One of the key stories of the past year has been the acquisition of two superyachts by the state of Equatorial Guinea. The largest of the two was the 90-meter Ice, which in itself has a fascinating story. Commissioned by an Italian billionaire and delivered to a Russian oligarch, Ice was built with environmental friendliness in mind.
Ice's story starts under a different name - Air, which is what Augusto Perfetti dubbed her when he ordered her from Lurssen in Germany. A famous Italian candy manufacturer, Perfetti is mostly known as the owner of Mentos but also Chupa Chups. Forbes currently values him and his brother at a combined $7.2 billion.
As Perfetti had the yacht under construction at the shipyard, he was approached by Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov to acquire the yacht. According to media, the oligarch made him an offer he couldn't refuse and the yacht was sold prior to her delivery. Following the yacht's completion, she was christened as Ice. Meanwhile, Perfetti ordered himself another Air yacht at Feadship.
Out of the many alluring aspects that Ice features is her friendliness to the environment. In fact, the 90 meter yacht was the first to have Azipod drive units installed instead of shafted diesels that one would typically find onboard a motor yacht. A top priority in the construction of Ice was to lower emissions as well as all possible noise and vibration.
The result was a quiet yacht that could seamlessly cruise through the oceans. The choice of azipods allowed for a more flexible layout on the inside whilst electric generators made it possible to fit the engine room on a single deck and save space. Filters were installed on Ice to made sure that the exhaust gases passed through the eight steel pipes at the yacht's highest points were first filtered and unnoticeable.
Designed by Tim Heywood both outside and inside, Project Rainbow, as it was known during her build, features a contemporary style on the interior with an unmistakable style on the exterior. Stretching across Ice's full beam, the owner's stateroom forward of the main deck is located near to two VIP cabins on the same deck.
The aft of the main deck is dedicated to being a bathing area, with guests being able to both quickly access the sea through a spacious swimming platform as well as enjoy the water in a swimming pool aft of the deck. The rapid access from the pool into the sea is ensured through two staircases on either side of the yacht.
Whereas Heywood focused on the yacht's layout, it was Terence Disdale who created the interior style of the yacht. Coupled with a vast collection of modern art, Ice's interior is created in Zen minimalism. Creative furniture and fittings are further complemented by large windows that beam natural light deep into the 90 meter yacht.
Built for efficient performance, Ice can be controlled with a single joystick that connects the full bow thrusters and azipods, according to statements issued when the yacht was launched. During sea trials, the 90 meter yacht reached a top speed of 18.6 knots with nearly 100% clean exhausts. Burning 16 to 17 tonnes of fuel in 24 hours, she cruises at an average speed of 16 to 17 knots.
Amongst Ice's main amenities are a helipad aft of the third deck, a lounging area on the sundeck, a private space on the bow area of the yacht as well as tall windows throughout the yacht creating lots of volume in its salons and suites. With an interior volume of 2,870 tons, she stretches across a total beam of nearly 15 meters.
The most recent chapter in Ice's history came in 2015 as Kerimov sold the 90-meter yacht to son of the President of Equatorial Guinea according to a report by Le Monde. The French newspaper goes on to say that following the acquisition, Ice's new owner replaced Ice's helicopter with a new Eurocopter EC135. Earlier in 2014, the same group purchased the 78m Feadship, Ebony Shine.
As it was leaving the Netherlands after a refit, Ebony Shine was however seized in March 2017 by Dutch authorities as part of a case against the yacht's beneficial owner. According to Maritime Executive, the defendants then argued that the yacht could not be seized as it was technically a governmental vessel operated through Dara Limited, an offshore holding company controlled by Equatorial Guinea.
Ebony Shine
The 25th largest yacht in the world at the time of her delivery, Ice has since slipped to the 66th position in the world rankings as larger megayachts began being build. Her drive for clear exhausts, minimized vibration and noise have, however, inspired a drive across even smaller yachts for more efficiency and lower noise pollution.
Valued at $6.3 billion by Forbes, Suleyman Kerimov currently sits as the 21st richest man in Russia with his net worth having risen five fold in less than two years. Having made his wealth investing in distressed companies, Kerimov started his investing activity in 1992. Shortly prior to the 2008 crisis, he sold nearly all of his assets in Russia including a stake in Gazprom, a large real estate development project.
With loans from VTB bank, he bought a stake in Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold mining outfit as well as in Rostelecom, a telecom company. He acquired Rybolovlev's stake in Uralkali, later reselling it to billionaires Prokhorov and Mazepin. Currently the primary owner of Polyus Gold, Kerimov represents the republic of Dagestan at the Russian Federation's council.
In 2017, Kerimov reportedly made a bid to acquire the 85-meter Solandge according to Russian media. According to their story, the offer was, however, turned down and the yacht ultimately sold to a different buyer from the Middle East. Designed by Espen Oeino, Solandge was also built by Lurssen, similarly to Ice.
Valued at $7.2 billion by Forbes, the Perfetti brothers are the owners of Perfetti Van Melle, a candy and gum manufacturing giant behind brands such as Mentos, Airheads and Chupa-Chups. Started by their father Ambrogio Perfetti together with his brother Egidio, the company was inspired by American soldiers who had brought gum from overseas. No longer involved in operations, the two brothers are considered to be the 7th richest family in Italy.
Following his sale of the 90-meter Lurssen, the Italian billionaire decided to build a yacht at Feadship in the Netherlands. This resulted in the 81-meter Air, which was delivered in 2011 and is currently available for charter from €700,000 per week.
Over the span of August to early October, Custom Line celebrated the launch of four bespoke yachts, ranging in length from 30 to 42 meters, at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard.The festivities commenced on August 1, with the launch of the 32nd hull in the Custom Line Navetta 33 displacement series, attended by the owner’s family from the AMAS region, shipyard workers, and external contractors. This 33-meter yacht, showcasing unmatched refinement and timeless design, boasts a beam of 7.52 meters. The creation of the Custom Line Navetta 33 was a collaborative effort between the Strategic Product Committee, overseeing exterior styling, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, responsible for the interior aesthetics, with contributions from the Custom Line Atelier. Tailored to reflect the unique style of its seasoned owner, the yacht features a significant focus on social spaces, furnished with expansive custom dining and coffee tables that can accommodate up to 10 guests. The interiors, characterized by an elegant simplicity, utilize a palette of softer tones – white, gray, and bronze – contrasted by darker shades such as deep brown and lava gray, all complemented by luxurious materials including Taj Mahal and Essential Grey marble, Canadian maple wood, and fine leather.On September 10, the twenty-first Custom Line Navetta 30 made its debut. This 28.43-meter yacht, designed through a partnership between the Strategic Product Department and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, features interior architecture by ACPV ARCHITECTS Alberto Citterio Patricia Viel and exterior styling by Filippo Salvetti. It emphasizes spaciousness across three decks, fostering communal and relaxing experiences. With generous glass surfaces and a sleek silhouette, the yacht emphasizes performance with improved fuel efficiency. Its interiors blend classic and modern aesthetics, marked by refined carbon accents and exclusive lacquering, while bespoke furnishings crafted from fine materials exude a sporty yet chic elegance.September 25 marked the launch of the fifth unit of the Custom Line 140’ flagship planing line. This yacht, the result of collaborative design efforts, highlights a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, drawing inspiration from residential architecture to create a refined ‘Made in Italy’ style. High-quality materials like Invisible Grey and polished Azul Cielo marbles merge harmoniously with features inspired by the natural world, such as the soft textures and colors found in the sea. The sophisticated interplay of muted and vibrant hues enriches the yacht’s aesthetic, while metallic finishes and unique fabrics elevate its contemporary elegance.Lastly, on October 10, the twenty-third unit of the Custom Line 106’ planing line was unveiled. Spanning 32.82 meters with a 7.4-meter beam, this yacht embodies a perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort, with an emphasis on natural light and fluid space transitions. Designed by the Ferretti Group Engineering Department and the Custom Line Atelier, it showcases a chic design with warm, inviting interiors highlighted by ribbed walnut panels and luxurious marbles such as Travertino bronze. Subtle color variations enhance the yacht's sophisticated atmosphere, making it a remarkable addition to Custom Line's fleet.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
November 7, 2024
Strong client demand drives the introduction of high-performance sports yachts, culminating in the launch of the Palm Beach GT70 as the new flagship of the GT series.The hallmark of a successful yacht design lies in its ability to deliver outstanding performance, irrespective of the propulsion system employed. When the foundational elements are meticulously executed, yachts can achieve optimal performance and efficiency, providing a smooth and reliable ride whether outfitted with straight shafts, pod drives, jet drives, or outboards. Palm Beach Motor Yachts exemplifies this principle with its tailored performance motor yachts, redefining what it means to own a true powerboat on the water.Beyond mere performance, Palm Beach Motor Yachts offers enhanced handling and stability – even in challenging sea conditions – supported by glowing testimonials from satisfied owners worldwide. While other vessels remain docked during inclement weather, Palm Beach owners can navigate to their destinations safely and comfortably, regardless of the conditions.At the forefront of this new era of offshore powerboats is the GT RS Series, which now proudly includes the newly launched GT70 RS, alongside the GT50 RS and GT60 RS.A boatbuilding business was launched by Mark Richards in 1995. Today, the company builds a variety of models, including their Classic Series, comprised of the 42, 45, 50, 52, 55, 65, and 70, and the sporty GT Series, which includes the GT50 and GT60. Credits: Palm Beach Motor Yachts
November 7, 2024
In a decisive move, The Italian Sea Group S.P.A. (TISG) has announced that it will be pursuing legal action against The New York Times following an article published on October 31, 2024. The company claims that the piece contained serious inaccuracies regarding the sinking of its yacht, the Bayesian, which has tarnished the reputation of the renowned Perini Navi brand, known for its excellence in luxury yachting.In its statement, TISG asserted that the article lacked technical accuracy and failed to credit qualified sources for its claims. The company emphasized that it acquired the Perini Navi brand and related assets in January 2021 and thus cannot be held accountable for events prior to that acquisition.Addressing specific claims made in the article:Sloop vs. Ketch Stability: TISG refuted allegations relating to the stability of the single-mast design, asserting that the Bayesian fully complies with stability standards set by the Maritime Coastguard Agency.Expert Opinions: The company questioned the validity of unnamed experts cited in the article, insisting that the Bayesian’s design was developed by esteemed naval architect Ron Holland, thereby ensuring a reliable design.Watertight Doors: TISG clarified that the watertight doors mentioned in the article meet regulatory requirements and can only allow water ingress under improper operation.Responsibility for Vulnerabilities: TISG stated that any alleged vulnerabilities reported were likely the result of operational errors rather than design flaws.Ballast Considerations: The company defended the design of the ballast system, asserting that it was strategically placed to balance the yacht without compromising safety.Deck Design: TISG contested claims regarding the deck design affecting buoyancy, stating that such factors are regulated and do not violate safety standards.Regulatory Compliance: The company highlighted that the Bayesian's stability booklet has received MCA approval, confirming compliance with international standards.Wind Conditions During Incident: TISG provided further technical data, asserting that anticipated heeling angles during adverse weather do not support claims of inherent design flaws.In summary, TISG declared that the Bayesian is unsinkable when operated under proper sailing conditions and expressed confidence that ongoing investigations will clarify the circumstances of the incident.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group; Yacht Harbour archive
November 7, 2024
Turkish yard Bering Yachts has released details on its new 32.2-meter explorer model, the Bering 105. The yacht is designed for extended cruising and charter operations, building on the platform introduced with the 26.6-meter Bering 88, whose first unit recently completed sea trials.The Bering 105 features the same beam of 8.2 meters as its smaller sister, with accommodation for 10 guests and seven crew. The additional six metres translate into roomier interiors and exteriors, including a spacious swim platform and beach club, along with an optional swimming pool on the main deck aft.Guest cabins are located on the lower deck alongside the crew quarters and captain’s cabin, while the master suite is positioned on the main deck towards the bow. The master suite is equipped with windows port and starboard, a desk space, and a his and hers en suite. The upper deck skylounge can be converted into a suite if preferred, with a separate lounge area and private access to the upper deck aft, which stores a 5.2-meter tender and other water toys while underway.On the main deck, there is the main saloon, a formal dining area for ten guests, and a sit-up bar. A projector and large screen convert the space into a home theatre when required, while the screen between the salon and the galley can be removed to create a semi-open kitchen concept.The beach club can be configured as a gym, sauna, or additional storage space. The flybridge features a wet bar, open galley, and sofa seating aft, shaded under the hardtop, with sunloungers forward. An additional lounge space is positioned on the bow, complete with a coffee table and twinned sofas.The model can be powered by a hybrid propulsion system for a maximum speed of 14 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles.Bering Yachts designs and builds semi-custom, steel-hulled expedition yachts and luxury trawler yachts ranging in size from 20m to 45m. Bering Yachts employ over 200 skilled craftsmen in our modern shipbuilding facility in Antalya, Turkey. Credits: Bering Yachts
November 6, 2024
Designed for off-the-beaten-track exploration, Burgess has announced its appointment as Central Agent for Hemisphere, available for sale at EUR 46,000,000.Built in 2011 by Pendennis and refitted in 2023, Hemisphere is the largest sailing catamaran in the world, measuring 44.2m in length. Designed for adventurous exploration and providing unforgettable experiences, her twin hulls offer exceptional stability, making her the perfect family charter yacht.With a beam of 16.6m, Hemisphere boasts vast deck spaces ideal for outdoor living. From the flybridge hot tub and al fresco dining areas to shaded spaces on the main deck aft and the sunbathing trampoline forward, Hemisphere offers everything you need for relaxation and entertainment.The award-winning interiors are both refined and welcoming, accommodating up to 12 guests across five luxurious cabins. Two VIP cabins are located on the main deck, each with access to a terrace lounge forward, while the remaining cabins – two doubles and one twin – are below.Hemisphere features an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, she cruises comfortably at 11 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots. She also operates in tandem with her 16.4m custom-built F&S Sport Fishing tender TT Hemisphere (also available for purchase).Hemisphere is currently located in Tahiti, French Polynesia.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
November 6, 2024