Last Wednesday Feadship shared a video of 55m Shinkai during her first time on the open sea. Shinkai, a 55m true superyacht explorer with a no compromise approach, became the eighth superyacht to be launched from Philippe Briand’s Vitruvius Yachts studio, with construction and co-naval architecture carried out by Feadship De Vries, while Daniela Boutsen has provided her interior design.
Shinkai leaving the shipyard's Aalsmeer facility
It was a challenging journey – the yacht was required to have a three-person submersible for pioneering underwater exploration along with the giant crane required for launching and collection. Another challenge for the all team was to consider both a superyacht and an explorer at the same time.
Shinkai renders
“This is a special project for us, as Shinkai is the second yacht that we have designed for her owner. In fact, he was the first yachtsman to embrace the benefits of Vitruvius’s efficient hulls,” says Philippe Briand. The result is a 55m 974GT Shinkai that can reach the most remote places on the planet. She is ice-classed and stabilized by a vast mono gyroscope, which has never been specified on a yacht of this scale before. The 23-tonne gyroscope is particularly important for operations of the submersible, which needs a perfectly stable launching platform. It is also beneficial when navigating through waters at high latitudes, replacing conventional fin stabilisers which are at risk of being damaged by ice and flotsam, and are inefficient at low speeds.
Shinkai renders
She has four decks plus an observatory setting. The owner’s cabin is positioned forward in the superstructure, with an exceptional area of 73 sq. m and a 135-degree view through full-height reinforced windows. There are four further guest suites, while seven cabins for 12 crew complete the accommodations.
Shinkai infographic by Vitruvius
Being an explorer, Shinkai carries a wide variety of serious toys, such as her 7,400kg U-Boat Worx submersible for three passengers. The yacht’s design includes an extended aft deck to support the toys that make for a truly adventurous expedition, including 4x4 land vehicle, a large limousine tender, and multiple robust RIBs.
With Shinkai’s far-reaching cruising plans to explore the planet comes the responsibility to be environmentally sensitive in her operations, which Philippe Briand took into account when designing her hull lines. Even with the yacht’s generous displacement of 974GT, her hull resistance has been optimised to deliver a reasonable fuel consumption of 19.5L per nautical mile at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Shinkai for the first time on the open sea
Shinkai having just completed sea trials in the North Sea’s waters off The Netherlands.
As the creative force behind Shinkai’s powerful yet elegant design, Vitruvius Yachts’ Philippe Briand was onboard to experience her performance.
Here, the designer and naval architect shares his thoughts on how she measured up to expectations during the critical sea trials assessment: “The cold, grey November weather presenting itself to us on the day of Shinkai’s sea trials could not have been better to test her unique blend of rugged explorer meets comfortable superyacht. When you first step onboard, you are greeted by the ‘tech beauty’ of her striking red submersible and its accompanying immense ‘goldorak’ style crane; and then your attention is drawn to the glossy silver superyacht before you. A true rarity, she presents an inspiring combination of styles and capabilities”.
“Shinkai’s full-height reinforced windows delivering an astonishing 270-degree view. Experiencing her excellent performance first hand, after four years of involvement in her creation from the very beginning, I confirmed to her owner by phone that she will be the perfect protective and comfortable cocoon from which to explore all the world’s oceans. And of course, Shinkai’s design efficiency and Feadship de Vries’ technology will help protect the planet’s oceans, too!” says Philippe Briand.
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.
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; Vitruvius Yachts
EIV, a 48.77 meters yacht built by prestigious Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi, is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson. Offered at $32,750,000, EIV exemplifies opulence and innovation, blending comfort accommodation with exceptional functionality.Completed in 2020, EIV combines technological sophistication with breathtaking aesthetics. Its unique construction includes a shallow draft of just 2.29 meters, making it ideal for exploring pristine waters worldwide, including those around The Bahamas. Having passed rigorous inspections, EIV remains impeccably maintained.EIV provides lavish accommodation for up to eleven guests across five spacious staterooms, plus quarters for nine crew members. Guests enjoy exclusive spaces such as the main-deck owner's suite, complete with a private study, climate-controlled wine storage, and elegant bathrooms. Guest enjoyment extends beyond the suites. On the main deck, a beautifully furnished salon flows seamlessly into an expansive outdoor terrace. Sliding doors and fold-out balustrades provide al fresco dining options, emphasizing EIV's focus on integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. A top-notch audio-visual setup enhances the entertainment experience, with refined touches like handcrafted leather upholstery adding charm.Upstairs, the bridge feck houses a sky lounge fitted with a wet bar, cinema projection system, and stylish furniture. Guests can dine comfortably here, enjoying sunset cocktails amidst scenic surroundings. The crowning glory lies on the uppermost sun deck – a resort-like oasis featuring a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and ample relaxation zones.Complementing these amenities is an extensive beach club, housing a sauna, bar, shower facilities, and easy access to the tender garage. Outfitted with a versatile AV/IT infrastructure, including Apple TV, Roku streaming devices, and Sonos speakers, everything is managed via user-friendly iPad interfaces.Recent upgrades include fresh carpeting in the master cabin, main saloon, and cinema, alongside upgraded exterior furnishing materials. Technical systems remain meticulously serviced, ensuring flawless operation.Rossinavi is an Italian manufacturer of custom steel and aluminium superyachts 28m in size and larger. The Rossi shipyard was founded in 1970s and is located in Viareggio.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 15, 2025
Sunreef Yachts has made significant strides in renewable energy integration with the introduction of its latest innovation – the Solar Skin 3.0 system. Designed to maximize energy harvesting potential, this state-of-the-art system represents a major step forward in solar-powered sailing vessels.Utilizing cutting-edge machine learning techniques, the layout optimization process behind Solar Skin 3.0 ensures precise placement of solar panels for peak efficiency, tailoring configurations to specific yacht models and anticipated usage patterns. To further augment performance, next-generation photovoltaic cells have been installed beneath the biminis, providing additional power even in partially shaded conditions.December 2024 marked another milestone for Sunreef Yachts with the announcement of the first sold unit in its 35-meter Eco Series. These vessels integrate advanced solar panels directly into the hull sides, superstructures, and other surfaces, complemented by high-capacity battery banks and silent electric propulsion systems.A key feature of Solar Skin 3.0 is its intelligent yield optimization capability. By leveraging advanced algorithms, the system dynamically adjusts electrical output based on changing light conditions, particularly in regions obscured by sail shadows or rigging.Building upon the success of the earlier Solar Skin 2.0 model, which achieved remarkable efficiencies of up to 24.8%, the third version continues to push boundaries. Previous iterations demonstrated superior thermal resilience, functioning effectively even at extreme temperatures exceeding 100°C. Moreover, the inclusion of RFID diagnostic chips ensured accurate tracking and monitoring of individual panels' health and performance.With these advancements, Sunreef Yachts solidifies its position as a leader in clean-energy maritime solutions, offering enhanced sustainability features that minimize environmental impacts while delivering premium performance and reliability.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
April 15, 2025
Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, Almax, the inaugural vessel of Sanlorenzo’s new 50 Steel series, showcases groundbreaking technology that promises to transform luxury yachting into an environmentally friendly experience. Delivered to owner Massimo Perotti in July 2024, Almax integrates advanced innovations such as a Reformer Fuel Cell powered by green methanol-derived hydrogen, ensuring zero emissions for onboard operations.photo by Guillaume PlissonDesigned by renowned firm Zuccon International Project and adorned with interiors crafted by celebrated architect Piero Lissoni, Almax redefines aesthetic norms while incorporating pioneering engineering solutions. The patent-pending Sanlorenzo Hybrid Engine Room (HER) optimally positions critical components within the engine room layout. Collaborating closely with Siemens Energy and marine tech specialist Xenta, Sanlorenzo has implemented a sophisticated hybrid propulsion system known as X-POWER, enhancing both efficiency and navigational capabilities.photo by Guillaume PlissonThe integrated X-POWER system supports three distinct operational modes – diesel-mechanical, diesel-electric, and fully electric – allowing seamless transitions between different types of fuel usage. Developed specifically for Sanlorenzo by Xenta, this system prioritizes maneuverability without compromising performance or comfort. It achieves optimal energy consumption, reducing reliance on auxiliary generators during cruising.Lorenzo Mongiardo, Chief Innovation Officer at Sanlorenzo, underscores how Xenta’s agility facilitated collaboration towards creating a robust yet eco-friendly platform. Through a user-centric interface featuring dashboard displays synchronized with Siemens Energy controls, captains can effortlessly select among various navigation settings, including gear shifting and power management. Additionally, separate activation of backup generators ensures uninterrupted provision of amenities even under diverse operating conditions.photo by Guillaume PlissonHighlighting the significance of their alliance, Mongiardo emphasizes Xenta’s contribution aligning perfectly with Quick Group’s commitment to sustainability. With innovative technologies like the X-POWER system and patented HER, Almax not only meets but exceeds expectations regarding sustainability and performance in modern yachting.Credits: all provided by Quick Group
April 15, 2025
Northrop & Johnson announces the availability of the 6.84m Riva 88' Florida, aptly named Bellissima, currently offered for purchase by brokers Mike Finnegan and Sean Doyle. Her sleek profile, crafted by the acclaimed designers Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, extends into an interior characterized by timeless aesthetics. Varnished elm wood accents and abundant natural lighting create a sense of airiness and sophistication. Both the main-deck aft and the expansive foredeck provide ample room for relaxed al fresco dining and lounging arrangements capable of hosting up to eight guests.Guest accommodations accommodate up to eight passengers across four distinct staterooms, including a center-line master suite positioned midship for utmost seclusion and tranquility. Two additional guest suites consist of a forward-facing VIP cabin, a double berth, and a twin berth, each accompanied by en suite bathroom facilities. Separately accessible crew quarters accommodate three staff members.Comfort and convenience are assured aboard Bellissima. Modern conveniences abound, including state-of-the-art navigation systems, dual Seakeeper gyro stabilizers, Starlink satellite internet connectivity, and Apple TV integration available in all guest rooms. Ample storage is provided in the commodious garage, sufficient to store a large jet tender and Jet Ski, while a convenient submersible swim platform eases access to the surrounding waters.Bellissima stands out for its ability to transform swiftly from an entirely open layout into a stylish hardtop coupe configuration via Riva's proprietary Pentagraph System, creating the broadest open-concept yacht in its category. Engineered for agile cruising, she achieves comfortable speeds of 34 knots, peaking close to 40 knots when pushed to her limits. Her shallow draft of 1.82m renders her ideally suited for exploring shallow-water destinations such as the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and Miami.The yacht is listed for sale at USD3,500,000.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
April 14, 2025
In a move aimed at reinforcing customer satisfaction and enhancing service delivery across Northern Italy, Azimut Yachts recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Kora Marine. This agreement positions Kora Marine as the official dealer for Azimut Yachts throughout North-Western Italy – a region known for its rich maritime heritage, modern marina facilities, and global customers with considerable purchasing power.Kora Marine, headquartered in the scenic town of Santa Margherita Ligure, emerged as Azimut's preferred partner following rigorous evaluations conducted by the renowned shipbuilder. Led by industry veteran Francesco Montanella, whose extensive career includes serving as Asia Pacific Sales Manager for Azimut, Kora Marine brings together profound insights into both marine and high-end automobile markets. With his established reputation for catering to discerning clients, he promises to deliver unsurpassed levels of service tailored specifically to meet the needs of Azimut's elite clientele.Strategically vital regions including Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, Liguria, and Tuscany serve as the primary focus for this alliance. As these territories host many of Azimut's vessels and continue to witness increasing demand for sophisticated services, this partnership aims to strengthen Azimut's regional influence through enhanced communication channels and proximity to boat owners.By joining forces, Azimut and Kora Marine intend to enhance the overall ownership experience – from initial consultation during yacht selection to ongoing post-purchase care. Their collaborative strategy leverages Montanella's expertise in the premium automotive sector, introducing refined standards of service similar to those associated with high-performance cars. Together, they seek to set new benchmarks for customized solutions in the boating industry.As Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut's Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific noted, “Expanding our distribution network with Kora Marine reflects our commitment to providing superior service aligned with our brand values.”Echoing these sentiments, Francesco Montanella expressed pride in being chosen to represent one of Italy's leading brands: “We envision delivering a truly unique experience that fuses local wisdom with progressive service strategies. Through harmonizing yachting, hospitality, and luxury automotive elements, we aim to reshape what constitutes excellence in this field.”Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
April 14, 2025