Finnish shipyard Baltic Yachts has launched 23.9m yacht Bill and Me, known as Baltic M/Y 78, in July 2017. She was commissioned by experienced owners who wanted all the seamanlike design and comfort of a sailing yacht combined with the speed and ease of use of a comfortable motor yacht. Naval architecture is by German Frers and her interior is largely inspired and specified by her owners with professional input from Design Unlimited.
Frers has studied recent commercial ship research into making vessels as efficient as possible, resulting in the motion of his motor yachts becoming less aggressive. This has had the unexpected effect of reducing motion sickness. Baltic Yachts and its engineers have worked closely with Frers to capitalise on this design research which has benefitted from the advanced composite construction techniques perfected in Jakobstad.
The motor yacht’s relatively modest beam is fundamental to the yacht’s easily driven, sea-kindly hull. She’s powered by twin 625hp Volvo Penta diesels driving through IPS 800 Duo-props with their well-proven low vibration and fuel efficiency. Although the emphasis is for a yacht able to achieve cruising speeds of 16-18 knots, her semi-planing hull, which is fitted with special trim tabs, is designed for top speeds of 25 knots. Bill and Me’s stability is further enhanced by two Seakeeper, gyro-driven stabilisers.
Two separate saloons are contained within the Baltic MY78’s composite and glass superstructure, one for dining the other for relaxing. They both have direct, one level access to the extensive deck areas fore and aft, which are protected by deep, all-round bulwarks.
Other features on deck include a reflective glass deck superstructure finish and custom stainless-steel work including unique 3D printed push pit and pulpit design which enhances the yacht’s contemporary look. There’s also a hydraulically operated boarding/swim platform and a bespoke fishing seat in the aft cockpit area.
Below decks there are two amidships guest cabins, an owner’s suite forward and space for two crew cabins aft, all finished to an extremely high standard of custom detailing. The styling is more akin to a sailing yacht than a motor yacht with traditional timbers like oak, teak and cherry in evidence, with all corners rounded for seamanlike safety. Unusual embossed leather also features on some of the surfaces.
A great deal has been worked into her accommodation including a stern garage for a tender. A beautifully detailed and well-equipped galley features a dumb waiter serving the deck saloon. Striking photographic studies, stucco panelling commissioned from an Italian interior design specialist, custom built furniture and intense colouring in some of the soft furnishing combine to put this bespoke yacht in a class of her own.
Peter Jones, responsible for developing motor yacht sales at Baltic Yachts said:
This 78ft motor yacht sets new standards and points the way forward for what we will be able to achieve at Baltic Yachts. Reaction to the M78 has led us, Frers and Design Unlimited, to work on a 30m version of the Bill and Me concept, details of which will be available at the Monaco Yacht Show
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