The iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon has been revitalized through an extensive refit. This 88-meter superyacht, commissioned by Tom Perkins and built in 2006 by renowned Perini Navi, with naval architecture by Gerard Dijkstra and interior design by Ken Freivokh, has undergone an impressive transformation at Lusben Shipyard. The meticulous refit, involving over 80 dedicated professionals collaborating seamlessly with the yacht's crew, spanned more than six months.
“It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock. We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings. It was an honor for all of us to be able to carry out this modernisation work on such an iconic boat, one that has made international yachting history,” said Gianni Paladino, Lusben Commercial Director.
Lusben successfully transformed the owner's vision into reality by orchestrating a range of aesthetic and functional enhancements. One of the most challenging tasks was the meticulous repainting of the entire hull, restoring the distinctive 'Perini Blue' color to its former glory.
Following the hull's transformation, Lusben's expert teams meticulously carried out maintenance work on the yacht's intricate onboard systems, including generators, main engines, and propellers. Notably, the mast handling system received careful attention and a delicate overhaul.
Embracing the growing significance of sustainability in the boating industry, Lusben prioritized eco-conscious upgrades during the refit process. The generators were replaced with superior-class units that boast enhanced efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, the main engine mufflers were exchanged, resulting in considerable environmental benefits and reduced noise levels for the comfort of guests. The propellers were inspected, with the shafts, blades, and bearings disassembled and serviced to optimize fuel efficiency for years to come, reflecting the collaborative efforts between Lusben, the captain, and the crew.
The most vital and delicate system of the Maltese Falcon, its sail rig, underwent extensive work to ensure optimal performance. Developed by UK-based Insensys, the pioneering Dynarig system features three rotating carbon fiber masts capable of deploying an impressive 2,396 sqm of sail. This remarkable rig allows the yacht to reach top speeds of 25 knots with a displacement of 1,240 tonnes.
During the refit, the teak deck was replaced, and the interiors were refurbished, with a particular focus on the cabins and bathrooms to enhance comfort and provide a more welcoming night area. The galley was also fully appointed to meet the highest standards. Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, resulting in substantial energy savings. Routine maintenance, including hull cleaning and valve overhauls, was also diligently executed as part of the commission.
The yacht now returns to its captain and crew as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability in the yachting industry.
“It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone, because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team. The Maltese Falcon can now return to the sea in all her splendor, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences,” said Pierfrancesco Cafaro, captain of Maltese Falcon.
Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector.
Credits: Lusben
The highly anticipated wallyrocket51, Wally's inaugural pure racing sailing model, has officially launched, setting a new benchmark in sailing innovation while preserving the brand's signature style and performance.Intended to be the fastest owner-driver monotype globally, the wallyrocket51 is also engineered to excel in IRC and ORC competitions, with meticulous optimization in every aspect of its design.Wally's sailing yachts have long been symbols of style and innovation, consistently redefining performance standards in the industry. The introduction of the wallyrocket51 showcases the brand's dedication to blending knowledge, creativity, precision, and passion into a groundbreaking new design.Measuring 15.5 meters in length, the wallyrocket51 boasts an impressive lightweight displacement of just 6.3 tonnes paired with a finely-tuned hull. This innovative creation was brought to life in partnership with Botin Partners, renowned for their expertise in the America's Cup and success in both 50' and 100' classes. Notably, the boat's design incorporates a trim tab that enhances upwind lift and minimizes drag, resulting in a favorable rating advantage.The wallyrocket51 excels not only in speed but also in versatility and ease of maneuverability, even with a reduced crew of just 11. Its stern water ballast further bolsters the hull's stability and strength, while the deck’s ergonomic design facilitates efficient maneuvering with a smaller crew. With a sail plan that offers 167 square meters of upwind surface and 363 square meters when sailing downwind, combined with advanced materials like pre-preg carbon, Nomex, and Corecell, the boat is positioned to be highly competitive and technologically sophisticated.In summary, the wallyrocket51 embodies a perfect fusion of enjoyment, style, and top-tier performance, heralding a revolutionary design that signifies a new era in the racing sailing world.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.Credit: Ferretti Group
October 14, 2024
Damen Yachting has announced the successful delivery of the newest Amels 60, aptly named 21.12. This stunning 60-meter vessel has officially been handed over to her owner and has now set sail from the Damen Yachting yard in Vlissingen, poised for her maiden voyage to Dartmouth, UK.Project Manager Paul Deurloo expressed the team's pride in the achievement, stating, “It is always a significant moment to witness a project reach completion. We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and I have no doubt that the striking hue of 21.12 will draw attention wherever she travels.”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
October 14, 2024
Ares Yachts, a division of the esteemed Ares Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey, has unveiled details of its exciting new 54-meter explorer superyacht concept, Atlas. Built to stay just below the 500-GT threshold, Atlas reimagines fundamental features to enhance the experience for owners and guests. This design embodies a true go-anywhere spirit while offering luxurious guest areas and advanced options for hybrid propulsion and other eco-friendly solutions. The sleek lines of Atlas are derived from the creative minds at Italian design studio Hot Lab, which is part of the Viken Group. The efficient naval architecture is the result of expertise from Van Oossanen Naval Architects based in the Netherlands. "The unique characteristics of Atlas ensure an impressive blend of aesthetics and practicality for both owners and guests," shares Piraye Şahin kaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “With remarkable long-range capabilities and a seaworthy design, she promises extraordinary adventures.”Antonio Romano, Business Director and co-founder of Hot Lab, notes, “We believe that every project should include a touch of innovation, which we refer to as 'incremental innovation.' Our goal with Atlas was to identify what was lacking in explorer yachts around 50 meters.”Central to this vision was a focus on enhancing the owner's private space – providing perhaps the finest views imaginable for a yacht of its size while facilitating innovative interaction with the sea.“One of our key ideas was to incorporate a mezzanine structure at the bow, granting the owner a cabin with uninterrupted views of the horizon,” explains Enrico Lumini, Design Director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “Simultaneously, we designed what we call the ‘welcome lounge’ at the stern – a space that typically serves secondary functions as a beach club, but on Atlas, it takes center stage as a primary lounge and welcoming area for enjoying time with family and friends.”This distinctive stern design is seamlessly integrated into Atlas’s bold yet elegant profile. With sharp, angular lines that highlight both style and functionality, ATLAS is equipped to handle challenging conditions, reinforced by a high, robust bow. Each deck features generous outdoor spaces, including a stern platform ideal for swimming or launching tenders, alongside spacious upper decks for relaxation and outdoor activities.Atlas boasts a full-beam owner's suite complete with a private foredeck and spa pool, along with four guest suites that allow direct access to the beach club, thanks to the forward placement of the engine room. Five crew cabins ensure that nine crew members provide the highest level of service for guests aboard.While the interior design will be tailored to individual client preferences, the team envisions a modern, minimalist aesthetic characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces. The use of neutral tones and high-quality materials will create a sophisticated and timeless ambiance, complemented by light wood flooring in a plank pattern for added warmth. Large panoramic windows will serve as a focal point, offering breathtaking views and flooding the interior with natural light to foster a bright, open atmosphere.At the core of this stunning design is a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. This hull type has become the industry standard for efficiency across all speed ranges. Atlas is designed to achieve a top speed of 17 knots, with a cruising speed of 11 knots and an impressive range nearing 5,000 nautical miles. It also includes ample storage for tenders, toys, and equipment to maximize the exploration experience, along with an optional touch-and-go helipad and potential hybrid propulsion features, including solar panels for reduced emissions.“This is a high-performance 54-meter yacht designed to optimize efficiency, speed, and range while minimizing environmental impact,” states Perry van Oossanen, CEO of Van Oossanen Naval Architects. “By placing the engine room forward, we provide guests with a grand entrance while reducing overall volume in the aft area, which in turn minimizes hydrodynamic resistance at cruising speeds and enhances range, making it ideal for long-distance adventures.”For Ares Yachts, Atlas signifies an exciting new chapter in their yacht collection, joining the composite 50.55m Spitfire model and their bespoke offerings for unique projects.“Our vision was to create a range of expedition yachts, and Hot Lab has delivered a stunning explorer superyacht that remains under 500 GT while capturing the Ares Shipyard’s commercial heritage within its design,” expresses Şahinkaya Orhun. “This project truly reflects our heritage and showcases the skills of our talented shipyard team in steel and aluminum construction, with an anticipated two-year build time. We are extremely optimistic about Atlas – this project excites us, and we are eager to bring it to life!”Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
October 14, 2024
At the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the impressive 51-meter Feadship Double Haven will make its debut as the inaugural yacht under the newly established Feadship Resale division. This marks a significant milestone for both the storied vessel and this innovative resale service.Originally launched in 1993, Double Haven has been meticulously maintained and underwent a comprehensive refit in 2024, successfully completing its Lloyd’s class certification after three decades. The yacht features a spacious interior, maximized by full-beam design. Its distinctive aft deck ingeniously converts the tender bay into a water sports activity center, providing seamless access to the aft lounge on the main deck. Notably, the upper level boasts a luxurious, self-contained apartment complete with a balcony, bathroom, and private lounge, designed for the original owners who spent extended periods onboard. With a substantial fuel capacity of 120,000 liters – 30 percent more than is typical for yachts of its size – Double Haven is equipped for oceanic voyages of up to six months and is also set up for helicopter operations.Feadship Resale aims to enhance the brokerage community rather than replace it, providing in-depth insights and technical expertise about each Feadship yacht. By teaming up with prominent brokerage firms, Feadship guarantees clients receive maximum exposure and the best possible guidance. “Our mission is to ensure that the ownership experience remains rewarding for future generations, and Feadship Resale is a significant step toward preserving the value and heritage of each yacht,” states Arjen van Elk, Manager of Feadship Resale.The current Feadship Resale portfolio includes notable yachts such as Savannah (83.5m), Somnium (55m), Wedge Too (65m), and Monaco (37.95m), with some listings in collaboration with major brokerage firms.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
October 11, 2024
The 37.8-meter Moonen's yacht Lumière, which was delivered in June 2024, has made her debut in Sardinia during her inaugural summer in the Mediterranean. Captured in a picturesque anchorage by renowned yacht photographer Charl van Rooy, Lumière is seen glowing in a golden haze under the warm Italian sun. The yacht's Australian owners are enjoying their first season aboard this magnificent vessel.The owners expressed their appreciation, stating, “We commend Moonen and the extended team for delivering what I can only describe as an exceptional vessel. After her delivery to Mallorca from the Netherlands, we spent four weeks cruising with family and friends. Without fail, everyone who stepped onboard was amazed by the quality of finishes and the level of comfort. It exceeded all expectations. It was fantastic to see four Moonen Martinique yachts docked in Port Adriano – they truly are the finest yachts there.”Lumière is the fifth yacht inspired by Moonen’s esteemed Martinique design, known for its fast-displacement long-range capabilities, harmonious indoor-outdoor living, and unparalleled customization options. The owners were actively involved throughout the two-year construction process, requesting features like an extended sun deck with a large hot tub, a custom swim platform, and a uniquely designed interior in collaboration with Studio Indigo.The Captain remarked, “It's very comforting to know you are on a Moonen, where safety in quality makes the difference,” adding that the Moonen Martinique is “simply the best in her size range.”Constructed with a high-tensile steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, Lumière boasts a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. With a spacious interior volume of 345 gross tons, she accommodates up to 12 guests in five cabins and can carry a crew of seven.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
October 11, 2024