A new Chase Boat has entered the market and it’s quickly climbed the ranks to our number one spot, says Chase Tenders.
We’re finding it difficult to find another Chase Boat that offers the perfect mix of boating and hospitality like that of the AXOPAR 37 Sun-top. High-build quality, unique in design and versatile, the Sun-Top is ideal for owners, guests and crews alike.
If you’ve ever asked yourself the question ‘How does a Chase Boat benefit us more than a traditional garaged tender or RIB?’ we think the Sun-Top might be the answer. We understand that, in the world of 35 foot plus superyacht tenders, there’s a broad range of high-quality boats, all promising stand-out features that can quickly turn heads. So, to make things easier, we’ve broken down why the AXOPAR 37 Sun-Top is the Chase Tender team’s Chase Boat of choice for the coming season.
Let’s start with the space on deck, offering a range of different social dimensions. The Sun-Top offers an extended length roof when compared to its T-Top counterpart; offering maximum shade and weather protection, and with a full-length Sunbrella canvas section that can be opened with ease, you can quickly turn it into an open boat. You can choose a manually-controlled canopy or upgrade to the fully electrical or fully enclosed options.
Underneath the Sun-Top, there are seven fixed seating positions which can be arranged to be forward facing, or seated around a central dining table. The Sun-Top also benefits from a large foredeck seat, where you can sit back and relax or use as a sunbed. With such a large amount of deck space available, the Sun-Top provides an easy walkaround side deck, allowing guests, especially younger ones, to access all parts of the boat comfortably and safely, a standout feature compared to other typical Chase Boats of this size.
You can choose to add the optional aft cabin, though as standard, the vessel offers a well-equipped double forecabin featuring a toilet, sink and air-conditioning (if specified). The aft offers a sunbed above, or you can choose a wet-bar with fridge, electric grill and sink in its place. On top of that, the vessel offers up to two drawer-type refrigerators on deck along with two large storage lockers, which holds enough food & drink for all-day hospitality. This is ideal for owners and guests pursuing an al-fresco dining experience wherever and whenever they can.
For guests, there is a large amount of deck space aft and a boarding ladder, coupled with a ski frame, making the Sun-top a fantastic choice for watersports enthusiasts. This not only means you have very satisfied guests, but ensures the parent vessel as a package stands out as an exceptional charter amongst its competitors.
Chase Tenders has also successfully equipped many Sun-Top models with a bow towing eye, allowing flexibility to conserve its fuel during passage making, or for all crew to be available on the parent vessel.
When comparing it to the competition, the AXOPAR 37 Sun-Top comes equipped with a well specified list of options, a pair of Mercury Verado 350HP outboards (capable of 45 knots), delivery and commissioning for circa €210,000 plus TAX. Compare this to an Ex. works, Ex. TAX price of €580,000 for a Wally Tender. When you take into consideration the need to update tenders on a regular basis due to high hours, wear and the need to keep the parent vessel’s treasure chest new and appealing, the Sun-Top certainly offers excellent value.
The 37 Sun-Top is available to order from Chase Tenders ready for the 2019 season!
Favourite features:
· Forecabin - All 37 models have a spacious and bright forecabin with lounge seating, a queen size bed, a fixed cupboard and a toilet with privacy curtains.
· Sunbed on Foredeck - The foredeck features a large sunbed with cup holders and optional cushions
· Adjustable table in Cockpit - The 37 TT and ST models are fitted with an adjustable table in the cockpit. The front seats can be turned to face the sofa for entertaining 7 guests by the table.
· Day Cruiser Aft Cabin - All models can be equipped with a day cruiser cabin on aft deck sleeping 2 persons with twin flush Lewmar roof hatches and side windows.
· Walk-around Deck - All 37 models feature a walk-around deck for easy handling and access.
· Sun-Top with Sliding Canvas Section - The 37 Sun-Top gets its name from the huge sliding canvas mid section which lets you either enjoy the sunshine in the cockpit or shield yourself from strong sunlight and heat.
What clients say:
Tristan Mortlock, Captain of MY AWOL:
"We bought "Chasing AWOL" (AXOPAR 37 ST) from Chase Tenders beginning of 2018. It was a very easy, pleasant and smooth experience. We are very happy with the result and very happy with the boat. It's been a great addition to the mother ship and we highly recommend it as a chase boat to any vessel. Big thank you to Chase Tenders, we're looking forward to a great summer".
Jonathan Wiehahn, Tender Captain of MY Mischief
“I’ve had the pleasure of captaining a 37 AXOPAR for the summer. She’s been a great tender and easy to manage and manoeuvre.
On the managing side, as it’s a fairly basic boat, there is not much to go wrong. Everything is in an accessible place so doing my morning checks of bilges and all systems it was easy. I really like the improvements from the previous AXOPAR to the current one we have.
In calm weather she gets up on the plane easily and just glides through the water. Get the trim tabs correct and trim the engines and you can easily do 48 knots. In slightly heavier conditions you just need to get your angle into the swell right and she just rides right over with easy, keeping guests dry. And close quarter manoeuvres she’s very easy to handle and with the bow thruster you can get into very tight spaces and make it look easy”.
Sponsored by Chase Tenders
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
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