A feast for the eyes and a pleasure for those who will be onboard at sea, Custom Line 120’ bursts onto the nautical scene with the explosive force of new innovations that are sure to leave their mark. The newest member of the brand’s planing line reimagines and combines stylistic elements from automotive design and residential architecture, with the addition of in-depth research aimed at enhancing the shapes and volumes.
Produced in collaboration with the Ferretti Group Strategic Product Committee, headed by engineer Piero Ferrari, and the Engineering Department, it is the first Custom Line yacht to bear the signature of Francesco Paszkowski Design.
An array of new key features were included, starting with the design of the hull, with its bottom lines characterized by the extension of the quickwork towards the bow. This choice is the result of careful analyses aimed at reducing resistance to guarantee exceptional performance and consumption, all considering the volumes and the displacement of the vessel.
The hull design is inspired by technologies used for racing power yachts, with particular attention and care given to the production of the structures to ensure the maximum strength and lightness. In addition, expert use of carbon in the superstructure made it possible to achieve an elegant design of the part of the flybridge that extends toward the bow without the need for supporting props in the cockpit.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The design proposes an aesthetic standard based on perfectly clean lines and forms, which created a coherent unity between the exterior and interior design. The profile is sleek and powerful: taut lines run from stern to bow, creating a spectacular alternation of materials and colours in the light structural surfaces and dark tinted windows.
The hull windows are large and generous, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck offer direct contact with the sea, thanks to pulpits that take the place of the traditional gunwales. The side windows on the flybridge make it possible to have a well-sheltered panoramic sun deck.
COCKPIT AND INTERIORS OF THE MAIN DECK
The cockpit features an innovative glass door that gives access to the lounge. It is inclined at a 45° angle and, in addition to the usual slide opening of the two glass panels, it has a tilting mechanism so that it can be raised completely up to insert into the ceiling. Developed in conjunction with Mecaer Aviation Group, a company that works in the aeronautical industry, the door makes it possible to join the cockpit area to the lounge to create a single environment of more than 80 sq m (861 sq ft) covered in teak, with curtains that can be utilized for separation. Another outstanding innovation is the elevation of the lounge floor, which uses a floating floor to provide an unparalleled view of the sea.
The design is inspired by the tenets of luxury residential interior design and proposes, among other elements:
- support columns that incorporate lighting, audio, and air-conditioning systems
- the large central lounge, fitted with wide, tall side windows that create an effect of greater continuity with the sea.
Beyond the formal dining zone, the lobby gives access onto the walkway through a large glass door, as well as belowdecks and to the master suite. From the opposite wall, there is access to the pantry – also reachable from the outside – and then the galley, from which the crew quarters below can be reached.
The pantry also gives access to the navigation bridge. Here, the captain can use the LOOP integrated bridge system created in conjunction with Naviop-Simrad, which has touchscreens installed seamlessly into the dashboard, creating a single direct interface with the ship functions and enabling total control.
The wide body owner’s suite of over 35 sq m is outfitted with a separate dressing room and full beam bathroom with dual facilities, vanity, and a central shower. On request, the owner can also have a panoramic terrace installed.
LOWER DECK
There are 4 guest cabins on the lower deck. The 2 VIP cabins astern feature a special arrangement of the beds, which face the bulwark to make the most of the view from the large hull windows. The two forward cabins have single beds, to which a pullman bed can be added. All the cabins have an en-suite bathroom with separate shower. The crew quarters forward include a large dinette, captain’s cabin with desk and private bathroom, a hostess cabin, and two double cabins for the sailors, all with private bathroom and separate shower.
EXTERNAL AREAS
The comfort of a flybridge and the sportiness of a coupé also blend wonderfully on the sun deck, a panoramic space to enjoy in complete privacy. It features a relaxation area with whirlpool tub and free-standing furniture, and can be protected from the sun thanks to a retractable bimini top in the hard top equipped with a skylight. An innovative concept enables a direct connection from the flybridge to the forward zone by means of lateral corridors with additional access from the monkey bridge. This feature makes it possible to have a single large deck of 100 sq m. Two sun pads at the sides of the walkway lead to the foredeck, furnished with a large dinette.
At the stern, the patented DMT - Dual Mode Transom system is implemented with the installation of two hatches that conceal the stairs to the cockpit when the ship is cruising, providing an exceptionally clean aesthetic. When the ship is stopped, the stairs pass through the garage door, allowing guests to climb aboard. From the garage, a tender of up to 5.65 meters and a three-person jet ski can be lowered into the water. Consistent with the Custom Line tradition, there is another garage forward, which can be used to store a 3.25 m tender or a jet ski.
TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
Custom Line 120’ installs a pair of MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines that generate 2,638 Mhp, allowing a cruising speed of 21 knots and top speed of 25 knots (preliminary data). An interesting option is the economical cruising speed of 11 knots, with a range of up to 1100 nautical miles (preliminary data).
Comfort is also guaranteed when the ship is at anchor, thanks to the standard installation di electro-hydraulic stabilizing fins, offering both underway and zero speed modes.
The utmost attention has also been given to acoustic comfort in order to reduce the impact of engines and generators during navigation and at roadstead: Custom Line 120’ features a floating floor and supplementary thermal insulation between the bulkheads and in the ceilings.
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025