Innovation in the superyacht space can sometimes seem barely incremental, until a ship is launched that changes the game. Barely cracking the first half of the world's 100 largest yachts, Aviva became the first yacht to have an indoor padel tennis court. Built for a UK billionaire, the 98-meter is also the largest yacht ever built by Abeking & Rasmussen.
Launched in January 2017, Aviva was designed by British design studio, Reymond Langton, morphing into their largest creation to date. Boasting large interior volumes throughout its hull, Aviva also manages to feature some exterior space to take in the sun. Its sheer scale required Abeking & Rasmussen to create a special system to launch the yacht with a special pontoon.
Delivered within 33 months of signing the contract, Aviva was commissioned by UK billionaire Joe Lewis, currently valued by Forbes at $5 billion. His fourth superyacht named Aviva, Lewis' former yacht was a 68-meter version of his current flagship also built by Abeking & Rasmussen. Extensively used as a floating home and office by the investment mogul, Aviva's volume would be impressive for any yacht.
The powerful looking hull is the result of new research and testing which ensures superior seakeeping abilities combined with a 20% decrease in drag. Less engine output is required, fuel consumption is reduced and the maximum speed is a full 20 knots. A very special feature is the hybrid drive system: it allows Aviva to run at up to 11 knots without the use of the main engines, using electric motors only.
Aviva's main feature, however, became an indoor, full-sized padel tennis court. Stretching across a length of 20 meters and a width of 10 meters, the court area goes up 6.65 meters high, a space that would be difficult to fit into any type of yacht. Aviva's 5,000GT of interior volume, however, allowed to blend in this space without compromises as to the size of the court.
"It is not only a lifestyle change for the owner but also for the crew as this is also the largest gym of any yacht." the yacht's designers' commented. "The crew is encouraged to play with the owner and guests and when the court is not in use for padel, the net can be removed and the crew plays football and use other exercise equipment in the space. It is after all a sports hall."
Perfectly lit through lights on the ceiling, this indoor court sits amidst the yacht's hull and stretches down to the bottom of its draft. In addition to the padel tennis court is a small lounging and viewing area up a series of stairs. Hidden away behind a net to protect the ball from flying away, the viewing area can also be used for gym equipment whilst a game is being played. "The owner is adamant that this is the best padel tennis court in the world, period!" the studio continued.
In terms of exterior relaxation areas, Aviva features a circular set of lounging pads up on her sun deck as well as small, hidden away lounging pads towards the yacht's bridge. Powered by an eco-friendly system, the 98-meter can reach a top speed of 20 knots and cruise at 11 knots by using only electric power. This is achieved, in part, thanks to her innovative hull design couple with an electric propulsion system.
Apart from her sundeck, most of the areas on the 98-meter superyacht are found inside, which gives it tremendous volume required for a live onboard owner. An exterior lounging area can, however, still be found aft of the main, upper and third decks with a series of lounging chairs and sun pads. A swimming platform also opens up onto the sea, creating a beach club area, her tenders being launched through side doors.
"Featuring a fresh and dynamic contemporary exterior design, unique, highly personalized layout for the interior and a cutting edge technical platform, Aviva is intended as a home away from home, and as a result the layout moves away from current trends to maximise the spaces that will be used the most, and create a welcome, inviting atmosphere, with a combination of spacious, open social lounges alongside more intimate and discreet areas for dining, working and relaxation." commented Andrew Langton
"The interior design features a number of avant-garde architectural elements and details, and uses a rich combination of fabric and leathers in light, warm tones."
Throughout the yacht, Aviva features a modern design with sleek shapes couple with an extensive use of glass and stainless steel. Opting for a clear colour scheme with sprinkles of vivd soft furnishings, Aviva's exterior and interior look follows that of Lewis' former 68m Aviva.
"Communication and information are critical to me." Lewis said in an interview with regards to his requirements for his floating office. "To be effective, I need reliable phones and internet, these have improved much over the past few years, but, it is too expensive, too slow and not consistently reliable. Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world."
Currently valued at $5 billion by Forbes, Joe Lewis sits as the 5th richest man in the United Kingdom. Chairman of the Tavistock Group with investments in over 200 companies, the 81 year-old started his career in the catering business in London, joining his father's company at the age of 15 in 1958.
Initially making his wealth by selling that business in 1979, Lewis moved into currency trading, switching his residence to the Bahamas. Teaming up with George Soros in 1992, the pair bet against the pound and earned exponential returns with Lewis reportedly pocketing even more than Soros.
Lewis' portfolio now includes Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur as well as Lake Nona, a fast growing development in Orlando, Florida. In December 2016, he paid $165 million to acquire the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six hotel in Fort Lauderdale through Tavistock. In addition to this, Lewis owns stakes in UK's largest pub operator, Mitchell's and Butlers as well as luxury club resort Albany.
In a deal profiled by the Guardian, Lewis was able to back a Christie's art auction for the Ganz collection, guaranteeing a minimum sales price of $168 million and, eventually, splitting the $38 million net profit with the auction house when the sale fetched $206 million weeks later. "Being a trader means that you are wrong at the very least three times out of 10, and that is very hard." Lewis once told Fortune magazine.
Prior to taking deliver of the 98-meter flagship, Lewis' largest yacht was the 68-meter Aviva delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2007. A smaller version of his current yacht, the 68-meter featured a similar focus towards interior volume and acted as Lewis' floating office with a Bloomberg terminal and several trading screens onboard.
In 1998, Lewis had taken delivery of 62-meter Feadship, Lady Aviva, which later caught fire in the Red Sea. The yacht was eventually salvaged by serial yacht owner, Dennis Washington, who transformed the yacht into Attessa III. Lewis' second Aviva became the 60-meter Oceanco built in 2004 as Alfa Four and now known as Sea Pearl.
Check our Timeline platform to get the full access to our analytics platform, that offers you a detailed report on the timeline of each superyacht, real time market view to see the yacht market developing and much more!
Damen Yachting has announced the grand reveal of the Amels 6007, the seventh yacht in the Amels 60 series. The unveiling took place at their shipyard in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in the build process. The Amels 60 Limited Editions design is developed by Espen Øino International.Chris Callahan from Moran Yacht & Ship, representing the owner, expressed excitement about reaching this stage and praised the incorporation of personal touches into the yacht. He noted that many customizations and improvements implemented in previous builds, such as ENTOURAGE (Hull 6002), have been carried over to the Amels 6007.The interior of the Amels 6007 has been designed by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's first collaboration with Amels. The design reflects a contemporary and welcoming style, inspired by beach house luxury, with natural materials and detailed finishes creating a warm and tactile environment.Joppe Osté, Damen Yachting Project Manager for the Amels 60, emphasized the team's pride in achieving this milestone and their focus on completing the final build phase to ensure the yacht is ready for its intended lifetime at sea. Following the launch, the Amels 6007 will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner in early summer 2025.A guest capacity of Amels 6007 is 12 people, a crew capacity of 12 members plus the Captain, a gross tonnage is 853 GT.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
February 21, 2025
Turquoise Yachts has partnered with the renowned British design studio Bannenberg & Rowell to introduce a duo of superyacht concepts, measuring 65 and 80 meters, named Above and Beyond, respectively. The 65-meter Above is the first of the two concepts to hit the market, while the upcoming 80-meter Beyond is set to begin construction on speculation later this year. One standout feature of the designs is the crow's nest, creatively envisioned as a custom platform-elevator that ascends the mast’s height.Central to the design ethos is the efficient layout of the main deck, which seamlessly connects six guest cabins to the main saloon and dining areas. The spacious salon flows into the aft main deck, which features a large lounge alongside a stunning glass-bottom pool that allows sunlight to permeate the beach club below.The beach club offers extensive wellness amenities, including a sauna, steam shower, massage room, and a fully equipped gym with a balcony. Additionally, a lounge area with a bar, seating, and dual balconies enhances the onboard leisure experience.Crew efficiency was a key factor in the design of Above, featuring well-thought-out configurations across decks, including generous pantries and a commercial-grade galley equipped with a walk-in freezer. Crew amenities also encompass dedicated laundry facilities, a gym, and a spacious mess area.The 65-meter and 80-meter projects will be available as new construction opportunities exclusively with Denison Yachting.Turquoise was established in 1997 by two leaders of the Turkish boat building industry: Proteksan Yachts Inc. and Turquoise Yacht Construction. After launching the 50m M/Y Turquoise (now called Double Trouble), 20 other megayachts ranging from 40m to 77m in length have since been delivered to an international roster of clients from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Credits: Denison Yachting
February 21, 2025
Riva Classiche will make a striking appearance at The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, a prestigious event dedicated to classic and vintage automobiles, held on February 21 and 22 against the stunning backdrop of the frozen lake in the Engadin valley. Known for its mission to restore and preserve vintage powerboats, Riva Classiche will showcase a beautifully restored Riva Olympic boat, elegantly displayed on the ice.The I.C.E. St. Moritz International Concours of Elegance is a celebrated gathering for collectors and aficionados of classic cars, blending art, style, and heritage in a unique winter setting. Each year, the event draws participants from around the globe, and this edition promises to be no exception, emphasizing the intersection of culture and classic automotive excellence.Riva Classiche will not only present its iconic boat but will also create a luxurious Riva Lounge at the Grace La Margna Hotel St. Moritz. This exclusive space will encapsulate the essence of the Riva brand, featuring a selection of collectibles and accessories from Riva Boutique, all while immersing visitors in the brand’s timeless elegance.With its participation in The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, Riva Classiche reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the rich heritage of classic craftsmanship, making this event a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage powerboats and the art of fine living in the Swiss Alps.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
February 21, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa recently unveiled the stunning interiors of the new Akhir 44 at the Dubai International Boat Show, a key event in the Middle Eastern maritime calendar. Collaborating with Pulina Exclusive Interiors, the design showcases a striking contrast between warm materials, such as bleached oak, and sleek metal finishes, providing the yacht with a sporty yet technological aesthetic.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, emphasized the innovative approach behind this model: “The Akhir 44 is the first in a new series crafted from carbon and glass composite, reaching a remarkable top speed of 35 knots. This yacht marries the iconic lines of our original range with current market needs.” He noted that the interiors are designed for exceptional livability, catering to cosmopolitan owners who appreciate both luxury and functionality.Pulina Exclusive Interiors, founded by Alessandro Pulina, is renowned for its high-end designs across multiple sectors, including yachts, private residences, and hotels. “Our design blends energy in motion with spatial harmony,” Pulina explained. “The contrast of warm and cool materials, paired with a fresh neutral color palette, enhances the interiors’ livability while promoting a sense of openness.”Measuring 44 meters in length with a beam of 8.6 meters, Akhir 44 features an innovative layout emphasizing symmetry and fluidity. The main deck prioritizes guest comfort, with a spacious saloon and an adaptable dining area that can transform using sliding panels. An eye-catching floating staircase, crafted from metal and glass, serves as both a functional feature and an artistic centerpiece.Offering four guest cabins and an owner’s suite with extensive glazing, the yacht ensures maximum privacy while enhancing the connection to the surrounding water. With three powerful 2,600 HP MTU engines, the Akhir 44 promises an exhilarating experience at an average speed of 30 knots, making it a formidable presence on the water.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
February 21, 2025
The stunning 52-meter Sanlorenzo motor yacht Seven Sins has officially been listed for sale by Virginia Di Antonio of Yachting Partners International (YPI). Currently listed at EUR28,000,000, Seven Sins is situated in the Caribbean. As the inaugural vessel in the esteemed 52 Steel series from Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, this yacht was delivered in 2017 and has captured attention for its exceptional design by Officina Italiana Design. Seven Sins was honored with a prestigious Neptune award at the 2018 World Superyacht Awards.This listing marks the yacht's second appearance on the market since its initial launch, previously sold as part of a co-ownership arrangement via SeaNet Europe, making her one of the largest superyachts to have two owners.One of the standout features of Seven Sins is its expansive beach club area, complete with a striking glass-bottom swimming pool. This versatile space also includes fold-out balconies, a well-equipped gym, and a sauna. When not in use, the beach club can easily transform into a floodable drive-in tender garage, offering both convenience and functionality.Seven Sins accommodates up to 11 guests across five cabins, which include a master suite, two doubles, and two twin rooms. The sundeck is another highlight and is likely to become the preferred outdoor gathering spot for guests. Equipped with stylish furniture from Paola Lenti, it features an array of sun loungers at the aft, comfortable seating arrangements around coffee tables, a dining table that accommodates 12, and an impressive bar dressed in silver-flecked granite that sparkles in the sunlight. It’s no wonder that Seven Sins enjoys popularity as a charter yacht and is also available for charter through YPI.The yacht is powered by two 2000hp Caterpillar 3512-C diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 17 knots and an impressive cruising range of 4,400 nautical miles at a speed of 11 knots.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: YPI
February 20, 2025