With a surge in demand for its yacht design services, Milan-based Hot Lab is currently experiencing its busiest period, with 16 yacht projects in progress at Mediterranean shipyards, including six full superyacht designs ranging from 24m to 50m LOA that will be delivered in 2023.
M/Y Night Fury II (Atlantique 43m)
“The last four years were very profitable for us and the studio increased in terms of style, the quality of its works and the self-confidence of the team. This is due to the hard work done day by day (and sometime by night), and thanks to our customers that believed in our firm,” said co-founder and business director Antonio Romano. “More recently we moved Hot Lab under the umbrella of the Viken Group. It has been a major change of gear and already in 2023, we have signed four new contracts. We are exceedingly pleased.”
Hot Lab partners (photo by Giovanni Malgarini)
The structural changes have been mirrored by a change in the design process, overseen by design manager Enrico Lumini. He explained: “That’s when we crystallized our motto of ‘architecture for voyagers’. The idea was to simplify exterior design to become more essential, pure, clean. We wanted to give more importance to the volumetric, architectural aspects of design. It has struck an immediate chord with our clients.”
Hot Lab Studio's Pandemic-Inspired 100m Concept Drives Success for Columbus Yachts' 43m Atlantique. The studio's 100m concept, designed during the pandemic for a private client, informed the design of Columbus Yachts' 43m Atlantique, a hugely successful project that has become a showcase for the reinvigorated Hot Lab. The studio has grown to employ 12 people and offers a portfolio ranging from day cruisers to mega yachts.
M/Y Night Fury II (Atlantique 43m) main saloon
“That was the turning point for us,” Lumini said. “Columbus then sold three of them in a few months. The owner of the first one put his full trust in us, giving us a rare degree of autonomy in the interior styling and layout of the yacht. My idea was that everything should be in wood, but wherever it was cut out or rebated, there would be a marble or a stone treasure. Plants were also a major part of the internal brief. I love to integrate green to an interior – it makes it cozier and demonstrates that the space is more lived and loved.”
M/Y Kasif (full custom project 42m)
The demand for their services has led to the development of six superyacht projects, set to be delivered in 2023, including projects with Bilgin Yachts (50m, interior), Numarine (37XP, interior), AES 35m, interior and exterior, and the interior for Arcadia Sherpa 80.
M/Y Eternal Spark (Bilgin 50m)
The Hot Lab portfolio ranges from day cruisers to mega yachts. But despite the breadth of the fleet, there is a recognisable Hot Lab style, according to Lumini. “We definitely have a house style. Extremely clean lines and seamless surfaces are our traits outside. And for interiors, we prefer natural materials whose qualities you can clearly perceive and touch. If we use stone, we’d rather have it natural rather than glossy. We like open-grained wood and cotton or raffia. That said, we are designers, and that means doing our all to represent the client’s wishes.”
Arcadia Sherpa 80
Established in Milan, Italy by Antonio Romano and Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab is a yacht design and naval architecture firm that has distinguished itself globally with forward-leaning, award-winning yacht designs that display the firm’s “Architecture for Voyagers” approach to balanced and purposeful luxury.
The Viken Group includes Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. It has been established to gather leading and passionate companies, with similar ideas and business ethics, under one umbrella. This enables it to provide a full range of completely aligned and comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services. All these proficiencies will be available to both cruise line and yacht clients, as well as to customers within hotel, resorts and private island developments.
Credits: Viken Group
The Italian Marine Industry Association will present the 65th Genoa International Boat Show at Expo 2025 Osaka on June 30, highlighting the Mediterranean’s largest boating event and the world’s third-largest boat show.The Japanese presentation serves as a strategic platform to reinforce the Genoa International Boat Show’s position as a global hub for promoting Italian marine manufacturing. The event is part of Liguria Week at the Italian Pavilion, aiming to demonstrate Italy’s leadership in the boating sector.The Italian boating industry achieved a record global turnover of €8.33 billion in 2023, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Exports surpassed €4.3 billion, with Italy leading worldwide superyacht production (>24m) and inflatable boat manufacturing. The sector supports over 200,000 jobs with a 90% export rate.Organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association – Confindustria Nautica, the Genoa International Boat Show has maintained its status as a global reference point for the marine industry for 65 years. According to Nielsen analysis, the event generates between €65 and €70 million during its duration and attracts industry professionals from over 30 countries.Alessandro Gianneschi, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association responsible for promoting Made in Italy production, commented: “With its presentation at Expo Osaka, the Genoa International Boat Show, organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, continues in its role as an ambassador of the Made in Italy brand across the world and of the industrial value of the boating sector. For 65 editions, the Genoa International Boat Show has promoted and supported the boating industry, thanks to its specific nature as a supply chain event, designed and organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, an Association of Companies for Companies, and has fostered such an exceptionally positive trend over the last twenty years, accompanying the sector’s businesses on a journey defined by growth and excellence.”The 2025 edition will take place from September 18-23 at the new Levante Waterfront venue designed by architect Renzo Piano. The 20,000 sqm event features five interconnected product areas: Yachts & Superyachts, Sailing World, Boating Discovery, Tech Trade, and Living the Sea. The venue’s unique design allows 85% outdoor space for sea trials and seamless visitor access.The show will also host the 4th World Yachting Sustainability Forum and the Design Innovation Award, recognizing creativity and technological excellence among new products.Credits: Confindustria Nautica
June 26, 2025
The centenary edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race is set to feature a fierce competition among the world’s fastest 100-foot maxi yachts vying for the prestigious Erivale Trophy for monohull line honours.The main contenders this year are Black Jack 100, owned by Ramon Vos, and SHK Scallywag, belonging to Seng Huang Lee. Black Jack 100, originally Alfa Romeo II, underwent a complete refit in Italy. Skipper/project manager Tristan le Brun noted: “We’ve done a full overhaul of all systems… We’ve replaced all the moving parts.” The yacht features a revised sail plan with a reduced mainsail and enlarged foretriangle.SHK Scallywag, formerly Ragamuffin 100, has a notable racing history. In the recent Rolex Middle Sea Race, it finished 18 minutes ahead of Black Jack 100. The yacht recently won the Loro Piana Giraglia.Another strong contender is Leopard 3, owned by Joost and Laura Schuijff. Long-term skipper Chris Sherlock reported: “We had a new rig and a new sail package and we reduced the weight of the boat by 10 tonnes.” The yacht is preparing for the event after winning the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship in Porto Cervo last year.The fleet also includes VO70 yachts, with Christian Zugel’s Tschüss 2 being a strong contender. The yacht, originally Groupama 70, has an impressive racing record, including victories in the Volvo Ocean Race, RORC Caribbean 600, and the Transatlantic Race.The current monohull race record stands at 2 days, 7 hours, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, set by Charlie Dalin’s IMOCA MACIF in the previous edition. The race presents the unique opportunity for a yacht to achieve the ‘triple’ — winning line honours, IRC overall, and setting a new race record. The last to achieve the ‘double’ (line and IRC honours) was Ludde Ingvall’s Nicorette in 1995.The race, which covers 695 miles to Cherbourg, will test the yachts’ capabilities in various conditions, with the potential for record-breaking performances.Credits: Royal Ocean Racing Club
June 25, 2025
Technohull has introduced the XPD 46, the first model in its new Expedition Series, designed for year-round, all-weather cruising. The 14.85-meter yacht combines Scandinavian ruggedness with Mediterranean styling, featuring a convertible superstructure that can be fully enclosed or opened.The XPD 46 is built on a Dynastream deep-V hull with ventilated steps and a wave-piercing bow, engineered for performance and comfort in various sea conditions. The layout includes an en-suite master cabin forward, a guest cabin with an oversized double aft, and an optional skipper’s cabin beneath the aft sunbed.The central superstructure adapts to different climates, with sliding doors, a retractable roof, and an opening aft window for open-air use. The helm station accommodates three seats, while the aft lounge can be configured for additional seating. Deck spaces include a large aft sunbed with storage, side walkways, and a forward sunpad with locker space.Power options range up to 1,800 hp, enabling a cruising speed of 35 knots and a top speed nearing 60 knots. The 4.40-meter beam provides stability, and the hull design prioritizes seaworthiness for coastal and offshore navigation."The Expedition Series marks a significant step in our journey, a boundary-pushing new family within our range that positions the brand firmly within the explorer market," said Gerasimos Petratos, CEO of Technohull. "Designed for those who seek limitless adventure and wish to enjoy year-round cruising, the XPD 46 masterfully blends extreme capability with the benefits of Technohull’s signature comfort and renowned seaworthiness."The yacht’s interior features high-end finishes, including premium upholstery and storage solutions. No pricing details have been disclosed. Greece company Technohull launched its first hull in 2004. The most popular Technohull models of today include: Omega 45, 38 Grand Sport, 909, Explorer 40 and SeaDNA999. Credits: Technohull
June 25, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the delivery of a new Numarine 37XP explorer yacht to its owner. The vessel, sold by yacht broker Richard Higgins at the end of 2022, represents a significant addition to Numarine’s expanding 37XP Series.The 37-meter yacht is designed for long-range cruising and offers impressive performance capabilities. It features a range of 5,500 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and stabilizers for enhanced comfort during voyages.The yacht’s exterior design, created by Can Yalman, showcases angular lines and expansive dark-tinted windows across all decks. The triple-deck layout includes spacious outdoor areas such as a large beach club, shaded aft deck, and extensive sundeck.Interior features include floor-to-ceiling windows on the main and upper decks, which provide natural light and panoramic views. The contemporary interior design offers spacious accommodations.Richard Higgins commented on the project: “The construction of this yacht was a complex and rewarding journey — one that ultimately resulted in a truly exceptional vessel. While not without its challenges, the project was brought to a successful conclusion thanks to the dedication, experience, and close collaboration of the build team and the buyer’s knowledgeable representatives. From concept to delivery, every stage was met with a strong commitment to quality and a clear focus on achieving the owner’s vision. The result is a yacht that not only meets but exceeds expectations in design, performance, and craftsmanship — a testament to what can be accomplished through expertise, perseverance, and an effective team.”This delivery strengthens the reputation of the 37XP Series, which continues to attract owners seeking a capable platform for worldwide cruising with a focus on style and comfort.Credits: Numarine
June 24, 2025
The 32.7-meter motor yacht Far Niente, built in June 2024 by Turkish shipyard SES Yachts, is now available for sale through broker Dominic Meredith-Hardy of Classic Charters. Combining classic aesthetics with modern technology, the yacht features a fuel-efficient hull design by Hoek Design Naval Architects, inspired by early 20th-century Dutch herring luggers.Constructed with a steel hull and wood-composite superstructure, Far Niente was commissioned by experienced owners as a classic-style expedition yacht. The interior layout accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, along with crew quarters for six.The yacht’s design blends traditional and contemporary elements, with grey-washed oak and white paneling contrasted by exposed timber beams and classic deckheads. The main saloon includes a dining area for 10 and an L-shaped lounge, while the bridge deck offers a TV lounge and an outdoor space with al fresco dining and sunpads.Additional features include tender storage on the foredeck, serviced by a retractable crane. Powered by a single MAN diesel engine, Far Niente reaches a top speed of 11 knots, with a cruising speed of 9.5 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles. Key specifications include a 200GT interior volume, a 6.7-meter beam, and a 2.5-meter draft.The asking price is EUR13,000,000.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
June 24, 2025