Abeking & Rasmussen has delivered the superyacht LIVAo, measuring an impressive 118.2 meters in length. She became the largest ever built by the shipyard and boasts a sleek black hull.
“The delivery of this magnificent superyacht marks a defining moment for our company and I can confidently say: we have once again succeeded in building an exceptional yacht. By upholding our values of innovation, quality, and client satisfaction, we have created a yacht that sets new industry standards and delights our discerning clientele,” says Matthias Hellmann, CEO at Abeking & Rasmussen.
The design of the exterior and interior was entrusted to the experts at Joseph Dirand Architecture in Paris. It was a huge challenge for the shipyard to implement all technical necessities to be as invisible as possible in order to strictly follow the challenging aesthetic design intent.
“I wanted this boat to be timeless, elegant, pure, thine, classic, contemporary with a large amount of outdoor space to be immersive with the surround landscape. This is exactly what I see when I look at it today - the black hull is really spectacular and looks completely monolithic”, Joseph Dirand commented when he saw LIVAo emerging from the shed for the first time.
Her notable features includes a Neptune Lounge offering an unparalleled underwater view through a massive 3.40m x 1.30m underwater window, the mobile 12 x 4 meter pool on main dec, its floor capable of being elevated to the upper level and adorned with liquid marble, creating an illusion reminiscent of the sea's surface when raised, while the pool walls and surroundings are also luxuriously enveloped in marble.
Located at the base of the mast, the crow's nest guarantees an extraordinary viewing encounter, providing the owner and their family an exclusive elevated perch. Additionally, an elegantly designed expansive marble-adorned fireplace, accompanied by a spacious circular sofa on the forward sundeck, creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere ideal for unwinding and communal moments. Moreover, the yacht boasts a sky deck complete with a fully certified helipad, enhancing its versatility and connectivity.
The project presented its fair share of challenges, and the most notable was the construction of a tender garage on the lower deck fitting a 16-meter day tender. The second tender garage on the main deck forward accommodates not only three splendid boats, but also a Triton Submersible for up to seven guests and a variety of water toys, bicycles and dive equipment enhancing the yacht's recreational offerings.
Instead of traditional anchor pockets, the yacht incorporates underwater anchors on the keel. This ingenious design not only adds to the vessel's allure but also enhances its efficiency and maneuverability.
The yacht employs a sophisticated diesel-electric propulsion system. This innovative approach incorporates two 2200 kW electric propulsion motors, expertly manufactured by RAMME Electric Machines GmbH and supplied by SER Schiffselektronik Rostock GmbH. To ensure a steady supply of electrical power, the vessel is equipped with two 2240 kW Caterpillar main generators and three 599 kW Caterpillar auxiliary generators, supplied by Zeppelin Power Systems.
Four VOITH thrusters lend their power to the yacht's maneuverability. Four stabilizer fins from SKF play a pivotal role in comfortable experience for passengers and crew alike.
The German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen was established in 1907 by George Abeking and Henry Rasmussen, the company first worked with the German Imperial Navy on several vessels including submarine destroyers and mine boats. Rasmussen then started designing wooden sailing and motor yachts which led to the construction of several pleasure crafts.
Credits: Abeking & Rasmussen
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025