North-American shipyard Palmer Johnson, originally located in Great Lakes region of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, once belonged amongst major US builders. The company started as wooden yachts builder, now boasting a 100-year-long history. They launched such famous vessels, as Fortuna for the King of Spain, unrivalled in the terms of speed for 10 consequent years, and explorer Turmoil, sailing around the globe three times. Yacht Harbour takes a closer look at the company’s long history and where they arrived at today.
Palmer Johnson was founded by Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack in 1918, originally named Johnson and Gmack. During the 1920s, the boatyard made its specialty repairing rowing skiffs and commercial fishing vessels, with its first wooden yacht launched later in 1928.
The company went through hard and prosperous periods through its history, under different owners. Sometimes its activity was affected by international events, as well. For instance, when the United States entered the WWII, most American industries rallied around the war effort. During the war years, Palmer Johnson built over forty 45-foot air-sea rescue boats and four 65-foot “T” class freighters.
King Juan Carlos' Fortuna
In 1956 the company was sold and renamed after the founder’s son, Palmer Johnson. Starting from the 1960s, Palmer Johnson becomes one of the pioneers in the field of aluminium yachts building, with the first unit Isanti built in 1962 for an American banker.
Within five years, the company delivered the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht of that time, a 25,6-metre ketch Firebird. Firebird was surpassed by Fortuna, a 30.5-metre yacht for King Juan Carlos of Spain, setting the record in 1979. She was capable of reaching an incredible speed of 46 knots, remaining the fastest yacht in the world for over a decade.
During 1989-1992, the company was extending its facilities; inaugurating new 7,000-square-metre facility at Jefferson Street and First Avenue and expanding to the East Coast.
La Baronessa
In 1998, the same year Palmer Johnson celebrated its 80th anniversary, the company launched the largest all-aluminum yacht built in the USA, La Baronessa (59,5-metre LOA).
In 2003, following several unproductive years the company was sold to her current owner, English businessman Timur Mohamed, after he had purchased a 120-foot yacht christened Cover Drive.
Under his direction, Palmer Johnson introduced its SportYacht series in 2004, featured with contemporary exterior styling and interior design by Nuvolari Lenard. Launched during a peak of prosperity for yachting in general, the series becomes one of the most popular in the midsize superyacht segment.
In 2012, the shipyard announced its new carbon-fibre SuperSport performance superyacht series as a follow-up to its SportYacht series. Despite several deliveries, it couldn't quite replicate the initial success of the previous series partly due to a different economic climate.
However, in 2015 it was announced that the Sturgeon Bay shipyard would be closed and sold after delivery of its last boat. Since 2017, production was moved to the Netherlands, although it is for now unclear under what form that currently exists.
The company reported that the relocation had a strategic purpose to increase production of the new carbon SuperSport series. It was though rumoured that the move was inevitable as sales had diminished against escalating foreign competitive pressures. Some sources reported that the closures resulted in the loss of about 100 jobs.
One of the most recent yacht launched by Palmer Johnson, was 2016 sport yacht Sanam with LOA of 52,4 metres, the last one built within US facility. Following this, Palmer Johnson announced collaborations with Bugatti on a 66ft day boat and a day boat called the PJ63 Sport, clients for the projects, however, remain to be found so far.
Nonetheless, the company still announces ambitious projects. The largest one has been revealed recently, jointly with Korean designer Chulhun Park. The companies have presented new 229-meter superyacht concept Valkyrie. Time will tell if the concept is a sign of big things to come from an iconic brand.
Mengi Yay Shipyard has successfully launched the Atlante Classic 35, a new explorer yacht designed for luxury expedition cruising. The vessel marks the shipyard’s first foray into the luxury yacht market following its traditional focus on commercial vessels.The 35-meter yacht features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, designed by Mengi Yay’s in-house team. The vessel is equipped with twin Caterpillar C18 engines, providing a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. The yacht has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The Atlante Classic 35 can accommodate up to 12 guests across 6 staterooms, including a master suite, VIP suite, and four guest cabins. The crew accommodation consists of 8 cabins for the crew of 10. The yacht features a spacious main deck saloon, an upper deck sky lounge, and an open flybridge with alfresco dining facilities.The interior design focuses on a contemporary style with natural materials and neutral tones. Key features include a large beach club area with a garage for water toys, a gym, and a spa area. The yacht is also equipped with zero-speed stabilizers for enhanced comfort at anchor.“The Atlante Classic 35 represents a significant milestone for Mengi Yay,” said Mehmet Mengi, CEO of Mengi Yay Shipyard. “We are proud to introduce our first luxury explorer yacht, combining our decades of experience in shipbuilding with modern technology and design.”The vessel is designed for worldwide exploration, featuring a shallow draft of 2.2 meters and a fuel capacity of 45,000 liters. The Atlante Classic 35 also incorporates advanced navigation systems and a state-of-the-art stabilization system.The yacht’s construction began in 2023, and after its launch, it will undergo extensive sea trials and final outfitting before delivery to its owner. The Atlante Classic 35 is expected to be completed in early 2025.Mengi Yay Shipyard, founded in 1972, is one of Turkey’s leading shipbuilders with a focus on commercial vessels. The launch of the Atlante Classic 35 marks the company’s expansion into the luxury yacht market.Credits: Mengi Yay
June 2, 2025
Moonen Yachts has secured the sale of its seventh 37.4-meter Martinique model (YN205) through IYC brokers Matthew Stone and Josh Marshall. The transaction marks the second in-house sale since IYC became Moonen's global sales representative.The American buyer selected the Dutch-built yacht for its customizable layout and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Construction will now extend beyond the original four-week delivery timeline to accommodate owner-requested modifications, including a hot tub installation."This sale demonstrates Moonen's flexibility in meeting client needs," said Matthew Stone, IYC Managing Partner. "The yard stood out among six competitors for its balance of quality, comfort and safety."Designed by René van der Velden with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, the 345GT Martinique features Hollander Yacht Design interiors. The yacht will undergo sea trials in the Netherlands before delivery to the U.S. East Coast later this year.Richard Gray, IYC's Head of Sales UK, noted: "This transaction reflects the effective collaboration between IYC and Moonen Yachts in our global representation partnership."The Martinique series continues to attract buyers seeking semi-custom steel-hulled yachts with Dutch engineering. Current construction progress indicates on-schedule completion of the customized modifications prior to sea trials.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
June 2, 2025
Turkish yacht builder Numarine has launched two new explorer yachts - the 37-meter 37XP (hull 18) and 26-meter 26XP (hull 27), with a 32.6-meter 32XP (hull 14) scheduled for June delivery. All models feature designs by Umberto Tagliavini (naval architecture) and Can Yalman (exterior/interior)."The XP Series remains one of the most successful explorer ranges in the industry," stated Numarine Chairman Ömer Malaz. "Our yachts from 22 to 47 meters combine stylish design with functional features including ample storage and noise reduction."37XPThe new 37XP flagship offers 362 GT volume and 6,000 nm range at 8 knots. Its layout includes seven guest cabins, with main deck master suite and upper deck VIP option. The 83 m² flybridge and 9-meter tender storage highlight its expedition capabilities.32XPThe 32XP model maintains its position as the series' original offering since 2017, with 4,000+ nm range and six-cabin configuration. The 26XP features four cabins and 3,000 nm range, with optional solar panels and lithium batteries.32XPAll three yachts utilize steel hulls with composite superstructures, emphasizing long-range cruising and onboard comfort. The launches precede the anticipated July 2025 debut of Numarine's new 40MXP model.26XPNumarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Kerem Sanliman; Ryan Alexander; all provided by Numarine
June 2, 2025
Oyster Yachts has introduced its new 24-meter 805 sailing yacht, developed with Humphreys Yacht Design. The model features a twin-access swim platform, configurable interior layouts, and solar-powered hardtop.CEO Ashley Highfield confirmed first delivery for 2027. The yacht offers 3.4-meter or 2.7-meter keel options, with the latter complying with Mediterranean seagrass regulations.Former Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös joins as strategic advisor, stating: "Oyster is very similar to what Rolls-Royce is all about with its relentless striving for perfection."The 805 includes four convertible guest cabins and Oyster's largest sub-30-meter owner's suite. Standard features include ultra-thin marble surfaces and 3kW solar generation.Oyster Yachts was founded in 1973 by Richard Matthews. For 52 years the British brand has created the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailboats.Credits: Oyster Yachts
May 30, 2025
The 2025 ICOMIA Congress, hosted by Spain's ANEN in Palma de Mallorca, concluded yesterday after five days of meetings and events. The gathering, held concurrently with IFBSO's annual congress, brought together marine industry representatives, including Italy's delegation led by Andrea Razeto of the Italian Marine Industry Association.Key discussions centered on three committees chaired by Stefano Pagani Isnardi: the Technical Committee addressed upcoming revisions to the European Recreational Craft Directive; the Superyacht Division examined IMO greenhouse gas reduction proposals and French anchorage restrictions; while the new Trade and Market Intelligence Committee analyzed global tariff developments. ICOMIA has launched dedicated online resources for Posidonia meadow protection updates and tariff tracking.Frank Hugelmeyer (NMMA) was elected ICOMIA President, succeeding Darren Vaux, with Finnboat's Jarkko Pajusalo as Vice President. The board expanded to include representatives from Spain, Turkey, Sweden, and Australia alongside existing members.The 2026 Congress is scheduled for May 24-28 in Washington, D.C., hosted by NMMA.Credits: The Italian Marine Industry Association; Eugene Zhyvchik/Unsplash
May 30, 2025