Oceanco, Pininfarina and Lateral present a new project Kairos.
Kairos is a new kind of living space that allows an owner and their guests to connect, share and create by synchronously experiencing multiple environments onboard. It offers 90 meters of onboard life without boundaries, created in harmony with Oceanco’s NXT initiative on sustainability and innovation. The yacht is the result of a first-time collaboration between renowned design studio Pininfarina and large custom yacht builder Oceanco, with technical design and engineering development provided by Lateral Naval Architects.
“Kairos is a remarkable Tomorrow’s Design yacht born out of a vision shared by three passionate, forward-thinking partners in Pininfarina, Lateral and Oceanco. It exemplifies how Oceanco is looking to the future through the integrated NXT approach to yacht design, tapping into the latest developments in technical and propulsion systems while also reflecting how our experience of living spaces is changing,” comments Marcel Onkenhout, Oceanco’s CEO. “When owners see the Oceanco NXT endorsement on a yacht’s design, they know they can expect to enjoy a certain elevated standard of life onboard; one that is in tune with forward-thinking perspectives on sustainability and lifestyle.”
The yacht’s exterior has been shaped to evoke a peaceful oasis in which to relax and enjoy time on your own terms. Like a floating, living island, KAIROS has a symmetrical profile with no ‘forward’ direction to aim towards. This elimination of momentum frees those onboard to live fully in the moment, without the sense of urgency to move to a new destination.
“A standard-bearer of Italian style for over 90 years, Pininfarina has developed over the years high end yachting projects through its nautical division. The continuous search for beauty and innovation resulted in Kairos, a breakthrough project designed for Oceanco. Taking inspiration from the long experience in bespoke projects - from cars to architecture - Pininfarina together with Oceanco has created a brand new yachting experience."
The heart of life onboard is the vast, theatrical piazza, to which all entry points of Kairos lead. Vertically developed across three levels, the piazza breaks from the canons of conventional yacht design. Intricate design combines stunning asymmetric shapes, transparent structures and a lack of physical barriers, influenced by the contrasting, multidimensional landscapes that exist in our daily lives. It is a captivating space where it's great to share inspiring moments, conveying a sense of liberty and joy.
“Our passion as designers is to imagine new concepts of space that are capable of bringing enchantment to every moment of the experience,” comments Paolo Pininfarina. “On Kairos, time, space and people connect to be one in the moment. The owner and their guests are at the epicenter of the onboard experience, and the surrounding space adapts to their every desire. A 360-degree approach to design at once connects you to the sea below, to the light above and to the spaces and people beside you. It nourishes your curiosity on an instinctive level and encourages you to explore new experiences and perspectives.”
The cabins on Kairos have all been positioned on the lower level, allowing for a greater sense of space and flow across the main level’s guest areas while also delivering outstanding views in close proximity to the water.
The layout on Kairos encourages social interaction while at the same time preserves the magic of intimate moments in private places. For example, on the panoramic balcony accessed above the upper deck via an elevator, guests can enjoy a quiet moment of sanctuary while taking in the sea view.
Kairos has been created to align with Oceanco’s NXT initiative on sustainability and innovation, thanks to the naval architecture and engineering development from Lateral. In recent years, the builder and naval architecture studio have partnered on a number of innovative projects including Black Pearl, the most eco-conscious yacht in the world, and Bravo Eugenia, Oceanco’s first LIFE Design superyacht that delivers a 30% increase in fuel efficiency.
The creative layout of Kairos is enabled via an innovative, all-electric propulsion and energy system architecture. The e-Hybrid system incorporates batteries as the primary means of energy delivery, permitting the varying power demands of hotel, propulsion and maneuvering loads to be seamlessly met. Diesel generators are provided for battery charging and high-speed cruising, selected free from the constraints of a conventional diesel electric and purely on the basis of efficiency and energy density.
The result is an elegant solution with flexibility in space distribution and a compact arrangement that allows the primary machinery space to be accommodated within a single-tier compartment. Guest space is consequently maximized on the prized lower deck by the waterline, allowing for KAIROS’s alluring piazza to take center stage.
The e-Hybrid architecture permits extensive operation with no noise, lower vibrations and zero local emissions.
“Kairos is the first project undertaken within the Oceanco NXT initiative. Via collaboration with uniquely creative minds, the key elements of NXT have been brought into focus to deliver a next-generation-of-user experience” adds James Roy, Managing Director of Lateral. “Capable of zero-emission operation, the propulsion and energy system architecture incorporates many elements of our future-proofing strategy to ensure Kairos will avoid technical obsolescence as emerging sustainable technologies come to market. The engineering platform we have developed has enabled greater creative freedom to realize the unique design elements of Kairos. These have presented us with an edifying technical challenge as naval architects and engineers, and the result delivers a next-generation onboard experience.”
Oceanco sees its future clients – the ones who are a good fit with the company’s outlook and culture – as being the ‘young minded’ owners who look for something unique and forward thinking in their yachts. To best serve them, it needs to understand what they will want from their yachts tomorrow, and offer solutions today. These solutions require a rethinking of everything, from assumptions about how we use the spaces we live in, to the primary drivers of why someone would want to own a yacht.
In collaborating with trailblazers from inside and outside the industry to answer these questions, it became clear that we are living in a period of dynamic change. This new era demands meaningful innovation that is aligned with emerging ideologies and approaches, with a focus on heightened sustainability awareness and stewardship of the planet.
What started out as a conversation about sustainable innovation in yachting quickly grew to a far wider appraisal of every aspect of life onboard, from deck arrangements and the kinds of modern spaces that best serve owners and guests, to the integration of technology and wellness.
Oceanco calls this dialogue and its outputs Oceanco NXT. Like the coming together of the brightest minds in an experimental thought lab, Oceanco is working with a global collective of experts from a wide array of industries to bring fresh perspectives on its vision for the future of yachting, with inspiring results. The work on Oceanco NXT innovation never stops. It is a continual process of meaningful progress. An enduring investment in our future.
Arcadia Yachts has announced the sale of a new A96 model to a client in the Middle East, marking the shipyard's first sale in the region. The transaction, finalized in collaboration with Arcon Yachts, follows the A96's launch just over a year ago. The yacht, which will be delivered in the spring after its initial Mediterranean season, is part of Arcadia's new generation of vessels designed to offer an on-board experience that connects guests with nature.Francesco Frediani, Chief Commercial Officer of Arcadia Yachts, emphasized the significance of the sale in expanding the company’s reach into new markets. He noted that the sale highlighted Arcadia's ability to customize its yachts to meet specific client needs. The partnership with Arcon Yachts played a key role in the successful negotiation, according to Frediani.Konstantin Kolpakov, CEO of Arcon Yachts, highlighted the growing global demand for sustainable yachting solutions, stating that the sale of the A96 reflects this trend. As the yachting industry increasingly focuses on eco-friendly innovation, the A96’s blend of advanced technology and luxury features continues to attract attention in international markets.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
January 13, 2025
MB92 Group has finalized its acquisition of GYG, a leading painting, service, and supply firm, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the superyacht sector. The deal, completed on December 31, 2024, aligns with MB92’s goals of enhancing service offerings and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving market.GYG, known for its brands Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply, and Technocraft, will continue to operate independently in Europe and the U.S. This arrangement allows MB92 to integrate GYG’s expertise in painting and supply services with its own extensive refit and repair operations, while maintaining operational autonomy.Pepe García-Aubert, chairman of MB92 Group, expressed optimism about the partnership. “Over the past 30 years, our collaboration with GYG has been built on shared values and mutual respect. We look forward to leveraging this relationship to advance sustainability and innovation initiatives for the superyacht community.”Squircle Capital, the private equity firm backing MB92, supported the acquisition. John Nery, Squircle’s head of investments, highlighted the benefits of MB92’s financial backing, which is expected to bolster GYG’s operational capacity and strategic growth.GYG CEO Remy Millott emphasized the potential for expanded services and digital innovation, describing the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company’s future development.For 26 years the MB92 Group comprises the refit and repair shipyards MB92 Barcelona and MB92 La Ciota. Both sites offer unrivalled facilities and employ a workforce of over 300 in-house professionals. In 2019, MB92 was acquired by Squircle Capital, a European alternative investment firm focused on private equity and real estate value-add investments. Credits: MB92 Group
January 13, 2025
Sialia Yachts has announced the upcoming launch of the Sialia 45, a 14-meter electric cruiser combining high performance with sustainability. Scheduled for summer 2025, the vessel offers a maximum speed of 43 knots and a class-leading range, emphasizing zero-emission cruising.Powered by twin 300kW electric motors, the Sialia 45 achieves a range of 55 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots with a standard 500kWh battery pack. An optional 200kWh endurance pack extends the range to 77 miles, while a biodiesel-compatible range extender increases it further to 164 miles. The yacht also features fast-charging technology, allowing its batteries to charge from 10% to 90% in three hours.The Sialia 45 is available in three configurations—Runabout, Sport, and Weekender—each tailored to different operational needs. Onboard, customizable lower-deck layouts offer flexible cabin arrangements, and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled cork flooring, underscore its sustainability-focused design.Sialia Yachts CEO Stanislav Szadkowski emphasized the vessel's low environmental impact and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional diesel-powered boats. The company, which entered the market in 2022 with the Sialia 57, continues to target eco-conscious consumers seeking luxury without compromise.With one Sialia 45 sold and two under construction, the launch reflects growing interest in environmentally responsible yachting.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts
January 13, 2025
The 62-meter CRN-built superyacht Rio is now open for charter through Northrop & Johnson. Recognized with two awards at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards, this yacht will be available in The Bahamas and the Caribbean during the winter season, starting at USD560,000 per week, plus expenses.Rio offers a family-friendly charter experience with a vibrant design that balances playfulness and luxury. The yacht’s interior is marked by large windows that provide ample natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Key features include a spacious main deck with a salon, dining area, lounge, and gym, as well as a skylounge designed for relaxation and entertainment.The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in seven staterooms, including three primary suites located on the upper, main, and lower decks. Notable design elements include a hand-painted mural near the upper deck VIP stateroom, which also features private access to the forepeak lounge area.Outdoor spaces are equally impressive, boasting a beach club with wellness facilities, a main deck lounge, alfresco dining for 12 on the upper deck, and a sundeck with a raised hot tub and sunpads. The forepeak lounge spans a third of the yacht’s length, adding another unique amenity.Rio’s IMO Tier III certification significantly reduces harmful emissions, making it an environmentally conscious choice for charter guests.With its combination of style, amenities, and sustainability, Rio promises a memorable experience for those seeking an exceptional Caribbean charter.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: Northrop & Johnson
January 13, 2025
CNB Yachts has unveiled its latest project, the CNB 62, positioning it as an elegant and powerful world cruiser. With three units already sold, the first hull is being fitted out in the state-of-the-art Solaris shipyard in Aquileia, Italy, ahead of its delivery this spring. The remaining units will be delivered by year’s end, a strong indication of the yacht’s early success and appeal.Brand Director Vincent Arnaud describes the CNB 62 as “a perfect example of the CNB spirit,” combining seaworthiness, manageability, and style. Designed by Philippe Briand, the yacht is the successor to the CNB Bordeaux 60, inheriting its balanced, powerful hull and extensive sail plan, making it ideal for ocean cruising.The CNB 62 has been tailored for private owners seeking privacy without requiring a professional crew. Its cockpit design allows single-handed sailing, with lines accessible from the helmsman’s position. The Targa bar, crafted from carbon, keeps the mainsheet out of the cockpit, enhancing safety and functionality.The yacht also features an integrated tender garage and a spacious layout. The forward owner’s suite offers privacy, while the aft cabins accommodate family or guests comfortably. With customizable interiors, the CNB 62 combines performance and luxury, marking a new chapter for CNB Yachts.CNB was founded in Bordeaux in 1987 by two passionate sailors and was integrated into the Beneteau Group in 1992. Until 2008, the company only built custom yachts, the last of which was the 30-meter Chrisco. From 2009, CNB focused on semi-custom yachts and launched very successful models with the Bordeaux 60, the CNB 66 and the CNB 76. In 2021, Solaris took over the brand and integrated CNB production in Aquileia, the Solaris site on the Italian Adriatic. The current model portfolio consists of the CNB 62, the CNB 78 and the CNB 88.Credits: CNB Yachts
January 10, 2025