Feadship has launched the 69-metre Samaya, the project completed less than three years after the signing of the first agreement, itself reached after only three days of meetings.
This is the clearest possible example of how Feadship can embark on a project guided solely by the inspiration of a client and our unrivaled experience. Confident of the stellar reputation of the Feadship yards, owners can rest assured that everything will go smoothly from that point on. We also have the flexibility to continue engaging with their ideas as a design develops: Samaya, for instance, grew by some five metres over the early months. This is the only way to ensure a truly bespoke motoryacht
Feadship director Bas Nederpelt
The owner of Samaya was hugely involved throughout the project, taking part in regular monthly meetings that lasted several days. This process ultimately led to a superyacht that is meticulously based on the client’s personality and the desires of the family. Their ultimate goal is to explore the underwater world in safety and comfort while contributing towards the conservation of the oceans and the wonderful but vulnerable species contained within.
Samaya’s intriguing colour palette was a major part of this creation. The primary coating is a subtle lunar white, which reveals hints of a warm pink hue during the sunset hours and will truly come alive in the different shades of light found around the world. This scheme is offset by a teal-coloured waterline based upon the colour of a rare blue-green fish the owner once spotted on a diving excursion.
The maritime theme continues with a giant backlit manta ray symbol on fashion plates which reflects the owner’s commitment to conserving this endangered species. The overall exterior profile is also inspired by the primary purpose of Samaya, Feadship De Voogt designer Jan Schaffers explains.
The owner shared stories about diving adventures as we studied shapes together to discover what it is that makes these underwater creatures so fascinating. Our conclusions were included in the design. A good example is the gentle yet powerful muscular shape of the side bulwarks, which echo the pronounced slender muscles seen on a bull shark
The owner will soon have many more diving tales to tell, most of which will begin in the dedicated dive room in the stern. Finished to the highest degree of sophistication (including a teal-coloured floor and metallic/wood ceiling), this space houses all conceivable facilities (including a nitrox-enriched air system) and is characterized by bespoke placement of everything from seats to equipment shelves.
While occasionally diving directly off the stern, the occupants will make lots of trips to outlying reefs using Samaya’s 8.8-metre and 7.2-metre tenders. Decked out in the same colours as the mothership and custom-designed for purpose, these large tenders are housed in a dedicated garage in the main deck and launched via convenient large doors.
Lots of thought has also been given to the divers’ return to the yacht. The main deck aft features a bespoke flat-bottomed plunge pool which will be filled with hot water to speed up post-dive recovery from the coldness of the depths. In a similar vein, all luxury areas on the yacht can be heated up to 30 °C rather than the normal 25 °C mark.
Brimming with attractive details, Samaya’s interior was designed in partnership with RWD and showcases the owner’s affection for a variety of international cultures. The guest suites have been designed for and by the owner’s children, with highly distinctive colour schemes and furnishing of their own. Another bespoke area is the ethnic lounge on the bridge deck where friends and family can spend time watching their newly recorded diving movies.
Samaya’s outdoor facilities are also impressive, ensuring that this Feadship will be enjoyed just as much while en route to the many places she visits as she will upon arrival. The sun deck, with a range of dining and relaxation areas, is a case in point. Large enough to become a true party deck, it also contains intimate features such as the two comfortable ‘top of the world’ resting beds nestled against the mast arch. Featuring their own ventilation system, these snugs can be closed off with a curtain to create a tranquil spot for watching the world go by or simply taking an afternoon nap.
As the European owner often resides in Asia this will be one of the many areas which Samaya will explore on her travels. Many will take her to isolated regions where little or no infrastructure is available on shore, which is why the yacht was designed for an incredible degree of autonomy and no limitations on cruising ability. The client made a sacred promise during the keel laying ceremony to cruise wherever it is possible to experience encounters with special and rare species – and to use Samaya as a platform that enables scientists and the media to produce material which will educate people and help protect the endangered species and damaged locations in the oceans.
The 50-meter Heesen motor yacht Bijin has completed a comprehensive refit at Monaco Marine's La Seyne-sur-Mer facility. Formerly named Sibelle, the vessel was sold in October 2024 with Burgess representing the buyer and Ocean Independence the seller.The nine-month project involved exterior repainting from oyster white and grey to Matterhorn white with jet black accents and a red boot stripe. Interior updates focused on Japandi-inspired design elements blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian influences. Milan-based studio Hot Lab led the design in collaboration with Austrian contractors List GC.Hot Lab design director Enrico Lumini stated: "Their hands-on involvement and constructive approach were instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and complete the project within the established timeframe." The owners maintained an active role throughout the process, having previously worked with the design studio.Refit work concentrated on soft furnishings including beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture rather than structural modifications. The color palette shifted toward lighter tones and softer brown shades to create what the owner described as "an organic, naturally blending and appealing design" for guest relaxation.Originally delivered in 2015 with a Fast Displacement Hull Form design, Bijin received recognition at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. The yacht accommodates 10 guests with an owner's suite featuring dual bathrooms serving as buffer zones before the main cabin.Monaco Marine project manager Augustin Fabre noted the refit met "the most demanding standards" for visual identity and functionality. The yacht will operate for both private use and charter in the Western Mediterranean, with initial seasons fully booked.The refit demonstrates continued market activity in large yacht refurbishment projects, particularly for well-maintained vessels requiring aesthetic updates rather than technical overhauls. The collaboration between ownership, design teams, and shipyard resulted in a nine-month completion timeline.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Viken Group
August 29, 2025
Azimut has developed Neuron, a fully digital yacht management system designed to streamline vessel operation and maintenance. The system was created by Azimut Technical Development in partnership with MDP Tech following a six-month trial installation aboard an Azimut Fly 53 model.Neuron enables remote monitoring and control of onboard systems including lighting, climate control, and entertainment through a customizable interface. The system reduces routine and extraordinary maintenance requirements by approximately 70% through continuous diagnostics and remote troubleshooting capabilities. According to the company, the technology allows after-sales technicians to perform system diagnostics while maintaining customer privacy protections.Technical specifications include a 50% reduction in wiring weight compared to conventional systems, freeing space for other functions. The plug-and-play architecture permits rapid component replacement, starting with control units. Power management features adjust electricity consumption based on real-time requirements.Azimut Technical Director Ruggero Gandolfi stated: "Neuron truly improves the owner's life, not only allowing them to monitor their vessel from home and directly manage certain systems with great ease, but also performing diagnostic tests and reducing unscheduled maintenance."The system is scheduled to become standard equipment on Azimut models up to 24 meters (80 feet) following final verification testing. The development represents Azimut's continued investment in digitalization projects aimed at enhancing owner experience and operational efficiency.Neuron's architecture incorporates risk analysis protocols to minimize system disruptions both at sea and in port. The technology will be rolled out across Azimut's production lines as part of the company's ongoing digital transformation initiatives in yacht manufacturing and support services.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 29, 2025
Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo will display ten vessels with combined length of nearly 300 meters at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The exhibition will feature three global premieres: the SL110A, SX120, and SD132 models, representing expansions of the company's asymmetric, crossover, and semi-displacement yacht lines.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A continues Sanlorenzo's asymmetrical design concept with a full-beam owner's suite featuring direct access to a forward pool area. Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the vessel reaches speeds up to 27 knots.The SX120 crossover model blends explorer yacht capabilities with flybridge amenities, featuring clean exterior lines and flexible interior layouts. The design maintains the brand's focus on challenging conventional yacht layouts while emphasizing connection to marine environments.SX120At 40.7 meters length, the SD132 becomes Sanlorenzo's largest composite-built yacht to date with 420 GT interior volume. Features include rotating beach club terraces, forward pool area, 85-square-meter flybridge, and side-launching tender garage. Zuccon International Project handled both exterior and interior design.Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a special opportunity for us to share our vision for the future of the industry and to showcase Sanlorenzo's extraordinary dynamism." CEO Tommaso Vincenzi added: "With these three new models, Sanlorenzo reaffirms its vision of yachting as a fine, elegant and responsible way of life."SD132Additional displayed models will include the SP92 from the Smart Performance line, SL86A and SL90A asymmetric yachts, SD90 and SD96 semi-displacement vessels, and SX100 and SX88 crossover designs. The exhibition coincides with the 20th anniversary of Massimo Perotti's leadership at Sanlorenzo.The company's subsidiary brands Bluegame and Nautor Swan will also exhibit new models at the festival, demonstrating the group's diversified product range across multiple yacht segments. Sanlorenzo's presentation occupies significant space in the Vieux-Port exhibition area, reflecting the company's expanded production capabilities across its Italian shipyards.Credits: Sanlorenzo
August 29, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the newly delivered 28.63-meter Sunreef Power catamaran Petite Belle for sale. Broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa represents the fifth hull in this series, which features numerous upgrades from standard specifications.The catamaran's 13.5-meter beam accommodates 10 guests across five ensuite cabins. The main saloon features panoramic glazing that opens to the aft cockpit, integrating interior and exterior social spaces. Outdoor areas include forward lounges, a beach club platform, and an expansive flybridge with hot tub, dining area, and bar.Petite Belle incorporates 13kWp of solar panels integrated into the superstructure and hardtop, supporting silent night operation through battery power. The yacht meets European and U.S. compliance standards including Malta Sea Area A1+A2+A3 certification (sCYC 2024).Additional features include a full AV system with DJ connectivity, 20 underwater lights, security cameras, and custom bar installations. The vessel carries a Williams SportJet 625 tender and two jet skis.Construction was supervised by independent surveyors at Sunreef's Gdansk facility. The catamaran enters the brokerage market immediately following delivery, offering availability without construction wait times. Northrop & Johnson will coordinate viewings and sea trials for prospective buyers.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Lomac Milano has named fashion designer Alessandro Martorana as Creative Director of its Lomac Atelier division. The appointment coincides with the world premiere of the GranTurismo 12.5 AMare limited edition model at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.Martorana's collaboration with Lomac represents the first product from the newly established Lomac Atelier, a service dedicated to fully customized yacht configurations. The GranTurismo 12.5 AMare features customized colors, bespoke upholstery, sartorial stitching, and matching engine livery. The design emphasizes individualized styling while maintaining the performance characteristics of the base model.The limited edition model is powered by twin Yamaha XTO 450hp outboard engines, maintaining the standard powertrain configuration of the production version. Lomac will display two additional models at Cannes: the GranTurismo 12.0 with triple 300hp Mercury engines and the flagship GranTurismo 14.0 X with triple Yamaha 450hp engines capable of 60-knot speeds.Alessandro Martorana stated: "The boat is the new 'must' for the elegant man. Together with Lomac, we aim to create unique pieces that reflect the personality of their owners, just like a bespoke suit."The Lomac Atelier service launched earlier this year at the Düsseldorf boat show, focusing on complete customization of the company's GranTurismo maxi-RIB series. The Cannes presentation marks the first physical realization of the program, with the AMare edition serving as demonstrator of the customization options available.Lomac's participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival includes three models from its production range, with the Martorana-designed limited edition representing the company's emphasis on personalized yacht design. Lomac was founded in the early 1960s in Milan. Today it is led by Paolo and Fabrizio Lo Manto, the third generation of the family, and offers a production that includes seven different series for 58 models, the result of the union of the highest technologies with careful craftsmanship. Lomac also produces and markets a wide range of original accessories to better customize your boat, and maintenance products created specifically for its models.Credits: Lomac
August 28, 2025