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.
Finland’s boating sector is showing signs of recovery after the decline that followed the pandemic, with registrations and used boat sales both increasing over the past year. As of July 2025, the national watercraft register listed 246,000 boats, an increase of 2,928 compared with the previous year. Of these, 214,000 were motorboats.According to the Finnish Marine Industries Federation (Finnboat), growth has been driven largely by the sale of previously unsold stock vessels, which do not appear in first registration statistics. “According to first registrations, the boating sector would appear to be at its lowest point this year. However, the sale of unsold stock boats has significantly boosted the total fleet size. These boats are not visible in the first registration statistics,” said Finnboat CEO Jarkko Pajusalo.Outboard-powered boats have led the growth, rising by more than 2,200 units. While first registrations of motorboats fell by 17 per cent, the total number of motorboats in the register rose by the same proportion. Pajusalo attributed this to the statistical definition of “new” boats as those built in the current or two previous years. He noted that the anomaly created by pandemic-era unsold boats is expected to resolve itself.The Helsinki In-Water Boat Show Uiva Flytande, held in Lauttasaari, Helsinki, drew nearly 11,000 visitors. Exhibitors reported cautious optimism among buyers, with strong interest in larger cruising yachts. Nine such yachts were on display, from builders including Lagoon, Hanse, Dehler, X-Yachts and Beneteau.Samuli Leisti of Ajola Yachts and Hansail said that 2025 is shaping up to be the strongest year in 15 years for his company, with several deals in progress and one new order signed. His brokerage firm Blue Ocean sold 80 used boats by August, exceeding last year’s total of 67. Antti Saarisalo, CEO of Ajola Yachts, also noted strong interest in sailing yachts, with onboard visits matching those of the larger Helsinki International Boat Show held in February.Manufacturers reported positive developments as well. Linex-Boat, builder of Nord Star yachts, highlighted international interest, with visitors from Estonia viewing the Nord Star 42+. Quarken Boats reported new export market openings and strong domestic activity, securing deals, arranging sea trials and issuing numerous offers during the event.Buster remained the leading brand in new motorboat registrations. According to Mercury Marine EMEA CEO Jussi Sepponen, the Finnish market is beginning to recover in line with European trends. “The marine industry often emerges from recessions later than other sectors. Now, however, it feels like we might even help pull the economy upward,” he said.The show also featured small-scale exhibitors, including sailmaker EfxSails, which presented sailmaking services and recycled sail products. “Sailmaking is a design profession, and part of the designer’s role is to understand the sailor’s true needs,” said EfxSails’s Matti Luhtala.The next Helsinki In-Water Boat Show Uiva Flytande will take place from 13 to 16 August 2026 in Lauttasaari. The Helsinki International Boat Show – Vene 26 Båt – will run from 6 to 15 February 2026 at Messukeskus, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 21, 2025
The 25-meter motor yacht African Wild Dog has been sold in-house at Ocean Independence, with broker Bob Friscia representing both the seller and the buyer.Built in carbon fibre composite and delivered in 2018 by Pershing, part of the Ferretti Group, African Wild Dog is the 18th hull of the Pershing 82 series. She is a Pershing 82 VHP (Very High Performance) model, designed by Fulvio De Simoni with naval architecture by the Ferretti Engineering Department.Accommodation is arranged for up to seven guests across three cabins, including an owner’s suite, a VIP double cabin, and a twin with an additional Pullman berth. Crew quarters allow for three staff. Interior features include a lower-deck media room and an open-plan main saloon with a sit-up bar forward, located just behind the triple helm seats.Exterior deck spaces include a sundeck with a secondary helm station, foredeck lounging and sunbathing areas, and a large aft sunpad. The aft deck connects to a swim platform and a transom garage.Powered by twin 2,638hp MTU engines, the 108GT yacht can reach a top speed of 52 knots and maintains a cruising speed of 40 knots.African Wild Dog was last asking €3,400,000.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 21, 2025
The Dutch Royal yacht Piet Hein was officially welcomed into the Feadship Heritage Fleet during a ceremony held Tuesday evening. The event brought together representatives from the National Maritime Museum, SAIL, Stichting Piet Hein, Feadship, and members of the Feadship Heritage Fleet board.Representatives of SAIL included Chairman Mr. Woltering, Treasurer Mr. Parmet, board member Mr. Stunnenberg, and Adjutant Mr. Soetendaal. Stichting Piet Hein was represented by Vice-Chairman Mr. Post and Secretary Mr. Kodde.The Feadship Heritage Fleet is an association of owners of classic Feadships that are at least 30 years old, aimed at preserving historic vessels, sharing knowledge, and organising joint sailing activities.The 31-metre motor yacht Piet Hein was gifted by the Dutch people to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1937 on the occasion of their wedding. She was designed by naval architect Henri W. de Voogt, a key figure in early Dutch yachtbuilding and in the history of Feadship. Since 1980, the vessel has been managed by Stichting Piet Hein, which has maintained her in operational condition with the support of volunteers.Membership in the Heritage Fleet was confirmed through the signing of a certificate and the placement of the Feadship Heritage Fleet insignia on board. Wim van Kampen, Chairman of the Feadship Heritage Fleet, highlighted the fleet’s mission of preserving Dutch maritime heritage, stating: “This is the unifying mission of the 85 members of our fleet: to safeguard these unique vessels for future generations.”Recognising her historic and symbolic role, Piet Hein was named flagship of the Feadship Heritage Fleet and led a fleet of 35 yachts into Amsterdam during the Sail-in of SAIL.Credits: Feadship
August 21, 2025
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