The Project 827 Sakura was sold after just six weeks on the market. The client for the yacht, named after the Japanese word for ‘cherry blossom’, was introduced to a client of Burgess.
“From the moment we released information about Sakura last May there were several clients who jumped at the opportunity, including her new owner,” says Maarten Janssen, Feadship’s Sales Director. “He was attracted by the relatively short delivery time and the opportunity to bypass the waiting list. He loved the exterior and interior design, and the yacht totally fit what he was looking for in terms of layout for family use. A perfect fit, in other words.”
“It has been a pleasure to have worked hand in hand with the new owner and Feadship for project Sakura and we are looking forward to a continued close collaboration for the completion of this stunning new build project,” comments Richard Lambert, Head of Sales at Burgess.
The 71.75-meter diesel-electric yacht is scheduled for delivery in May 2025.
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
Saxdor Yachts has extended its dealer agreement with Greece-based Thrace Labea to include Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania, reinforcing its presence in Southeastern Europe. Thrace Labea, one of Saxdor’s earliest dealers, will now oversee sales and service in the three new markets.The expansion follows Thrace Labea’s established operations in Greece, where it has developed a scalable business model for the Finnish boatbuilder. Local teams have been set up in Bulgaria and Romania to provide customer support, while a partner in Albania will handle growing demand as the country emerges as a Mediterranean boating destination.Jon Hautamäki, Sales Director at Saxdor Yachts, stated: “The expansion of Thrace Labea’s responsibilities into Bulgaria, Romania and Albania reflects both exceptional performance and the growing confidence in Saxdor across the region.”Nikos Zarifis, Managing Director at Thrace Labea, added: “We’re excited to take this next step with Saxdor. Southeast Europe offers strong potential for growth, and we are committed to delivering the same level of service and passion for the brand that we have brought to the Greek market.”The move aligns with Saxdor’s strategy to strengthen its position in emerging markets. The brand’s focus on performance hulls and versatile designs has driven demand in the Mediterranean region. Thrace Labea’s expanded role solidifies its position as a regional hub for Saxdor’s operations.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
May 26, 2025
Gruppo Antonini has officially commenced construction of the WHPA offshore platform, a project aimed at boosting gas production in Libya’s Gulf of Sirte. The company held the First Cut ceremony at its Pertusola shipyard in La Spezia and Arcora mechanical workshop, marking the start of work on the $1.35 billion initiative.The WHPA platform is part of a broader EPICIC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning) contract awarded by Mellitah Oil & Gas B.V., a joint venture between Eni S.p.A. and Libya’s National Oil Corporation. The contract was granted to a consortium comprising Gruppo Antonini, Rosetti Marino, and Kerry Project Logistics (Italia).Walter Antonini and Orazio CarloneGruppo Antonini’s share of the project is valued at approximately $300 million. The company is responsible for manufacturing the accommodation module, helideck, foundation piles, and related commissioning activities. The WHPA platform, weighing over 20,000 tonnes, will also include a Fast Moving Workover Rig for the Bahr Essalam offshore field.The First Cut ceremony, attended by Mellitah Oil & Gas and consortium representatives, symbolizes the initial steel-cutting phase. The project reinforces Gruppo Antonini’s role in energy infrastructure development.The company reported strong growth, with projected 2024 revenues of €90 million, aligning with its 2025-2027 strategic plan focused on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion. Separately, Gruppo Antonini continues to expand its yachting division, Antonini Navi, with four custom steel yachts over 30 meters in length under construction – two of which are scheduled for delivery in 2026.Through its participation in OMC Ravenna 2025, Gruppo Antonini aims to strengthen its position as a leader in the offshore energy sector, highlighting its capabilities in executing complex projects and embracing the challenges of the evolving energy landscape.Credits: Gruppo Antonini
May 26, 2025
Mengi Yay has released interior renderings for its inaugural 52.6-meter NL 50 Plus model, currently under construction in Istanbul with scheduled 2026 delivery. The superyacht, designed in collaboration with Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard, features naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen.The interior scheme employs a warm palette with minimalist lines and premium wood finishes. The layout includes a 50-square-meter owner's suite featuring a sliding balcony, private office, and spa bathroom. Guest accommodation consists of four VIP cabins on the lower deck, with additional crew quarters for eight staff members.Notable exterior features include an expansive sundeck with heated spa pool and fire pit, along with a beach club incorporating a drop-down platform and integrated swimming pool. The foredeck serves dual purposes as both open-air cinema and storage for a 7-meter tender."We've gained valuable expertise through collaboration with Mengi Yay and Camper & Nicholsons," said Carlo Nuvolari of Nuvolari Lenard. The designer highlighted the owner's balcony mechanism which automatically deploys safety rails when extended.Mengi Yay CEO Hüseyin Mengi noted the Italian design partnership has elevated the yard's product quality. Camper & Nicholsons is handling project coordination and sales representation.The yacht's efficient hull design aims to optimize fuel consumption for extended cruising. Construction continues at Mengi Yay's Istanbul facility.Mengi Yay Yachts was founded in 1964 in Turkey. Now the company owns one of the largest (19,365 sq m) yards that were specifically designed for the refit and refurbishment of existing craft as well as the manufacturing of the new motor and sailing yachts. Credits: Mengi Yay Yachts
May 23, 2025
StellarPM has introduced the ST88, an 26.8m raised pilothouse motoryacht as the newest addition to its StellarONE Series. The steel/aluminum vessel offers a 2,800-nautical-mile range at 10-knot cruising speeds, with twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT 615hp engines meeting IMO Tier III emissions standards.The ST88 features an AH36 carbon steel hull with aluminum superstructure built at StellarPM's Hai Phong shipyard, while pre-engineered interior modules are fabricated at the company's Zhuhai facility. Naval architecture comes from Ginton Naval Architects, with interiors by Unzile Acar. Lloyd's Register certification includes +100A1 SSC, Yacht, Mono, G6 classification."ST88 embodies our focus on engineering integrity and customizable luxury," said Chris Holmes, StellarPM Principal. The yacht is offered in two configurations: a full-displacement version with 14-knot top speed, and a semi-displacement aluminum variant featuring twin 1,800hp C32 engines capable of 22 knots with 2,200nm range. The performance version adds a one-meter hull extension.Designed for owner-operation or crewed service, the ST88 emphasizes system redundancy and global serviceability. The Vietnam-based builder targets experienced owners seeking transoceanic capability, though pricing and delivery timelines remain undisclosed. The model joins StellarPM's growing explorer yacht portfolio focused on long-range cruising.StellarPM is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company offers the expertise of the yachting industry, from design, drafting and time management, to the coordination of refits and new builds.Credits: StellarPM
May 23, 2025
Italian shipbuilder AB Yachts has delivered the inaugural 39.7-meter AB 130 model, named Effe, to its owners. The high-performance motoryacht reaches speeds exceeding 40 knots through waterjet propulsion while maintaining a shallow 1.3-meter draft.Effe's design incorporates an innovative expandable beach club with twin stern wings that create a 100+ square meter seaside terrace when deployed. The main saloon spans 50 square meters with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views. A convertible swimming pool transitions between covered and uncovered configurations on demand.Storage capacity includes a floodable garage housing a 4.6-meter tender, two jet skis, Seabobs, and inflatable water toys. The yacht offers a 450-nautical-mile range when cruising at 35 knots.The owners, described as experienced yachtsmen, customized the interior layout to their specifications. This delivery follows AB Yachts' AB 125 series, continuing the Viareggio-based builder's focus on high-speed motoryachts between 30-50 meters in length.No price or construction duration was disclosed for this first AB 130 unit. The shipyard currently has additional AB 130 models in production at its Italian facility. The design emphasizes outdoor living spaces while maintaining the brand's signature performance characteristics.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
May 23, 2025