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“With the proven engineering of the Johnson 80 in place, we can work with the owners to create a yacht with the flexibility to accommodate their needs, whether they wish to entertain friends on board one day or depart for a month-long cruise the next,” said Andy Huang, president of Johnson Yachts. The Johnson 80 has just launched and it is making quite a splash in Taiwan. Johnson Yachts describes the new 24-meter hull as an entry-level superyacht, mainly because the Taiwan yard offers this model with the same high level of interior customization that has helped make the Johnson Yachts name over the last 30 years. Bill Dixon at Dixon Yacht Design designed her exterior, keeping her lines consistent with other Johnson builds. The 180-degree vertical windows on the front of the superstructure offer a panoramic view from the main-deck interior. With the usual Johnson extra living and storage space, she provides everything that is necessary for comfortable cruising on different ways such a weekend or long-distance trip. The Johnson 80 has a 6.30-meter beam that carries well forward, helping to create the interior volume. While Johnson Yachts has designs in place for multiple layouts, the owner of each hull is encouraged, to create their own one-of-a-kind yacht.Comfortable interior spaces created by Karen Lynn Interior Design let the owner welcome family and friends relax in large groups or more private parties. The Johnson 80 has a space in the main-deck saloon, a living area located aft with a roomy L-shaped sofa and a pair of armchairs. The aft opens wide with a sliding door, combine interior and aft deck spaces. The main deck is also a kitchen, where an open galley is set off with marble countertops with an island and breakfast bar. A table made from marble is surrounded by an expansive L-shaped dinette to take of the 180-degree views through the forward windows.She can accommodate up to eight guests in four staterooms. The full-beam master's cabin features an en-suite closet, and the forward VIP stateroom will include an island berth and dressing table. A pair of inside double guest staterooms round out the accommodations, and can each a double berth or a pair of twins, with the option of a Pullman berth to increase the compliment.Johnson Yachts has always paid close attention to engineering, as well as handling and cruising performance. The new Johnson 80 has completed a sea trial and the yacht had a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed of 27 knots. Power comes from a pair of MAN 1550 HP engines.The main idea of Johnson 80 is the customization – the key to the owner - with his choice of layout, finishes, style of the interior. Johnson 80 SpecificationsLength: 24.1mBeam: 6.30m Draft: 1.85mDisplacement of 65 tonsOne of the latest projects of Johnson Yachts was 34,14-meter yacht 'Mitan'@Photo by Johnson Yachts

British sailing yachts builder Spirit Yachts has introduced a new 13,4-metre sailing yacht concept Spirit 44E. She is conceived as a significant step towards building a 100-percent-sustainable yacht. The yacht is now under construction at the company’s Suffolk facility, due for launch in early 2020.In the terms of lines and forms, the concept with a beam of 3,3 metres resembles traditional Spirit Yachts products. She is marked by low free boards, flush decks, long overhangs and teak wooden finish. However, upon closer view she demonstrates hallmarks of a completely different type of yacht.The yacht’s aft deck will be fitted with two solar panels, coloured as general teak wood surface. The panels will charge OceanVolt 48VDC batteries that will power the yacht’s sail drive. In turn, the lightweight electric drive system is designed to regenerate the batteries while sailing.According to Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart, regeneration will depend on sailing speeds “but it is realistic to see 1,5 kW. The equivalent energy generated would be boiling a kettle, which is one of the highest power consuming appliances you would find on a yacht, or in your home for that matter.”He indicates, that in terms of design the company has borrowed a lot from their recent concept, a 34-metre model Spirit 111, fitted with electric drive system. This time Spirit Yachts is also cooperating with OneSails GBR (East) to develop a solar solution for the Spirit 44E sail wardrobe.“The lack of hydrocarbons and the addition of solar sails will allow us to take a step closer towards creating a completely sustainable yacht,” comments Stuart.Featured with a carbon mast and boom, the yacht’s rig will remain lightweight. As to other eco credentials, the yacht will boast reversible heating/air-conditioning pump, LED lighting and all the cooking done on a spirit stove, as there will be no hydrocarbons on-board.The yacht will accommodate four guests within owner’s suite and guest twin cabin, featured with a fold-down chart table. Central saloon will be furnished with a wooden dining table rounded by a u-shaped sofa. The yacht’s warm and natural interior styling will be attained through mahogany ringframes, yellow cedar planking and white bulkheads.The project was conceived and commissioned by the yard’s new customer, Vincent Argiro. He is a retired technology entrepreneur who lives and sails in British Columbia.This concept contributes to generally growing yacht builders’ concern with eco-friendly vessels. For instance, UAE builder Gulf Craft has recently presented three brand new solar-powered models from the company’s Nomad Yachts range.

North-American shipyard Palmer Johnson, originally located in Great Lakes region of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, once belonged amongst major US builders. The company started as wooden yachts builder, now boasting a 100-year-long history. They launched such famous vessels, as Fortuna for the King of Spain, unrivalled in the terms of speed for 10 consequent years, and explorer Turmoil, sailing around the globe three times. Yacht Harbour takes a closer look at the company’s long history and where they arrived at today.Palmer Johnson was founded by Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack in 1918, originally named Johnson and Gmack. During the 1920s, the boatyard made its specialty repairing rowing skiffs and commercial fishing vessels, with its first wooden yacht launched later in 1928.The company went through hard and prosperous periods through its history, under different owners. Sometimes its activity was affected by international events, as well. For instance, when the United States entered the WWII, most American industries rallied around the war effort. During the war years, Palmer Johnson built over forty 45-foot air-sea rescue boats and four 65-foot “T” class freighters. King Juan Carlos' FortunaIn 1956 the company was sold and renamed after the founder’s son, Palmer Johnson. Starting from the 1960s, Palmer Johnson becomes one of the pioneers in the field of aluminium yachts building, with the first unit Isanti built in 1962 for an American banker.Within five years, the company delivered the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht of that time, a 25,6-metre ketch Firebird. Firebird was surpassed by Fortuna, a 30.5-metre yacht for King Juan Carlos of Spain, setting the record in 1979. She was capable of reaching an incredible speed of 46 knots, remaining the fastest yacht in the world for over a decade. During 1989-1992, the company was extending its facilities; inaugurating new 7,000-square-metre facility at Jefferson Street and First Avenue and expanding to the East Coast.La BaronessaIn 1998, the same year Palmer Johnson celebrated its 80th anniversary, the company launched the largest all-aluminum yacht built in the USA, La Baronessa (59,5-metre LOA).In 2003, following several unproductive years the company was sold to her current owner, English businessman Timur Mohamed, after he had purchased a 120-foot yacht christened Cover Drive.Under his direction, Palmer Johnson introduced its SportYacht series in 2004, featured with contemporary exterior styling and interior design by Nuvolari Lenard. Launched during a peak of prosperity for yachting in general, the series becomes one of the most popular in the midsize superyacht segment.In 2012, the shipyard announced its new carbon-fibre SuperSport performance superyacht series as a follow-up to its SportYacht series. Despite several deliveries, it couldn't quite replicate the initial success of the previous series partly due to a different economic climate.However, in 2015 it was announced that the Sturgeon Bay shipyard would be closed and sold after delivery of its last boat. Since 2017, production was moved to the Netherlands, although it is for now unclear under what form that currently exists.The company reported that the relocation had a strategic purpose to increase production of the new carbon SuperSport series. It was though rumoured that the move was inevitable as sales had diminished against escalating foreign competitive pressures. Some sources reported that the closures resulted in the loss of about 100 jobs.One of the most recent yacht launched by Palmer Johnson, was 2016 sport yacht Sanam with LOA of 52,4 metres, the last one built within US facility. Following this, Palmer Johnson announced collaborations with Bugatti on a 66ft day boat and a day boat called the PJ63 Sport, clients for the projects, however, remain to be found so far.Nonetheless, the company still announces ambitious projects. The largest one has been revealed recently, jointly with Korean designer Chulhun Park. The companies have presented new 229-meter superyacht concept Valkyrie. Time will tell if the concept is a sign of big things to come from an iconic brand.

Polish multihull Sunreef Yachts has announced that it has sold the first model of its 80 Sunreef Power catamaran range in September 2018. But only now has revealed the first interior renderings of the 24-metre motor yacht. A model due to be presented at 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival and delivered later this year. Unveiled in May 2018, this in-house designed model is expected for long cruises and features “bold, contemporary hull styling”.Sunreef Yachts has been setting the trends in the catamaran industry for years. The shipyard introduced the yachting world innovate solutions including the world’s first flybridge on a luxury catamaran, the first double deck power catamaran with oceanic range, the first double deck sailing catamaran and one of latest power projects 150 Sunreef Power.The catamaran makes full use of the 12.1 beam with amazing amounts of space for sunning and lounging and a flybridge big enough to accommodate a spa pool, wet bar and plenty area of seating. The main deck saloon layout is flexible, with the option to include a different size dining area and a variety of seating. There is also the possibility to have a bar and open galley on the main deck.The model’s layout is open to customisation. One of the most spectacular features on board the 80 Sunreef Power is the master suite which can be set up in the bow section of the main deck. With a double bed facing the bow terrace, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, dressing and desk, the suite is bathed in sun from the skylight glazing. The same space can also be used to install a large lounge and access to the foredeck. Accommodation is for up for 12 guests and four crew members in luxurious cabins.The massive garage combined with an aft platform allows the 80 Sunreef Power to take tender, water toys and jet-ski anywhere she goes. The engine room can be fitted with either twin 575hp engines or twin 1,200hp engines.@Photo by Sunreef Yachts

Yacht Harbour takes a look over the best images from the social media world from the past week.#1. 156m DilbarPhoto by @ronraffetyKnown during her highly secretive build as Project Omar, the 156-meter yacht was launched at Lurssen facility in 2015. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name Dilbar, after the businessman’s mother.With her gross tonnage of 15.917 tons, she has officially become the world's largest yacht by volume.Diblar boasts exterior design by Espen Oeino and interior styling by Andrew Winch. Dilbar features a combined 3,800 square meters of living space, being able to host up to 40 guests and a crew of 80.#2. 85,6m AquilaPhoto via @theyachtmogulFormerly known as Cakewalk, this 85-metre yacht was sold to her current owner at an asking price of €119,000,000 at the end of 2014, followed by 12-month refit for 12 months at Pendennis in the UK and her name changed to Aquila.The largest yacht built in the United States since the 1930s, she has now become the largest yacht to be refitted in the UK with improvements focusing on the interior. For instance, the owner's stateroom was entirely remodelled and a 60 sqm private deck was added.#3. 77m Go by Turquoise YachtsPhoto by @ronraffetyRegarded as modern classics, Go sports a fluidly sinuous exterior profile complemented by a rich contemporary interior, both developed London- based H2 Yacht Design. Her turquoise painted hull enhances the connection to the sea and is unified by a “water in motion” narrative that influenced the interior colours, metallic finishes, fabrics, textiles, and stonework.All the tenders and toys, including the 5,5-metre rescue tender, are painted the yacht’s signature turquoise hull colour.#4. 43m Infinity III (ex. Cheers 46)Infinity III was built by Benetti in 2014 with an interior designed by Redman Whitley Dixon and exterior styling by Stefano Righini. She was sold in July, 2018 asking $13,450,000. Amongst her key features are a Jacuzzi and an ample lounging area located on the bow of the yacht, a fully-equipped gym with a sea view and a spacious sitting area for entertaining located on the main deck.This 42,67 motor yacht offers accommodation to 10 guests in 5 cabins on-board. Powered by MTU engines of 3460 HP each, she can reach her maximum speed oat 22 knots and a cruise comfortably at 18 knots.#5. 85.5m M/Y Vibrant CuriosityPhoto by @yacht.photographyThis yacht was built in collaboration between the Dutch shipyard Oceanco and the Italian Nuvolari & Lenard design house, working both in the yacht’s exteriors and interiors. She was built in 2009, featuring a beam of 14,2 m and a draft of 4 m, steel hull and aluminium superstructure. With her gross tonnage of 2000 tones, Vibrant Curiosity can accommodate 14 guests in 7 cabins on-board.As to Vibrant Curiosity' speeding options, powered by MTU 6V 595 TE70 engines of 4680 HP each, she reaches a maximum speed at 18.5 knots and cruises at 17 knots for 5500 nautical miles.