The power of enduring collaborations is evident, especially when it comes to the partnership between shipyard and design studio. This synergy speaks not only to the success of previous projects but also to the mutual understanding of project needs and how to elevate past designs into something new.
This rings true for the Italian design studio Hot Lab, a part of the Viken Group, and Turkish shipyard Numarine, known for their popular contemporary explorer yachts, many of which have benefitted from Hot Lab's creative flair. It’s this successful history that led Numarine to engage Hot Lab for the interior design of its new flagship, the 45.34-metre 45XP, debuting for the first time. The interiors showcase clever spatial designs, multifunctional spaces, and a clean yet inviting beach-house-chic aesthetic that beautifully complements the expansive deck areas and guest amenities of the 45XP.
Main saloon
“With several years of collaboration under our belts, we share a mutual understanding of each other’s distinct styles,” said Ömer Malaz, Chairman of Numarine. “Given the significance of this new flagship, establishing a cohesive design strategy was paramount. While we provided some technical guidelines, we entrusted much of the creative vision to the Hot Lab team.”
Main saloon
The yacht boasts a remarkable 498GT exterior, highlighted by striking profile lines that maximize deck space and superstructure glazing, ensuring a strong connection to the outside world from any point within. But the 45XP is designed not only for aesthetics; it’s built for serious cruising, featuring a seaworthy hull with a trans-ocean range of 6,000 nautical miles. This exceptional foundation allowed Hot Lab to enhance the livability of the guest spaces, drawing upon their extensive experience with previous models in the series.
Master cabin
The design process began with a thorough review of the layout, which proved to be a straightforward task, thanks to Numarine’s advanced work. “The project was already positioned well technically, and Numarine requested our input on the general arrangement,” shared Enrico Lumini, design director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “Minimal intervention was needed because the yard had developed an incredibly solid design. For this 45-metre yacht, we provided insights built from our extensive construction experience, focusing on the yard's strengths while suggesting minor improvements for detail.”
Upper deck lounge
Malaz noted that Hot Lab understood Numarine's previous projects well, having crafted varied interiors for their last few models. “They recognize that interiors don't always need to mirror the exterior style, especially for well-received yachts produced in multiple units,” he stated. “However, they strive to enhance the interplay between interior and deck spaces, ensuring that windows and connections to the outdoors create cohesion.”
Upper deck cabin
The interior design philosophy aimed to craft warm, inviting, and well-proportioned areas that harmonize in color. The layout prioritizes spaciousness in individual cabins rather than simply maximizing the number of cabins. While the design is adaptable to client preferences, Numarine is showcasing the project with an emphasis on five generously-sized cabins, fostering privacy alongside communal spaces—an essential feature for their flagship design. The yacht includes large saloons and a spacious owner’s cabin with direct access to a private bow area. “It harmonizes the yard's characteristics with innovative proposals,” Lumini noted.
Moreover, they intentionally layered multiple functionalities within shared spaces to promote social interaction. This resulted in inclusive areas where families of varying ages could engage together or pursue different activities, with the saloon serving as a communal “piazza” that thoughtfully integrates lounging, dining, and cinema within a unified setting.
Complementing this design is a carefully curated palette of colors and materials, balancing wood and leather and contrasting grey-sand oak with burgundy leather. The stylish design of walls and columns is fused with oriental tones in the ceiling panels. “This blend of styles is perhaps the yacht's most distinctive feature,” Lumini remarked.
Main saloon
Ömer Malaz further emphasized that the designers drew inspiration from current trends – not simply for the sake of fashion, but because these trends align seamlessly with their design philosophy. Their approach favors simplicity, natural materials, and unrefined finishes, celebrating the essence of materials like travertine and oak without artificial treatments. “This philosophy allows the natural aesthetics of these interiors to shine,” Lumini affirmed.
This collaboration exemplifies the thorough alignment of purposeful layout and design, positioning the 45XP as a testament to Numarine's commitment to quality and style. “Our long-term partnership reflects continuity and trust, making us proud of our collective achievements,” expressed Antonio Romano, commercial director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab. “This yacht is unequivocally Numarine, offering spacious interiors and unique pathways, yet it represents the pinnacle of quality and style developed by the yard over recent years. We’re thrilled to have contributed to it.”
Malaz wrapped up by noting, “Our new flagship marks a further evolution of our previous endeavors, embodying the design expertise and construction quality we've perfected over countless projects. This interior layout and style resonate perfectly with the essence of the 45XP and the adventurous cruising lifestyle that Numarine offers to all our owners through our tailored explorer yachts.”
Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.
The Viken Group includes Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. It has been established to gather leading and passionate companies, with similar ideas and business ethics, under one umbrella. This enables it to provide a full range of completely aligned and comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services.
Credits: Numarine
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