Exploring the poles: the story of 8 cool yachts

Gruppo Antonini S.p.A. has been awarded the IRENA 3 EPC project by EDINA, a joint venture between Edison Gas and Croatian operator INA. The contract value is approximately €23 million. Gruppo Antonini will serve as the agent in a consortium with two other companies.The project involves the engineering, construction, and installation of an offshore platform in the Northern Adriatic. The platform will consist of a jacket, foundation piles, and a topside with a total weight of approximately 800 tons. It will be installed at a depth of 35 meters and connected via pipeline to the existing Izabela North platform.A distinctive feature of the platform is its energy system, which will be powered entirely by photovoltaic panels. The facility will be fully automated and controlled remotely through a distributed control system (DCS) that allows remote monitoring of process parameters.This project represents the first of eight planned offshore developments in the Northern Adriatic aimed at increasing production from the IVANA gas field. The contract includes supply of materials, engineering, construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning, marine transport, and offshore hook-up operations.This award follows other major projects secured by Gruppo Antonini in Libya and the northern Adriatic region in 2024.Antonini Navi, the maxi-yacht builder established in 2019 by the storied Gruppo Antonini Spa and managed directly by the same family in close partnership with partner and commercial director Aldo Manna.Credits: Antonini Navi

Forte Yachts is in the final stages of construction for its first model, the Forte 47. The 14-meter yacht, which debuted at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, is scheduled for launch in November 2025. The vessel is being built at the company's shipyard in Ameglia, Italy.The aluminum-built yacht features a vertical bow and a hardtop that spans over half its length. Its most distinctive feature consists of two fold-out terraces positioned amidships, which open outward to create sea-level lounge areas. The deck design incorporates a walkway only on the port side to maximize interior volume.The yacht is available in two configurations. The Gran Turismo version uses triple Mercury V12 600hp outboard engines with an estimated top speed of 45 knots. The Lounge Deck version features twin Volvo Penta IPS D8-800 inboard engines and an enclosed saloon with full-height glazing.The interior includes two cabins and two bathrooms with separate showers, with headroom exceeding two meters throughout. The hull design by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design emphasizes stability and efficient planing.Technical Manager Livio Franchini stated: "Opening the terraces transforms the yacht entirely. It creates a seamless connection with the sea that feels unprecedented in a 14-meter vessel."Brand co-founder Fernando Moricca stated: "Our clients are not just buying a boat; they are creating a tailored experience. The aluminium build allows us to adapt every element to individual tastes and requirements."Paolo Giordano, Head of Design, stated: "We wanted to ensure that the yacht feels like a true home on the water and challenge what owners expect in this size range. Every detail, from bathroom height to kitchen layout, has been crafted with liveability in mind."Current construction status includes completed hull, superstructure, and deck awaiting pre-paint treatment. Engine installation and interior assembly are underway, with the engine room reported to be 80% complete.Credits: Forte Yachts

Royal Huisman has unveiled a 50-meter concept yacht named AERA. The design incorporates a wing sail system and fuel cell technology aimed at reducing emissions. The concept follows the shipyard's 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental initiative focused on ecological preservation.The yacht's wing sail, developed by Artemis Technologies and Rondal, measures 245 square meters and is capable of rotating 360 degrees. The unstayed wing sail system does not require traditional sails, sheets, blocks, or winches. Two electric motors inside the yacht rotate the mast, while hydraulic cylinders control adjustable flaps along its trailing edge.AERA is designed to operate under 500 gross tonnage. The concept results from a collaboration between Royal Huisman, Rondal, designer Cor D. Rover, and Artemis Technologies. The design allows the vessel to function under both sail and power.Royal Huisman previously delivered the world's first hybrid superyacht, Ethereal, in 2009. The shipyard states that AERA represents a continuation of its focus on integrating new technologies to address sustainability in yacht building.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.Credit: Royal Huisman

Tankoa Yachts has completed the acquisition of the business division of Otam. The transaction, finalized in agreement with both companies' founding families, includes the Otam brand and its historic shipyard in Genoa. The dockyard facilities in Santa Margherita Ligure remain under the current ownership.The acquired Genoa facility comprises approximately 4,800 square meters of covered areas, 3,300 square meters of open-air spaces, and a water basin of nearly 10,000 square meters. Tankoa Yachts plans to implement a restructuring program that will include extending concessions, reorganizing the areas, and constructing new production sheds.The operation includes the integration of Otam's workforce into Tankoa Yachts. All employees are being transferred to ensure job continuity and to add new skills and experience to the shipyard.The Otam brand, with its existing heritage and international reputation, becomes part of Tankoa's portfolio. Tankoa Yachts stated it will preserve the brand's legacy while defining a strategy aligned with its long-term vision.This acquisition represents a continuation of the expansion project Tankoa Yachts presented at the beginning of 2025 and strengthens the company's presence in the Genoa region.Credits: Tankoa Yacht

Sanlorenzo will present a fleet of eight yachts at the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, scheduled from September 18 to 23, 2025. The exhibition will be headlined by the Italian public debut of the new SL110A model.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A represents the latest evolution of the shipyard's asymmetrical line. Its exterior design was developed by Zuccon International Project, with interior spaces curated by Piero Lissoni. The yacht achieves a top speed of 27 knots. Notable features include an owner's suite spanning the vessel's full beam with direct access to a forward pool area.SL86AThe display will include several other models from Sanlorenzo's product lines. The Smart Performance series will be represented by the SP92 sports yacht. The asymmetrical line will feature both the SL86A and SL90A models. The semi-displacement range will include the SD90 and SD96, designed for flexible interior layouts. The SX100 and SX88 crossovers, blending flybridge motor yacht features with explorer yacht characteristics, will complete the presentation.SD90This extensive showcase marks Sanlorenzo's participation in one of Italy's principal nautical events. The shipyard's presence at the Genoa show underscores its continued focus on the domestic market and its diversified product portfolio. Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Guillaume Plisson; all provided by Sanlorenzo