonnage of 655 tons. She is powered by Deutz-MWM engines of 1400 HP each, giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Featuring exteriors by Nuvolari & Lenard and interiors by Perini Navi, Remi Tessier, Dernier Etage, and the vessel is trademarked with a large retractable bathing platform, providing easy access into the water or onto the tenders and folding perfectly into the stern aft, when not in use.
Along with a crew of 11, Spirit Of The C's can accommodate up to 10 guests within five staterooms, including a full-beam master suite.
The yacht is now back on the charter market, following an extensive refit which included a sundeck extension, a complete rebuild and refurbishment of her interior and the remodelling of the guest cockpit area. The charter price starts from €198,000 per week.
#5. Seahawk
Length: 60m
Year: 2013
All-aluminium sailing yacht Seahawk features Perini Navi in-house exteriors and naval architecture developed in collaboration with Ron Holland Design, along with interiors by French studio Liaigre. She offers accommodation to 12 guests within 6 cabins.
With a beam of 11.4 metres and a draft of 12.3 metres, she has an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 491 tons. Seahawk reaches a maximum speed of 15.50 knots and cruises comfortably at 13 knots.
Following her 2018 refit, Seahawk has been listed for sale asking €32,000,000.
#6. Perseus 3
Length: 60m
Year: 2014
Second 60m of the series, the design brief called for Perseus 3 to feature the tallest carbon fibre mast ever built, and the biggest downwind sail area on a yacht, thanks to her unique bowsprit. Built in aluminium with a carbon bowsprit, she features a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Perseus 3 offers accommodation to up to 12 guests within five spacious suites, including a full-beam master suite with a private lounge and study, two VIP doubles, and two twins with additional Pullman berths.
The yacht’s on-deck trademarks comprise a swim-in-place heated pool on the foredeck and a large flybridge with cushioned sun pads, sofas and a BBQ. On the main deck, more formal al fresco dining can be enjoyed in the cockpit, which is sheltered by a curve of glass, also enclosing the exterior lounge.
The yacht is available for charter from €250,000 per week.
#7. Seven
Length: 60m
Year: 2017
The seventh largest yacht by Perini Navi, Seven, was launched in 2017 as the third 60-metre unit.
Seven is trademarked with lighting design by Videoworks and design studio Dante O Benini & Partners. She can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins with an interior design by Studio Dante O. Bellini and an exterior design by Perini Navi.
The yacht is fitted with two Panamax aluminium masts with carbon-fibre rigging, booms and spreaders, contributing to a total sail plan of more than 2,000 square metres. Meanwhile, Seven’s maximum speed makes 15 knots.
Introducing Naseem (2008) - a classically elegant 47m motor yacht by Heesen Yachts, which combines award-winning design by the acknowledged Bannenberg & Rowell Design Studio and unmistakable Dutch prestige. Delivered in 2008 and beautifully maintained by her present owner, the superyacht was fully refurbished in 2018 with a major focus on outdoor activities. NASEEM is equipped with 5 cabins and can accommodate on board up to 12 guests in utmost comfort, as well as a 10-person crew. Among her key features there are a Deck Jacuzzi and a convertible tender garage which can be used as a beach club for swimming and sunbathing or as a launchpad when using water toys. The yacht is powered by twin MTU 8V4000M70 heavy-duty engines and has a comfortable 14-knot cruising speed. With an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles, she is suitable for Transatlantic cruising. The interior of the yacht is open-planned and is finished with bleached Wenge wood and polished marble flooring. The sense of space and light is enhanced by large windows.A vast salon on the main deck offers an open-plan lounge with an elegant bar for pre-dinner cocktails. It is also equipped with a 60” plasma TV with a full entertainment system and can be transformed into a private cinema for after-hours movie sessions. The spacious formal dining area can comfortably fit up to 10 guests. Naseem’s full-beam master suite is located forward on the main deck and is beautifully finished in cream with a nice contrast of wood veneer shades. The suite offers guests a private lounge and vanity area overlooking the ocean and a bathroom finished in marble.Exterior-wise the yacht offers multiple lounges, dining spaces and a forward-facing spa pool - perfect for onboard socialising, enjoying panoramic ocean views and relaxing in the sunshine.
September 21, 2020
The classic Benetti yacht Hidalgo got seriously damaged by the fire on September 15 in morning. The yacht fire was spotted at the Muggiano shipyard close to La Spezia in the region of Liguria where Hidalgo was hauled out for refit works.
“A dense column of smoke” was created by the fire and was “visible from a considerable distance”, as the local news portal "Liguria Nautica" reported. Main and upper deck of the vessel got severely damaged, however the fireguards were on time to prevent the fire from spreading elsewhere, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire still remains unclear. Designed for long-distance cruising, the yacht was delivered in Viareggio in 1968 and got last refitted in 2012. The vessel was previously known as Mirabella. (Photos: Giusppe Orru)
September 19, 2020
The new Ferretti Yachts 500 are the winners in the “Best Interior Design” category, whilst the Pershing
7X and CRN M/Y 62m Voice won in their “Best Exterior Design” categoriesCannes, September 16, 2020 – The harmonious number three is the number of major prizes taken by Ferretti Group at the World Yachts Trophies 2020, the prestigious seasonal event in yachting organised by SG Publications, for undeniably perfect style and design.The ceremony took place last Saturday, on September 12, in Cannes - on the beach of the luxurious InterContinental Carlton, - and was attended by guests and business insiders.Ferretti Group's boats that feature innovative technology and design, along with inimitable Italian style in all aspects, deservedly won three
awards.These are the Awards assigned to the boats: - Ferretti Yachts 500: Best Interior Design Trophy, 45 to 64-foot category (13.70-19.50 meters); - Pershing 7X: Best Exterior Design Trophy, 64 to 80-foot category (19.50-24 meters);- CRN M/Y 62m Voice: Best Exterior Design Trophy, 164 to 270-foot category (50-82 meters)
Ferretti Group continues to grow and will be announcing many important novelties in the coming months.Ferretti Group shows sustainable growth and is going to announce a lot of interesting novelties in the near future.(Press release and photos provided by Ferretti Group Web News)
September 18, 2020
Sunreef Yachts has revealed a 40 metre catamaran explorer concept. The yard adds an unstoppable explorer concept to the shipyard’s range of luxury catamarans. The 40M Sunreef Power is a versatile multihull craft dedicated to discovering new horizons. Her propulsion options allow for transoceanic range and solid performance in rough seas.Blending elegance and modern technology, the 40M Sunreef Power can be heavily customized to match ambitious navigation plans. The extended aft deck houses a launching crane, a 7m tender, two jet skis and storage for a variety of water toys. With the hydraulic aft platform lowered, guests can enjoy a full-beam private beach.The superyacht’s 13,34m beam provides for immense living areas totaling 654m² with accommodation spread across three decks. Custom features available for this concept include a playroom with a self-leveling pool table, a steam room or a master suite with a private fold-out balcony.⠀Alfresco relaxation areas include a large sun lounge with a spa pool surrounded by oversized sunpads and a bar as well as a vast bow terrace.
September 10, 2020
If you could combine rock star level partying with down-to-earth innovative design, what kind of superyacht would you end up with? Meet Project FG (Freddy Gump), a Feadship design created for the fictional combination of Freddy Mercury and Forrest Gump. It is the latest design to be revealed from the “Carte Blanch Exclusives” archives.⠀The 109-metre Project FG came to life during the Feadship Brokers Course in 2019. Together with the Feadship design team from Studio De Voogt, the invited brokers created a design for a wild – but down to earth – Freddy Gump. In a few days’ time, Project FG was born as a technically feasible design that allows for wild partying at night and peaceful relaxation during daytime.More than 200 people can party in the outdoor beach club. Hidden from the outside world, FG includes a mysterious hidden club in the bow of the yacht for exclusive private gatherings.Marsha Van Buitenen and Jan Schaffers in conversation. Credit: FeadshipFeadship sales director Marsha Van Buitenen says:“The group wanted a character that embodied extremes. They thought about a client that one hand has a party attitude but on the other is very down to earth as well. They combined a fictional character and a real character to dream up the client – for the down to earth side, it was Forest Gump, and for the wilder side, it was Freddie Mercury. With that, Freddie Gump as born.”On the aft deck there is a huge outdoor beach club, which is four times larger than Feadship designed “Savannah”. This beach club accommodates parties of up to 300 people while a panoramic piano lounge on the upper deck acts as the heart of the superyacht and the meeting point of the two personalities – a place that both Freddie Mercury and Forrest Gump could retire to as dusk falls and from where the rest of the yacht design branches out into the individual elements of each character.Other unique design elements of Project FG include a pop-up table tennis court on the tip of the bow that features a glass tube that “pops up” at the push of a button and encloses the table-tennis table so that the players are protected from the effects of the wind.One particular design feature that certainly caters to the rockstar inspirations of Freddie Mercury is the hidden club for where the really crazy parties happen – even crazier than those happening on the aft deck. Guests are not given directions on how to get there but instead have to find a hidden door past an engine in the superyacht’s belly.While Project FG Freddie Gump has yet to find an owner, the technically feasible Feadship design is still open for the kind of owner with an appreciation for wild nights of partying like Mercury and peaceful days of relaxation.Farouk Nefzi, Feadship marketing and brand director, says:There are so many future concepts coming out, but they are simply designed for 50 years from now. That too easy. Everybody can dream but to create something using technology that's applicable today, if you just have the will to do it, that's what we're showcasing. We feel like we can bring some joy to people's life by showcasing the possibilities that we are able to do right now. If you look at these designs, they trigger people to move forward and leverage on the existing technology. We want to showcase what is possible and not be dominated by the generics of this industry. It's very easy to make baby steps into what the next stage of yachting should be. We think we could really speed up the process if we find clients ready and wanting to invest in this.
September 9, 2020