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.
The Italian Sea Group concluded the first edition of its Vision Brokers Day event with significant success, attracting sixty of the world's most influential yachting brokers from various regions.Held over two days at the company's headquarters in Marina di Carrara, the exclusive event provided participants with a deep dive into The Italian Sea Group's productive reality, showcasing its distinct product range, commercial strategies, and core competencies. The workshop highlighted the pivotal role of the Research & Development office, emphasizing innovation and customization as cornerstones of the organization's vision.Moreover, the event spotlighted The Italian Sea Group's unprecedented industrial challenge, managing simultaneous construction of mega and gigayachts, possibly unprecedented in the history of yachting. To manage this complexity efficiently, the company implemented an innovative Industrial Process & Planning approach, leveraging advanced methodologies and software from high-engineering sectors like automotive. This approach orchestrates the entire production cycle structurally and synchronously, optimizing each phase of construction.Participants had the rare opportunity to tour the shipyard, including departments for 3D design, carpentry, and furnishing, a unique feature in Italy. This integration of design and production reduces errors and optimizes the customization process.Visits to internal business units, such as the Steel Mill and Upholstery Department, highlighted the Group's capability to perform a significant portion of its fabrication internally rather than relying heavily on external suppliers. This model ensures direct quality control and continuous improvement in cost and process management.Combining internal fabrication with exclusive use of 3D design empowers The Italian Sea Group to preserve and enhance its extraordinary know-how."Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of this first Vision Brokers Day event," stating, "This initiative strengthened our relationships with international brokers, creating new partnership opportunities and reinforcing our global presence. The high attendance and interest shown by participants confirm the value of our vision and capabilities."Through this event, The Italian Sea Group reaffirmed its commitment to continual evolution, refining processes, skills, and solutions to meet the highest industry expectations and solidify its leadership in the international luxury yachting market.Credits: The Italian Sea Group
March 11, 2025
The third 27.4-meter motor yacht from the Arksen 85 explorer series has been listed for sale by Sam Tucker of Moravia Yachting, with delivery expected in 2026. The vessel will be available for purchase 18 months after signing the contract.Building on the success of the first two yachts in the series, Mamaluna (delivered in 2023) and the second Arksen 85 (scheduled for delivery this year), the third hull is being constructed in aluminium to a design by Humphreys Yacht Design, with interiors by Design Unlimited. Production is taking place at the UK-based Wight Shipyard, owned by Ocea.The Arksen 85 accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins or six guests in three cabins, including a full-beam master suite. All cabins are located on the lower deck, with the option for additional berths. The yacht can operate with minimal crew, with quarters available for two or four crew depending on requirements.Functionality and sustainability are central to the Arksen 85's design, reflected in its versatile interiors and carefully selected materials. Worktops in the galley are made from recycled plastics, and upholstery uses waste fashion fibers or recovered ocean plastics. However, the interior design is highly customizable to meet client preferences.On the main deck, the Arksen 85 features an open-plan lounge and galley with direct deck access, a lobby, and a dayhead, with stairs leading to the bridge deck. Here, guests will find a second saloon and a study area. Outside, the yacht offers an al fresco dining setup, an aft deck lounge, and additional bench seating forward of the bridge. The Arksen 85 is highly customizable, with options for accessories such as cranes, stabilization booms, and storage for a large tender and water toys.The yacht's aft deck is reinforced to handle weights of up to 4,000 kg, making it suitable for vehicles or submersibles. Brokers emphasize that each Arksen vessel is designed for global exploration, offering confidence, comfort, independence, and efficiency characteristic of modern long-range cruising yachts. The Arksen 85 can reach top speeds of 14 knots and cruising speeds of 12 knots, with an exploratory range of 7,000 nautical miles.Credit: Arksen
March 11, 2025
Damen Yachting has successfully launched the third vessel in its acclaimed Yacht Support 53 series at its state-of-the-art facility in Antalya. This significant achievement marks a new chapter in the company’s history of delivering high-performance support yachts, combining Dutch engineering excellence with innovative design.The newly launched YS5303 is set for delivery in summer 2025 following its final build stage, outfitting, and sea trials. Joining the series are two previous successful models: Bad Сompany Support 175, designed for deep-sea fishing and scientific missions, and Five Oceans, built for exploration and conservation efforts.Pim Oostra, Project Manager for YS 5303, emphasized the milestone: “Today’s launch signifies the maturation of our Yacht Support design into a full-fledged series. We are excited to progress through the final build stages towards completion this summer.”The Yacht Support range represents the pinnacle of offshore support vessels, renowned for their reliability, sailing characteristics, and unparalleled functionality. With over 20 purpose-built support yachts delivered, Damen Yachting continues to set industry standards.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 11, 2025
Ocean Independence introduced the 41.8-meter Vikingfjord, the most environmentally sustainable explorer ship in the polar regions, available for charter. Formerly a Norwegian maritime vessel, VIKINGFJORD has been transformed into a luxurious exploration ship specifically designed for polar expeditions, minimizing its ecological footprint through features such as an ice-strengthened hull and a biodiesel-capable engine.The vessel accommodates up to 12 guests in seven cabins, including five doubles that can be converted to twins and two singles, all thoughtfully appointed with ensuite bathrooms and large windows to maximize natural light and create a spacious, inviting atmosphere. Designed with Scandinavian inspiration, the interiors reflect a sense of openness and tranquility, updated in 2023.A highlight of the Vikingfjord is its dedicated observation lounge, offering panoramic views of the polar landscape and serving as an educational hub for guests. Expert-led presentations provide insights into the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the region, enriching the overall experience. Post-exploration, guests can relax in the hot tub under the midnight sun, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic.Vikingfjord allows guests to actively engage with the Arctic ecosystem, offering prime opportunities to observe wildlife such as whales, orcas, and polar bears. Equipped with two zodiacs, the ship enhances accessibility to remote areas, enabling thrilling explorations guided by experienced expedition leaders. Charter guests can also customize their itineraries according to their interests, discovering the untamed beauty of destinations like Svalbard and Greenland.With its sustainable design and commitment to preserving the pristine polar environment, Vikingfjord invites travelers to embrace a luxurious yet minimal-impact adventure in the Arctic.Credits: Ocean Independence
March 10, 2025
Turkish yard Alia Yachts has announced the sale of a custom-built 65-meter superyacht, currently under construction at its Antalya site. Provisionally designated as hull ALY651, the steel and aluminum project is destined to become the company's flagship upon delivery.The project marks a continuation of Alia Yachts' collaboration with Dutch studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, known for their work on the 45-meter San. For naval architecture, the project relies on Netherlands-based Diana Yacht Design, which promises to incorporate the capacities and amenities typical of an 80-meter yacht, including five cabins – featuring an owner's suite with a private lounge – and a hydraulic swimming pool that can be raised to create a large, open entertainment area on the main deck aft.Additional amenities include a hot tub on the sundeck and another, larger one on the foredeck reserved for the owner's exclusive use.Gökhan Çelik, President of Alia Yachts, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the shared passion for yachting and the expertise gained over decades. He expects the project to showcase the company's ability to integrate innovative design and modern technology with high-quality materials and finishing.Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 m2, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.Credits: Alia Yachts
March 10, 2025