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 just a few weeks ago by her original owner, Graeme Hart, she became the largest brokerage yacht sold so far in 2017 with an asking price of $195 million.
Ulysses' 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.
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025
Baglietto has launched the 40.9-meter superyacht Andala, marking the eighth vessel in its DOM 133 series. The ceremony took place at the company's La Spezia facility with the owner and select guests in attendance.Designed by Stefano Vafiadis with interior styling by Giorgio M. Cassetta, Andala features the series' characteristic angular profile while incorporating owner-requested modifications. The yacht includes two swimming pools, full-height windows, and side balconies among its customized elements.IBI Yachts represented the buyer throughout the construction process, with Floating Life's Andrea Pezzini overseeing technical aspects as owner's representative."Our brand's having a truly amazing spring," said Baglietto Chief Commercial Officer Fabio Ermetto. "We've launched four yachts so far, and three more – two DOM133 and a T52 – are going to hit the water by mid-June. Such outstanding results testify to our company's soundness and organisational maturity."The launch represents Baglietto's fourth yacht delivery this year, following the DOM 133 models L'Instant and Astera. Two additional hulls in the series remain under construction at the La Spezia facility, with completions expected in the third quarter of 2024.Andala will now begin sea trials before final delivery to its owner. The DOM 133 series continues to demonstrate strong market demand, with Baglietto maintaining its position in the competitive 40-meter semi-custom superyacht segment. The shipyard's current production pipeline includes three additional vessels scheduled for launch within the next two months.Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
June 5, 2025
In-Mind Design has revealed its latest superyacht concept, the Interstellar, showcasing innovative design solutions aimed at enhancing guest experience and sustainability. The 100-meter concept yacht features a unique layout and advanced technological solutions.The vessel’s design prioritizes guest interaction and social spaces, with a particular focus on the upper deck. The main deck features a large open space that can be converted into various configurations, including a cinema, dance floor, or dining area, thanks to modular furniture and retractable screens.The yacht’s exterior design includes a distinctive stepped profile, creating multiple outdoor living areas at different levels. The upper deck boasts a large open space with a retractable roof, providing both indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The concept also features a beach club with direct access to water toys and a swimming pool on the upper deck.“The Interstellar concept is designed to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability to the owner’s needs,” said Francesco Guida, Founder of In-Mind Design. “The modular design allows for various configurations, ensuring the yacht remains relevant and enjoyable over time.”The concept incorporates several sustainability features, including hybrid propulsion systems and energy-efficient materials. The yacht is designed to accommodate up to 24 guests across 12 staterooms, with additional space for a crew of 30.The interior design focuses on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The main saloon features large windows and sliding doors that open onto the deck, while the owner’s suite includes a private terrace with panoramic views.The yacht’s technical specifications include a beam of 18 meters and a draft of 4.5 meters. The hybrid propulsion system allows for a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with an estimated range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.“We aimed to create a yacht that not only meets the current demands of luxury travel but also anticipates future trends in design and technology,” added Guida. “The Interstellar concept demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability in yacht design.”The Interstellar concept is currently available for potential clients interested in commissioning a custom build based on the design.Credits: In-Mind Design
June 4, 2025
Sanlorenzo has unveiled Casa Sanlorenzo, a new 1,000 square meter arts venue housed within a restored 1940s palazzo overlooking Venice's Santa Maria della Salute basilica. The project includes 700 square meters of exhibition space and a 600 square meter garden, featuring the company's contemporary art collection dating from 1965 to present.Architect Piero Lissoni led the restoration, preserving original brick facades and flooring while introducing contemporary elements. Notable features include a glass-and-steel staircase and an adaptive lighting system designed to accommodate changing exhibitions. The space connects to surrounding areas via a new bridge constructed from prefabricated metal with Istrian stone treads and oar-inspired handrails."I believe the opportunity to build a bridge in Venice for Sanlorenzo Arts is more unique than rare," stated Piero Lissoni. "This bridge is not simply a vehicle to transport people, but a cultural bridge."The venue will serve as an official location for Venice Climate Week from June 4-6, hosting the "Sanlorenzo Talks" series on ecological transition and sustainable innovation. The palazzo's restoration maintained all original load-bearing structures while updating mechanical systems and creating flexible gallery spaces.Casa Sanlorenzo's art collection reflects postwar artistic movements, with works displayed against white walls and alternating concrete and Palladian stone floors. The property combines exhibition areas with a private residential apartment, representing Sanlorenzo's integration of marine craftsmanship, design and contemporary art patronage.The bridge's design incorporates traditional Venetian elements including a humpback shape reminiscent of medieval structures and specialized anti-slip stone treatment. Its metal components feature weather-resistant finishes suitable for the lagoon environment. The project required 18 months of restoration work before opening to the public.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: Sanlorenzo
June 4, 2025