New deliveries and launches understandably benefit from significant exposure across the yachting world, yet, refits of historical yachts are sometimes even more significant events for the sector as these five yachts show.
Length: 39m (128 ft)
Original yard: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (1913)
Refit: Royal Huisman (underway)
The famed financier and avid yachtsman Harold S. Vanderbilt, heir of the vast railway empire, ordered from Herreshoff Manufacturing two schooners, both named Vagrant. The first of them, launched in 1910 and measuring 32 meters, was refitted in 1984 by Peter de Savary and is reportedly still afloat in Japan under the name of Vagrant of Burnham. Meanwhile, the largest of the two, the 39-meter Vagrant is now under reconstruction at Royal Huisman facilities in Vollenhove.
«Thanks to her owner's vision and respect for her legacy Vagrant will not become a piece of forgotten history, but instead will remain a living legend – sailing and enjoyed by many for decades to come», claims the Dutch yard, assuring that the yacht's owner directed to refit the boat inside and out with the utmost respect for her historic value.
Royal Huisman took the challenge and embarked on the project in 2017. The rebuilt began with the sandblasting and preservation of the yacht's 33-meter over-a-hundred-years-old steel hull. At the same time, the iconic boat has to be re-engineered with modern quality materials and board systems. Dykstra Naval Architects is in charge of re-rigging her schooner-rigged sail plan, while Rondal provides bespoke components, including aluminum masts for the inside furling of the fisherman and mainsail.
Guest accommodation will be refurbished and new crew quarters will be designed in-house. All the machinery, including generators, air conditioning, and heating, will be wisely concealed behind wooden panels and cabinetry.
The rebuilt classic yacht is due for re-launch in 2019.
#2. Kentra
Length: 25.6m (84 ft)
Original yard: Fife & Son (1923)
Refit: Fairlie Yachts (1993/2015)
Built for Scottish industrialist, Kenneth MacKenzie-Clark in 1923, the 25.6-meter Kentra has a long racing and round-the-world cruising history, along which she kept changing owners. In the early 50s, the luxury yacht was turned into a venue for glamorous parties, with Christina of Spain, actors Brigitte Bardot and Errol Flynn among the yacht's celebrity guests. She eventually returned to Britain, where she was lying dormant for many years until bought at auctions in 1992 by her current owner, who commissioned Fairlie Yachts for rebuilding the boat that took 18 months to complete.
The full structural restoration required the re-coppering of the yacht's hull. Her copper-bottomed hull, introduced in the 18th century by the British Royal Navy to ensure ultimate resistance over the traditional wooden hulls, makes Kentra a rarity nowadays.
Furthermore, yacht's keel was removed from the aft end in order to balance the weight of the modern machinery. New rigs were constructed from Fife's original drawings. Fortunately, the old deck structures were in good condition and could be reused. Designers had to create new interiors, utilizing the original doors and frames.
After her first refit, Kentra received a new lease of life and even took her owner for an around-the-world voyage between 1999 and 2004. During the second refit, carried out in 2015, the boat's hull had a provisional update with copper cladding meant to protect the hull for another two decades. During winter the historic yacht leads a quiet life very close to her birthplace, although sometimes her adventurous owner braves the contrary weather to cruise western isles.
#3. Williamsburg
Yard: Bath Iron Works Corp (1931)
Refits: 1941,1995
Referred to for good reason as The Floating White House, the 74-meter steel motor boat started out her life in 1931 as Aras, but in 1941 the private yacht was acquired by the US Navy and, refitted into a gunboat, entering service under the name of USS Williamsburg. During the Second World War, the vessel was mainly used for escorting military convoys in the North Sea. One of the boat's most memorable adventures was the secret transfer of 28 treasure chests full of gold bars in 1942.
During the post-war years, under the presidency of Harry Truman, the boat hosted world leaders, including Winston Churchill, and other important politicians, such as George Marshall and Clement Attlee, cruising to Florida, Cuba and the Virgin Islands. In 1953, Williamsburg was replaced as a presidential yacht by the new head of state, Eisenhower, and, thus, was consigned to oblivion.
There were a number of attempts to restore the yacht. In the mid-90s she was transferred to Genoa to be converted into a luxury cruise ship under a different name, something that never happened. An urgent appeal of the Italian government saved her for this time being. The US Williamsburg Preservation Society was formed with the goal of reincorporating the former presidential yacht into the American Navy. However, the raise fund campaign failed to collect the necessary $40 million. The legendary yacht eventually sank at her moorings in La Spezia harbor in 2015.
#4. Endeavour
Length: 40m (131 ft)
Original yard: Camper & Nicholsons (1934)
Refit: Royal Huisman (1989), Yachting Developments (2012)
The 40-meter sailing yacht Endeavour was launched in 1934 by Camper & Nicholsons for Sir Thomas Sopwith, English aviation pioneer and yachtsman. Determined to compete for the America's Cup in 1934, he was keen to ensure that the yacht featured the most advanced design possible. For instance, he insisted on applying the aviation technology to the boat's rig and winches.
Over half a century, the award-winning superyacht bounced through a number of owners, her fate often hanging by a thread. She was even sold to a scrap merchant in 1947 only to be saved by another buyer hours before her demolition was due to begin. In the 70s she was about to sink in the Medina River of the Isle of Wight, when two carpenters bought her for £10 and somehow got her afloat, patching the holes in her hull with plastic bags.
In 1984 American yachtswoman Elizabeth Meyer laid her eyes on the wreckage of the iconic yacht and commissioned Royal Huisman to have her completely rebuilt. In five years' time Endeavour left the Dutch shipyard turned into a modern masterpiece, with all-new decks, mast, boom and rigging, an installed generator and mechanical systems and recreated interior. Between 1989 and 1999 the yacht cruised extensively and successfully competed in numerous races.
In 2011/2012 Endeavour underwent a major refit at the New Zealand-based shipyard Yachting Developments, with Dykstra Naval Architects, John Barrett Associates, and Adam Lay design studio involved in the project. The 18-months work required over 100.000 men hours and in excess of 40 tons of material removed and then replaced on the boat, including the whole weather deck being rebuilt with deck equipment reinstalled. 3D modeling was used to design the interior layout, saving but the underfloor engine room and service areas.
The effort paid off, as the yacht won best-refitted sailing yacht at the 2013 World Superyachts Awards. Endeavour is now for sale, asking €17.500.000.
#5. Malahne
Length: 50m (164 ft)
Original yard: Camper & Nicholsons (1937)
Refit: 1960, 1983, Pendennis (2015)
The 50-meter Malahne was the jewel in her original owner’s crown. A British businessman, founder member of F. W. Woolworth & Co., William Lawrence Stephenson commissioned from Camper & Nicholsons a motor yacht for racing and ocean cruising. However, with the outbreak of the Second World War, the boat was enrolled in the army as patrol cruiser. As such, she saw action in the evacuation at Dunkirk and later participated in torpedo target practice in Scotland.
After the war, Malahne passed through many hands, being first refitted and re-classed to Lloyd's in 1960 by order of the famous Hollywood producer Sam Spiegel. Over the two further decades, the classic yacht acted as his production office and luxury hotel for movie stars.
In 1983 Saudi Sheikh, Adel Al Mojil purchased the yacht and had her completely refitted with little respect for the original concept, with a different bow, stern and renewed superstructure. In 2012 Malahne was sold to a reputable client introduced by Edmiston and Burger at an asking price of €550,000. The new owner's brief was to «make Malahne look as if she had been in continuous ownership since she was built».
The «artistic director» of the ambitious restoration project was the classic yachts expert, William Collier of G.L. Watson & Co., who prepared the drawings partially based on the older photos of the yacht. All operations, including the finishing touches, were carried out on site, at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, making it an essentially British project.
The refit was developed in several stages. After the deconstruction was completed, it took six months only to examine Malahne's construction frame by frame in order to decide what could be saved and what had to be refabricated to meet modern standards.
«The new Malahne had to function with contemporary requirements for air conditioning and technology, all of which had to be contained in an original envelope», explained Guy Oliver, who was in charge of the yacht's interior design.
When rebuilding the vessel, modern materials were used, such as aluminum for the superstructure and composite for the funnel, although updating the steel hull presented a no lesser challenge.
As for the yacht's interiors, those were inspired by the Art-Deco styling of Eltham Palace in Greenwich. In the new layout, the obsolete engine room on the main deck was replaced by a spacious dining, while the crew quarters were substantially altered. Among many features reminding of the yacht's original period is a pair of rotary-dial wall phones coming from the 50s.
“The challenge of recreating many of the yacht’s features while achieving a faithful restoration of the hull shape has been very rewarding. Together we have brought a historically important yacht back to life,” concluded William Coller in 2015, when the 30 months' project was finally completed.
In 2016 Malahne won Refitted/Rebuilt/Converted Yachts at World Superyacht Awards. She is available for charted from €135.000 per week through Edmiston.
Ferretti Group celebrated a significant milestone today with the grand reopening of its extensively refurbished Riva shipyard in La Spezia. The event, attended by Chairman Tan Xuguang, CEO Alberto Galassi, local authorities, and a delegation from Weichai, Ferretti Group's longstanding shareholder, marks a new era for the shipyard.The revamped facility, now a pivotal industrial hub, employs over 750 workers daily, including 200 direct employees. Strategically located along the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, the shipyard has undergone substantial enhancements to both its production and management sections, as well as the lounge area designed to offer hospitality to yacht owners, captains, and crew.Spanning 64,000 square meters, the upgraded site features 33 berths along more than 400 meters of docks, four industrial sheds with 21 production stations, and two additional sheds dedicated to painting, totaling 1,000 square meters. Equipped with photovoltaic plants and bespoke spaces like the Riva Lounge, the production center focuses on seven Riva models ranging from 76 to 130 feet. When fully operational, the site will be capable of launching 30 boats annually, each up to 40 meters in length.Located in an area of Regional Interest, the La Spezia shipyard emphasizes environmental protection and sustainability. It holds Rina certifications according to ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 standards, underscoring Ferretti Group's commitment to high environmental and quality management standards.As part of the "Miglio Blu" (Blue Mile) project, the shipyard aims to promote local excellence in yachting while respecting the surrounding environment. This initiative highlights the region's rich maritime heritage and Ferretti Group's dedication to sustainable development.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
May 17, 2024
The renowned Venetian design studio Nuvolari Lenard is set to launch the first yacht in its new series, the 47-metre S1, from the Mengi Yay shipyard in Turkey. This groundbreaking superyacht, nearing completion, will be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, highlighting the exceptional design and craftsmanship that Nuvolari Lenard is known for.Nuvolari Lenard's S1 project represents a significant milestone, bringing the luxury and features of larger superyachts into a more compact and efficient package. The S1 is designed to be a sub-50-metre yacht that remains under 500 gross tonnage (GT), offering a unique combination of luxury, versatility, and practicality. This design allows for a 4,000-mile range, enabling the S1 to access more destinations and cruising grounds that larger yachts cannot.“The S1 opens up more destinations thanks to its 4,000-mile range while opening up more cruising grounds because of its more compact size,” says Carlo Nuvolari, Co-Founder of Nuvolari Lenard. “But it doesn’t achieve those through compromises – with more than three decades of expertise to draw on, we have managed to bring ideas from our much larger superyacht projects down to the S1, and as a result, she offers large exterior decks, side deck walkways that you’d expect to see on a much larger yacht, and showstopper features for a sub-50-metre such as a bridge deck owner suite and a giant sundeck.”The S1 boasts a bridge deck owner's suite with an aft-facing suite offering expansive views, a private terrace, and an ensuite with large windows. The main cabin opens onto the upper aft deck, creating a versatile space that can be enjoyed year-round. Guest accommodations include four double ensuite cabins on the lower deck, with two cabins that can be combined into an exceptional VIP suite. The yacht also features an elevator, a rare inclusion in this size bracket, making it accessible for all generations.Social areas on the S1 are equally impressive. The main deck features a private forward saloon with an open balcony overlooking the sea, ideal for relaxation, entertainment, or as a study. The beach club and large cockpit, equipped with a folding bulwark and retractable crane, provide ample space for sea-related activities and can accommodate a large tender or even a car.The sundeck is one of the largest in its category, offering three distinct areas: an aft sunbathing area, a central living area with a mini pool, and a bow-facing view. This deck is designed for all-day enjoyment and is serviced by an independent crew staircase to ensure privacy and quality service.“The S1 achieves all this without appearing cumbersome or bloated, testament to the genius of the Nuvolari Lenard team,” explains Dan Lenard, Designer and Co-Founder of Nuvolari Lenard. The design combines masculine and feminine elements, creating a sleek, elegant profile with serene interiors featuring wood and bronze accents.The S1's hull, designed by Van Oossanen naval architects, offers efficiency and comfort, while the engineering and systems are optimized for long-term cruising. The Mengi Yay shipyard has meticulously realized the construction, ensuring that every detail of Nuvolari Lenard’s design is executed to perfection.Hüseyin Mengi, Chairman of the Board at Mengi Yay shipyard, expressed his excitement: “It has been a privilege to realize the superb design of the S1 and all of Nuvolari Lenard’s details that make the S1 such a special project. As a family-owned yard with 60 years of experience building yachts, we are excited to be nearing completion of a superyacht that we are confident will stun when she appears at the Monaco show, as well as everywhere else she goes.”Credit: Nuvolari Lenard
May 17, 2024
Benetti has commenced outfitting work on a new 67-meter yacht from the B.Now series at its Livorno shipyard. This steel yacht, known as FB289, features six decks, including one exclusively reserved for the owners. The project showcases the collaboration of renowned design firms RWD and Reymond Langton Design, alongside the yacht’s representatives, West Nautical.The exterior of the yacht, designed by RWD, reflects a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic, while the interiors, crafted by Reymond Langton Design, offer a luxurious and personalized ambiance. Established in 2001, Reymond Langton Design brings a multi-disciplinary approach, leveraging the diverse experiences of its founding partners.FB289 boasts several distinct features across its decks. The Observation Deck provides panoramic views, while the Bridge Deck includes an outdoor stern area and a wing station. The Main Deck is designed for socializing and relaxation, featuring a spacious lounge, a lobby, guest cabins, and an outdoor pool. The Lower Deck accommodates a gym, beach area, engine room, garage, galley, and crew quarters. The Tank Deck houses essential services such as the freezer/fridge room, laundry, crew lounge, and crew services.The yacht's high level of customization underscores Benetti’s commitment to meeting the unique preferences of its clients. The collaboration with West Nautical, the owner's representatives, has been pivotal in ensuring a seamless and synergistic construction process from the outset.Massimiliano Casoni, General Manager of Benetti, remarked, “The success of the B.Now line and the increased demand for large steel yachts is a testament to Benetti’s expertise in customization and our ability to meet the diverse needs and tastes of our owners.”Geoff Moore, Managing Director of West Nautical, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “West Nautical, having brokered the deal for the owner, is greatly enjoying the build process at Benetti. Working alongside the interior design team at Reymond Langton Design has been a rewarding experience. The initial phase of steel and aluminum construction was well-coordinated, and now we look forward to overseeing the outfitting work over the next two years at Benetti’s Livorno shipyard.”The 67-meter B.Now yacht is scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2026.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. They design, build and sell composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. Their fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom, to meet all the needs of the market, and they belong to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
May 17, 2024
The Italian Sea Group S.p.A. (TISG), a global leader in luxury yachting, has announced impressive financial results for the first quarter of 2024, highlighting significant revenue growth and increased EBITDA. The Board of Directors has approved selected information showcasing a prosperous start to the year, reaffirming the company's strategic outlook and guidance for 2024 and beyond.TISG reported revenues of EUR 95.6 million, marking a notable increase of 12.2% compared to EUR 85.2 million in the first quarter of 2023. Shipbuilding revenues surged by 26.2%, driven by progress in ongoing projects and new contracts.EBITDA reached EUR 16.1 million, up by 16.6% from EUR 13.8 million in the same period last year. The EBITDA margin stood at 16.8%, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cost management.The total value of the Order Book reached EUR 1,344 million as of March 31st, 2024, underscoring a robust pipeline of projects. TISG currently has 35 projects under construction, including yachts and megayachts, with deliveries scheduled up to 2027.TISG invested EUR 2 million during the quarter, primarily directed towards enhancing production capacity and infrastructure at key facilities.The Net Financial Position stood at EUR -25 million, mainly attributed to the extension of the Marina di Carrara state concession. Despite this, TISG remains well-positioned for future growth initiatives.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, expressed pride in the company's performance and emphasized its development trajectory. He attributed the success to the increasing global demand for superyachts and the popularity of semi-custom lines, which optimize production capacity and enhance order book quality.TISG reaffirmed its 2024 guidance, with revenues projected between EUR 400 – 420 million and an EBITDA margin between 17 – 17.5%. Additionally, the company presented its 2025 Strategic Outlook, targeting revenues between EUR 430 – 450 million and an EBITDA margin between 18 – 18.5%.TISG continues to expand internationally through strategic partnerships and commercial agreements. The recent collaboration with Kitson Yachts as an Authorized Sales Agency in America reflects TISG's commitment to tapping into new markets and fostering growth opportunities.The company's success in the semi-custom segment, evidenced by recent sales, positions TISG for accelerated growth and increased market share. By leveraging its expanded production capacity and engineering expertise, TISG aims to cater to a broader clientele while maintaining its focus on delivering unparalleled luxury yachting experiences.The Italian Sea Group's strong performance in the first quarter of 2024 underscores its resilience and strategic vision in a competitive market landscape. With a robust order book, sound financial position, and strategic growth initiatives, TISG remains well-positioned for sustained success in the luxury yachting industry.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
May 16, 2024
The much-anticipated Italian debut of the WiderCat 92 is set to dazzle visitors at the Venice Boat Show from May 29th to June 2nd, 2024. This premiere offers a sneak peek before its global unveiling at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.Crafted by Wider, the WiderCat 92 signifies a new chapter under the leadership of Marcello Maggi, President of W-Fin Sarl, the holding company owning Wider's capital. A collaboration between Luca Dini Design and Centro Stile Wider, this 28-meter fiberglass catamaran redefines luxury with its seamless integration of exterior and interior spaces, blending aesthetics, functionality, and technological innovation.With two VIP cabins, one double guest cabin, and a sprawling owner's suite, the WiderCat 92 prioritizes comfort and space. Its standout feature is the serial hybrid propulsion system, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovative design. The tender garage, transforming into a spacious aft beach, and folding bulkheads in the Beach Club optimize onboard space, elevating the sailing experience.Marcello Maggi expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing Wider's pioneering vision and construction expertise. The partnership with Applied underscores Wider's commitment to technological innovation, with Applied's Future Marine software suite enhancing onboard control and management.Following the debut, a web series produced with The Creative Brothers will delve into the genesis of the WiderCat 92. Venice holds special significance for Wider, as it is here that construction is underway on the Moonflower 72, a 72-meter superyacht developed in collaboration with Nauta Design.At the Venice Boat Show, visitors can explore Wider's collaboration with select Italian and international brands. Talenti furnishings and TooA gelato will take center stage, embodying craftsmanship and innovation. Customized versions of the Seabob F5S and SipaBoards Neo Silver Drive offer a glimpse into Wider's dedication to enhancing the onboard experience.Founded in 2010 and based in Ancona (Le Marche), Wider Yachts is an innovative Italian yacht builder shipbuilder specialized in electric and renewable energy-powered superyachts. Credits: Moowe/Wider Yachts
May 16, 2024