Oliver Stacey Design, in collaboration with BMT Nigel Gee, is pleased to present Project Norse, an 80m sail-assisted exploration yacht. The concept details a rugged trans-oceanic exploration vessel, capable of voyaging to both Poles, crossing any ocean and taking in the most awe-inspiring destinations.
The two companies came together with the brief to present a fresh interpretation of the explorer vessel genre and develop a concept designed for maximum self-sustainability, global range and minimal environmental impact.
Designer Oliver Stacey explains:
When we were initially looking for a conceptual thread for the design, I had recently seen the Viking Voyagers exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. The extensive range and endurance of the longboat. The adventuring spirit of the Vikings. The use of sail as a secondary power source. These are the inspirational reference points which led to the development of Project Norse
Norse is designed around a sail assisted hybrid propulsion system.
BMT Nigel Gee’s Yacht Design Director, James Roy, comments:
We thought long and hard about hybrid, and how such a system might help us achieve our goals for the project. Despite outward appearances, this is not a sailing yacht; at a time when hybrid is a buzz word in our industry, we couldn’t move away from the unmistakable truth that sail assistance is the ultimate hybrid. The final configuration makes use of a hybrid diesel electric / diesel mechanical (CODAE / CODOE) with sail assist
The yacht’s simple, low-aspect sail plan features three identical wing masts, in combination with matched in-boom furling mainsails. This configuration maximizes reliability and flexibility, while requiring minimum crew effort in deployment, operation and recovery. It is anticipated that the sail-assist mode will be utilized for the majority of the yacht’s passage making and that, under optimum conditions, power can be regenerated through the trailing shaft-lines to battery storage.
With a profile inspired by the longboat, Norse offers unprecedented access to shallow water for a yacht of this size. The vessel’s long and robust keel flat, with shallow draft coupled with a high degree of manoeuvrability, means she can access secluded anchorages normally considered off-limits to a yacht of 80m.
Norse is configured to act as an activity basecamp for a wide range of sea, land and air based activities, including heli-skiing, ski-touring, mountaineering, diving, water sports and aerial exploration. A robust gantry crane provides reliable launching and recovery of a wide range of vehicles including a seaplane of up to 12m wingspan. The extensive tender garage deploys an array of support vessels and adventure vehicles including a landing craft, ATV, submarine and snow mobiles. With extensive stores and provisioning capacity, and a range extended by sail assistance, the vessel can operate in regions with limited or no support infrastructure for extended durations.
In line with the vessel’s long-range and extended self-sustainability, Norse is built to Ice Class 1d and complies with Category C requirements of the Polar Code. Allowing operation in light ice conditions, this capability permits summer operation in the Polar Regions for specific routes of interest, including the Antarctic Peninsula, Arctic Svalbard and Greenland.
Despite its explorative purpose, internally Norse offers a social living environment with an informal layout; the owner lives close to family members and guests, who share large open-plan spaces. Smaller intimate spaces provide privacy and quiet when required.
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of the third hull of Amels 80. This Amels 80, with exterior design by Espen Oeino, will be customized with a number of spectacular unique features. The owner has appointed a well-known design team for the custom interiors and all details remain confidential.The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions design to be built under the name Project Zurich and is scheduled for delivery to her new owner in 2026. "It is almost a year to the date since we introduced the Amels 80. The fact that we have seen not only positive reactions to the design since the launch but also a strong sales foothold within the first 12 months are a true testament to her modern design and trusted build pedigree. I am very much looking forward to embarking on the build journey with this experienced client," says Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive of Damen Yachting, who worked with the client throughout the sales process.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
March 31, 2023
Royal Huisman has shared the new images of the sailing yacht Sea Eagle II, which was launched in 2020. With over 45,000 nm under her keel, the 81m earned her place alongside the shipyard’s Athena in the elite club of the world’s 10 largest sailing yachts. Sea Eagle II was designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design. Her very long waterline and powerful Panamax rig ensure effortless, mile-eating performance. On her sail trials, she comfortably recorded 21.5 knots in a moderate breeze. Despite her massive sail area (2,580 sqm; 3552 sqm), all three mainsails can easily be hoisted at once – taking no more time than required for a sloop of half this size. The efficiency of this sail management system understates the technical challenges behind it, and a result of cooperation of an ‘A Team’ of Dykstra, Rondal, Carbo-Link and Doyle Sails. The inspiration behind Sea Eagle II was her visionary owner, who began to formulate his ideas while circumnavigating his first yacht, the 43m Sea Eagle I, also built by Royal Huisman (and now exploring the world again as Ravenger, under new ownership). The brief for Sea Eagle II was to create an extremely comfortable and spacious yacht with good sea keeping and exceptional amenities for both guests and crew. She had to offer outstanding passage-making performance so that the owner could take in as much of the world under sail as possible. She had to be a true sailor’s yacht – practical, powerful, safe and easily managed. Finally, she had to be functional, favoring simplicity and reliability over unnecessary frills.“Continual innovation, accumulated expertise and rigorous self-challenge have come together through our highly skilled and dedicated team to produce Athena, Sea Eagle II and, currently in-build, the world’s largest sloop, the 85 m New World Sloop aka Project 410. Other breath-taking concepts, APEX 850 and WING100, are also generating considerable interest worldwide. Each example just awaits a visionary individual who will desire the opportunity to transform a revolutionary, true sailing yacht into reality. The next Royal Huisman supersized sailing yacht would be welcomed into the ranks of the world’s top 10. She will join the existing Royal Huisman-built, thoroughbred ‘supersized sailing yachts’, and – with our continuous increase of expertise – she would be our finest yet,” says Jan Timmerman, Royal Huisman’s CEO. 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: Tim McKenna/Royal Huisman
March 31, 2023
Northrop & Johnson has announced the appointment of Rebecca Cutter as Charter Manager. Rebecca, originally from England, brings over two decades of experience in the yachting industry to her new role. Rebecca will be based out of Northrop & Johnson’s Antibes office.Rebecca CutterRebecca stumbled upon the yachting industry in 1996 while living in Antibes, France. She is now responsible for managing and promoting the booking calendars for the Northrop & Johnson European Charter Fleet. Her primary responsibilities include liaising with fleet owners, captains, and retail charter brokers to provide exceptional yachting experiences to both new and existing clients.Northrop & Johnson’s Antibes officeRebecca spent 22 years with Bluewater, learning everything she knows about the industry, and is excited to embark on a new challenge with Northrop & Johnson's European team. Credits: Northrop & Johnson
March 31, 2023
The Italian Sea Group has delivered the first Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 in Sydney, Australia. The yacht, the first one finished in Acheso Gray, with its unmistakable super sporty silhouette, reached Port Jackson, one of the most renowned attractions in the city and located in the heart of Sydney Bay.The debut of this innovative motor yacht in the Australian continent, is an important milestone for the Group, in line with its business expansion plan in the Asia Pacific, agreed upon and supported by Automobili Lamborghini. TISG's strategy continues along with the growth of the Australian market, which, according to the Guardian, will reach 8% of the global yacht market within the next three years."We are very proud of the success Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is having in the Pacific, an area that offers interesting growth opportunities for all the Group's brands, in line with our international development strategy," comments Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "The commercial success of this project and partnership with Automobili Lamborghini goes on, and the next sales will be delivered in the second half of 2024."Further deliveries of the Tecnomar For Lamborghini motor yacht are also planned in the Australian continent in 2023 and 2024.The Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar brand produces and commercializes yachts in steel and aluminum up to 50 meters. Founded in 1987 and acquired by the Italian Sea Group in 2009, Tecnomar has launched 289 yachts through the years, also thanks to the Tecnomar Evo line, which has earned a great success in the Asian market. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
March 31, 2023
In the beginning of March Lürssen technically launched the 144-meter Project Cosmos in a construction site in Rendsburg. The construction started in 2020, making the 114-meter vessel one of the largest yachts currently in development. The megayacht features exterior and interior design by Australian designer Marc Newson. She spreads across four decks and has a large aft deck, a swimming pool, an observation lounge and helipad. She will be the first Lürssen yacht to feature fuel cell technology on board. Project Cosmos is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Video by OneHouseMedia/Lürssen YouTube
March 30, 2023