The 43-meter Project Triple X, designed by Vripack, has officially commenced its construction phase with the laying of the keel at Alia Yachts in Turkey. This innovative vessel showcases the full spectrum of Vripack’s design expertise and continues the studio’s distinguished legacy in crafting high-performance explorer yachts.
The American owners, seasoned yacht enthusiasts, have transitioned from their previous production boats to embark on their inaugural fully custom yacht project. Reflecting their adventurous spirit, Project Triple X marks their entry into the explorer category, denoted by the ‘X’ in the name.
“The clients aspire to explore the globe without restrictions and needed a yacht that would fulfill that vision without limitations,” explains Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack. “They requested a sleek, sporty explorer, and I believe Project Triple X embodies that ideal; it’s equipped to navigate ice, versatile in warm climates, and exceptionally comfortable at sea.”
Vripack was recommended to the clients by Rupert Connor, founder and president of Luxury Yacht Group, who recognized a strong alignment between the studio’s holistic design philosophy and the owners' ambitions. “I connected them with Vripack as the optimal design studio to realize their vision,” notes Connor. “Vripack's extensive background, especially with long-range discovery yachts, and their collaborative design approach stood out.”
Vripack’s comprehensive design strategy became evident early in the process. To maximize interior space, the team opted for a preliminary design based on a 40-meter platform before extending it to 43 meters to accommodate the owners' specifications. “Identifying design constraints is crucial,” says Hoekstra. “By starting with a shorter platform and adjusting accordingly, we ensure the best utilization of the yacht’s interior volume.”
Significant features include the owners’ requests for a spacious walk-in closet and large bathroom, which necessitated additional space beyond the original 40-meter model. Enhancements for the engine room and increased storage for toys and technical gear further justified the yacht's expansion.
A standout requirement for the owners was the capacity to carry an 8-meter beachlander tender from X-Craft. “Many yachts under 500GT need to tow chase boats due to insufficient tender space,” explains Connor. “Marnix proposed an innovative carriage solution that transforms the deck into a fabulous outdoor dining space once the tender is launched.”
Positioned on the "hip" of the main deck, the tender’s design allows for an unhindered aft deck and bow area. When in the water, the open bulwarks create a veranda, seamlessly connecting the dining area and gym with the ocean.
The owner’s apartment is thoughtfully located on the bridge deck aft, featuring a full-beam master suite, a private office—an essential detail for the owner—and an exclusive deck area. Additionally, the lower deck hosts four guest suites, ample outdoor storage, and spacious crew accommodations for up to ten.
Key exterior highlights include an elongated bow and an aft-leaning superstructure that imparts a sense of speed, even while at anchor. The sun deck is designed as a relaxation oasis, complete with a hot tub, seating area, bar, and grill.
“Our vision was to shift away from the aggressive lines typical of masculine designs and embrace a more casual explorer aesthetic, characterized by smooth, flowing lines and an element of flair,” remarks Hoekstra. “Project Triple X features elegant curves that conclude with a distinctive edge.”
After a year of meticulous design development, Project Triple X entered its construction phase in July, marked by the momentous first cut of steel.
“The design has remained largely faithful to the initial sketches, a testament to the clarity of the owners’ vision and Rupert’s effective guidance during the early phases,” shares Hoekstra.
“Communication has been key, and Marnix has expertly delivered on the clients’ expectations,” adds Connor. “While some designers may get lost in theory, Marnix excels at transforming conceptual ideas into tangible plans.”
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
Fraser has reduced the asking price for the 50-meter motor yacht Belongers to €12.9 million. The vessel was built by French shipyard Couach in 2014 as part of the limited 5000 Fly 2 series, with only two units completed.Constructed under supervision of project managers and surveyors, the yacht features exterior and interior design by Metrica. The 497 GT vessel accommodates 12 guests in a 5+1 stateroom configuration, including a main-deck master suite with dual bathrooms and walk-in closets. The layout includes two double cabins, one convertible double/twin cabin with Pullman berth, and one single cabin on the lower deck.Outdoor areas feature bridge deck alfresco dining for 12 guests and a sundeck owner's office. Performance specifications include twin MTU engines enabling a cruising speed of 15 knots and maximum speed of 24 knots. Quantum zero-speed stabilizers provide comfort both underway and at anchor.The price adjustment reflects current market conditions for large motor yachts built in the mid-2010s. Fraser continues to manage the sale of the vessel, which remains available for immediate inspection and purchase. Credits: Fraser
August 25, 2025
Mangusta Yachts has launched the sixth hull in its Oceano 44 series from its facility in Pisa. The 44-meter steel and aluminum displacement yacht is scheduled for delivery to an experienced Turkish owner in 2026.Designed for long-range cruising, the vessel offers a transoceanic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 11 knots, with a maximum speed of 15.5 knots. Stabilization is provided by zero-speed stabilizers.The yacht's exterior design by Alberto Mancini features extensive glazing and semi-transparent bulwarks to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity. Naval architecture was developed by P.L.A.N.A. Design. The interior layout was customized by Mangusta's in-house team in collaboration with the owner, emphasizing seamless flow between spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.Key features include a 104-square-meter sundeck, forward infinity pool on the upper deck, and an aft beach club with folding terraces. The launch follows recent deliveries of sisterships Eva4Eva and The Great Escape earlier this summer.Nicolò Strocco, Mangusta sales manager who supervised the sale, noted: "The Turkish market keeps growing and has been gaining strategic importance for Mangusta."The shipyard recently launched the 12th unit of its GranSport 33 series, indicating strong demand for its production models.Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
August 25, 2025
The second hull of the Wallyrocket51 racing yacht sustained damage after being knocked from its cradle during strong winds at Cantiere Rossini in Pesaro on the evening of 20 August.Images of the incident, showing the boat on its side with a broken mast, circulated online and led to speculation regarding their authenticity. Commentators questioned the extent of the damage and the setup of the cradle, with some suggesting a storm had caused the accident.Alfonso Postorino, director of Cantiere Rossini, confirmed the cause. “First of all we are glad that nobody was injured,” he said. “The boat fell down when hit by a strong wind, with gusts above 50 knots, that caused several serious damages all around the city of Pesaro.”Postorino explained that the yacht was resting on a cradle supplied by the owner and noted that high-performance sailing boats are particularly vulnerable when ashore. “These kind of high performance sailing boats are subject to this type of accident when they are ashore, due to their light weight compared to the windage surface,” he said, adding that no other yachts in the yard were damaged and the facility’s painting sheds were unaffected.Cantiere Rossini specialises in yacht refit services, including repainting, and has capacity for up to ten 50-metre yachts on hardstanding and 12 berths for yachts up to 55 metres.The Wallyrocket51 is the first pure racing yacht developed by Wally, launched in October 2024. With a length of 15.5 metres and displacement of 6.3 tonnes, it was designed with Botin Partners for competitive racing under IRC and ORC rules. The model incorporates features such as a trim tab to improve upwind lift and reduce drag.Ferretti Group completed its full acquisition of Wally in July 2025. The Wallyrocket51 was promoted as capable of outperforming TP52s and positioned as a potential benchmark in one-design racing.Technical partners for the project include APM (keel), Cariboni (hydraulic systems), Southern Spars (rigs), Future Fibre (standing rigging), Harken (deck hardware) and Gurit (composite materials).Credits: Ocean Racing
August 22, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the listing of the 31.52-meter custom-built sailing yacht Playmobil. Represented by broker Jochen Brill, the yacht is asking €2,975,000.Constructed for an experienced owner, Playmobil is described as combining performance with long-range cruising capability. According to the broker, she is designed for easy handling with a minimal crew and is suitable for private use. A condition survey carried out in July 2025 confirmed her operational condition, including upgraded systems and sails fitted in 2024.The yacht accommodates up to eight guests in four ensuite staterooms, including a full-beam owner’s suite, a VIP cabin and two guest cabins. Crew quarters consist of two separate cabins. The interior is arranged around an open-plan saloon and galley, with large windows providing natural light.On deck, the yacht features an aft lounge area and a shaded forward seating space. Her teak decks, rigging, sails and navigation systems have been upgraded or serviced within the past year. Equipment includes a Williams tender, two Yamaha SuperJet jet skis and an updated Raymarine touchscreen helm station.Playmobil is powered by twin Mercedes 311hp engines and supported by two Fischer Panda 25kW generators, a Newport watermaker and a hydraulic bow thruster. These systems were tested and verified during sea trials earlier in 2025.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 22, 2025
Antonini Navi has confirmed its participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, which will take place from 9 to 14 September. The La Spezia-based shipyard will be present at Vieux Port – Jetée Nord, Booth 163, where it will showcase updates on several ongoing projects.Visitors will be able to view photographs and videos detailing the progress of the Seamore 34 and Evo 31 yachts, both of which are under construction. The Seamore 34, sold to an experienced owner, is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026 and will be exhibited at the following year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.At the redesigned Antonini Navi stand, which now includes an outdoor area, scale models of current and future projects will be displayed. These include the Seamore 34, Lounge 43, Explorer 43, XPD 88 and the SUY 110. The latter, designed by Fulvio De Simoni, has been described as a modern interpretation of the Sport Utility Yacht, combining a sporty profile with explorer capabilities.Antonini Navi will also present details of its activities in the wider industry, including its role in the Blue Design Summit, a regional event connecting yachtbuilding, engineering and design sectors, and its past collaborations with Mercedes-Benz. Throughout the show, the Antonini Navi team will be available to provide information to clients, dealers and industry professionals.The shipyard was established in 2020 as a partnership between Gruppo Antonini SpA, an industrial company active in La Spezia since 1943, and industry veteran Aldo Manna. Antonini Navi is based in the Gulf of La Spezia, within the “Blue Mile” district that is home to several major yachtbuilders. Its facilities cover more than 33,000 square metres, with 4,200 square metres of covered space in two sheds, and four construction slots dedicated to yachts of up to 70 metres. The shipyard employs more than 200 people, including an in-house technical team with extensive shipbuilding experience, and offers services ranging from yacht construction to refits, after-sales, berthing and third-party production.Credits: Sculati & Partners SRL
August 22, 2025