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
As the Palma International Boat Show commemorates its 40th anniversary, it sets its gaze firmly on the future with two groundbreaking initiatives: an economic impact study and certification as a sustainable event. Organized by the Regional Ministry of Enterprise, Employment, and Energy, in collaboration with the Balearic Islands Institute for Business Innovation (IDI) and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA), the fair opens today at Palma’s Moll Vell.The economic impact study, conducted in partnership with the Directorate General of Economics and Statistics of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Innovation, aims to assess the fair's contribution as an economic driver for the city and the region. Simultaneously, the fair is pursuing certification as a sustainable event, committing to minimizing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible practices.With a record 295 exhibitors, including international companies, the event promises to showcase an array of quality nautical products across its 86,000-square-meter venue. Notably, the Palma Superyacht Village will feature a dedicated area for boats over 24 meters, complemented by the introduction of the Superyacht Square, emphasizing innovation and sustainability.As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Balearic Superyacht Forum, the first international superyacht forum in the Balearic Islands, will convene around 300 industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts to discuss the sector's future. Additionally, the fair will pay tribute to the companies that have contributed to its success over the years, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the event's legacy.The 40th-anniversary festivities will culminate in a series of activities on April 26th, featuring music, entertainment, and a captivating drone show. Credits: The Palma International Boat Show
April 25, 2024
ISA Yachts reveals the initial glimpses of the ISA Custom 80 meters as it embarks on its interior outfitting phase. Designed by Espen Øino International for the exterior and Peter Marino Architect for the interior, this flagship project marks a new milestone for the shipyard. With a gross tonnage of 2150 GT and a length of 80 meters, the vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. In addition to this custom 80-meter, currently at the Ancona Shipyard there are other three ISA Yachts-brand constructions under way: an 80-meter of the Gran Turismo line (with exterior and interior by Enrico Gobbi Team for Design) due to be delivered in 2027, and two 66 meters. One of these has both exterior and interior designed by the Nuvolari-Lenard Studio, while the other has exterior design by Vallicelli and interior design by Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design, and they are set to be presented in 2026.Dedicated to producing forward-thinking superyachts made only with superior quality materials, ISA Yachts is a leading global superyacht and megayacht builder. Every ISA superyacht is uniquely designed to her owner’s briefs, and is built using the highest technology, the best quality materials and the finest furnishings and finishes. Currently in build are two 80-meter projects due to become the new ISA Yachts flagships. ISA Yachts is part of Palumbo Superyachts, which also includes: Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Extra Yachts.Credits: ISA Yachts
April 25, 2024
Denison Yachting celebrates the successful delivery of superyacht Extra Time, the second hull in Conrad Shipyard's esteemed C144S series. Yacht broker Alex G. Clarke lauds Conrad Shipyard's exceptional craftsmanship, highlighting the collaboration with Reymond Langton Design and Diana Yacht Design as a testament to the vessel's quality.Extra Time boasts luxurious amenities, including a spacious tender garage, beach club, hot tub, and accommodations for up to 12 guests. Built to Lloyds MCA LY3 standards, the yacht features a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and impressive technical specifications. Clarke, who attended the christening ceremony in Gdańsk, praises the dedication of the Conrad Shipyard team and expresses confidence in the yacht's performance.With Hull #2 and #3 sold, Denison Yachting now offers Hull #4 exclusively for sale, asking €27.7 million, available with a late 2026 delivery.Conrad Shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland and specializes in building steel, and aluminum luxury yachts ranging from 24 to 100 meters in length.Denison has long been a leader in the yachting industry with a rich family history dating back to 1948, and the start of Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Today, the company provides complete yachting services worldwide, including superyacht sales, yacht charter, crew placement, and new construction. Denison operates out of 21 waterfront offices in the United States, and one location in Monaco with a team of 100+ licensed and bonded yacht brokers. Credits: Denison Yachting
April 25, 2024
Royal Huisman makes waves once again with Noir, an 81-meter sailing yacht, setting a new standard in superyacht excellence. Designed by Malcolm McKeon, Noir boasts the world’s tallest sloop rig at 93 meters, embodying the epitome of luxury and performance.McKeon, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking design, envisions Noir as the ultimate vessel for the owner's pleasure and adventure with loved ones. With a contemporary profile featuring a reverse bow and a flying bridge, Noir offers ample outdoor living space and unparalleled connectivity to the sea.An experienced sailor himself, Noir's owner prioritizes speed, power, and responsive handling, ensuring an exhilarating sailing experience. The yacht is tailored for world cruising and exploration, equipped with a 14-meter tender for coastal excursions without the need for yacht repositioning.Crafted from aluminum and powered by electric drives, Noir combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Rondal supplies the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system, contributing to Noir's status as the world's tallest sloop.Noir's interior, designed by GCA Architects, promises to harmonize with the contemporary exterior, blending natural materials and textures for a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. With details kept under wraps, anticipation for the unveiling of Noir's interior design continues to grow.Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman expresses pride and gratitude for being selected to bring Noir to life, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's 140-year history. As the fourth yacht to join the ranks of the world's Top 10 largest sailing yachts, Noir solidifies Royal Huisman's reputation as a leader in bespoke yacht craftsmanship and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
April 24, 2024
Project Arwen is the latest masterpiece from Dörries Yachts, boasting an extravagant 114-meter length and an awe-inspiring 20-meter hydraulic swimming pool.This superyacht, commissioned by an American technology billionaire, epitomizes international collaboration. Designed by U.S. firm Píndaros, with contributions from French studio Champeau Wilde and British designer Andy Waugh, and naval architecture led by Dutch outfit Azure, Project Arwen is a testament to top-tier German engineering, constructed at Dörries' facilities in Bremerhaven, Germany.Project Arwen's centerpiece is undoubtedly its extraordinary infinity pool, spanning most of the aft deck. Encased in glass, the pool offers uninterrupted ocean views. Remarkably, a 13-meter section can be raised hydraulically, expanding the deck space. Dörries describes this innovation as a versatile leisure and entertainment area, redefining luxury at sea.Beyond its stunning pool, Arwen impresses with a staggering interior volume of 4,950 gross tonnes (GT). Guests are welcomed by a grand multi-level spiral staircase leading to a vast living area covering over 1,400 square meters. The main saloon, featuring lofty 6-meter ceilings and lavish seating, epitomizes opulence.Dubbed a "haven of entertainment" by Dörries, Arwen offers multiple dining areas, indoor and outdoor bars, and relaxation spaces. Its amenities include a helipad for an H135 chopper, cinema, beach club, hair and beauty salon, and a wellness area featuring a gym, spa, and sauna.Accommodation is equally luxurious, comprising five en suite cabins and a VIP suite for guests. The owner's deck boasts a sprawling 288-square-meter suite with an exquisite en suite, dressing room, and terrace, offering direct access to a foredeck lounge and dining area – a true sanctuary of sophistication and style.Credits: Dörries Yachts
April 24, 2024