Built in 2016, the 107-meter Ulysses has become the clearest yet definition of an explorer yacht, incorporating swimming pools, spas with a helipad and a myriad of tenders, the largest of which is 22-meters long.
Sold in 2017 by her original owner, Graeme Hart, she became the largest brokerage yacht sold in 2017 with an asking price of $195 million. The deal lead to widespread rumours that Facebook's founder, Mark Zuckerberg had bought the yacht, a rumour that has since been debunked by Facebook and its CEO. Since the yacht was renamed to Andromeda.
Andromeda's story starts back in 2013 when Graeme Hart, whose net worth is valued at $10.2 billion by Forbes, commissioned the 107-meter yacht (351 ft) from Kleven, a shipyard in Norway that builds commercial ships. According to designers, Hart's choice was driven by quicker delivery times, a better price point than traditional yacht builders and high enough quality standards.
I am very pleased with the quality of the work that has been done by Kleven, and how our organizations have worked together to bring this exciting project to life.
Graeme Hart in November 2014
Hart's statement was however more than just a PR gesture for the Norwegian shipyard. Shortly after his statement on Kleven's quality, Hart signed an order for a new 116-meter explorer yacht with delivery scheduled for 2018. A move that surprised the industry as the first Ulysses was still two years away from completion but made the yacht one of the most anticipated builds of the past year.
In building Ulysses, Hart already had a clear vision of the yacht he wanted to create, having already owned a 60-meter explorer yacht built by Trinity in 2004. The key points of his design brief in creating the 107-meter Behemoth were reportedly to focus on interior volume, aft-facing guest spaces, a fully-functional helipad and large tenders. Ahead of Ulysses' delivery, the billionaire also sold the 60-meter, which is now known as Grand Russalina. The 116-meter explorer currently in build will become Hart's seventh yacht in total.
One of the most astonishing amenities on Ulysses is her large swimming pool, located aft of the upper deck at a height of nearly 9 meters above sea level. Partly covered by the third deck for shade, the swimming pool stretches for 12 meters and is surrounded by lounging areas for her guests to bathe in the sun.
Aft of this 400 square-meter pool deck is an extensive Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun pads, that overlook the yacht's aft. Although an undeniable advantage of being on a yacht is the ability to swim in the sea, Ulysses is purpose built to be able to navigate in remote areas where the sea could be too rough for humans to bathe in, which is when the 100% jellyfish-proof pool deck comes in.
Near the swimming pool is also located a large dinning table, covered by a solid rooftop and ideal for informal lunches during the summer. The table is however in no way the only option on the 107-meter. In addition to many casual tables located all around the yacht's 6 decks, a formal dinning area is located aft of the main deck with direct access to the kitchen for improved service.
Directly opposite from the formal dinning area can be found a wine degustation area with circular walls filled with the most prestigious wines from all around the world. A small bar is also located in front of 4 large windows directly in this area to allow Ulysses' guests to enjoy a glass of wine whilst taking in the view.
Ulysses' hull and superstructure were built by Kleven in Norway with a clear purpose of having a boat that would have no limits in any respect. The expedition style created by New Zealand-based designer Kyle Dick for the yacht's exterior is a clear translation of this philosophy.
The interior outfitting, penned by London-based studio H2 Yacht Design, was on the other hand done in Germany by Finnish company, Europlan who had in the past mostly focused on cruise ships with only a few superyachts under its belt. According to several reports, the interior cost €20,000 per square meter.
Ulysses features a variety of spaces to entertain its guests, from informal to formal locations. With light colors found throughout its interior, Ulysses boasts a large salon on the main deck with extensive sitting spaces and a large bar.
Unlike smaller yachts where most cabins typically look out onto the sea from a porthole, guest cabins on Ulysses have floor-to-ceiling windows directly opposite of the bed that let its guests take in the full view. Ulysses can accommodate a total of 36 guests.
The largest cabin on board is however the master cabin, which takes up an entire deck and stretches across the 107-meter's entire beam. With panoramic windows on both sides of the cabin, the master was however designed to face the yacht's aft. A lounging area is located forward of the cabin, making up the owner's private deck.
Despite its go-anywhere capability, Ulysses has also all of the amenities one could expand from a superyacht and perhaps even more. One of those is the yacht's spa, which includes a plunge pool, sauna, steam room, massage room and more all designed with white and dark blue theme.
The wellness area is completed by a gym located aft of the main deck with a large variety of equipment and a breathtaking view out of a series of tall windows.
Another one of Ulysses' highlights is her fully-functional cinema room. Packed with comfortable sofas and equipped with a pro-level projector and screen, the room is fully optimized for a great sound and viewing experience.
Ulysses' technical capabilities however perhaps best set in to guests when they go up to the guest lounge, located inside the explorer's bridge on the top deck. This acts as a dedicated area for guests to take in the view without being bother by crew operations and vice-versa.
One of the key requirements set forth by Hart was the development of a fully-functional helipad. This took the form of a large, dedicated helicopter landing pad located at the top of the yacht, with the capacity of taking up the world's largest helicopters up to 3,6 tons.
One of the key aspects of the explorer is of course her gigantic toy garage, containing anything from jetskis to motorbikes to SUVs to seabobs, bikes and flyboards. It's not unseen for superyachts to carry a lot of toys but this amount of toys on a 107-meter is something that few have ever seen before.
The most unique feature amongst the whole boat may however be the 21-meter tender that Ulysses carries on its bow. The two-deck boat, which most would call a yacht in her own right, requires to custom built cranes to lift in an operation that takes just over an hour to execute.
Sold at an asking price of $195 million, Ulysses became the largest brokerage yacht sold so far this year, topping the 85-meter Solandge, which sold at an asking price of €155 million. An even larger version of Ulysses is however set to be delivered to Hart later this year with the 116-meter explorer already now in the final phases of construction.
Valued at $10,2 billion by Forbes, Graeme Hart is currently the wealthiest man in New Zealand. Having made his fortune in the leveraged buyout private equity space, Hart consolidated a number of under-performing assets in the packaging space to create an empire in everyday products such as milk cartons, water bottles, paper and foil.
Prior to his successes in acquiring large companies and optimising them as part of his empire, Hart started off as a tow-truck driver after leaving school at 16 years old. He completed an MBA from the University of Ortego in 1987. His first big buy was the Government Printing Office in New Zealand, which he managed to acquire for less than capital value.
Although it is yet unclear who has acquired Ulysses from Hart, rumours within the yachting sector of a buyer from the US tech scene has led to media firing off guesses in all directions, without any concrete evidence. The most high profile of these guesses became Facebook's founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, which emanated from a Turkish newspaper that since deleted that article. "The reports related to Mark purchasing a yacht are completely inaccurate as he did not purchase a yacht." a spokesman for Facebook rapidly debunked.
Whilst it is yet unclear who purchased the 107-meter explorer, its sheer scale can't be denied. In November 2017, her new owner decided to cruise the yacht to Molokai in Hawai but wasn't able to anchor there. Indeed local militants initiated a protest to prevent the yacht from anchoring there to protect their island due to its large size, with Ulysses eventually cruising away on its own will. At the time, the yacht's owner was presumed by media to be Russian billionaire investor, Yuri Milner. "Yuri Milner does not own the boat Ulysses" a spokeswoman for the investor was, however, quick to debunk. The yacht was since renamed Andromeda by her current owner.
The Otam 90 GTS, known as Sexy Me has taken the spotlight at autumn boat shows thanks to its exhilarating top speed of over 45 knots and its strikingly clean profile, offering a perfect blend of elegance and balance. This acclaimed 28-metre yacht sets the standard for the series, complemented by the newly launched Hard-Top and T-Top models that share its timeless design.Otam 90 T-Top model“Our goal with the Otam 90 series is to cater to a diverse clientele,” explains Matteo Belardinelli, Otam’s Sales and Communication Manager. “Each model is tailored for specific experiences: the dynamic Sexy Me GTS serves as an ideal Day Boat or Party Boat, while the Hard-Top is perfect for traditional family trips or charters, featuring a closed lounge and robust main deck. The innovative T-Top, designed for mega yacht chase purposes, offers extensive customisation options to redefine this market segment.”A hallmark of the Otam brand is extreme customisation and exclusivity, showcasing the Italian shipyard’s expertise in bespoke yacht construction that meets the unique demands of discerning owners. The Otam 90 series exemplifies Italian craftsmanship, delivering unparalleled design and engineering under the ethos of “Made in Italy.”Otam 90 T-Top modelDesigned in collaboration with the esteemed Giuseppe Bagnardi and Marine Design & Services, the Otam 90 series maintains the shipyard's tradition of versatile hulls and decks engineered for maximum performance in various sea conditions. Each model in the series upholds this commitment while allowing limitless options for bespoke internal and external layouts, enabling customers to express their individuality.Otam 90 Hard-Top modelDespite its chic exterior, the Otam 90 series maximizes interior space without sacrificing quality or comfort, offering layouts with 2, 3, or 4 VIP cabins, a separate galley, and crew accommodations with private access. “We’ve achieved an impressive 2.10-meter indoor height throughout the lower deck, ensuring an exceptional quality of life,” Belardinelli asserts, emphasizing the design’s focus on unobstructed views and ample daylight.The meticulous weight distribution allows for expansive structural glass used in large, single pieces, enhancing the visual experience in both the GTS and Hard-Top models, which include a spacious sliding roof. The innovative cockpit features folding side panels, expanding the space by nearly 3 meters on each side, creating an open, airy environment.Otam 90 T-Top modelIdeal not just as a chase boat for mega yachts, the T-Top version is designed for day trips as well, offering a perfect open-boat experience while also providing options for extended journeys. Its integrated design flows seamlessly from the windshield to provide complete protection for the helm.Conversely, the Hard-Top model offers a substantial enclosed space on the main deck with an advanced sliding door that fully opens the cockpit, perfectly merging the indoor and outdoor experience. The HT version allows for a formal dining room and offers privacy while enabling immediate transformation into an open space with just the press of a button.Otam 90 Hard-Top modelBelardinelli notes, “The HT model's flexibility is remarkable, allowing for an optimal quality of life and adaptability that suits the number of guests and weather conditions. It can easily convert to a spacious open yacht and back, demonstrating extraordinary versatility for families and charters.”Among the standout features of the Otam 90 series are the rotating gangway for side mooring, generous 50 cm walkways for easy bow access, and a spacious 4.35 m tender garage. The shipyard is committed to fulfilling unique client requests, allowing for bespoke layouts that reflect the owner’s style.Otam 90 Hard-Top modelThe shipyard’s history started in 1954 in Liguria. Its professionalism is what made it stand out, very quickly becoming the first authorized Riva yacht Service Center for the Med Sea. In the 80’s Otam fit around 25 yachts for an American builder before starting his own production of Otam 45’ and 55’, earning significant attention. Today Otam has produced around 90 yachts, becoming an Italian specialist, and, together with its custom range, offers a limitless choice between 45’ and 130’.Credits: Otam
November 27, 2024
The Wider shipyard is once again setting new standards in yacht design with the development of the all-new WiderCat 76, currently being constructed at the cutting-edge Wider Vision Hub in Fano, Italy.Similar to her larger counterpart, the WiderCat 92, the WiderCat 76 redefines luxury living at sea, emphasizing versatility, functionality, and cruising comfort. Designed by Luca Dini Design & Architecture in collaboration with Wider’s Centro Stile, this latest catamaran boasts striking exterior and interior aesthetics.“The WiderCat 76 combines the grandeur of a superyacht with the nimbleness of a smaller vessel—a perfect blend of innovative design, advanced technology, and exceptional craftsmanship,” states Marcello Maggi, President of W-Fin Sarl. “We believe so strongly in its appeal that we are building the first unit on speculation, anticipating that she will launch next year.”To this point, the assembly of the substantial GRP structures has been completed successfully, including the installation of the deck and superstructure, which features an impressive hardtop. The hull and deck have been painted and finished, while the superstructure and hardtop are currently in the preparatory phase ahead of painting. Key plumbing systems, including main hydraulic piping, fresh water, grey water, black water, fuel, and HVAC, have been installed, and work continues on the main machinery within the engine room. Progress is also being made on the lower deck accommodations, with outfitting advancing significantly.The WiderCat 76 is powered by two FPT motors, each delivering 456 kW, paired with a cutting-edge battery pack managed by a sophisticated Power Management System that closely monitors operating parameters. This innovative propulsion system enables the yacht to achieve a maximum speed of 13 knots and stay at anchor for up to nine hours without the need to run the engines.Emphasizing the shipyard's commitment to stylistic innovation, the yacht's interior features a reinterpreted "Hampton" style enriched with a unique nautical twist. The four-cabin layout provides spacious and functional living areas that capture the family-friendly essence of the larger WiderCat 92 while offering luxurious amenities for a comfortable retreat at sea.The main deck boasts a roomy living area complete with an L-shaped sofa and dining space, both offering breathtaking sea views through expansive windows. Elegant materials, such as ivory-lacquered panels, dark oak ceilings, and herringbone parquet flooring, contribute to a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.The master stateroom, positioned on the main deck, provides stunning panoramic views, private access to a forward terrace, and a lavish ensuite featuring a marble-topped vanity and panoramic shower. Below deck, the VIP and guest cabins deliver privacy and comfort, while the spacious galley and dinette are designed for both efficient meal preparation and delightful gatherings.Outdoor spaces are equally captivating. The upper deck includes a sheltered dining area, helm station, and lounging spaces, while the main deck features a deployable swim platform, a dining cockpit, and a bow relaxation zone adorned with C-shaped sofas.Founded in 2010 and based in Ancona (Le Marche), Wider Yachts is an innovative Italian yacht builder shipbuilder specialized in electric and renewable energy-powered superyachts. Credit: Wider
November 27, 2024
On November 22, Gruppo Antonini celebrated the launch of the Maboqueiro Off-Shore platform during a ceremony at its production facility in La Spezia. The event was graced by notable figures, including Patrizia Saccone, La Spezia’s Councillor for Employment and Economic Development, and Lerici’s Deputy Mayor Marco Russo, along with members of the academic community from the Università di Genova.This impressive platform, marking over 80 years of Gruppo Antonini's expertise in the oil and gas industry, has been designed for gas extraction in the Maboqueiro field, located off the coast of Angola. It stands as the largest and heaviest structure ever constructed by the Group and is a significant achievement in their first EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) project undertaken for Azule Energy, a key player in Angola’s oil and gas sector, co-owned by ENI. The project’s complexity necessitated an extensive 24-month tender process due to the vastness of the construction and its numerous interfaces.The Maboqueiro EPC project is integral to the Angola NGC (New Gas Consortium) Project, which aims to extract gas condensate from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields. This venture includes plans for two platforms, a new onshore gas reception and treatment facility, as well as pipelines for product transportation, with production set to begin in 2026, targeting an output of 330 million cubic feet of gas daily, equating to approximately 4 billion cubic metres per year.The newly launched Maboqueiro platform features a jacket comprising steel tubular components anchored to the seabed with four impressive 88-metre-long piles. The structure also boasts a three-story deck measuring 25 by 30 metres and weighing a remarkable 2,600 tonnes, making it the heaviest platform ever produced by the Group. Equipped with six well slots (four operational and two backup), the platform is designed to operate at a gas pressure of 60 bars.A standout feature of this project is the innovative jacket lifting method, a first for Gruppo Antonini, utilizing a specially designed system to erect jacket components in a confined space, successfully addressing significant logistical hurdles.Additionally, the project has embraced digital innovation, with all quality reports fully digitalized and managed through a specialized software package known as CCMS, which oversees various operations, including maintenance.Simone Antonini, Group CEO, remarked, "The Maboqueiro project signifies a monumental achievement that showcases our capacity to tackle complex global challenges. This platform not only sets a record in size and technological advancement but also exemplifies our commitment to integrating engineering expertise with sustainability and efficiency."In 2019, the Antonini Group established Antonini Navi (La Spezia) in partnership with Aldo Manna, leveraging the Group's extensive experience and technological prowess to venture into the yachting industry. The yard focuses on crafting bespoke yachts and military naval units, currently working on three steel yachts over 30 meters in length, with two custom projects expected to be delivered in the latter half of 2025 and a third, the SUY 135, slated for 2026.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
November 26, 2024
Evo Yachts once again makes waves in the industry by taking on the world’s elite superyacht manufacturers with its latest creation, the Evo R9. This groundbreaking 30-metre aluminium superyacht places the owner at the heart of the design process and boasts a range of impressive features, all while building on the brand's established reputation for innovation.Designed to be highly customizable, the Evo R9 aims to redefine standards within the superyacht sector and represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Evo Yachts brand. With enhanced customisation options and exhilarating performance, this exceptional vessel promises more surprises beyond its key highlights.This new addition to Evo Yachts' lineup showcases the shipyard's commitment to progress through innovation, venturing into competition with Italy and Northern Europe's leading figures in the global superyacht arena. The choice of an aluminium hull, coupled with a carbon fibre superstructure, aligns with the brand’s design philosophy, which emphasizes experimentation with materials and a focus on environmental sustainability.The yacht’s design, crafted by Valerio Rivellini in collaboration with Evo's technical team, features a striking superstructure enveloped in expansive glass surfaces, offering various layout options to cater to the diverse needs of potential owners. Clients will be able to engage in the design journey, witnessing their dream yacht materialize.The Evo R9 can comfortably host six to eight guests, alongside four crew members, ensuring privacy and versatility with multiple possible configurations.A standout aspect of the Evo R9 is its advanced propulsion system, boasting the option of two or three 2,200 HP engines, enabling the superyacht to reach top speeds between 50 and 58 knots and cruising at 40 to 44 knots.Designed for discerning owners who seek a bespoke experience coupled with high performance, the Evo R9 maintains the brand’s hallmark of transformability. Notably, it features sophisticated hull sides that open up, and a versatile stern transformer, resulting in a superyacht that is both innovative and distinctly aligned with Evo Yachts’ identity.The Evo Yachts shipyard is based near Naples. She was born in 2014 from a fortunate encounter between Blu Emme Yachts and the Neapolitan yacht designer Valerio Rivellini. The heart and entrepreneurship that kick-started EVO originated from Blu Emme Yachts, a luxury yachts refitting company. Blu Emme was created in 2013 by the Mercuri brothers, a family whose entrepreneurial experience spans different industries.Credits: Evo Yachts
November 26, 2024
Ferretti Yachts has officially launched the new 670 flybridge model, showcasing the brand's ongoing evolution in creating the ideal balance of comfort, livability, and exquisite design.This significant restyling features a host of exclusive attributes, including a sleek new exterior design, a revamped hardtop, and stunning interiors crafted by Ideaeitalia. Drawing on the success of its predecessor, celebrated during Ferretti Yachts’ 50th anniversary, the all-new Ferretti Yachts 670 marks a complete overhaul of the yacht while retaining key characteristics.Making its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, the Ferretti Yachts 670 is 20.24 meters long with a maximum beam of 5.38 meters. The design is a collaborative effort between the Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, with exterior designed by the Ferretti Group alongside architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors by Ideaeitalia.The new model continues to prioritize generous volumes and bright interiors while introducing refined new exterior styling and enhanced seating and storage options.Notable features include a main deck helm station with a pillar-less windshield for exceptional visibility and comfortable pilot chairs from Poltrona Frau. The dinette layout has also been optimized for better ergonomics in the foredeck area. Down below, the redesigned doors and passageways improve accessibility, offering unparalleled space and comfort.On the flybridge, significant improvements include an expanded dining area with enhanced seating comfort and an ample stern sunpad. The hardtop has been elegantly redesigned with more fluid lines, now boasting an opening central section.The Ferretti Yachts 670 boasts nearly 20 m² of exterior space aft, perfect for al-fresco dining with comfortable seating and easy water access. The transom features spacious storage compartments for an organized environment, along with a tender lift capable of accommodating a 3.45 m tender.Forward, the outdoor living area covers about 11 m² and can be entirely shaded by a bimini top. It features three large sofas and optional tables that convert for additional relaxation space. The sea-facing seating also cleverly incorporates life rafts and storage.The flybridge mirrors the first version’s layout, with enhanced dining seating and a spacious sunpad at the stern. The central area includes a fully-equipped cabinet and a C-shaped sofa with a dining table. A second helm station offers easy access, accompanied by an expansive sunpad. An electric bimini top is available as an alternative to the redesigned hardtop.Internally, the yacht presents redesigned spaces conceived by Ideaeitalia. A sliding glass door from the cockpit leads to a main deck lounge featuring two large sofas with a central coffee table. Entertainment is elevated with a retractable TV hidden behind the sofa.The galley has been improved for functionality and flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an expansive open space with ample seating. The helm station includes integrated Naviop-Simrad instrumentation and boasts a pillar-less windshield for optimal navigation visibility.A remarkable owner’s suite, measuring 18 m², is situated in the mid-section, complete with a private study, central bed, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom. The vessel also offers a double cabin and a VIP cabin in the bow, both featuring ensuite bathrooms.For flexibility, a four-cabin layout is available, replacing the owner's study with an additional smaller cabin. A dedicated crew cabin with a bathroom is located at the rear of the lower deck, with private access to the cockpit.Two distinctive interior styles are offered – Classic, featuring warm earthy tones, and Contemporary, showcasing vibrant woods and fabrics inspired by the sea.The Ferretti Yachts 670 is powered by standard twin 1,000 MHP MAN V8 engines, enabling a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots. There is also an option for more powerful 1,200 MHP MAN V8 engines, providing a maximum speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots.For added stability at anchor and during cruising, the yacht can be outfitted with a stability package featuring two Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabilizers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water.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.Credit: Ferretti Group
November 26, 2024