Recent quarters have seen the concept of explorer yachts trickling down to a set of smaller yachts. Initially, however, explorers come from the megayacht world and the 115-meter Luna has become almost eponymous with what an explorer yacht should be.
Refreshened through a €50 million refit that came following a change in ownership, Luna was delivered in 2010. Currently the 3rd largest explorer in the world, her open aft deck and swimming pool have set a standard for the yachting industry.
Built for Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, Luna was originally intended as a more sleek version of her owner's existing explorer, the 113-meter Le Grand Bleu. At the time of her launch, the swimming pool installed on Luna was the largest that anyone had ever seen onboard a superyacht.
Luna's current owner, which Forbes names as Farkhad Akhmedov, purchased the yacht from Abramovich in 2014. The man, valued at $1,3 billion by the magazine, later initiated a 14-month refit in Germany that gave the yacht a sleek exterior look and implemented several improvements on one of the world's most iconic yachts.
One of the largest jobs undertaken during the refit was the fairing of Luna's hull. Under Abramovich's ownership, the 115 meter had been left unfaired to reflect the strength and power of the yacht by making a show of her welds. Luna's new owner, however, faired the yacht in order to give it a sleeker look.
Nearly 80 painters and eight months were required to fill and fair the over 2,000 square meters of Luna's hull, whilst also applying a new finish to her superstructure. The result is a complete mirror finish, which perfectly reflects the sea as Luna sails on her world travels.
Luna's exterior refit was led by Newcruise, a German design studio that undertook the project as it's first major one with a motor yacht. Across all proposals that were reviewed during planning, the main idea was to create a very open deck. This led to the project team focusing on style rather than the toy storage one would find on other explorers.
In fact, the aft area of the main and lower deck was amongst the most affected by Luna's recent refit. One of the main attributes of the yacht, in addition to her main deck pool, is her extensive beach club area on the lower deck. Whilst two tender garages sit to port side, two foldable platforms open the beach club onto the sea on starboard.
The beach club is completed by a wave-shaped sauna, plunge pool, steam bath as well as a fully equipped gym. New equipment was installed during the refit including mirrored panels that let Luna's guests open the 12-meter foldable doors and getting a sea view without anyone seeing guests exercise from the outside.
A relatively rare feature onboard superyachts a decade ago, beach clubs have become a must have onboard new yachts of even a smaller scale. Popular options, both for charter guests and owners, include lounging areas, wet bars, saunas, hot tubs, plunge pools and gyms. All of which Luna was already built to accommodate.
Other improvements to the area during the refit include a new mosaic on the walls of the steam room, an updated audio visual system, a pantry area to facilitate service and a new arrangement of couches. Over 80 TVs are found onboard Luna, however, none of them were placed in the beach club for it to be a place to enjoy the sea.
Safe from the beach club, the remainder of Luna's lower deck is dedicated to crew and operations. In addition to the engine room and technical spaces, most crew accommodation can be found on the lower deck. Seven generators produce an output of 15,000hp that goes on to power electric motors. According to her manufacturers, it would be enough to power a town of up to 25,000 people.
Luna's original interior designer was Donald Starkey who joined the project when the yacht was already 70% built at Lloyd Werft. Modifications imposed by the designer included an increased headroom as well as a new dinning room, which wasn't on the initial layout. This was achieved by dividing the upper deck lounge into two by a fireplace that can be enjoyed from both sides of a newly installed wall.
Starkey's theme of light fabrics coupled with darker wood and light that filters from the 115 meter's large windows can be found throughout Luna. Modern oak was in fact used around the yacht and then aged to create the effect of 17th century antique beams.
One of Luna's highlights is, without a doubt, the private, forward-facing terrace that comes as part of the owner's private suite. With a glass panel located directly on top of the master bed, a private terrace in front lets Luna's owner explore the world with her.
Another newly improved area on the 115-meter explorer is Luna's observational lounge. Meant as an area where guests can socialise and take in the view, its panoramic view faces forward and is often found to be a guest favourite location when entering a new marina or anchorage spot.
Whereas the master suit benefits from one of yachting's best views, guests on Luna get to access one of its main locations much quicker from the main deck. Through a straight line corridor, guests can find their way to the pool in a matter of seconds without having to climb up flights of stairs.
Luna's swimming pool area also benefits from a new feature installed during her recent refit. A raised section, which can be covered by a massive tent or opened to the sun, was put in towards the aft of the deck. It features both a dinning table for casual, outdoor dinning, as well as coffee tables and a sofa.
From a technical standpoint, Luna is powered by a diesel electric set up that lets her be both more efficient and flexible when cruising. The explorer can in fact get up to a top speed of 21 knots and even nudge through shallow ice.
Photo by Ron Raffety
Located underneath Luna's master bedroom, her bridge sits forward of the explorer's upper deck. Allowing easy access to anchoring gear and crew areas, keeping all crew operations on the upper deck also frees up higher decks for the guests' relaxation.
One of the most well known figures in the yachting industry, Roman Abramovich currently sits as the world's 139th richest man according to Forbes, with a net worth of $10,3 billion. In the business community he's most well known as the owner of the Chelsea FC as well as for selling his stake in Sibneft to Gazprom.
In yachting, however, Abramovich is synonymous with his 162-meter Eclipse, formerly the largest yacht in the world. Whereas Eclipse was overshadowed by the 180-meter Azzam, the Russian billionaire's exploits in yachting remain on everyone's mind to this day.
Photo by Nicholas Canepa
Other than Eclipse and Luna, the 51 year-old has owned an unequaled fleet of yachts, which have included the 115-meter Pelorus, which he purchased in build from a Saudi businessman in 2003 before reselling it to Dreamworks co-founder, David Geffen in 2011.
Prior to Pelorus, Abramovich also had the 113-meter explorer/support yacht Le Grand Bleu. Carrying a plethora of toys, onboard Le Grand Bleu could be found a Dubois sailing yacht as well as a 21-meter Sunseeker. He later reportedly sold the yacht to Eugene Schvidler.
Born in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1955, Farkhad Akhmedov is the 67th richest man in Russia according to Forbes. After moving to London in 1986 and starting out in fur trading, he started his own company in 1987 to supply equipment to Russian gas companies. In 2012, he sold his stake in Russian gas company, Nortgas to Novatek.
Photos by Guillaume Plisson
Antonini Navi celebrates a key milestone in the construction of its custom 31-meter explorer yacht, Evo 31. The shipyard's team successfully joined the upper deck superstructure and sun deck, a complex operation involving the precise handling of 16 tons of aluminum. This significant achievement brings the project closer to its planned completion in 2026.Designed by Hydro Tec, the Evo 31 balances robust construction with elegant aesthetics. Hot Lab's interior design features bright, open spaces and a warm, contemporary style, reflecting the owner's preference for organic shapes and high-quality materials.The next phase will see the integration of the upper decks with the hull, followed by the completion of outfitting.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
February 4, 2025
Ares Yachts has unveiled the interior design of its 50.55-meter superyacht, Spitfire, a project inspired by the iconic Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Designed by Bannenberg & Rowell, the yacht's interior seamlessly blends historical inspiration with contemporary luxury. Construction, using advanced composites, is slated to begin this spring.The design evokes the Spitfire's spirit of innovation and performance. Simon Rowell of Bannenberg & Rowell describes the design ethos as "nimble, efficient, dynamic, industrial, and engineered," reflected in the yacht's sleek lines, metallic sheen, and earthy color palette. The interior features natural materials such as punched metal, leather, and tinted glass, with subtle nods to 1940s industrial design.Spitfire boasts a spacious layout, including a full-beam owner's suite with a 270-degree view freestanding bed and a private outdoor movie theatre. Guest accommodations include four additional cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Playfully named spaces, such as "The Boss's Quarters" and "The Pilot House," maintain the military theme, while the "Buddy Quarters" guest cabins reflect modern yachting's democratic approach.The yacht incorporates advanced technology, including a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system offering silent, emission-free operation for up to 11 hours with an optional battery upgrade. The innovative hull design, based on Ares Yachts' Ares 150 Bold patrol vessel, ensures high performance and stability, achieving a top speed of 20+ knots and a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles.Ares Yachts Managing Director Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun expresses pride in the project, highlighting the shipyard's expertise in high-quality fiberglass construction and high-performance hull design. She emphasizes that the Spitfire caters to the modern, active yachting lifestyle, exemplified by its expansive beach club area. The yacht's interior offers flexibility for customization, allowing potential owners to personalize elements such as carpets and soft furnishings. Rowell concludes by expressing excitement for the project's completion and the opportunity to collaborate with the future owner.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
February 4, 2025
On February 2, during the prestigious Boat International Design and Innovation Awards held in Kitzbühel, the hybrid yacht DreamCatcher was honored with the coveted Neptune trophy in the Eco Award category. This recognition highlights the significant efforts put forth by Nautor Swan towards promoting sustainability in sailing vessels, particularly focusing on the generation and storage of energy while underway.The Swan 88, Nautor Swan's newest model, recently unveiled at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, stood out with its innovative diesel-electric propulsion system. The unanimous decision by the jury crowned the Swan 88 DreamCatcher as the well-deserved recipient of this year's Eco Award.Powered by a fully integrated Deep Blue system designed by Torqeedo, the custom-built setup for DreamCatcher features a robust 120kW electric drive system paired with an impressive 160kWh energy storage capacity. This combination enables quiet motoring at speeds up to 11.4 knots.One of the key aspects that impressed the judges was the yacht's capability to produce power while sailing. When operating in hydrogeneration mode, Deep Blue's advanced algorithms constantly monitor and fine-tune performance multiple times each second, ensuring efficient, eco-friendly energy production without compromising sailing speed.In collaboration with a knowledgeable owner, Nautor Swan engineered a propulsion system that allows DreamCatcher to operate solely on battery power at top speeds. Additionally, the vessel can regenerate sufficient energy through sailing to sustain both hotel and operational needs, rendering it entirely self-reliant.Nautor Swan is now studying ways to adapt this pioneering propulsion system across their entire fleet, spanning models from the Swan 51 to the maxi range.Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, expressed his pride, stating, "We are thrilled that DreamCatcher received the Eco Award for its outstanding achievements in eco-friendliness, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. This milestone underscores our commitment to innovation and reflects the trust placed in us by our partners, especially the owners who entrusted us with this ambitious endeavor. Together with Torqeedo, we have created a solution that not only meets but exceeds our goals. Our next step is to integrate this technology into our broader range, further enhancing the sustainability of sailing."The winners of the BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards were announced at the Superyacht Design Festival's gala event, bringing together some of the industry's leading designers, naval architects, and shipyards. Hosted in the picturesque Austrian town of Kitzbühel, these awards celebrate excellence in design, naval architecture, and cutting-edge technological advancements within the superyacht sector.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
February 4, 2025
Videoworks has announced the launch of an updated domotic control system for superyachts, combining advanced tactile control technology with the simplicity of a standard remote control. The new system addresses the growing demand for user-friendly interfaces tailored to the luxury onboard experience.The concept behind this system involves a return to intuitive design while incorporating modern technology. Many current domotic control systems on yachts feature complex interfaces, typically involving handheld tablets with intricate touchscreen options. Inspired by the success of smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home, Videoworks applies similar principles to the world of luxury yachts.Rather than relying on elaborate tablet devices, the new system focuses on simple, physical remote controls with tactile buttons for precise and reliable operation. This approach aims to make it easier for users to manage various functions, such as adjusting TV channels, controlling audio volume, and modifying lighting scenarios and room temperature. The primary objective is to enhance user convenience, especially in cabin environments where personal preferences are paramount without requiring navigation through unfamiliar interfaces or apps.Francesco Pierpaoli, Chief Information Officer, explained: "We developed this system based on feedback from our customers, who expressed a desire for simpler and more intuitive solutions. They find that using a physical remote with a few buttons is often more convenient than interacting with a tablet’s touchscreen, particularly in a cabin setting."Furthermore, the system includes a companion app that enables guests to use their smartphones to stream their preferred music and movies directly to the onboard television, providing a private and personalized entertainment experience without needing to master complex onboard systems.This evolution aligns with broader industry trends seen in sectors such as automotive and consumer electronics, where sophisticated technologies are integrated into luxury products to improve convenience and sophistication without introducing unnecessary complexity. By emphasizing end-user convenience, Videoworks' new system effectively balances high-tech functionality with everyday practicality.Credits: Videoworks
February 3, 2025
The Italian Sea Group announced today that their 47-meter Perini Navi Art Explorer sailing catamaran has been awarded the coveted "Multihull of the Year" title at the esteemed Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2025. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in architecture, style, design, and technology within the yachting sector.The ceremony was held on Sunday, February 2nd, in Kitzbühel, Austria, during the Superyacht Design Festival, where industry professionals from around the globe gathered to honor exceptional contributions to the field."This distinguished accolade underscores our unwavering dedication to aesthetic and technical advancement," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "Art Explorer exemplifies our leadership in the large sailing yacht category, blending pioneering design with eco-friendly solutions – a groundbreaking concept never before realized."Designed by renowned architects Axel De Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier, Art Explorer stands as the world's largest aluminum sailing catamaran. Spanning 47 meters long with a remarkable 17.30-meter beam and soaring 55-meter carbon mast, this vessel represents a truly innovative project – a floating art gallery destined for a two-year global expedition, offering immersive cultural experiences while championing environmental responsibility.The catamaran's deckhouse features 65 square meters of solar panels, capable of producing up to 12 kW instantly and over 200 kW daily. Supported by a robust lithium battery bank, this system ensures zero-emissions energy supply for more than six hours, even under maximum onboard demand. Certified with a "green" class notation, Art Explorer also incorporates catalytic filters to minimize emissions and particulate matter from exhaust gases. All operations in ports and protected zones are conducted entirely in electric mode.Thanks to its state-of-the-art, fully automated sailing rig, controllable by just one individual, the catamaran effortlessly achieves speeds of 10 knots, even in gentle breezes.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: TISG
February 3, 2025