Speed, safety, strength and silence: these four elements are at the core of the R/P-NAUTA 151’, a one-off, bluewater performance sloop with general concept by Nauta Design in build at the Royal Huisman shipyard.
“Combining comfort and safety to explore the world in an extremely lightweight yacht that was competitive in superyacht regattas wasn’t an easy task,” says Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design in Milan. “The owner wanted a solid, autonomous and safe yacht that was also efficient and modern with a powerful sail plan.” The request came from a repeat client for whom Nauta had previously designed a 34m sailing yacht based on a broadly similar brief.
The owner was ready to step up in size to 46 meters, but he wanted to retain the spirit of his former yacht, including the deckhouse design.
“The deckhouse is essential, as it allows one to look outside and see the sea while seated in the main salon,” says Massimo Gino, Nauta Design co-founder and partner.
Although carbon-fibre construction was considered early on in the project, the design team eventually opted for an aluminium project that could still provide high performance but combines robustness and acoustic comfort for extended bluewater sailing.
“I started thinking that an aluminium hull weighs 60–70% more than a carbon boat, but the weight of the hull and deck is only about 15% of the total weight of a sailing yacht,” says Pedol. “Our early intuition was that an aluminium construction sailing yacht could be much lighter than the existing aluminium fleet. Royal Huisman supported this vision with enthusiasm and accepted the challenging target of building a light displacement yacht. Extensive research work and calculations confirmed our initial thought.”
To ensure optimal performance, longstanding Nauta partners Reichel/Pugh were selected by the client for the naval architecture. Reichel/Pugh designed and managed a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study, bringing in America’s Cup CFD specialists Caponnetto Hueber and Giorgio Provinciali for the Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) performance analysis. This was a comprehensive hull design study to improve sea keeping and motion, both motoring and sailing at various speeds and heel angles in different wave conditions, while also improving real and ORCsy rated performance.
Reichel/Pugh ultimately tested twelve models before developing the final hull shape. The VPP results indicate that, in 10 knots of breeze, the R/P-Nauta 151 will sail upwind under the mainsail and jib with a boat speed of almost 13 knots and nearly 18 knots when reaching a wind angle of 90° in a 15 knot breeze.
The exterior profile is defined by an unobtrusive deckhouse that blends gracefully with the austere sheer line. Royal Huisman has embraced Nauta’s bid to make the yacht as light as possible by blending aluminium with carbon-composite construction. The deckhouse, guest cockpit and hardtop are all in carbon fibre by Rondal, Royal Huisman’s sister company, who are also building the Panamax carbon mast, boom and the yacht’s integrated sail-handling system.
For easy handling, the sail operations are governed by weight-optimized Rondal captive winches for sheets and mainsail halyard. The running backstays are tensioned by Cariboni Magic Trims on both sides, and the synchronized retrievers have their own captive winches.
This automatic system allows one to sail at all times, even in cruising mode, with the powerful square top mainsail up, to provide the owner with an unforgettable sailing experience.
Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.
Credits: Nauta Design
Gulf Craft has delivered the first unit of its 32.3-meter Majesty 100 Terrace series following its debut at the 2025 Dubai International Boat Show. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) yacht features a semi-displacement hull designed by Dutch firm Phathom Studio.The model's distinctive features include multiple outdoor terraces, fold-down balconies, and a private owner's terrace on the foredeck with 270-degree views. The owner's cabin incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass and skylights, with direct access to the forward terrace. Accommodation includes five cabins for 10 guests and crew quarters for six.With a 199GT volume and 7.2-meter beam, the yacht reaches a top speed of 20 knots powered by twin MAN engines. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the range extends to 1,050 nautical miles. The upper deck features a hot tub and sunpad area with glass panels that illuminate the owner's terrace below.The Majesty 100 Terrace follows the 34.1-meter Majesty 111 model, sharing similar interior layouts but with a redesigned semi-displacement hull. Gulf Craft currently has two units of the new model under construction at its Umm al-Qaywayn shipyard in the UAE.Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world: once a builder of small fishing boats in its modest premises, which was a genuine passion for Gulf Craft, they then established their credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry. With five brands in their product portfolio ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience, such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts.Credits: Gulf Craft
August 1, 2025
Dutch yacht builder Oceanco has transitioned to new ownership under American entrepreneur Gabe Newell, while previous owners the Barwani family retain their stake in Turkish shipyard Turquoise Yachts. The ownership change follows Oceanco's legacy of constructing notable superyachts including the 110-meter Kaos, 109-meter Bravo Eugenia, 106-meter Black Pearl, and 127-meter Koru.Newell assumes ownership with stated intentions to maintain Oceanco's operational focus on craftsmanship and workforce development rather than implementing financial restructuring. The new owner has emphasized continuity in the shipyard's human-centered approach to yacht construction.Gabe Newel"Gabe Newell is not entering this world as a financier or a strategist, but as a hands-on visionary who respects the sea, the craft, and above all, the people who make it possible," stated the company's transition announcement.Dr. BarwaniThe Barwani family, Oceanco's previous owners since 2010, will continue their yachting industry involvement through Turquoise Yachts, which specializes in custom builds up to 77 meters. Oceanco's current project portfolio and management team are expected to remain unchanged under the new ownership structure.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Oceanco
August 1, 2025
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show will host "Tribute to Yachting," a photographic exhibition by French photographer Guillaume Plisson. The exhibition will display 100 large-format images throughout Port Hercule from September 24-27, integrated with the show's layout.A preview selection will debut during the Grand Opening Night on September 23. The exhibition aims to provide visual interludes for attendees while highlighting emotional aspects of yachting beyond technical specifications."This collaboration reflects our desire to celebrate the human side of yachting - the stories and quiet beauty beyond the surface," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of Monaco Yacht Show.Plisson's work documents various yachting elements including design, operations, and lifestyle. "The exhibition serves as a condensed retrospective and tribute to those who make yachting possible," Plisson stated, acknowledging industry support for his photographic access over the years.The exhibition aligns with the show's focus on innovation, design, sustainability and lifestyle. It represents an effort to engage visitors emotionally with yachting culture while maintaining the event's commercial focus.Credits: MYS
August 1, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the lease through donation of the 43.6-meter Feadship motor yacht True North, built in 1987 by Van Lent shipyard. The vessel's recent $4 million refit in 2021 addressed critical systems while preserving its classic Dutch craftsmanship.The comprehensive refit program included complete hull plating renewal and tank work to satisfy Bureau Veritas 35-year survey requirements. Mechanical upgrades focused on the twin CAT 3508 DI-TA engines, while new Quantum zero-speed stabilizers were installed to enhance onboard comfort. Guest areas received modernized accommodations, including renovated Crema Marfil marble bathrooms in the full-beam master suite.True North has compiled an extensive cruising history, having completed multiple transatlantic crossings and operated successfully in both tropical and temperate climates. The yacht's robust construction and 4,000-nautical-mile range at 11 knots have supported operations throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.Current configuration accommodates 16 guests across five staterooms, including four convertible guest cabins with multiple bedding options. Outdoor amenities feature a sundeck hot tub, swim-up bar, and expanded swim platform. The yacht's service areas utilize dedicated crew staircases to maintain operational efficiency."True North represents the enduring quality of Feadship construction," noted Northrop & Johnson brokers Kevin Merrigan and Kristen Klein. "The recent refit ensures this classic yacht meets contemporary expectations while retaining its original character."The donation lease arrangement provides for the yacht's continued operation while supporting the donor's philanthropic objectives. True North remains certified for global cruising following its recent survey compliance and mechanical upgrades.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
July 31, 2025
Swiss energy company Repower has unveiled Lucietta, Venice's first fully electric water taxi, marking a significant advancement in sustainable marine transportation for the historic city. The 9.3-meter vessel, designed by Nauta Design and built by Murano's Cantiere Serenella shipyard, debuted at the Venice Boat Show and will serve during the 2025 Venice Film Festival before entering regular service.Constructed using a combination of traditional Venetian boatbuilding techniques and modern sustainable materials, Lucietta features a lightweight carbon fiber hull and incorporates recycled Murano glass elements developed by local startup Rehub. The construction process maintained Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canal navigation while implementing contemporary electric propulsion technology.The vessel is powered by a 200kW electric motor with a 180 kWh battery system specifically optimized for Venice's operating conditions. Performance specifications include a top speed of 30 knots (55.5 km/h) and sufficient battery capacity for a full 8-hour workday at typical lagoon speeds of 7-20 km/h. Compared to conventional diesel water taxis, Lucietta completely eliminates direct emissions during operation and reduces energy consumption by approximately 60%.Environmental impact projections indicate each Lucietta water taxi will prevent about 12 tons of CO2 emissions annually while completely eliminating particulate matter emissions. The electric propulsion system also reduces noise pollution from 85 dB to 45 dB - an 85% decrease that significantly improves the acoustic environment of Venice's canals. Over its operational lifetime, the electric taxi is expected to have 30% lower maintenance costs than combustion engine models."Electric boating represents a crucial part of the sustainable mobility revolution," stated Fabio Bocchiola, CEO of Repower Italia, noting the European electric boating market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030. The project builds on Repower's previous electric boat initiative that received a Compasso d'Oro honorable mention in 2020.Nauta Design's Massimo Gino explained the design process: "We studied original taxi designs and interviewed operators to create a modern electric version that respects Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canals and bridges." The collaboration with local artisans at Cantiere Serenella ensured the preservation of traditional Venetian craftsmanship while implementing sustainable technologies.Lucietta can accommodate up to 14 passengers and will initially serve during high-profile Venice events before expanding to regular water taxi service. The introduction coincides with Venice's increasing restrictions on combustion engine vessels in its sensitive lagoon ecosystem, positioning electric water transportation as a viable solution for the city's unique mobility challenges.Credits: Nauta Design
July 31, 2025