London-based studio shared its work for the National Flagship. The opportunity came by, when the British government invited designs for a new National Flagship – a replacement for the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Vitruvius Yachts and its collaborative team, called Team FestivAl, combine their considerable knowledge and experience to create a new flagship designed for the people but fit for a king.
With the government deciding to halt the project, the team – whose vessel was shortlisted as a finalist in the design competition – is showcasing their previously confidential proposal, highlighting not only the ingenuity of their design but also throwing a spotlight on the extraordinary depth and diversity of British industry and society, amply reflected in the design itself.
The design comes from Team FestivAl, a collaboration between London-based, award-winning yacht design studio Vitruvius Yachts, world-renowned architecture practice Zaha Hadid Architects, and aluminum ship and yacht specialists Ocea. Key features include a focus on sustainable power and propulsion, a highly efficient hull design to minimize fuel consumption and maximize opportunities for emerging green technologies to create a zero-carbon vessel, an interior based on recycled and recyclable materials, and a flexible deck and interior design that can switch between exhibition showcase or floating embassy with ease, suitable for everyone from VVIPs to schoolchildren and the disabled.
“To design a vessel – a flagship – that will become a benchmark in sustainability as well as demonstrating British excellence and heritage for current and future generations, while also being a symbol of inclusion and diversity, was an enormous challenge that kept me awake at night,” says Philippe Briand, the founder and designer of Vitruvius Yachts. “The nature and intensity of the project kept me focused but also filled me with pride, not just in the design process itself but for what the flagship stands for.”
Both the exterior and interior designs have been created to portray national identity and showcase the very best of British design and craftsmanship. The sleek exterior profile includes a distinctive central slice through the superstructure that takes the form of a hoop of glass, flooding the interior with light and providing a key design element that, combined with a distinct LED-lit style line in the profile, hints at the ribbon pattern in the Union flag. This is reinforced in the design when viewed from above. At night, the LED-tile ribbon and lighting scheme developed by Jason Bruges Studio turns the vessel into a lighting sculpture that projects the Union flag, reflected in the water.
The interior has been conceived to give each area its own identity while creating a cohesive, holistic overarching theme that represents British creativity, craftsmanship, decoration, furniture and artifacts.
“The flagship collaboration was an incredible opportunity to act as an architect realizing the design of a project that was hugely complex, because it aims to represent not the tastes of one person but the essence of an entire nation,” Briand enthuses. “That is actually way more difficult than designing for even the most demanding individual!”
Philippe Briand is the founder and designer of Vitruvius Yachts Ltd. He made his name designing award-winning sailing yachts under his own brand name and building on that experience has led him to create a revolutionary range of motor yachts: Vitruvius Yachts with a range in size of over 100m in length. With over 12,000 boats built to date, Philippe Briand could reasonably be considered the most prolific yacht designer of our time.
Credits: Vitruvius Yachts
At the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the impressive 51-meter Feadship Double Haven will make its debut as the inaugural yacht under the newly established Feadship Resale division. This marks a significant milestone for both the storied vessel and this innovative resale service.Originally launched in 1993, Double Haven has been meticulously maintained and underwent a comprehensive refit in 2024, successfully completing its Lloyd’s class certification after three decades. The yacht features a spacious interior, maximized by full-beam design. Its distinctive aft deck ingeniously converts the tender bay into a water sports activity center, providing seamless access to the aft lounge on the main deck. Notably, the upper level boasts a luxurious, self-contained apartment complete with a balcony, bathroom, and private lounge, designed for the original owners who spent extended periods onboard. With a substantial fuel capacity of 120,000 liters – 30 percent more than is typical for yachts of its size – Double Haven is equipped for oceanic voyages of up to six months and is also set up for helicopter operations.Feadship Resale aims to enhance the brokerage community rather than replace it, providing in-depth insights and technical expertise about each Feadship yacht. By teaming up with prominent brokerage firms, Feadship guarantees clients receive maximum exposure and the best possible guidance. “Our mission is to ensure that the ownership experience remains rewarding for future generations, and Feadship Resale is a significant step toward preserving the value and heritage of each yacht,” states Arjen van Elk, Manager of Feadship Resale.The current Feadship Resale portfolio includes notable yachts such as Savannah (83.5m), Somnium (55m), Wedge Too (65m), and Monaco (37.95m), with some listings in collaboration with major brokerage firms.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
October 11, 2024
The 37.8-meter Moonen's yacht Lumière, which was delivered in June 2024, has made her debut in Sardinia during her inaugural summer in the Mediterranean. Captured in a picturesque anchorage by renowned yacht photographer Charl van Rooy, Lumière is seen glowing in a golden haze under the warm Italian sun. The yacht's Australian owners are enjoying their first season aboard this magnificent vessel.The owners expressed their appreciation, stating, “We commend Moonen and the extended team for delivering what I can only describe as an exceptional vessel. After her delivery to Mallorca from the Netherlands, we spent four weeks cruising with family and friends. Without fail, everyone who stepped onboard was amazed by the quality of finishes and the level of comfort. It exceeded all expectations. It was fantastic to see four Moonen Martinique yachts docked in Port Adriano – they truly are the finest yachts there.”Lumière is the fifth yacht inspired by Moonen’s esteemed Martinique design, known for its fast-displacement long-range capabilities, harmonious indoor-outdoor living, and unparalleled customization options. The owners were actively involved throughout the two-year construction process, requesting features like an extended sun deck with a large hot tub, a custom swim platform, and a uniquely designed interior in collaboration with Studio Indigo.The Captain remarked, “It's very comforting to know you are on a Moonen, where safety in quality makes the difference,” adding that the Moonen Martinique is “simply the best in her size range.”Constructed with a high-tensile steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, Lumière boasts a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. With a spacious interior volume of 345 gross tons, she accommodates up to 12 guests in five cabins and can carry a crew of seven.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
October 11, 2024
Progress is underway at the Marina di Carrara shipyard on the outfitting of the latest 53-meter motor yacht, a part of the Admiral 50 series. This marks the third vessel in the semi-custom Admiral line, continuing The Italian Sea Group's commitment to high-quality, sustainable yacht production.Construction of the hull and superstructure is advancing as scheduled, with system installations and optimization currently ongoing. Following this phase, the ship will enter the outfitting stage.The Italian Sea Group (TISG) is firmly establishing its presence in the semi-custom production market, maintaining a premium standard by exclusively utilizing aluminium in its builds.The Admiral 53m superyacht features a cutting-edge e-MOTION hybrid propulsion system. This includes two MAN DIESEL engines, four variable-speed generators, two permanent magnet electric motors, and an extensive lithium polymer battery pack. The innovative system provides several operational modes:The diesel main engines and electric alternators can power all onboard services while navigating with the generators off, allowing for battery recharging. Variable-speed generators adjust their output according to onboard load requirements, enhancing fuel efficiency.The battery pack can sustain operations for approximately eight hours without emissions, noise, or vibrations, enabling electric entry into ports while maintaining silence in docking operations.The battery system includes a "peak-shaving" function to manage short-term load spikes, preventing the need for additional generator activation, and ensuring uninterrupted operation during temporary shore power losses—common in many ports.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, expressed pride in this fully aluminium, hybrid superyacht, the first in the Admiral 50 line. "This project reflects our dedication to sustainability, a commitment we began in 2016 with the launch of the world's first hybrid-powered yacht in its size range, the 55-metre Admiral Quinta Essentia."The design of the Admiral 53m emphasizes an unobstructed visual experience, promoting a seamless interaction between outdoor and indoor spaces. The interiors, crafted from high-quality natural materials such as wood, stone, and textured metals, exude sophistication and warmth. The owner's suite on the upper deck offers panoramic views on three sides and features an exclusive private deck.The superyacht can host up to 12 guests in five spacious suites on the lower deck, in addition to the owner’s cabin located on the main deck.Scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025, the Admiral 53m continues to embody The Italian Sea Group's commitment to innovation and sustainability in yacht design.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
October 11, 2024
Alia Yachts is excited to reveal the sale of an impressive 43-meter bespoke yacht, which is currently under construction at their Antalya shipyard, with a scheduled delivery date in 2026.Designed by the renowned Vripack, this world cruiser boasts sleek and modern exterior lines, tailored for a family intending to embark on extensive journeys, potentially spending up to two months aboard. The project emphasizes energy efficiency, aiming to minimize the yacht’s carbon footprint through advanced naval engineering and cutting-edge onboard technology.One of the standout features of this yacht is the innovative folding bulwarks amidships, which uncover a tender area capable of accommodating an 8-metre beach lander. When the balconies are extended, this space transforms into a serene chill-out zone, strategically positioned in the yacht’s most stable area and separated from the dining room by a glass wall, conveniently adjacent to a gym.The bridge deck behind the wheelhouse is primarily dedicated to the master stateroom, which includes a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a private study. Additionally, the lower deck provides luxurious accommodations for eight guests, featuring four well-appointed suites.“It’s a pleasure to collaborate on a third project with Vripack—the creative minds behind the 55-meter Al Waab, the longest steel and aluminum yacht under 500GT globally, as well as our 60-meter flagship that is currently in development and slated for launch next year,” remarked Alia President Gökhan Çelik. “With this newest contract, we now have six custom projects at various stages of construction, from newly initiated builds to those nearing completion, showcasing that Alia Yachts continues to capture attention in the bespoke superyacht market.”Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 m2, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.Credits: Alia Yachts
October 10, 2024
Omikron Yachts to participate in the Olympic Yacht Show, taking place from October 10th to 13th, 2024. This event will unfold at the company's original location in Olympic Marine, serving as a vital platform for Omikron Yachts to reinforce its presence in the Greek market while introducing the award-winning OT–60 yacht, freshly celebrated at the Cannes Yachting Festival.The recent success of Omikron Yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival has significantly elevated its global profile, with the OT-60 receiving the prestigious ‘Revelation of the Year’ accolade during the Yacht Trophies. In addition, the brand unveiled the design of its forthcoming model, the OT-80 – a “local explorer” featuring an enclosed flybridge, impressive transatlantic range, and advanced efficiency. This year, the OT-60 is also a finalist in the Best of Boats Awards under the ‘Best Big Boats’ category, further solidifying its status among industry leaders. These honors reflect the innovative design and eco-friendly ethos that define the brand, seamlessly merging the elegance of sailing yachts with the practicality of motor yachts and heralding a new era of sustainable cruising.The Olympic Yacht Show holds special significance for Omikron Yachts, as it will be hosted at Olympic Marine—the very birthplace of the OT-60. This "homecoming" event provides a unique opportunity for yachting aficionados to connect with the model firsthand and appreciate its remarkable journey on the international stage. Attendees will have the chance to admire the exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and distinctive features that have established the OT-60 as a transformative vessel in its class.Nikolas Dendrinos, Chairman of Olympic Marine, emphasized the importance of this event for Omikron Yachts, stating, “This year’s Olympic Yacht Show is especially meaningful for us. It not only represents our home turf but also brings to a close an extraordinary year of accolades for the OT-60, both domestically and internationally. Following our success in Cannes, we are eager to present the OT-60 in the waters where she was born.”Between 1969 and the late 90s, the Olympic Yachts shipyard manufactured over 2,000 sailing boats. Starting in 2019, the shipyard underwent a comprehensive renovation, revitalizing its capabilities to design and manufacture contemporary, high-quality boats.Credits: StudioReskos/Omikron Yachts
October 10, 2024