Italian design studio Hot Lab were approached to develop the interior for a new 41.9-metre explorer yacht Kaşif, which was built at Turkish superyacht yard Bilgin Yachts. From highly experienced owners who stayed central to the project to the design, engineering and shipbuilding prowess of Unique Yacht Design and Bilgin Yachts, the resulting yacht would not only forge a path for a new model of explorer but would also do so with incredible attention to detail and finish in a perfect example of complementary collaboration.
Kaşif, which translates from Turkish as ‘explorer’, was first displayed at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show last September. She combines lithe yet purposeful styling with excellent hull efficiency, meaning she can offer her owners a 5,000-plus mile range at her economical cruising speed. Her owners have strong maritime shipping connections, and being a captain and an architect between them they had strong ideas both for the technical and the aesthetic design elements of Kaşif.
“We quickly realised that the preparation and dedication of the two owners – he a captain and she an architect – would require something more than our usual organisational procedure,” begins Enrico Lumini, Partner and Head of Design at Hot Lab. “The entire family is strictly related to the sea and the maritime world, and while the husband oversaw most of the technical matters, his wife collaborated closely with us in creating such a beautiful vessel. Of course, both have influenced us in the design in different ways, but their ideas and support have been crucial for the end result.”
The yacht serves a dual purpose for the owner’s business in offshore fish farming, requiring a vessel that is not only rugged but also safe for travel to their farms situated at least 3 miles from the coastline. One of the standout features of Kaşif is its hull, which draws inspiration from the acclaimed 80-metre series. This design choice not only enhances efficiency but also minimises fuel consumption while allowing the yacht to achieve impressive speeds. Kaşif consumes a mere 30 litres of fuel while sailing at 8 knots, and 60 litres at 10 knots, a testament to its exceptional engineering.
Taking a compelling brief from the owners, then translating that brief into a finished design for interior décor and furniture alongside the teams at Bilgin Yachts, Unique Yacht Design and contractor Septemar made for a cohesive and collaborative process that has yielded exceptional results.
“Our goal, together with the owners, was to create a recognisable, intense style, full of details, but at the same time able to be received by a large audience,” Lumini explains. “Our interpretation of the owners’ wishes was for a modern, almost contemporary style both in the geometries and also the materials, but at the same time full of elements that could recall the interests and activities of the owners. We have also tried to modulate the design in such a way that each deck recalls the same style, but at the same time with different elements that are capable of recalling different moods.”
The yacht’s layout, developed by Unique Yacht Design, takes an explorer-style profile with the interior volumes pushed further forward in the yacht and then divides the interior guest areas into three key zones, rising across three key decks. On the lower deck are the guest accommodations, comprising a large VIP cabin, two further VIP cabins and two twin cabins. One deck up is the main saloon and dining area, and then the upper deck offers a second saloon area combined with the owners’ office.
The interior concept developed by Hot Lab with the owners follows these functional changes through the yacht, carrying the same core elements through each of the three decks while using variations in style and highlight colours to give each deck its own distinct personality.
From the base canvas and broad, warm palette, Hot Lab has introduced myriad elements in bespoke furniture and signature features that complement the interior style and serve to highlight those facets of the owners’ love of and connection to all things marine.
“The lighting feature in the dining area was produced by Paolo Castelli,” Lumini confirms. “The main idea was to recall the sea, as with the theme of the yacht, and the piece represents a school of fish swimming together simultaneously. For the feature piece in the beach club,” he continues, “that was one that was designed by our team here at Hot Lab before we then commissioned Alex Turco to create it. It is basically an art piece created in resin overlapped with teak stripes, cut in such a way to recreate a wave.
“The idea behind the entire vessel,” Lumini continues, “was to be strictly connected to the water and the sea, and this is the case as well with this piece – the owners wanted to have a strong recall of the surrounding water and we tried to replicate that feeling on the beach club walls as well, almost like if the water and the teak were somehow merging with each other in a single surface.”
There’s even a sea motif carried through to the entrance, designed to remind all as they arrive on board that connection to the ocean. “We created a 3D very abstract version of a big oceanic fish and made it fully lacquered in a special glossy purple colour with Pirarucu leather in its inner inserts,” Lumini enthuses. “I think that’s something quite special and quite hard to find somewhere else!”
Adding to the cohesive nature of the interior is the fact that all furniture is – as is the case with nearly all Hot Lab projects – specifically designed by the studio team and customised to fit both the owners’ requests and the yacht interior design theme.
“We designed every single piece of furniture you see onboard with a gentle, smooth and extremely organic approach,” he explains. “I think the best piece is for sure the office desk and library designed for the upper saloon – it is masculine and gentle at the same time, perfectly integrated into the general design of the room and yet popping out its own specific beauty.”
Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard on the European side of Istanbul, building 50 to 120m luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s.
Credits: Eray Altay/Hot Lab
The 82-meter Oceanco motor yacht Alfa Nero has been listed for sale at €88.5 million through Northrop & Johnson. Broker Richard Higgins holds the exclusive listing for the vessel, which was delivered in 2007 and underwent comprehensive refitting in 2024.Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the yacht features Art Deco elements combined with contemporary aesthetics. Notable features include an aft infinity pool with glass waterfall sides and a convertible floor that rises to form a flush entertainment area. The pool system was among the first of its kind in yacht design.Accommodations include six staterooms for 12 guests connected by glass elevators. The master suite occupies the upper deck forward section with private office, marble bathroom, and hot tub-equipped terrace. Additional amenities comprise a spa, sauna, steam room, cinema, and beauty salon.Technical specifications include twin MTU engines providing 18-knot cruising speed and 20-knot maximum speed. The yacht carries a Vanquish VQ45 chase boat and extensive water toys including jet skis, seabobs, and a jellyfish-protected sea pool.The steel-hulled vessel offers 1,250 square meters of living space across multiple decks. Alfa Nero remains one of the most recognizable superyachts in global waters following its 2024 refit, which updated systems while maintaining its original design integrity.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 26, 2025
The 2021 Feadship motor yacht Somnium, constructed by De Vries shipyard with exterior design by Studio De Voogt and interior architecture by FM Architettura, is currently offered for sale. The aluminum-hulled vessel presents an opportunity for ownership without new-build waiting periods.Somnium accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite featuring a private balcony and dedicated office space. The interior design emphasizes functional luxury for extended global cruising.Key features include a 2.55-meter draft enabling access to shallow anchorages, an aft deck plunge pool with adjustable depth and counter-current system, and an expansive foredeck lounge area. The sun deck incorporates a hot tub and panoramic viewing areas.Technical specifications include an enclosed tender garage with dedicated dive storage and a fold-down transom platform creating sea-level access from the gymnasium. The yacht's design prioritizes family-oriented cruising with multiple outdoor social areas.The 2021 delivery date places Somnium among contemporary Feadship offerings with updated navigation systems and propulsion technology. The vessel's availability provides immediate access to Dutch-built superyacht ownership without construction lead times.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, 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
August 26, 2025
Polish shipbuilder Sialia Yachts has entered final construction phases for its inaugural fully electric Sialia 45 model at its Gdansk facility, with launch scheduled for autumn 2025. The 14-meter performance cruiser represents the company's initial production electric yacht.The vessel utilizes twin 300kW electric motors delivering a maximum speed of 43 knots. Power comes from standard 500kWh battery packs providing 55 nautical miles of range at 25 knots, with optional endurance packages extending range to 77 nautical miles. Optional biodiesel-compatible range extenders (140kW or 350kW) can increase maximum distance to 164 or 240 nautical miles respectively.Milvio Ricci, Chief Commercial Officer at Sialia Yachts, commented: "Originally, we planned to launch the first yacht in summer, but decided to extend the timeline. It is not a delay; it is a choice to ensure the Sialia 45 exceeds every expectation."Construction incorporates carbon sandwich epoxy hulls built using three infusion processes to reduce weight and minimize noise transmission. The design emphasizes reduced maintenance requirements compared to conventional propulsion systems, with electric motors requiring only decadal servicing and batteries rated for 3,000 cycles under five-year warranty coverage.The model will be offered in multiple configurations including open-deck Runabout, center-console Sport, and enclosed-deckhouse Weekender versions. Sustainable materials feature throughout including standard recycled cork flooring.Charging systems support rapid replenishment from 10% to 90% capacity in approximately 2.5 hours. The launch marks Sialia's entry into the competitive electric yacht market, targeting Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising itineraries with its combination of performance and emission-free operation.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts
August 26, 2025
Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts will present the global premiere of its new Saxdor 400 GTS model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The open-deck vessel expands the existing 400 series, joining the 400 GTO and 400 GTC models.The 400 GTS features a T-top roof, semi-walkaround layout, and fold-down terraces characteristic of the brand. The design emphasizes open-air cruising with overnight capability through two cabins below deck. Forward seating converts to a sunbed, while aft sofas surround a convertible dining table.Built on the same twin-stepped hull as other 400 series models, the GTS is powered by Mercury V10 425hp engines. The helm station accommodates three seats under shelter with optional sliding glass side doors.Saxdor's new model targets boaters seeking open-deck configurations without sacrificing the weather protection and functionality found in the company's other designs. The 400 GTS will be displayed alongside other Saxdor models at the festival, with production following the unveiling.The Finnish brand continues to expand its product range amid reported growth in European powerboat sales. 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
August 26, 2025
Fraser has reduced the asking price for the 50-meter motor yacht Belongers to €12.9 million. The vessel was built by French shipyard Couach in 2014 as part of the limited 5000 Fly 2 series, with only two units completed.Constructed under supervision of project managers and surveyors, the yacht features exterior and interior design by Metrica. The 497 GT vessel accommodates 12 guests in a 5+1 stateroom configuration, including a main-deck master suite with dual bathrooms and walk-in closets. The layout includes two double cabins, one convertible double/twin cabin with Pullman berth, and one single cabin on the lower deck.Outdoor areas feature bridge deck alfresco dining for 12 guests and a sundeck owner's office. Performance specifications include twin MTU engines enabling a cruising speed of 15 knots and maximum speed of 24 knots. Quantum zero-speed stabilizers provide comfort both underway and at anchor.The price adjustment reflects current market conditions for large motor yachts built in the mid-2010s. Fraser continues to manage the sale of the vessel, which remains available for immediate inspection and purchase. Credits: Fraser
August 25, 2025