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
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.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.Credits: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025
Finnish yacht builder Nautor Swan has detailed its development strategy following its acquisition by Sanlorenzo Group in 2024. The company is implementing a €35 million investment program between 2024-2027 focused on facility expansion and product development.Swan 73New infrastructure includes production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a Milan headquarters, and expanded offices in Monaco, Cannes, the United States, and Palma de Mallorca. The company unveiled two new sailing yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival: the Swan 51 performance cruiser and Swan 73 model, marking the brand's return to the 22-meter segment after two decades.Sanlorenzo Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti stated: "We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit that define Swan. Swan's future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy."Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati added: "We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan's product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth."Swan 51The expansion strategy includes strengthened North American presence with a potential operations site in Pensacola, Florida, and a confirmed ClubSwan 28 racing calendar for Newport and Pensacola in 2026. Globally, the company leverages Sanlorenzo's distribution network with new sales points in Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Mediterranean locations, and Asia-Pacific markets.Swan 55The Swan 51 represents the smallest model in the performance cruiser line, incorporating design experience from over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019. The Swan 73, designed by German Frers, returns the brand to the 22-meter sailing yacht segment after 20 years.The company maintains six product lines across sailing and motor yacht categories, with continued emphasis on owner services including brokerage, charter operations, and global support networks. The ClubSwan organization continues coordinating racing events and owner gatherings worldwide, with expanded events planned following the Sanlorenzo investment.Credits: Nautor Swan
September 12, 2025
Greenline Yachts has revealed development of a new 12.8-meter model scheduled for launch in early 2026. The Greenline 42 will feature updated hull design by Micad enabling 30-knot maximum speed while maintaining twin 250hp standard propulsion.The design incorporates four additional solar panels on the coach roof, bringing total capacity to 4.1kW for hotel load operation and battery charging. The proprietary H-Drive 6G system manages hybrid functionality including silent electric maneuvering capabilities.Exterior and interior styling comes from Marco Casali, offering three interior themes based on honey teak or modern oak materials. Layout options include customizable cabin configurations, wardrobe arrangements, and bathroom facilities. The saloon features full-glass aft openings connecting to cockpit areas.CEO Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "When we do finally introduce a new boat, it is therefore no light decision. You can be sure that the new Greenline 42 has absorbed every inch of our know-how and will provide a reference in the market for decades to come."Designer Marco Casali noted the challenge of modernizing Greenline's established aesthetic while maintaining brand identity. The exterior profile connects design elements from larger Greenline models like the 58-foot version while incorporating contemporary features.The yacht will offer two distinct cockpit layouts with removable furniture options and improved foredeck lounge space. Technical enhancements include sliding galley windows for ventilation and helm station climate controls. The model represents Greenline's most customizable production to date according to company statements.Greenline continues production at its Slovenian facility, with the new model slotting between existing offerings in the brand's range. The company emphasizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency across its product lines, with the Greenline 42 continuing this approach through solar supplementation and hybrid propulsion options.Greenline Yachts are crafted in Slovenia within the European Union. The shipyard adheres to the highest European quality standards and reduces environmental footprint, prioritizes the use of local materials and expertise. The craftsmanship is rooted in more than 50 years of experience in composite boatbuilding. Credits: Greenline Yachts
September 12, 2025
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group have finalized a merger creating what they describe as the world's largest yacht firm. The combined entity will operate under the Denison Yachting brand with existing leadership from both organizations. The merger establishes a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe.The expanded portfolio now includes representation of Absolute Yachts, HCB, Riviera, Prestige, and Belize Yachts. Denison becomes the largest Sunseeker dealer globally through the transaction. The combined company will list over 800 yachts with 180 brokers facilitating transactions.Denison Yachting President Bob Denison stated: "By joining with OneWater Yacht Group, we're bringing together two of the strongest teams in the industry. Our clients will benefit from more boats to choose from, the best marketing and technology, and a full-service approach that makes yacht ownership simpler."OneWater Yacht Group President Bryan Braley added: "By combining Denison's unmatched expertise in brokerage and charter with their industry leading marketing, we are creating the most comprehensive and customer-focused yachting company."The publicly-traded entity will continue offering new yacht sales, brokerage, charter services, management, crew placement, and after-sales support. Company representatives will provide additional details during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, with a press presentation scheduled for September 25.Denison Yachting maintains operations from waterfront offices with licensed brokers providing services including superyacht sales and new construction. The company traces its origins to Broward Marine established in Fort Lauderdale in 1948. The merger significantly expands the company's manufacturer representation and brokerage inventory across multiple market segments.Credits: Denison Yachting
September 11, 2025