The team at Amels and Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of the 55m Yacht Support Gene Chaser. The name of the yacht was unveiled during a private ceremony held at the Dutch builder’s shipyard in Vlissingen. Complete with stunning custom fleet colours and a research laboratory, this Yacht Support will be used alongside the Amels 180 Gene Machine.
Gene Chaser, from Damen Yachting’s YS 5009 Yacht Support range, was originally launched in late 2020 as Blue Ocean. Over the last two months, she has undergone a period of intense transformation to meet the owner’s exacting requirements for setting up the interior as a working research laboratory and hub for ongoing scientific projects.
The main salon has been converted into a working wet and dry laboratory, and other interior areas have been designed for conferences and educational purposes.
Guest suites allow for eight visiting researchers and experts, while the crew areas can now accommodate a crew of seven and four full-time scientists. The substantial 225-square-meter exterior deck, with a high-performance knuckle-boom 13-t capacity crane, provides ample space for Gene Machine’s Fjord 42 and a Hatløy Maritime Oxpro AL8 landing craft, as well as additional mission-specific equipment.
Matthew Gow, captain of the owner’s 55m yacht Gene Machine, represented this repeat client during the sale. “We’ve achieved an incredible amount of work in a short period of time, and the collaboration with the team at Damen Yachting has been excellent. Watching the transformation take place has been very special and I cannot wait to see Gene Chaser alongside Gene Machine.”
Owner Dr. Jonathan Rothberg sums up the motivation behind Gene Chaser. “Coronavirus reminded us of the fragility of our world. Whether it’s a global pandemic or global climate change, each of us must rise to the challenges we face, as we are best prepared. For my family, this means Gene Chaser and her onboard Gene Lab – a next generation lab to address mankind’s greatest challenges. Gene Chaser will be the tip of the spear as we deploy never before available technology to characterise, understand, and expand our knowledge of biodiversity, and identify nature’s solutions – within her genes – to the world’s greatest existential threats.”
Dr Rothberg confirms this is also the origin of the name Gene Chaser. “We are going to go after genes to combat global warming and clean up the oceans and the air. That’s why it’s the Gene Chaser. In our planet’s very genes lie the answers to our biggest challenges and the key to our salvation.”
Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.
Credits: Amels
The 100.8-meter Kusch Yachts superyacht I Dynasty has been listed for sale with Merle A. Wood of Merle Wood & Associates and James Auld of SuperYachtsMonaco, with an asking price of €240,000,000. This places her as the fourth most expensive superyacht currently on the market.Built in Germany and delivered in July 2015, I Dynasty is the second-largest vessel from Kusch Yachts and the yard’s most recent delivery. The project was overseen by Vega Yachts, with The A Group’s Richard Hein responsible for exterior design and naval architecture. She was among the first superyachts to be fully certified to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) standards.Her interior, designed by Massari Design, accommodates up to 34 guests in 12 cabins, plus four staff in three cabins and 36 crew in 19 cabins. Under PYC certification, she can carry up to 36 guests. The main deck hosts the owner’s suite, which includes separate his and hers marble en suites, while two master VIP suites are located on the bridge deck.With an interior volume of 4,437GT, I Dynasty offers a variety of amenities, including a bridge deck cinema, beach club, sauna, hair salon, massage room, hammam, gym, and a dive centre. Notable design features include an open staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a mix of classical and modern finishes, including warm woods, marble pillars, and glass “shark fins” acting as windbreakers.The yacht’s exterior spaces include multiple dining areas, a covered cinema, several pools, and a float-in tender garage that can be converted into a saltwater pool. She carries a range of tenders and water toys, including a Riva 33 Aquariva and a 9.6-metre Pascoe Limousine.Powered by a diesel-electric system with twin Rolls-Royce Bergen main engines and triple Caterpillar C32 auxiliary engines, I Dynasty has a top speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots, and a range of 7,000 nautical miles.She recently completed her Lloyd’s 10-year Special Survey in June 2025 and will be available for inspection by appointment during the Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Merle Wood & Associates
August 15, 2025
The first unit from the Lazzara UHV 100 series has had its asking price reduced by €1,005,000. Represented for sale by Josh Gulbranson of Fraser and Richard Higgins of Northrop & Johnson, the 30.5-metre motor yacht is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026.Designed entirely in-house by Turkish shipyard Lazzara, the model has a reported gross tonnage of 222GT, which the builder claims is the largest in its class. The yacht is being built using a full epoxy construction with e-glass, a closed-cell aviation core, and no gelcoat or wood.Accommodation will be for up to 10 guests in five cabins, including a main-deck owner’s suite with private seating and en suite, and four guest cabins on the lower deck in a mix of queen and twin arrangements. Crew quarters will accommodate five.The interior is designed with multiple floor-to-ceiling windows and 2,800 square feet of living space, including a main deck lounge and dining area for 10, and a full-beam skylounge with a bar and lounge seating.Outdoor areas will include a beach club with a submersible swim platform, a foredeck lounge with a Jacuzzi, and alfresco dining and seating on both the main and upper aft decks.Powered by Volvo Penta engines, the yacht is expected to have a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots. She will also be equipped with CMC electric fin stabilisation and hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. Principal dimensions include a beam of 7.4 metres and a draft of 1.8 metres.The Lazzara UHV 100 is now listed for sale at €13,495,000.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 15, 2025
The 35-meter explorer yacht Fox, constructed by Pendennis Shipyard in the United Kingdom during 2024, is currently listed for sale with an asking price of €18 Million. Burgess is acting as the central sales agent. The yacht features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure built to RINA commercial class standards. Exterior styling is credited to Tansu Yachts and Pendennis, with interiors by Q London. Fox accommodates ten guests across five cabins—comprising a full-beam owner’s suite and four lower-deck guest cabins, each with its own ensuite bathroom—and carries a crew of seven. Its propulsion system consists of twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT engines producing a combined 2,080 HP, enabling a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of approximately 14–16 knots, and a range of around 3,000 nautical miles at a steady pace. ABT TRAC fin stabilisers ensure smooth sailing both underway and at anchor, while Simrad navigation systems enhance onboard operations. Fox is characteristic of an expedition-style explorer yacht, with a muscular exterior and a spacious 103.5-square-meter aft deck capable of storing two 7.5-meter tenders, additional water toys, and even submersibles. This area includes a DJ station, open-air dining, a bar, and a glass-walled sky lounge with a terrace featuring a BBQ and open-air dining. Delivered in Spring 2024, the yacht has been operational with voyages to the Mediterranean. Its name honors Falmouth scientist Robert Were Fox the Younger. Fox was developed as a compact but capable yacht suited for adventurous owners aiming to explore remote regions. The Fox represents a blend of practical explorer functionality and contemporary comfort, now available via Burgess for €18 million.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 15, 2025
The 30.2-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht Foftein has been listed for sale with Manfred Haas of Haas International at an asking price of €8,500,000 with VAT paid.Built in aluminium and delivered in 1999, Foftein was designed by German Frers as a cutter-rigged yacht intended for bluewater cruising. She has had only two owners since new, the first being a yachtsman and marine photographer. The yacht underwent a significant refit in 2020 by Huisfit, Royal Huisman’s refit division, which included the installation of hybrid propulsion and updated systems.The refit allows Foftein to cruise silently for up to eight hours, regenerate power under sail, and meet advanced environmental standards. Her propulsion is provided by Volvo Penta 550hp engines, complemented by lithium-ion energy storage.The interior, designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder, features cherry wood panelling and accommodates six guests in a master suite and two twin cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. Crew quarters provide space for four in two cabins.On deck, Foftein has two cockpits: a centre cockpit leading to the deckhouse, and a private aft cockpit connected directly to the master suite. Her sailing capabilities are supported by a modern fast hull, aluminium mast and spars, and semi-automated sail handling systems.Currently cruising in the English Channel, Foftein is presented in what the broker describes as “exceptional, turn-key” condition.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 14, 2025
Global Services Ltd, a UK-based supplier of marine equipment and services to the superyacht, commercial shipping, and cruise ship industries, has appointed Ian Cooke as Chairman to oversee its next stage of development.The company operates from offices in the UK, the Netherlands, and Palma, working with vessel crews and management to source and deliver a wide range of operational equipment, including tools, spare parts, consumables, and technical items. It also provides ancillary services such as storage solutions, mobile phone plans, inventory management, and logistical support.Cooke, who has more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry across yacht and commercial sectors, will focus on expanding Global Services’ market presence, strengthening partnerships, and advancing its digital transformation and sustainability plans.“Ian has a deep understanding of the marine industry and a clear strategy to guide Global Services into its next chapter,” said Doug Grover, Director of Operations. “We are confident in his ability to build on our strong foundation and accelerate our global impact.”Commenting on his appointment, Cooke said: “The company’s global reach, talented team and strong commitment to client success present an incredible platform for continued innovation and growth. I look forward to working closely with the Board, leadership team, employees, suppliers and clients around the world to shape the future of Global Services.”In addition to his new position, Cooke will continue in his roles at marine equipment distributor C-Quip Ltd and Crewsafe Marine Ltd, along with their associated brands.Credit: Global Services
August 14, 2025