Once Ngoni has completed her busy summer season in the Mediterranean, the Dutch shipyard has released the details about the sailing yacht built in 2017 to the late Ed Dubois innovative design.
First introduced at the 2014 Monaco Yacht Show as The Beast, the 58-meter Royal Huisman yacht conveys a powerful message once summarized by her owner in the following words:
The yacht’s exotic new name Ngoni, in turn, refers to the people of eastern Africa and their peculiar language, and thus, implies the unique character of the sailboat.
“This is some yacht, inspired by an owner looking for the next new, new thing – a dream project for a designer,” confessed the British naval architect Ed Dubois, who managed to develop the yacht’s concept before he passed away in March 2016, although he never saw his brainchild’s completion.
Accordingly, he created Ngoni’s signature reverse sheer and then finessed the hull profile, so that aft of the superstructure this reversed sheer transformed to concave sheer, adding an attractive styling touch that, on the functional side, enhanced cockpit visibility. What’s more, further tests confirmed that such shape of the sheer held the vital key to the structural stiffness of the hull, delivering 12% more strength and load resistance than conventional sheer made from the same materials.
With her towering carbon fiber Rondal mast – notably one of the world’s largest one-piece spar ever built - carrying a square head mainsail by North Sails, the yacht features a full air-draft of 75 meters. Performance wise, Ngoni reaches a top speed of 17.5 knots.
The dramatic black of the hull interplays with the topsides finished by the owner’s team in a bespoke metallic topcoat named “Claire de Lune”. The construction is punctuated by large rectangular portholes, a sea-level gym door, fold-out side boarding platform, two submarine anchors and retractable thrusters.
An experienced owner, who likes to helm, he insisted on steering that would be light, yet firm and responsive. The wheel had to give him the true feel of the boat under sail. Such a request could only be met by a high aspect-ratio rudder and a manual system without power assistance, which, taking into account the size of the sail area, presented a major challenge for engineers. The ergonomic helm stations are located aft of the cockpit area, ensuring excellent visibility for the helmsman. A carbon fiber bimini can be set up over the helms to provide shade if needed.
The expansive teak foredeck shelters giant flush hatches with continuous, uninterrupted planking to conceal a large tender, a crane, spa pool, sail locker and cooled waste locker.
The sculptured superstructure is constructed from double-curved molded glass. Inside, it features an informal seating to port, a dining to starboard and a navigation station forward. Glass sliding doors open to offer a barrier-less transition from the cockpit to deckhouse salon. Electrically operated sliding glass wind breakers are there to guarantee the perfect environment under any weather conditions.
Owners’ and guest accommodation is accessed via a curving staircase from the deck house to the guest lobby area.
The boat’s interior conceived by London-based designers Rick Baker and Paul Morgan follows the owner’s straightforward brief: “Don’t design a traditional yacht interior.” Her overall scheme challenges the tradition with vibrant colors and flowing curves.
The layout includes two double guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms, both high quality exotic veneers, marbles and resin finishes. Natural light comes through large rectangular ports. The owners’ suite, aft, comprises a full-beam stateroom with built-in furniture, twin doors to an enormous bathroom, a spacious study with its own bathroom and a vast gym with an opening hull port in the topsides.
The comfortable crew quarters were designed in accordance with Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3), providing accommodation for up to nine crew in six cabins with access to the engine control room.
First introduced at the 2014 Monaco Yacht Show as The Beast, the 58-meter Royal Huisman yacht conveys a powerful message once summarized by her owner in the following words:
“Build me a beast. Don’t build me a sheep in wolf’s clothing. This has to be an edgy and innovative weapon, fast and furious.”
The yacht’s exotic new name Ngoni, in turn, refers to the people of eastern Africa and their peculiar language, and thus, implies the unique character of the sailboat.
“This is some yacht, inspired by an owner looking for the next new, new thing – a dream project for a designer,” confessed the British naval architect Ed Dubois, who managed to develop the yacht’s concept before he passed away in March 2016, although he never saw his brainchild’s completion.
Accordingly, he created Ngoni’s signature reverse sheer and then finessed the hull profile, so that aft of the superstructure this reversed sheer transformed to concave sheer, adding an attractive styling touch that, on the functional side, enhanced cockpit visibility. What’s more, further tests confirmed that such shape of the sheer held the vital key to the structural stiffness of the hull, delivering 12% more strength and load resistance than conventional sheer made from the same materials.
With her towering carbon fiber Rondal mast – notably one of the world’s largest one-piece spar ever built - carrying a square head mainsail by North Sails, the yacht features a full air-draft of 75 meters. Performance wise, Ngoni reaches a top speed of 17.5 knots.
The dramatic black of the hull interplays with the topsides finished by the owner’s team in a bespoke metallic topcoat named “Claire de Lune”. The construction is punctuated by large rectangular portholes, a sea-level gym door, fold-out side boarding platform, two submarine anchors and retractable thrusters.
An experienced owner, who likes to helm, he insisted on steering that would be light, yet firm and responsive. The wheel had to give him the true feel of the boat under sail. Such a request could only be met by a high aspect-ratio rudder and a manual system without power assistance, which, taking into account the size of the sail area, presented a major challenge for engineers. The ergonomic helm stations are located aft of the cockpit area, ensuring excellent visibility for the helmsman. A carbon fiber bimini can be set up over the helms to provide shade if needed.
The expansive teak foredeck shelters giant flush hatches with continuous, uninterrupted planking to conceal a large tender, a crane, spa pool, sail locker and cooled waste locker.
The sculptured superstructure is constructed from double-curved molded glass. Inside, it features an informal seating to port, a dining to starboard and a navigation station forward. Glass sliding doors open to offer a barrier-less transition from the cockpit to deckhouse salon. Electrically operated sliding glass wind breakers are there to guarantee the perfect environment under any weather conditions.
Owners’ and guest accommodation is accessed via a curving staircase from the deck house to the guest lobby area.
The boat’s interior conceived by London-based designers Rick Baker and Paul Morgan follows the owner’s straightforward brief: “Don’t design a traditional yacht interior.” Her overall scheme challenges the tradition with vibrant colors and flowing curves.
The layout includes two double guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms, both high quality exotic veneers, marbles and resin finishes. Natural light comes through large rectangular ports. The owners’ suite, aft, comprises a full-beam stateroom with built-in furniture, twin doors to an enormous bathroom, a spacious study with its own bathroom and a vast gym with an opening hull port in the topsides.
The comfortable crew quarters were designed in accordance with Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3), providing accommodation for up to nine crew in six cabins with access to the engine control room.
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).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 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025