Espen Oeino was born and brought up in Norway. Completing naval architecture studies in Normandy, he further worked his way from employment with UK designer Martin Francisto to building his own renowned design company based in Monaco. Espen Oeinio is nowadays considered one of the most influential exterior designers in the yachting world, with his project REV, the largest vessel ever, currently being built in Norway. Yacht Harbour takes a look over some of his most legendary works.
#1. Ocean Victory
Length: 140 m
Builder: Fincantieri
Year: 2014
Ocean Victory was built for Russian billionaire steel magnate, Victor Rashnikov and delivered in 2014. At the time of delivery, she was the largest superyacht constructed in Italy and the 9th largest yacht in the world.
This seven-deck vessel is packed with such alluring features as 6 pools spread out over her 7 decks, an internal foldable dock hosting a 14-metre tender, a helideck with lifting platform and internal helicopter hangar and a spacious (over 300 m2) spa zone. As to accommodation capacity, she can house up to 36 guests on-board.
#2. Dilbar
Length: 156 m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2016
Currently the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage with 15,917 GT of interior volume, Dilbar has once redefined the notion of space in yachting. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's, valued by Forbes at $16 billion, third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name, after the businessman's mother.
With the yacht’s beam of 23 meters and a deep draft of 6 meters, cabling used on board stretches over 1,100 km with guests and owner's spaces totally combined to 3,800 square meters of living space. What is more, Dilbar was the largest yacht, featuring a diesel electric power plant from an engineering standpoint.
Ever since her delivery in 2016, Dilbar has been drawing great attention of press as well as social media users around the globe. Her travels throughout the Mediterranean have been essentially documented, with photos of her taken from almost every possible angle.
#3. REV
Length: 182,9m
Builder: VARD
Year: 2021
Nothing less than the largest superyacht in the world once completed, this is one of the recent ambitious projects designed by Oeinio. REV is currently taking shape at the VARD shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.
Built for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) will also be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions.
By virtue of her purpose, REV is designed for long-term operation in remote and harsh waters without external support, able to operate autonomously for up to 114 days. The ship will be equipped with laboratories and hi-tech instruments for exploration of the entire marine ecosystem, able to analyse, document and collect.
REV’s robust exterior lines and modern features ensure she is able to cruise in both arctic and tropical areas alike, with her hull built to ICE PC 6 for navigation in ice. The yacht will also deploy mini-submarines and actual submarines, drones and helicopter, while overhead cranes can lift and launch equipment weighing up to 20 T over the side.
With a beam of 22 metres, REV will also become the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage of 16,000GT, reportedly overtaking Alisher Usmanov's Dilbar by 100 GT. When in expedition, the vessel will be able to accommodate up to 90 people including the crew.
#4. DreAMBoat
Length: 90m
Builder: Oceanco
Year: 2019
According to the information from social media, DreAMBoat was built for US billionaire and owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team Arthur Blank, who is valued at $4.7 billion by Forbes. Her delivery is scheduled to summer 2019.
DreAMBoat is trademarked with generous overhangs from the superstructure and cut outs in the bulwarks lending her classic and strong appearance. The vessel’s exterior features numerous large windows offering panoramic views. Swimming pool aft at the main deck, a partially closed sundeck with Jacuzzi and plenty of seating and entertainment zones and a private Jacuzzi at the Owner’s deck
Her impressive interior volume of 2,950 GT allows accommodation for 23 guests on-board, along with up to 33 crew members.
#5. Silver Fast
Length: 77m
Builder: Silver Yachts
Year: 2015
The vessel represents one of the most advanced and eco-fuel efficient vessels built by Silver Yachts. She is one of the world's largest and fastest aluminium motor yacht with conventional propulsion in terms of length to speed ratio. Silver Fast is capable of crossing the Atlantic at approximately 22 knots cruising speed.
Silver Fast’ alluring amenities include a winter garden, helipad, outdoor cinema, Jacuzzi with capacity for 8 people, a spa area fitted with sauna, steam room, beauty salon and a gym. She can accommodate up to 18 guests in 8 cabins on-board.
#6. Solandge
Length: 85,1m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2013
The yacht that won the Monaco Yacht Show Award for Best Exterior Design in 2014. Espen Oeino has created harmonious lines and balanced proportions for the yacht, encasing a vast selection of outdoor living, dining and entertainments zones.
Solandge’ panoramic top deck plays host to a beach club area with customised dance floor, Jacuzzi and a bar while the bridge deck is ideal for relaxation and casual al fresco dining with a spacious seating area. On the bridge deck, there is also a fully-equipped health spa featuring massage room, sauna and gymnasium leading out onto a glass-edged plunge pool.
The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 7 staterooms on-board, including a panoramic master deck featuring 180 degree windows, and a private deck with spa pool.
At the moment of sale in 2017, Solandge was asking €155,000,000.
#7. Flying FOX
Length: 130m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2018
Delivered in March, 2019, Flying Fox is the world’s 14th largest yacht at the moment of writing. Nonetheless, she boasts the most elegant and graceful exterior design, maintaining striking looks despite her massive volume of 9,100 GT.
This superyacht’s key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters. Another highlight of the vessel is the large swimming pool located aft of the main deck. Flying Fox also boasts vast sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports.
#8. Kismet
Length: 95,2m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2014
This superyacht is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kismet is stretching over five decks, designed with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, thus suitable for parties of up to 270 guests. As an innovative feature, Kismet boasts video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.
A large swimming pool and Jacuzzi area, spa zone, movie theatre, an outdoor fireplace and winter garden can be found among the yacht’s luxury amenities.
The yacht’s entertainment and design characteristics have been attracting top artists and events on-board. For example, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted on-board last year, while Netflix filmed Kismet in party scene from its biggest production so far, "Six Underground".
#9. Octopus
Length: 126,2m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2003
At the time of writing, Octopus remains the largest explorer yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She belonged to Paul Allen, one of Microsoft founders, who passed away in late 2018. Allen once described his yacht: "Octopus is less a Bentley than a Range Rover".
As part of this, the yacht is fitted with two submarines, one of which can dive for up to 8 hours with 10 people on it; the second submarine can be remotely controlled. Octopus is capable of accommodating 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Other amenities found on-board include a second helipad, a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s first-class celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
The 91m Lady Lara listed for sale for the first time by Max Bulley of Y.CO. She was built by Lurssen in 2015, features interior and exterior that was made by Reymond Langton Design. Lady Lara stands out among yachts of her size with an extended range, a convenient touch-and-go helipad, and impeccable maintenance and upgrades since her launch, making her ready for immediate cruising.This vessel offers an array of amenities, catering to diverse guest preferences. Guests can relax in the dedicated spa area, work out in the gym, socialize by the teppanyaki grill on the sun deck, or enjoy a cozy night in the onboard cinema. For those seeking aquatic refreshment, there are two large pools. The main deck pool is perfect for daytime cooling and transforms into a dancefloor at night, accompanied by a bespoke music system.The sun deck boasts another pool with a swim-up bar, a teppanyaki grill, and ample space for lounging and sunbathing. An expansive beach club, complete with a sauna and steam room, offers on-the-water relaxation.On the bridge deck, a wellness area focuses on pampering, with a beauty salon, spa-treatment room, massage room, gym, and hammam.The owner’s deck features seamless indoor/outdoor dining with a glass enclosure that becomes part of the interior space. A large private terrace is accessible from the owner's suite, featuring a hot tub and a touch-and-go helipad for extended exploration.The interior is bright and spacious, filled with natural light from large windows. Multiple areas accommodate socializing or private relaxation, ensuring options for everyone. The owner’s deck includes a lounge with a bar, in addition to the owner’s private apartment. On the main deck, a large salon with a grand piano, a formal dining table, and a spacious lounge area await.A spacious glass elevator connects the guest decks up to the bridge deck for ease of access. Six remaining cabins on the main deck, two with fold-out balconies, offer ensuite accommodations. An additional ensuite guest cabin is located on the lower deck.Lady Lara is in turnkey condition, having undergone a €15 million refit in 2022/23, including a full paint job, IT and security system upgrades, new carpets, interior updates, tender refit, maintenance, tank coating replacement, and navigation system upgrade. This comprehensive investment ensures Lady Lara is ready for immediate voyages, setting her apart from yachts of similar size.The yacht’s asking price is EUR230,000,000 and will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show.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: Yacht Harbour archive; Y.CO
September 22, 2023
Dynamiq has unveiled the Global 550, a contemporary explorer yacht that seamlessly blends adventure with refined luxury. The Global 550's exterior design is credited to Monaco-based studio Dobroserdov Design, while Vripack Design, Dynamiq's long-term partner contributed to the design as well.It sets a new benchmark for efficiency, featuring a robust yet lightweight all-aluminum hull powered by two highly efficient 625 kW Volvo Penta heavy-duty engines. This powerhouse allows for an extended transatlantic range, surpassing 5,000 nautical miles on a single tank, making her a true explorer with remarkable autonomy. The yacht boasts immense freshwater tanks totaling 21,000 liters and ample storage spaces throughout.With four stabilizer fins, double the industry norm, and a Hull Vane, it offers exceptional pitch and roll minimization, ensuring a smooth cruising experience in all sea conditions. Furthermore, the yacht prioritizes environmental sustainability with smaller IMO Tier III engines, a battery system, and advanced exhaust gas filtration and water treatment solutions.One standout feature is the focus on nature observation, featuring panoramic lounges on each deck, including a crow's nest, underwater drones, and a telescope. The yacht also boasts a fully certified helipad, a lavish spa area with hammam and sauna, and a spacious owner's office that doubles as an observation lounge, all within the 500 GT limit.Notably, this project introduces Zrobim architects, renowned for their residential designs, to the world of superyacht interiors. They have adopted the concept of "quiet luxury," reflecting the shift towards eco-conscious and sustainable living. The interior design embraces "natural minimalism," incorporating elements like American oak, wenge, and dark Shimo ash to create a warm, tactile, and inviting atmosphere, especially important for long journeys in cold waters.The interior design draws inspiration from glaciers and remote mountain ranges, evident in details like illuminated Golden Queen onyx wash basins that resemble submerged glaciers. Various textured stones, including Arabescato Orobico Grigio and Spider green marbles, enhance the aesthetic.The interior's individuality is defined by art objects crafted from aged wood and textured wooden panels, serving both aesthetic and zoning functions. The full-height windows and expansive outdoor terraces seamlessly blend the interior and exterior, creating a modern and technologically advanced vessel for sea travel.Construction time for the Global 550 is 30 months from contract signing, and it's listed at EUR27,900,000, a price valid until the end of 2023. The world premiere of this project will take place at Dynamiq's stand during the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch, 39m Spring (ex-Jetsetter), at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show to wide acclaim. The following project, the GTT 115 M/Y Jaaber, was developed in conjunction with the renowned Studio F.A. Porsche design firm and successfully unveiled at the 2017 MYS. The latest addition to the Dynamiq fleet is the GTM 90 Beach Club and new Global series of long-range explorer yachts.Credits: Dynamiq
September 22, 2023
The 45m Gran Turismo is the latest project by ISA Yachts made for a client, who was introduced by Peter Redford and Eugenio Cannarsa of Fraser Yachts Australia. The naval engineering of UV II was handled by Palumbo Superyachts; Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design designed the exterior lines, and Luca Dini Design & Architecture penned the interior design.The interior spaces are defined by expansive windows on every deck and a harmonious color palette featuring gold, sand, and turquoise hues. Natural oak floors with an irregular pattern impart an airy feel to each area. Light oak wood slats set against bands of black lacquered wood embellish the walls and ceilings, adding richness to the interiors while maintaining a harmonious balance.Below deck, four VIP cabins await, including two with convertible twin beds and two with double beds, each with a private bathroom. The beach club at the stern is lavishly equipped with chaise lounges, armchairs, and a bathroom. Forward lies the crew area, accommodating up to eight individuals in four cabins, each with a private bathroom, along with a comfortable dining area and an adjacent laundry.The capacious full-beam owner's cabin is positioned at the forward end of the main deck. It features an entrance hall with a sofa and TV, a bathroom with double sinks, and a walk-in wardrobe. Notably, this area boasts direct access to the forward outdoor lounge via a private staircase.The UV II’s main saloon showcases a generously sized L-shaped sofa paired with two armchairs featuring golden aluminum structures and a coffee table. Two backlit metal sides adorned with a geometric motif lend a pop touch to the room. The expansive external cockpit on the main deck offers semicircular structural sofas with side tables, creating a youthful and vibrant ambiance in shades of gray complemented by emerald and acid green. The large swimming pool is adorned with silver-colored mosaic tiles.Moving to the forward upper deck, you'll find the helm station and the Captain's cabin. Amidships, a circular dining area with 180°-opening circular windows extends to the cockpit. The latter is furnished with structural sofas, armchairs, two coffee tables, and several poufs.The fly deck serves as a secondary, more casual dining area, complete with a bar, a round table extendable to seat up to 10 people, and a sundeck.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the UV II is powered by 2 CAT C32 ACERT engines, each delivering 1300 hp for a top speed of 15.4 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. A 5-meter tender is stored in the starboard garage on the lower deck, which opens laterally. At the bow, there's a rescue boat, and in the hangar, two jet skis are easily launched with the hydraulic crane.ISA Yachts is part of Palumbo Superyachts network, which also includes: Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Extra Yachts. Currently in build are two 80-meter yachts which will serve as the new flagships models for ISA Yachts.Credits: ISA Yachts
September 22, 2023
Benetti presents the world premiere of two models of B.Now 50M, the family of steel mega yachts whose innovative and versatile DNA has been engineered for long cruises with an at-home feel: FantaSea and Alunya, the latter fitted with the revolutionary Oasis Deck® at the Monaco Yacht Show, from September 27 to 30, 2023. FantaseaM/Y Fantasea (B.Now 50m) beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its expansive 36 sq.m beach club, a main deck pool at the stern, and a forward sun deck hot tub. A notable addition, unlike its predecessors, is a luxurious steam room in the beach area for ultimate relaxation. All outdoor furnishings are custom-made to the owner's exact preferences, and the yacht's sizable glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor ambiance. Inside, the modern interiors, curated by Benetti's Interior Style Department, boast high-quality ceramic finishes. AlunyaAnother attention-grabber from Benetti at the Monaco Show is Alunya. This 50-meter yacht is the second in the B.Now family to showcase the Oasis Deck™, a groundbreaking solution that reimagines the conventional stern swim platform. It features hydraulically operated terraces that extend across the entire width of the deck, creating an expansive 110 sq. m beach club. The Oasis Deck™ provides an uninterrupted 270° view aft and includes a glass-walled infinity pool and multiple social areas.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. They design, build and sell composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. Their fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom, to meet all the needs of the market, and they belong to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
September 21, 2023
As the shipyard prepares for its 70th birthday, unit #3 of the Otam 70HT made its international debut at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival. The yacht was designed by Giuseppe Bagnardi of BG Design Firm with hull lines by Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design. On special request of the owner, Otam was able to further improve fuel efficiency at speeds in excess of 40 knots, thanks also to the lightweight yet rigid construction in Aramat, Kevlar and carbon fiber.Although the yacht shares some characteristics with its series counterparts, such as the absence of a tender garage and side-access to the aft cockpit, there are notable distinctions. The owner prioritized a spacious rigid sliding rooftop to maximize natural ventilation when at anchor or in motion. Furthermore, marble countertops were crafted from a single block of stone to maintain consistent veining throughout the yacht.The lower deck features three cabins, a galley, and crew quarters with separate access from the foredeck. On the main deck, a dinette and a secondary galley are situated.“Like every Otam, the Otam 70 HT is designed to exceed the expectations of our demanding owners,” says Matteo Belardinelli, Otam’s sales & communication manager. “Without exception they are looking for something unique and exclusive and that means we’re always pushing our own boundaries. This latest delivery is yet another example of our mission to build extraordinary, high-performance yachts that are tailored to every client’s personal requirements.”The shipyard’ history started in 1954 in Liguria. Its professionalism is what made it stand out, very quickly becoming the first authorized Riva yacht Service Center for the Med Sea. In the 80’s Otam fit around 25 yachts for an American builder before starting his own production of Otam 45’ and 55’, earning significant attention. Today Otam has produced around 90 yachts, becoming an Italian specialist, and, together with its custom range, offers a limitless choice between 45’ and 130’.Credits: сourtesy Alberto Cocchi & Alessandro Guerrieri/Otam
September 21, 2023