As the middle-size market continues to struggle, megayachts have had yet another explosive year, pushing new limits for the industry and leading some yards to thrive. The world now has 53 yachts over 100 meters, more than double the amount in the fleet 10 years ago. Whilst the Middle East and Russia have remained active in the range, the addition of buyers from the US to the megayacht range has led the space to new heights.
Yacht Harbour looks at the largest yachts delivered in 2019 and what you need to know about them.
#1 Flying Fox
Length: 136m
Yard: Lurssen
The largest yacht delivered by Lurssen this year, Flying Fox also became the most massive yacht to enter the charter market. Stretching across 136 meters, the yacht’s exterior was designed by Espen Oeino, often involved with large Lurssen builds. Onboard, Flying Fox features 11 cabins with sea view terraces, a 400 square meter spa spread over 2 floors, a 12-meter long swimming pool, a dive center and 2 helipads, all serviced by a crew of 24.
#2 TIS
Length: 109m
Yard: Lurssen
The largest yacht ever displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show, Tis wowed prospective buyers with her one of a kind interior inspired by Parisian palaces and designed by Andrew Winch. The 109-meter long Lurssen was put on the market shortly prior to her delivery and is currently looking for a new owner at a $250 million price tag.
Meanwhile Tis is available for charter at $2.2 million per week. On top of the helipads, swimming pool, spa, gym and luxurious staterooms, arguably one of the most unique amenities onboard is a main salon spread across 2 levels with a grand staircase.
#3 IJE
Length: 108m
Yard: Benetti
A transformational build for Benetti, the Italian yacht manufacturing behemoth, IJE became 1 of 3 yachts over 100 meters built by the yard in 2019. Delivered to Australian billionaire James Packer, the yacht became his latest flagship following Arctic P. Crafted in traditional Benetti style on the exterior, not much is known about the yacht’s interior.
IJE and its new generation of Benettis did however put the yard into the competition for more 100-meter plus new builds as an increasing number of yards begins to compete for the segment.
#4 Lana
Length: 107m
Yard: Benetti
The first mega Benetti to be delivered, the 107-meter was built as hull FB 277 and was since named Lana. With its construction overseen by Imperial Yachts, online commentary has been speculating its owner to be from Russia.
Little is known about the ship, other than its distinctive exterior look. At the time of her launch, it was teased the yacht would later be made available for charter, in what is a growing trend among megayachts.
#5 Zoza
Length: 105m
Yard: Benetti
Rounding up the ranks of the 50 largest yachts in the world, Zoza was launched in 2019 for a Middle Eastern owner according to social media. Primarily differentiating itself from other megayachts with tall panoramic windows, the yacht is likely to remain private and off the charter market.
#6 Madsummer
Length: 95 meters
Yard: Lurssen
Built by the German shipyard Lurssen, in what has proven to be their size range with the highest resale value thanks to strong demand on the buy size, Madsummer was delivered earlier this year.
Indicative of the growing influence of American influence in the size range, Madsummer was built for experienced yacht owner Jeffrey Soffer active in Florida real estate.
#7 Lady S
Length: 93m
Yard: Feadship
A surprising player in the megayacht sector is LVMH. Following their purchase of the Feadship Royal Van Lent yard nearly a decade ago have grown their influence over the space and maintained Feadship’s reputation in the megayacht sector.
Built for Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, Lady S was designed by Michael Leach. Perhaps the most innovative feature onboard the American billionaire’s yacht is an IMAX cinema.
#8 DreAMBoat
Length: 90m
Yard: Oceanco
In the fight for supremacy over the megayacht market a rapidly gaining player has become the Dutch-based Oceanco, whose most recent megayacht became DreAMBoat following hallmark projects like Jubilee and Black Pearl.
Another example of Americans’ increasing presence, the 90-meter was built for Home Depot co-founder Arthur M. Blank. The capitalization in the yacht’s name being a clever play on the billionaire’s initials AMB.
#9 Bold
Length: 85m
Yard: Silver Yachts
One of the most unusual yachts on the water, its story begins with a bet to build fast, long yachts in Australia, which Guido Krass made when setting up Hanseatic Marine. Since renamed to Silver Yachts and now owned by a Chinese aluminium producer, the yard has built 5 yachts, the latest of which is Bold.
It’s most unusual feature is the vast lounge deck with full panoramic windows overlooking a large helipad aft of the main deck. Stretching over 85-meters the yacht is the reflection of a growing desire to explore from a new generation of owners.
#10 Excellence
Length: 80m
Yard: Abeking & Rasmussen
Built for serial yacht owner Herb Chambers, the 80-meter yacht becomes his latest flagship built by German yard Abeking & Rasmussen and 3rd new build with that particular yard. Created with an instantly recognisable look, the yacht is now available for charter.
Amongst her key features is a 3-storey tall atrium with panoramic windows. Chambers’ previous yachts were also named Excellence and proved to be successful charter vessels. His former flagship, Excellence V was sold in May asking €69.5 million. His prior 78-meter Abeking&Rasmussen was however sold to a Russian billionaire even prior to her delivery, now known as Eminence.
#11 Dragon
Length: 80m
Yard: Columbus
Whilst Dutch, German and Italian yards have been competing for the megayacht market, Palumbo Superyachts, an Italian company, has been quietly amassing a leadership position in refits and expanding into new builds acquiring ISA Yachts and now managing to deliver an 80-meter yacht through their Columbus brand.
Dragon becomes the largest yacht built by Palumbo Superyachts. With all of the amenities one would expect of a yacht this size like a 7-meter swimming pool, beach club and vast staterooms, the yacht is a clear statement to the Italian group’s expansion on the scene.
Cantiere delle Marche's dedication to crafting exceptional vessels reaches new heights with the sale of the Flexplorer 165 to a distinguished European yachtsman. Representing the shipyard's largest explorer yacht to date, this milestone sale underscores Cantiere delle Marche's unwavering commitment to excellence.Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche, expresses pride in the achievement: "The sale of the Flexplorer 165 marks a significant moment for our shipyard. In an industry marked by fluctuating tides, our steadfast dedication to quality and precision has yielded remarkable results." Buonpensiere emphasizes the shipyard's resilience in navigating market challenges, attributing the success to the enduring reputation of their explorer yachts.Ennio Cecchini, co-founder and President of Cantiere delle Marche, highlights the distinctive qualities of the Flexplorer 165, noting its striking design and embodiment of the shipyard's core values.The Flexplorer 165, boasting a length of nearly 49.90 meters and a beam of 9 meters, showcases the renowned exterior design by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec. Collaborating with Hus studio for the interior, the yacht promises timeless elegance and unparalleled comfort.Equipped with an impressive A-frame crane capable of lifting over 4.5 tons, the Flexplorer 165 offers exceptional handling of tenders and water toys. Powered by twin Caterpillar C32 Acert engines, each generating 970kW, the yacht ensures reliability and efficiency on every voyage.The decision to offer the Flexplorer 165 on the charter market reflects the owner's confidence in its ocean-going capabilities, long-range endurance, and unmatched comfort. CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
April 19, 2024
Sacs Tecnorib makes a return to the Palma International Boat Show, marking the commencement of the boating season in the Mediterranean. The event, celebrating its 40th anniversary, serves as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the maritime industry, drawing over 32,000 visitors, hosting nearly 300 exhibitors, and featuring more than 250 boats on the water.Pirelli 42At the M-30 Pontoon P2 stand, hosted by official distributor Swiss Yachting, SACS Tecnorib will proudly display its renowned Pirelli Speedboats range. Among the highlights are the Pirelli 30, 35, and 42 models, renowned for their exceptional performance and sleek design. These walkaround vessels offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, catering to discerning boating enthusiasts.Pirelli 35The Pirelli 30, serving as the entry-level model, sets the stage for the walkaround range with its compact yet powerful build. Meanwhile, the Pirelli 35 impresses with its rugged 11-meter frame, boasting meticulous attention to onboard accessories. Completing the lineup is the Pirelli 42, the flagship model renowned for its versatility and unmatched performance on the water.Pirelli 47Adding to the allure are the Rebel 47 and Strider 13, exhibited by dealer Helimotor. Designed by Christian Grande, the Rebel 47 embodies luxury day-cruising with its modern design and elegant exterior layout. On the other hand, the Strider 13, also envisioned by Grande, stands out for its exclusive lines, safety features, build quality, and versatility, catering to owners seeking both performance and spacious comfort.Strider 13Each vessel showcased at the Palma International Boat Show epitomizes SACS Tecnorib's commitment to excellence, combining cutting-edge design with uncompromising performance to deliver an unparalleled boating experience.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Credits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
April 19, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) commemorates the keel laying of the Admiral 70m C.615 mega yacht, the esteemed model of the Admiral fleet and the group's six hundred and fifteenth yacht.The keel laying ceremony signifies a significant milestone in TISG's developmental journey, reaffirming its stature as a prominent global player in the large yacht domain and showcasing the group's commercial expansion.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, shared his sentiments on this maritime tradition, remarking, "When building a yacht, the keel-laying ceremony is a moment of profound emotion for both the shipyard and the owner."The Admiral 70m mega yacht, crafted entirely by the Centro Stile of The Italian Sea Group, boasts elegant exteriors characterized by graceful lines, expansive deck spaces, and generous glass windows. Internally, the vessel offers accommodations with 7 VIP and "Guest" cabins, along with 10 cabins for the crew.This yacht exemplifies the culmination of engineering prowess, design innovation, and the hallmark quality associated with the Admiral brand. It prioritizes absolute onboard comfort while championing environmental sustainability, with minimal emissions in both water and atmosphere.The delivery of the mega yacht Admiral 70m is slated for 2026.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. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
April 19, 2024
Antonini Navi introduces the Sport Utility Yacht – SUY 135, a groundbreaking vessel conceived by Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director, along with designer Fulvio De Simoni. Moravia Yachts has been appointed as Central Agency. Hull number #1 is already in construction with delivery slated for 2026.As part of Antonini Navi's broader vision, the SUY 135 is a precursor to the SUY 190 and SUY 108, forming a comprehensive lineup of versatile superyachts designed to navigate deep waters while embracing luxury and environmental harmony.Currently under construction at the shipyard in Italy, the SUY 135 spans 44 meters in length and boasts approximately 480GT. This steel displacement motor yacht marks the debut of Antonini Navi's Sports Utility Yachts – SUY series.Designed by Fulvio de Simoni with naval architecture by Studio Arrabito, the SUY 135 seamlessly blends superyacht elegance with unparalleled world-cruising capabilities."The SUY offers limitless experiences, akin to an SUV in the automotive realm," remarks Aldo Manna. "It's designed to enable owners and guests to fully immerse themselves in yachting, equipped with toys, amenities, and tenders for a myriad of recreational activities."Alessandro Diomedi of Moravia Yachting expresses pride in representing Antonini Navi's SUY series, highlighting its innovation and voluminous capacity for water toys while prioritizing owner privacy and lifestyle.The SUY 135's flexible design allows for extensive internal and external customization, featuring a main and upper deck linked by a raised deck with five guest cabins. The owner's suite, spanning 56 square meters, resides on the main deck, offering luxurious seclusion.External spaces include a 40-square-meter veranda for al fresco dining and a 35-square-meter beach club with a transom hot tub. The sun deck boasts panoramic views, a second hot tub, and ample relaxation areas.Equipped with a transversal tender garage and achieving a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots cruising speed, the SUY 135 sets new standards in environmental consciousness.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
April 18, 2024
In a remarkable display of innovation and engineering prowess, eD-TEC's groundbreaking eD 32 c-Ultra high-performance all-electric RIB has successfully completed its first sea trials after just nine months of intensive development. These trials, conducted in the Adriatic Sea near Punat, Croatia, mark a significant milestone in the advancement of electric boating technology.At the heart of the eD 32 c-Ultra lies eD-TEC's revolutionary Technology Stack, seamlessly integrated with twin plug-and-play eD-QDrive 200kW propulsion units, driving surface-piercing propellers. With a net battery capacity of 105kWh, this blank-sheet design sets new standards in the industry, delivering exceptional performance, stability, and manoeuvrability.During the trials, dubbed as an engineering feat, the eD 32 c-Ultra demonstrated remarkable capabilities, boasting a 25-knot cruise and an impressive range of over 40 nautical miles. These results underscore the vessel's potential to revolutionize the marine industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on performance.Michael Jost, founder of eD-TEC, expressed optimism about the vessel's future, stating, "We are thrilled with the initial performance of the eD 32 c-Ultra during its maiden sea trials. Preliminary estimates indicate a range of 20 to 40 nautical miles and a current cruising speed of 25 knots, with anticipated improvements to reach approximately 30 knots."Furthermore, the trials provided valuable insights into optimizing the vessel's efficiency and performance. Adaptive steering, inspired by automotive systems, and innovative hydrodynamic design elements were highlighted as areas for refinement to enhance stability and reduce power consumption.Looking ahead, eD-TEC remains committed to pushing the boundaries of electric boating technology. Plans for a two-week Booster Sprint, focused on software optimization and charging efficiency, aim to further enhance the vessel's capabilities.Philipp Lehr and Marc Jost, project leads for the eD 32 c-Ultra, expressed satisfaction with the trials, emphasizing the vessel's reliability and performance. "After approximately 500 kWh, we have encountered no system disruptions thus far, and all temperatures have remained within optimal ranges," they reported.As the eD 32 c-Ultra continues its journey towards commercialization, eD-TEC remains dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions for the marine industry. With ambitious plans for future developments, including solar-centric off-grid solutions, the company is poised to revolutionize the concept of luxury shoreside living and on-water escapes.Indeed, the eD 32 c-Ultra represents not just a vessel but the beginning of a new era in electric boating, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable marine transportation.Credits: eD-TEC
April 18, 2024