Following two years of intense work, Lexus premiered the first Lexus LY 650 hull during the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Built by US-based Marquis Yachts with interior design by Nuvolari Lenard, the LY 650 aims to convey on water the luxury qualities of Lexus.
The development of the LY 650 took place in collaboration between Lexus, its parent company Toyota Motor Corporation and Marquis Yachts, which designed the hull systems and managed assembly. The collaboration went on internationally, from Toyota City in Japan to the Nuvolari Lenard Design Studio in Venice to the Marquis manufacturing headquarters in Pulaski, Wisconsin.
Carlo Nuvolari, Director and Senior Partner at Nuvolari Lenard, comments:
The realisation of the LY 650 has been an exciting and challenging process, unlike anything that we have experienced in our previous 27 years of yacht design. With stakeholders based in three different continents and from three very distinct cultures, it was a true melting pot of influences and styles, a genuinely ‘global’ project.
He also added on the process:
It was a really fascinating process; due to the volume of production that Lexus is used to, its teams are very well organised and have a highly structured way of working. I think that they, too, found it rewarding to be able to collaborate with and relate to experts from a totally different industry. Car manufacturers like Toyota are extremely precise and detail oriented because they are focused on small spaces, such as the cabin of the car. They work on a millimetric scale while, as yacht designers, we work on a metric scale – so we had to find a way to meet in the middle.
One of the greatest design challenges for Nuvolari Lenard in the project was to identify how it feels to be in a Lexus car, a luxurious but small space with high attention to detail, and successfully interpret it into the scale of a 65-foot (approx. 20-metre) yacht.
One of the crucial design issues was to ensure there were no sharp edges or straight lines throughout the interior. In a car, this is for safety reasons, to protect the driver and passengers from hurting themselves; but on the scale of a small yacht it becomes complicated.
Nuvolari Lenard created a realistic representation of car-like curves, perhaps best displayed in the master cabin on the lower deck. There, the king-size bed features a floating, curved base and rounded headboard to convey the feeling of being in a cocoon, similar to the cockpit of a car. The desk, chaise lounge and doorway all echo the curves and rounded edges, resulting a in a calming atmosphere.
Another important objective was the materials’ choice. They had to be ‘marine-grade’ and meet regulatory standards, but they also had to ‘echo that premium ‘Lexus look’. Thus, the designers chose the same cream leather both for indoors and outdoors. They also applied leather with elaborate stitching patterns on such uncommon surfaces as door panels.
To complement the chic cream leather, a combination of dark brown and taupe tones were used in the cabinetry, soft furnishings and flooring alongside polished stainless steel hardware. The woods selection includes frisée eucalyptus and black lacquered walnut. The cream stone on the LY 650 meanwhile is new marfil marble, while the dark brown stone is dark emperador marble. As well as American-sourced leather, eco leathers have been placed in a number of areas.
Furthermore, LY 650 features vast amounts of glazing both in the open-plan main deck salon and the service and accommodation deck below. From the oversized windscreen that arcs overhead at the helm to the minimised mullions and large windows to port and aft, the salon is flooded with light and a sense of openness. The key glazing feature meanwhile lays in the master cabin, where with “floating” portholes.
The stairway from the salon to the lower deck has been consciously designed by Nuvolari Lenard as an open and light space, with highly polished metal and wood.
From the exterior, the model’s 'sport' flybridge set to the aft of the profile ensures the LY 650 keeps its dynamic aesthetic. The aft deck features a large U-shaped settee and dining table with a close link to the interior space thanks to the full-height aft doors and the exterior aft bar.
Yet, helm is perhaps the part of a yacht that has the most apparent synergy with a car, and so it was especially important for Toyota to ensure that it has a distinctively ‘Lexus’ look.
With the first hull debuting at FLIBS, the manufacturer states, a number of further units are already in production.
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
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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
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At the prestigious Palma International Boat Show 2025, Sanlorenzo makes a grand entrance, marking the start of the Mediterranean yachting season. From April 30th to May 3rd, visitors will witness two iconic creations from the company's Yacht business unit – models that embody both the yard’s storied heritage and its visionary approach to innovation.SD96Introducing the SD96, Sanlorenzo redefines what it means to live aboard a yacht. This luxurious vessel prioritizes flexibility t hrough transformable spaces that seamlessly adjust to meet the diverse needs of passengers. Across three decks, SD96 boasts superior space utilization, blending classical design elements with cutting-edge features. Its interiors radiate warmth and sophistication, enhanced by exquisite materials such as textiles, woods, and marbles.Every detail contributes to creating a serene environment where occupants feel truly connected to the sea.From accommodating guests' varied preferences throughout the day to navigating distant waters effortlessly, the SD96 delivers unmatched versatility and comfort.SX88Innovative design meets practicality in the groundbreaking SX88 – a yacht that merges form and function into one cohesive whole. Its sleek lines and expansive living areas emphasize harmony between inside and outside spaces. An integrated flybridge provides captains with command over their journey while leaving the main deck fully accessible for leisure activities.This crossover exemplifies Sanlorenzo's dedication to sustainable practices, featuring advanced lighting technology, energy-efficient systems, insulated glass windows, and substantial battery reserves capable of delivering up to eight hours of zero-emission operation. These innovations ensure that the SX88 stands out not only aesthetically but also environmentally.By combining refinement, ingenuity, sociability, and eco-consciousness, these two yachts epitomize Sanlorenzo's philosophy: elevating maritime living beyond mere travel to become a holistic lifestyle choice.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
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