The first superyacht ever built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, the 134-meter Serene was delivered in 2011 to Russian billionaire, Yuri Scheffler. As was later revealed, the oligarch sold his superyacht in July 2015 to Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. The royal spent $458 million to acquire the former largest yacht in Italy.
Featuring a salt-water swimming pool, a supersized hot tub, a sauna in front of the sea and a fully-operational helipad, Serene became known in yachting as one of the most inspiring superyachts ever completed.
At the time of her delivery, Serene was the 9th largest yacht in the world, barely topping the Emir of Qatar's 133-meter Al Mirqab and outdone by David Geffen's 138-meter Lurssen, Rising Sun. For the state-controlled Italian shipyard, Fincantieri, Serene was, however, the first yacht the company ever built, having primarily focused on commercial ships before.
Currently the 15th largest yacht, Serene turns heads anywhere she goes, not only due to her giant-like size, but also her exterior lines drawn by Espen Oeino and series of innovations in the interior.
Following the sale, her former owner, Scheffler claimed that Fincantieri's second yacht, the 140-meter Ocean Victory built for Russian billionaire, Viktor Rashnikov, had infringed on his intellectual property by building the superyacht on the same platform as Serene. As a result, Scheffler filled a suit against Fincantieri claiming €20,9 million from the shipyard in damages.
Whereas it is unknown how much exactly Scheffler spent building the 134-meter Serene at Fincantieri, it is widely believed in the superyacht sector that the vessel was sold at a profit by Scheffler to the Saudi Arabian deputy crown prince. As revealed by media as part of the Paradise papers, Serene was sold for €420 million.
At the time of the sale, some publications had reported that the sale was closed within several hours with the buyer having asked Scheffler to vacate the yacht within hours of the purchase. The new documentation that emerged through the Paradise papers leaks, however, tells a different story as the sale took at least 10 days to close. Before it could change hands, Serene had to cruise into international waters.
Stretching over a beam of 18.5 meters, Serene is 6 decks tall and boasts a myriad of amenities that few five-star hotels have. One of her most noticeable features from the outside is her supersized bathtub located aft of the sundeck.
One of the seven pools onboard Serene, the Jacuzzi on the top deck is surrounded by lounging pad for sunbathing. Forward of the hot tub is a fully-stocked, wet bar underneath the yacht's observational deck that features an additional set of sun loungers.
Up on the sundeck is yet another spa pool surrounded by lounging pads, located forward of the deck. This particular pool features bar stools and is connected to a fully stocked bar surrounded by two additional hot tubs. A table for casual dining can also be found in the shaded area of the sundeck.
Serene's interior was designed by British design studio Reymond Langton, incorporating a sophisticated mix of cream and dark colors with wooden fixtures. Offering views from any imaginable vantage point, Serene's sky lounge is equipped with a myriad of sofas, chairs and coffee tables for cocktails and tea.
A more formal location designed for the entertainment of larger groups, the main lounge features white colors with dark tones. At the center of the room is a piano with cocktail tables spread out across the room. Interestingly, this lounge sits just over the main dining room with its chandelier hanging through the two spaces and letting the music spread.
The formal dining area features two tables, capable of each accommodating up to 12 guests, bringing the total to 24 guests. Its layout, however, allows for the possibility to extend the table in order to hold larger banquets. On both sides of the room are floor-to-ceiling windows. In terms of food, Serene features a fire pizza oven as well as a teppanyaki grill.
Each space on Serene features a different set of colors, all coordinated across one central theme that spreads around the yacht with circles both on the floor and on the ceiling to create a sense of symmetry. Some of Serene's unique features include an indoor climbing wall as well as an underwater observation lounge.
The 134-meter yacht can carry a total of 24 guests across 12 staterooms divided into one master suite with essentially an owner's deck, a VIP cabin, three twin cabins and seven double staterooms. Serene carries a crew of over 40 people onboard.
Prior to the yacht being sold to the Saudi Arabian crown prince, Serene was made available for charter to select guests by Scheffler. These have included Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, who reportedly chartered Serene at a price tag of $5 million per week during the summer of 2014.
In addition to her vast interior spaces, Serene's exterior lounging spots have been optimized to best utilize the space onboard the 134-meter superyacht. Forward on the bow, for example, forward of the commercial-grade helipad can be found a lounging spot on the bow of the yacht. Although a long walk from the aft deck, these spaces are often used for maximum privacy when moored in a harbor.
Perhaps the most unique space onboard Serene is her swimming pool located aft of the main deck under a retractable glass roof. Up on the main deck, this opening can be closed with glass panels and is surrounded by lounging areas.
One of the most advanced swimming pools ever built on board a superyacht, it is the key element of the beach club that stretches for a large portion of the yacht's lower deck. Within the pool area are two additional Jacuzzis for the yacht's guests to relax in. On both sides of the yacht are lounging areas with access to the sea through foldable platforms.
Serene's beach club facilities, however, do not stop just with its pool. The superyacht features a full-sized spa with a sauna room with glass doors looking out onto the sea through a foldable platform. Next to the sauna are a hammam as well as a snow room.
Lighting systems were installed throughout Serene's exterior to ensure that the yacht could boast a sleek look at night as well as during the day. During the summer, the yacht could previously often have been seen lighting up Monaco and the Côte d'Azur.
Photo by Julien Hubert
Following her sale to the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia, the yacht started spending time in the Persian Gulf. During the summer of this year, Serene ran aground on a reef near Tiran Island in the Red Sea. Some damage is believed to have been sustained to her bow at the time, although the superyacht has been repaired since. Several days ago, she cruised to a shipyard in the Netherlands for maintenance work.
Currently valued at $1,6 billion by Forbes, Yuri Sheffler made his fortune in the alcohol business. Venturing into business in 1993, Sheffler made a series of moves that got him the rights to brands of vodka such as Stolichnaya, which was previously owned by a state-owned corporation. This has put him at the center of long litigations with the Russian government over the ownership of the brand.
Having left Russia for Switzerland and the United Kingdom during the early 2000s, Sheffler is currently the main shareholder in SPI Group, a conglomerate that sells alcohol under 380 brands in 160 countries. Earlier this year he acquired an estate in Scotland at an asking price of £25 million.
In 2014, Fincantieri launched its second megayacht, the 140-meter Ocean Victory which was commissioned by another Russian oligarch, Viktor Rashnikov, whose net worth is estimated at $4.8 billion. Prior to its launch in December 2014 however, Fincantieri was ordered to pay €20.9 million to Serena Equity Limited (the company controlled by Shefler that owned Serene) by London courts.
Shefler's main claim was that Fincantieri had used Serene, on which the billionaire says he holds intellectual property, to develop Ocean Victory which he says is a near sistership. In fact, both superyachts boast an exterior design by Espen Oeino and seem to have similar technical characteristics.
As such, English courts have granted Shefler €13,2 million for the violation of his intellectual property and €7.7 million for late deliveries, which were to be paid by Fincantieri where the Italian government holds a 70% controlling stake. Fincantieri, however, filed a motion in Trieste's Court of Appeals in 2015 to dismiss the fact that London's ruling applied.
Mohammad bin Salman, born in 1985, is the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia and currently sits as the youngest defense minister in the world and the first deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
Julien Hubert
From a technical standpoint, Serene can reach a top speed of 25 knots and cruise at 15 knots. Reportedly, her interior volume comes in at 8,231GT, ie, half of Dilbar, the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage.
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!
The Monaco Yacht Show is the world leader event in superyachting. Set in September in the iconic Port Hercules, the MYS represents the pinnacle of the superyacht lifestyle against the glamorous backdrop of Monaco since 1991. Every year, the world’s most respected shipyards display 120 extraordinary one-off superyachts and megayachts, of which 40 new launches are annually unveiled in a worldwide debut.For four days, yacht owners, future superyacht purchasers or charterers, decision-makers in the yachting and luxury industries attend the Monaco Yacht Show to participate in one of the most influential business networks on Earth. On docks, the MYS curates the showcase of a selection of 580 leading companies in the industry: from the most reputable superyacht builders and nautical suppliers, top yacht designers, luxury manufactures and the best brokerage houses to the most sought-after tenders and water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers.Largest yachts attending the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 :1. Kismet (95-meter, Lurssen, 2014)2. Aquarius (92-meter, Feadship. 2016)3. DAR (90-meter, Oceanco, 2018)4. Illusion Plus (88-meter, Pride Mega Yachts, 2018)5. Barbara (85-meter, Oceanco, 2017)6. Air (81-meter, Feadship. 2011)7. Go (77-meter, Turquoise, 2018)8. Boadicea (76-meter, Amels, 1999)9. Elandess (74-meter, Abeking & Rasmussen, 2018)10. Cloud 9 (74-meter, CRN, 2017)
September 24, 2018
After its successful presence at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, Chaser Yachts has been commissioned by YPI to tender new and existing clients at the Monaco Yacht Show from 26 to 29 September. The service will be provided by a luxury Chaser 500R RIB and will bring this superb model to the attention of a wider audience.Yachting Partners International (YPI), one of the world’s leading companies for the sales,chartering, management and crewing of yachts, has entrusted Chaser Yachts with shuttling guests to and from yachts berthed in the ports and anchored offshore during the Monaco Yacht Show. As these are some of the world’s finest luxury vessels being viewed by some of the world’s most discerning consumers, the choice of tender is naturally a crucial one. It is a mark of distinction for Chaser Yachts that its boat has been selected for this prestigious role, and will contribute to the brand’s visibility.The Cannes Yachting Festival already generated lots of attention for Chaser and at least one sale is since close to completion for the Chaser 500R RIB. This model was particularly praised for its finishing and solid build as well as its speed, manoeuvrability and ability to handle waves.Built entirely in aluminium, the 500R is very light and can be customised to suit a wide range of requirements. With a length of 15.30 metres and a beam of 4.56 metres, it provides plentiful seating and sunbathing space for up to 18 people at a time and is characterised by a stylish, easy walkaround. Deluxe facilities onboard include a two fridges, double berth, bathroom with shower and ample storage space for a wide range of toys such as Seabobs. Three Mercury Verado 400R outboard engines provide an astounding top speed of 50+ knots, cruising speed of more than 40 and a range of 600 nautical miles.The starting price of the Chaser 500R is €680,000 (ex. VAT). The model on display atMonaco will be an €850,000 (ex. VAT) version. For more information or to make anappointment for a sea trail at the show call Jeroen Landeweer on +31 641 948 740 or email jeroen.landeweer@chaseryachts.com.
September 24, 2018
CRN will be participating in the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 - to be held from September 26 th to 29 th - presenting a world premiere of M/Y Latona, a new 50-meter masterpiece that adds an exciting, new chapter to the art of bespoke shipbuilding.The Latona is the highest expression of craftsmanship and excellence, which stem from the successful cooperation between CRN’s Engineering Department and Interiors & Design Department with design firm Zuccon International Project. This new yacht’s technical solutions and the slender lines of her hull and bow are indeed the result of CRN Engineering Department’s outstanding skills and expertise, while Zuccon International Project, together with the Shipyard’s Interiors & Design Department, developed the vessel’s refined interiors and elegant, classical exteriors.“The Latona immediately impressed me because of two features that, I am sure, will also conquer the Monaco Boat Show: a very original and creative intuition and a strong personality, which make her a truly unmatched yacht. Building the Latona was a real challenge and marked yet another step forward in the history of bespoke shipbuilding. To meet her Owner’s wishes, we resorted to our Shipyard’s sound technical expertise and refined craftsmanship. The outcome is a refined, sumptuous yacht that embodies the beauty of Middle-European style from the 1920s, skilfully blending together elegance and functionality”, stated Alberto Galassi, CRN’s Chairman and Ferretti Group’s CEO.The Latona is a classic and timeless megayacht that magnificently combines graceful exterior lines, extremely functional outdoor and indoor areas, and truly distinctive interior design. With her 50 meters in length, four spacious decks and an underdeck, the Latona has been built and forged to achieve maximum customization, as required by her Owner, who did not want to renounce the most authentic uniqueness, evident also in the choice of a precious turquoise shade of the hull. Similarly, the Liberty style pervades all interiors throughout the vessel, highlighting Latona’s unparalleled beauty and becoming an expressive constant of the guest areas. The slender bow, and the large internal and external volumes, embellished with spectacular area overlooking the sea, further enhance this yacht’s endless beauty.Launched in February and delivered in May, the Latona embodies the utmost expression of the technical and design skills of the passionate and demanding CRN team that, driven by the vision of a selective and determined shipowning family, was able to shape the Owner’s talent and wishes, in line with CRN’s iconic slogan: “Made by you with our own hands”.
September 21, 2018
Rainbow is a 40-metre sailing yacht, built to an exceptional standard by Dutch masters at Holland Jachtbouw in 2012. She is a faithful and detailed reproduction of the original Rainbow built in 1930, who won the America's Cup four years later after the launch. Rainbow was built for the new J Class Rule and boasts high-tech features such as carbon rigging and hydraulic handling, which makes her a serious contender on the regatta circuit.Dykstra Naval Architechts developed Rainbow from the original plans of the 1934 America's Cup winner and slightly smoothed her lines, making her more hydrodynamic. She can be described as a modern classic, with the hybrid diesel/electric drive and electrical system, high modulus spar, carbon rigging and electrohydraulic sail and handling.Rainbow has been successful at the Porto Cervo Maxi Rolex Cup and Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, BVI. As well as being a strong regatta contender, Rainbow, with interiors by DeVosDeVries Design is ideal "silver service" charter yacht, with accommodation up to 6 guests. She is presented in immaculate condition following considerable investment in a 2016 refit. Below decks, Dykstra and deVosdeVries design have collaborated with the yard to make an Art Deco style interior.There is a beautiful dining saloon and good accommodation for the permanent crew forward. Outside of the races, Rainbow will offer a luxurious cruising experience for guests.Recently, YPI announced a price reduction of €1,750,000 on one of the best of today's J-Class yachts for sale. The yacht is now for sale at €8,750,000 (VAT Paid). Rainbow will be available to view at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show at Berth C11. This is a unique opportunity to view the only J-Class yacht in the show.If you are interested in Rainbow contact YPI: Will BishopT. + 377 99 99 97 97M. +33 (0) 627 32 65 42E. william.bishop@ypiyachts.com
September 20, 2018
While constructing its largest model Bilgin 263-II, Bilgin Yachts is now getting ready to build a new 67m yacht at the shipyard's facility in West Istanbul MarinaBilgin Yacht is pleased to announce that it has recently started the construction process of a brandnew project: Bilgin 220. This 67m yacht's exterior lines and naval architecture were developed by Unique Yacht Design in association with H2 Yacht Design for interior living areas."Bilgin 220 is a superyacht that has been designed to offer the owner a well-considered relationship between external and internal living areas in addition to a life spent between sea and land" states Ismail Şengün, CEO of Bilgin Yacht. Its sleek and masculin exterior lines will be similar with her sisterships. Bilgin Yacht applies its trademarks on this new model of the superyacht line through extensive use of windows on the hull, while new features are added such as a touch-and-go helipad as a continuation of brand's philosophy. This philosophy of combining functional features and comfortable areas is also evident in the aerodynamic design, which is brought to life by the clean shapes and sleek lines. The hull design in particular takes the stylistic feature of large, vertical windows corresponding to the living areas and to the guest cabins.Emrecan Özgün, the CEO and the Founder of Unique Yacht Design, describes the design process as follows: "Bilgin 67m is a special project of us. We started with the idea of including all the necessities in tpractically large and comfortable living areas. This yacht offers a dolce vita to its guests while balancing interior and exterior concepts. The exterior lines can be described as sexy, sharp, masculen, modern and most importantly timeless. You can see large windows and portholes which are design standards in today’s world. This definitely reflects the freshness of the exterior area to the interior."The superyacht's sleek lines allowing large living areas are well-reflected in her interior design.Having six decks, Bilgin 220 will offer the owner and their guests alternative living areas while sailing in oceans. As well as a flybridge and sunbathing areas, the superyacht will have a lounge on the upper deck, a saloon with a bar section on the bridge deck and a living room including a 16- person dining table on the main deck. The owners suite located on the front part of the main deck will be available with a jakuzzi, working space and a private lounge. While a VIP cabin will be located by the owner's cabin, the layout includes four guests cabins located alongside the crew area on the lower deck.Bilgin 220 will be powered by twin 1,800 rpm MTU engines, allowing the yacht to reach 15 knots at cruising speed and touch 17 knots at top speed (preliminary data). There will be two Cummins generator sets both offering 1,500 rpm. Bilgin Yacht has started the construction of the yacht on June 2019. The yacht's planned launch date is 2021.
September 20, 2018
