Italy's renowned Hot Lab, a key player in the Viken Group, has unveiled an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its remarkable design process for the Columbus Yachts' newest superyacht, the Atlantique 43 Frette. This sneak peek highlights the intricate blend of Eastern and Western design philosophies, utilizing prestigious global design brands.
Stunning imagery showcases Hot Lab's meticulous design work, capturing both the yacht's elegant exterior and luxurious interior. The same design team has crafted the vessel’s outer aesthetics and inner ambiance, ensuring a cohesive look and feel. Hot Lab is responsible for the entire Atlantique line, spanning lengths from 37m to 65m.
“The concept for the exterior design originated from our vision of infusing the elegance, fluidity, and simplicity of sailboat lines into the realm of motor yachts,” said Antonio Romano, commercial director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab. “This guiding principle has influenced the entire Atlantique range, a key element in attracting the owner's interest.”
The exterior of Frette is reminiscent of natural forms, echoing the gentle curves of a shell or pebbled stone. Each deck features smooth contours, seamlessly transitioning from the bow to the expansive transom, while the sun deck’s roof extends outward like a protective hand. The design harmoniously blends characteristics of both sailing and motor yachts, enhancing its elegant silhouette.
“Our inspiration came from nature, specifically the cocoon and polished stone,” explained Hot Lab co-founder and design director Enrico Lumini. “The river stone, shaped by water, becomes perfectly smooth and hydrodynamic, capturing an elegance that only natural elements can impart.”
This philosophy extends to the yacht’s exterior spaces, with the open stern creating a luxurious beach club experience, flanked by large foldable wings. A unique glass-walled pool complements the design while forging a direct connection to the ocean, sitting just 50cm above the water’s surface.
To maintain an organic atmosphere, the yacht dispenses with bulky structural furniture, opting instead for lightweight freestanding ivory Flexform sofas and loungers that can be quickly rearranged to restore the deck’s natural flow.
Another lounge area at the bow centers around a stunning rectangular panoramic pool, framed by white sunbeds and complemented by elm coffee tables from Paola Lenti, as well as a bar topped with natural teak stools. The sun deck is outfitted for casual gatherings, featuring a rectangular teak table for 14, striking marble accents, and ample sunpads.
The interior boasts exceptionally high ceilings that create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, accentuated by floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Curved glass elements reinforce the yacht’s soft, organic aesthetic, with sliding aft doors that enable effortless circulation.
“One of my proudest achievements is the main deck salon and its entrance, which feels like a winter garden, integrating the interior and exterior in a truly harmonic way,” remarked Lumini. “The expansive glass and side openings invite abundant natural light.”
The main saloon features deep white sofas and contemporary styling with rounded shapes, including ivory linen seating by Paolo Castelli contrasted with blue-hued cushions. A warm palette of brushed and bleached American walnut parquet laid in herringbone complements oak wall panels that house a large TV framed in onyx and ivory marble. The space includes an elegant oak bench by Fendi, complete with a fabric seat and leather straps, and a sleek bar unit by Poltrona Frau.
Hot Lab’s design also reveals a strong emphasis on cultural fusion. “The owner’s background reflects influences from both the East and the West,” Lumini noted. "This blend of details creates an expression that is both elegantly understated and distinctly personal."
Moving to the upper deck, Hot Lab has crafted a vibrant gathering space. The outdoor aft deck features semicircular seating arrangements complemented by Flexform lounges and Paola Lenti coffee tables made from elm and iroko wood. Inside, a dining area showcases a custom panda marble table with Fendi Casa chairs, accommodating up to 12 guests, while the lounge area offers Giorgetti Caddy armchairs paired with Fendi Casa coffee tables, all enhanced by side windows that open fully for better circulation. 
Across five guest cabins, Hot Lab applies familiar motifs from the yacht’s design, featuring warm parquet and walls adorned with melange fabric, creating a harmonious ambiance.
“Clients sought a light, airy space for social gatherings and business meetings,” Lumini explained. “Frette embodies that vision, providing a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.”
Frette not only captivates with its design but also exemplifies the elegant harmony between its interiors and exteriors. Many claim to achieve seamless indoor-outdoor living, yet Hot Lab has realized this synergy in a way that feels both instinctive and natural. The studio champions a principle they call “Architecture for Voyagers.”
“Architecture for Voyagers encapsulates our design ethos,” Romano stated. “It emphasizes respect for the object and its intended purpose. Yachts are unique in combining an outer shell – the pure design object – with a functional living space within. Striking a balance between these two aspects is a challenge that we have embraced, allowing us to create a unified whole.”
Viken Group comprises Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. The company offers a unique expertise compiled from vast experience with some of the world’s most complete shipbuilding projects. Viken Group specialises in every area of marine design, architecture and engineering and combines cultures, knowledge, experience and services. The company believes that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.
Credits: Matthew Donaldson/Columbus Yachts
Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts has introduced its first superyacht, the 62-meter ketch-rigged Simena. The steel-carbon composite vessel will debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show (September 24-27) after completing sea trials.Designed to RINA Charter Class C standards, Simena ranks among the world's top 25 largest sailing yachts. Taka Yacht Design developed the exterior, while Design Unlimited created the interior blending classic and contemporary elements. The yacht features teak decks, mahogany joinery, and a hybrid propulsion system enabling silent electric operation up to 6 knots or 14.5-knot top speed with diesel assistance."Simena blends classic ketch elegance with cutting-edge technology," said Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Ares Yachts Projects Director. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew, with a main-deck owner's suite and transatlantic range of 4,000 nm at 11 knots.Interior materials include walnut cabinetry, textured leathers, and marble-clad bathrooms. Northrop & Johnson holds the exclusive listing. Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
July 5, 2025
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.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: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 27, 2025