Arksen is a new name in luxury sailing. Announced in January at the Düsseldorf Yacht Show, it promises to be much more than your average super-yachting business. Founder, the entrepreneur Jasper Smith, is asking Arksen owners to dedicate 10% of their vessels’ time to support research and conservation projects supported by the Arksen foundation, such as scientific research or film-making.
"Superyachts generally conjure up the idea of extravagant - elitist vessels built in ways that don’t necessarily have any benefit other than satisfying the voyeuristic. We are challenging this. We build vessels that are robust, highly efficient, sustainable and designed to minimize maintenance. I don’t see Arksen as a superyacht company at all. We take a much wider view than most boat brands. By running the “Arksen Foundation” we offer owners access to curated marine research and media projects conducted on the vessels, whilst the “Arksen Explorers’ Club” offers adventure and explorer trips for our community, providing powerful life experiences", explained Jasper Smith the Forbes in the interview.
Designed by Humphreys Yacht Design and built by the Wight Shipyard Company in Cowes, they will feature self-righting, aluminium hulls that can slip through the water at 7 knots using minimal power or push on to 14 knots when needed. Hybrid propulsion is optional but even with diesel, the 85 has a range of 6,000nm from its 16,000-litre tanks. Fins, gyros and flopper stoppers maintain stability while solar panels generate up to 4.2kw of power. Interiors by Design Unlimited are said to be stylish but also easily reconfigured from leisure to research or commercial use.
The 23 metre Arksen 70 is the smallest model of the fleet. It has a 6.25-metre beam, full beam master and can accommodate a total of eight guests on board.
The 26.2 metre Arksen 85 has a beam of 6.8 metres and can accommodate a total of 14 guests. At Boot Dusseldorf was known that the builder has already sold its first Arksen 85, which has begun construction at Wight Shipyard this April.
The biggest of the fleet, the 30 metre Arksen 100, has a beam of 7.05 metres and can accommodate 14 guests with crew accommodation located forward.
“Fusing performance and functionality with aesthetic appeal, while never losing sight of safety as the overarching consideration, is the design ethos that has driven all our work for Arksen”, said Rob and Tom Humphreys, chief designers, Humphreys Yacht Design.
The saloon of the inaugural vessel in build, the Arksen 85, features easily accessible AV, electrical and system solutions, as when you are exploring the remotest corners of the globe the crew need everything to be functional.
The galley comes complete with a 90cm hob and oven, combi oven, two freezers, two fridges, two dishwashers, recycling dry stores and equipment storage.
The master cabin is also a multi-function suite that incorporates sleeping, extra sea berth and an en-suite shower and steam room.
HYD achieves these performance targets for Arksen in the following way. First, Rob and Tom analyse seakeeping behaviour and performance data from their back catalogue of powerboat and fast displacement sailboat hull designs. A preliminary Arksen hull form is then developed and run through HYD’s in-house CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) programmes to assess the potential speed and power requirements.
After further refinement of the hull form Arksen model is subjected to a battery of tests which include all the vessel’s seakeeping behaviour. The behavioural findings and the quantitative data then feed back into the computer model to produce the final hull shape.
The ultimate aspect is the ability to recover from a 180-degree rollover. HYD has designed the Arksen vessels with this almost unique ability when they are transiting the more tempestuous regions of the globe.
From cork walls, reclaimed wooden panels and surfaces made from recycled post-industrial plastics to the flexible and multi-use interior design, the Arksen Series are a unique force in the marine sector. Only through partnering with industry-leading companies such as Design Unlimited, Wight Shipyard Co and Humphreys Yacht Design, it is possible to achieve the goal of building Exceptional Explorer Vessels.
Prices, as reported, start at £4.5million ex VAT for the Arksen 70 rising to £8.5m for the Arksen 10.
@Photos via Arksen
Since its inception, Wally has consistently redefined yacht design, seamlessly merging the present with innovative future concepts. The latest addition to their esteemed lineup, the wallypower50, exemplifies this vision. Developed collaboratively by the Wally design team, led by Luca Bassani, and the Ferretti Group Engineering team, the wallypower50 serves as a sophisticated bridge between two prominent ranges in the Wally powerboat collection.Positioned between the elegant practicality of the Wallytender series and the sporty allure of the wallypower58, the wallypower50 stands out for its remarkable adaptability. This vessel can effortlessly transition from a chase boat to a luxury tender, a stylish day-cruiser, or an exhilarating high-performance ride. The wallypower50 proves that whatever lifestyle you aspire to, it is the vessel that can take you there.This remarkable yacht is a testament to the harmonious fusion of design, engineering, and superior craftsmanship. The wallypower50 allows for extensive customization, enabling owners to select features that reflect their personal tastes while embodying the essence of both the wallytender and wallypower lines. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the wallypower50 symbolizes Wally’s commitment to innovation and the Ferretti Group’s manufacturing prowess, which continues to set benchmarks for quality in the yachting industry.The wallypower50 boasts an array of profiles that capture attention. It combines the spaciousness of the wallytender with the sporty characteristics of the wallypower58. With a multitude of options available, owners can tailor the wallypower50 to fit their specific needs. The striking vertical stem and distinctive lines are unmistakably Wally, while the addition of wraparound fenders provides the rugged practicality characteristic of the wallytender range.At Wally, design is the cornerstone of every creation, and the wallypower50 exemplifies the fusion of form and function. Its sleek lines not only enhance performance but also preserve it. Features such as the signature windshield and innovative Magic Portholes below deck further showcase the brand's commitment to excellence.The onboard experience of the wallypower50 harmoniously blends rugged practicality with luxurious functionality. The spacious deck layout includes two sunbeds and expandable aft bulwarks, providing an inviting area for relaxation and socializing. The cockpit saloon, designed for alfresco dining, accommodates up to eight guests, while the foredeck offers a sunpad for sunbathing in privacy.The helm is a blend of elegance and modernity, featuring intuitive controls and dual multifunction displays that provide comprehensive operational data. Situated for optimal visibility, it enhances the experience of navigating the wallypower50 at high speeds.Below deck, the wallypower50 showcases its performance-oriented roots with comfortable accommodations, including a spacious forward double bed and a well-appointed kitchenette. Finished to the highest standards, this yacht can easily serve as a weekend retreat or a longer cruising vessel.The wallypower50 is not just versatile; it is a gateway to the exhilarating world of high-performance boating. Propelled by twin Volvo Penta IPS650s, it offers a cruising speed of 30 knots and a top speed of 36 knots. The advanced hull design ensures stability and agility, while the optional Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces.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
December 11, 2024
Northrop & Johnson has listed for sale the 40m CRN motor yacht Parvati, now available for sale through Yacht Broker Charles Herve, with an asking price of EUR3,950,000.Built with a sturdy steel hull and aluminum superstructure, Parvati is designed as a displacement motor yacht ideal for long-range cruising, offering unmatched comfort and stability. Equipped with hydraulic fin stabilizers, she guarantees a serene and smooth experience, whether anchored or cruising.Upon entering Parvati, the impressive 239 GT interior volume instantly captivates. The main deck saloon exudes a welcoming atmosphere, featuring light wood finishes, plush upholstery, and a ceiling height of 2.1 meters that enhances the spacious feel. This area provides generous seating, including a large sofa on the port side, two armchairs, and a coffee table, while the forward dining space accommodates up to 11 guests.Parvati boasts a versatile five-stateroom layout, comfortably sleeping up to 11 guests. The master suite, located on the main deck, offers a cozy retreat complete with a walk-in wardrobe, dressing table, and an ensuite bathroom featuring double sinks and a marble bathtub. The lower deck houses two twin cabins and two double cabins, with a sliding partition that can convert one of the doubles into a full-beam suite, catering to diverse guest requirements.The yacht's outdoor spaces are equally remarkable. The shaded aft cockpit features a large teak dining table for eight, perfect for alfresco dining. Guests can soak up the sun or enjoy drinks on the expansive flybridge, which includes a bar, barbecue, and ample tender storage. For adventure seekers, Parvati comes equipped with a tender, two Jet Skis, and diving compressors.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
December 11, 2024
Extra Yachts unveils the X106 Fast project, an impressive blend of power and spaciousness designed to offer guests an unparalleled onboard experience and exceptional performance.The X106 Fast boasts a sleek design, with the superstructure positioned towards the bow, maximizing the livable space at the stern. Its exterior features elegant curves, sharp lines, and meticulous detailing, seamlessly integrating all technical and functional elements. The vertical bow and windshield further enhance its aesthetic appeal.Constructed from composite materials reinforced with carbon, the planing hull measures 32.3 meters in length, with a maximum beam of 7.6 meters and a shallow draft of just 1.35 meters.The stern area, spanning an impressive 85 square meters, serves as the boat’s entertainment hub, designed across three levels that gently slope toward the sea. This area includes a beach club with a spacious sunbathing deck and a transformer, a lounge featuring face-to-face sofas and foldable bulwarks that extend the beam to 9 meters, and a dining space equipped with a large table adjacent to an open kitchen with an innovative up/down glass partition – a signature feature of all Extra Fast models. Crew accommodations are conveniently located near the bow of the engine room, featuring a comfortable living area with an L-shaped sofa, two armchairs, storage solutions, and a bar.The wheelhouse is situated on a raised deck above the owner's cabin and is accessible via four steps from the main deck.The owner's cabin, positioned forward on a lowered section of the main deck, showcases stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. This unique layout, with varying levels, creates an impressive height of nearly 3 meters in the bow section of the lounge, further enhanced by a large skylight that adds to the room's distinct ambiance.The flybridge, measuring nearly 50 square meters and accessible by a convenient staircase from the starboard walkway, is designed for relaxation and entertainment. It features a large table and bar counter with stools at the bow, and a lounge area with sofas and sun loungers at the stern, all shaded by a substantial hardtop. The bow also includes a cozy lounge area with built-in sofas and a coffee table.Below deck, the layout consists of four cabins: two twin cabins with private bathrooms and an option for an additional bed, alongside the owner and VIP cabins, both featuring double beds, en-suite bathrooms with double sinks, wardrobes, and sofas.Crew accommodations are provided in two cabins below deck, while the stern garage, located on the starboard side, can house a 4-meter tender.Powering the X106 FAST are three robust MAN engines, each delivering 2000 horsepower, enabling the yacht to reach an impressive top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credit: Palumbo Superyachts
December 11, 2024
Heesen announces the launch of YN 20750, code-named Project Orion, at the Oss shipyard on December 6th. This 50-meter all-aluminium hybrid yacht exemplifies Dutch craftsmanship, precision engineering, and meticulous construction. A class of its own, Project Orion offers discerning clients an exclusive opportunity to own a yacht with Dutch pedigree, ready for cruising by Spring 2025.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Project Orion presents a rare opportunity for discerning clients to acquire a superyacht that embodies the unrivalled safety and solidity of Dutch craftsmanship, ready to cruise by Spring. To have immediate access to such exceptional quality – engineered for both style and security – is truly extraordinary. By summer, Project Orion will be poised to navigate the oceans, setting a new standard for luxury.”Ruud van der StroomAs the latest innovation in Heesen’s renowned 50-meter FDHF aluminium series with hybrid propulsion, Project Orion continues a legacy of advanced design and proven success. This series integrates cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional performance, efficiency, and sustainability.The yacht features the efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), devised by naval architects van Oossanen. Combined with lightweight aluminium construction, this design allows for a compact machinery package that optimises propulsion efficiency across all speeds. Power comes from twin MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines, each generating 600kW, propelling the yacht to a top speed of 16.3 knots. At 12 knots, Orion consumes just 98 litres of fuel per hour, excluding hotel load. In hybrid mode, fuel consumption drops even further to just 45 liters per hour at 10 knots – a remarkable feat for a 50-meter yacht displacing 295 tons (light load).The exterior, designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, features a profile marked by a near-vertical bow and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This design is both visually striking and functionally superior, offering unparalleled seaworthiness for smooth navigation through waves.Inside, Italian designer Cristiano Gatto has created an interior that maximises natural light and offers ocean views. The layout includes six staterooms, including a master suite on the main deck, a full-beam VIP cabin, and four additional staterooms on the lower deck. Open bulwarks enhance the sense of space and connection to the sea, making the yacht ideal for both private and charter use.Project Orion epitomises Heesen’s commitment to innovation, seamlessly blending technology with design to create a yacht unlike any other on the market. Over the next few months, her systems will be commissioned and prepared for intensive testing in the North Sea by mid-February.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
December 10, 2024
A new Custom Line Navetta 38 has made its debut at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, marking the second launch of this yacht within a year. Following its world premiere last May, the latest vessel was officially launched on November 14, delighting its owner family from the Middle East who were present to celebrate this milestone in their collaborative project.Stretching 38.76 meters in length with a beam of 8.00 meters and a gross tonnage of 299 GT, this bespoke yacht is the product of a synergistic effort between Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy and Engineering Departments. Renowned architect Filippo Salvetti crafted the exterior design, while the interiors were envisioned by ACPV ARCHITECTS, led by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel.Custom Line Atelier played a pivotal role in the development process, translating the owner's style preferences into reality and providing guidance throughout the yacht's creation, culminating in a smooth handover.The owner family was particularly drawn to the Custom Line Navetta 38's meticulous attention to bespoke details, which harmoniously blend sophisticated aesthetics, spaciousness, and a seamless connection to the water. The yacht showcases an elegant stylistic unity, prominently featuring natural oak throughout the walls, floors, and details. The oak ceilings create a soft, inviting ambiance, complemented by the refined finishing of rounded doors that exemplify the yacht's design ethos.Flowing lines are echoed in the selection of various freestanding pieces, including round sofas and low tables in both interior and exterior spaces. As per the owner's specifications, social and relaxation areas are furnished with spacious sofas and custom-designed armchairs, while coffee tables and lamps across all three decks encourage outdoor living and shared moments with friends and family throughout the day.This second Custom Line Navetta 38 prioritizes social spaces in its layout, featuring an owner's suite on the main deck and four double cabins on the lower deck, ensuring ample comfort for all guests.The yacht's exterior styling exudes a timeless elegance, characterized by simple, harmonious lines that convey a sense of refined luxury. The all-white hull, a customization requested by the owner, highlights the yacht's purity and sophistication.The interior color palette embraces neutral tones, with shades of beige and white accented by bold smoky grey and black contrasts. These darker tones, chosen by the owner to add depth, appear in the helm station ceilings, mirrored glass of wardrobes, lacquered furniture surfaces, and electrical fittings. The use of natural materials like teak, oak, and leather adds warmth and authenticity to the spaces, while the elegant grey and ivory wallpaper designed by Philippe Jeffries enhances the overall aesthetic. Marble plays a key role in the design, with luxurious Essential Grey and Crema d’Orcia featured in the bathrooms, creating a refined atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the yacht’s sophisticated character.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
December 10, 2024