Arcadia Yachts continues to look ahead and has decided to confirm their entry into the world of steel hulled vessels with their new FOR.TH gamma, where FOR.TH stands for Forward Thinking. This project closely follows the yard’s philosophy, and together with Hot Lab Studio, the collaboration that produced the successful A100+ continues.
The first model of the Gamma FOR.TH will be 47 meters long, with a maximum beam of 9 meters. Contact with the surrounding environment will be assured by the use of large glass surfaces and open transoms on both the main and upper decks. Arcadia Yachts’ typical linear design is contrasted by an almost completely glass prism, of clear architectural inspiration, providing the interiors with a great amount of natural illumination. This conceptually extreme contrast is emphasized by the sharp modeling of the superstructure, whose fragmented elements create an appearance of distance, just like glass prisms. A light frame, in chromatic contrast with the rest, ideally reunites the shapes in a play of solids and voids that permits daylight to inundate the interiors.
Usable space is concentrated just a bit forward of amidships to allow for ample sunlit and shaded areas on the after decks, but the play of solids and voids, that literally fragment the lines of the yacht, suggests of an upward movement towards the stern, restoring dynamism to the whole.
All exterior design solutions reflect the maximum in conviviality. Design philosophy for the proposed interiors is based on a refined and contemporary open floor plan, clearly citing modern real-estate design. Spacious salons closely interact with the open air, doubling our perception; the proposed layout links interior to exterior in a relationship without barriers. All this on a yacht with a displacement of just under 500 gt.
The 78 sqm. sundeck is surrounded by a discreet, low level structure that provides a base for the slender hardtop struts. The bodywork is painted completely black and merges with the glass prisms that delineate the bridge windscreen. The solar panels are lodged inside the prisms, a traditional Arcadia design distinction. Here the Italian yard proposes the possibility of a transparent jacuzzi surrounded by a spacious “C” shaped sunbathing area located on the forward half of the deck, with two linear settees and a central table tastefully set on the after part of the deck. The bar zone is found in the central part of the deck, facing aft to serve guests on barstools next to the pool.
There is another bar on the upper deck, shielded by a laminated structure that lets the sun filter through when desired. One of the many solutions for the upper deck that the yard has also developed includes two facing “L” shaped settees. This configuration creates the quintessential convivial area, covering an incredible 43 sqm. The convertible sky-lounge is another distinguishing feature of the Arcadia style; the full-height side windows slide forward until they completely disappear from sight, while the settees are placed to allow every seated guest to feel the sea breeze. Light inundates the area vertically from several skylights.
Of great interest is the proposal for a separate dining area, similar to the typical layout found on yachts over 70 meters long, connected to the kitchens below by means of a pantry that assures precise and discrete attendance by the crew, without disturbing the guests in any way. Taken all together, 68 sqm. of space is dedicated to the guests on this deck. The upper deck is completed by the Captain’s private quarters, with direct access to the wheelhouse.
The layout proposal for the main deck’s aft area (totaling 90 sqm.) also ensures the maximum in use of space. First, the dining table for eight, sheltered and shaded by the structure of the overhead deck. Then, after a large ”C” shaped settee, a spacious sun bathing area with removable backrests, providing further seating for guests, with a beach club/gym located below, separated from the stern by a large glass door aligned with the swimming platform. This solution lets a large amount of light through and eliminates any barrier to the view of the sea.
Also featured on the left and right of the 53 sqm. main interior salon are full-height glass doors that open onto the side decks, while access to the owner’s suite is through the owner’s office. This not only increases privacy but also assures considerable acoustic insulation. The suite offers 51 sqm. completely dedicated to the owner, and also features a private lateral terrace.
On the lower deck, guests have two 29 sqm. VIP cabins at their disposition, with private bathrooms and studios. The guest area is completed by two 16 sqm. twin-berth cabins with private bathrooms. An excellent feature is direct access to the crew area, permitting the crew to service the guest area without having to use the guest stairs.
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025