After previously working in the Predator and Manhattan ranges from 2006 to 2009, Design Unlimited joined the Sunseeker 161 Yacht project.
The British studio Design Unlimited has presented the first interior images of the next Sunseeker 161 yacht, which will become the new flagship when it launches in 2021.
Announced last September, the 161-meter 49-meter yacht is the first Sunseeker Yacht project with an aluminium hull, which is being built in collaboration with the Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts. It will have a design with a fast displacement hull, with design and naval architecture that will take charge of the development team of Sunseeker in Pula.
The new Sunseeker three-deck yacht in the 50-meter segment follows the iconic exterior lines of the brand and offers exceptional space and volume. The luxurious interior space can be decorated according to the unique taste of each owner with the help of the well-known Sunseeker service "Bespoke".
Named "Sunseeker by Icon", specific details about the yacht are scarce, but the style balances Sunseeker's familiar window designs with an aggressive wheelhouse, which faces a long, surprising arch that creates an almost vertical entrance.
This is an exciting offer and, in combination with a high-speed helmet, alludes to a large yacht in the style of an investigator, designed for comfortable and efficient travel over long distances.
The standard configuration is designed for ten people but can be accommodated 12 according to the chosen design. Using the Sunseeker custom service, customers can tailor the interior of the 161 yachts to their exact wishes.
The key points will include a configuration that generally offers accommodation for 10 people in five cabins, but with the option of 12 in six cabins and a small pool on the main deck. The design also includes a large beach club area with drop-down brackets and a transom mirror that create a wonderful entertainment space right on the water. The interior details of the number one body have not yet been published, but thanks to Sunseeker's individual service, the choice of finishes and styles is extensive.
The announcement of this new model and the partnership between the two shipyards has made at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2018, and the number one helmet should be presented in the spring of 2021.
Jen Wartena, CEO of Icon Yachts said: “There is a great synergy between Icon and Sunseeker because we are combining both of our strengths; our capacity and metal yacht building capabilities with Sunseeker’s sales expertise and marketing power.
We believe the Sunseeker by Icon will revolutionize the industry in a positive way. It is an exciting period for Icon Yachts and this new partnership with Sunseeker is part of our ongoing growth strategy where we are investing heavily in facilities and people to improve our capability and capacity.”
Sunseeker, a British yacht builder, has delivered more than 125 yachts over 30 meters in length since joining the superyacht market in 2001.
@Photos by Sunseeker Yachts
Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
May 21, 2025
Vripack has completed the interior concept for Burger Boat Company's new 55-meter superyacht, drawing on their 25-year collaboration with the Wisconsin shipbuilder. The design emphasizes natural materials, functional storage solutions, and adaptable lighting schemes for the custom-built vessel.The interior scheme features American walnut flooring and ceilings throughout, complemented by Calacatta Gold and Dark Emperador marble in guest bathrooms. Vripack prioritized maintaining sightlines through large picture windows while incorporating discreet storage units, particularly in the main salon. "Floor-to-ceiling windows are important, but shouldn't sacrifice functionality," said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.Lighting design forms a key element, with layered illumination including sconces, mini spots, and underlighting to transition from daytime to evening ambiance. The owner's stateroom employs a lighter color palette with customizable artwork displays, while guest areas feature Poltrona Frau furniture including Archibald armchairs.Storage solutions were expanded across all decks, addressing a common owner priority. The design maintains what Bouwhuis describes as "an easy-going foundation" with textured fabrics by Dedar and high-gloss finishes adding visual richness. Loose furniture selections include a Poliform Westside coffee table in the main saloon.The project continues Vripack's longstanding partnership with Burger, having previously collaborated on yachts including the mahogany-clad Ingot and the Slide Hull-equipped Burger 50 Cruiser. No delivery date was specified for the 180' model, which represents Burger's contemporary approach to custom yacht building.Vripack's design targets what Bouwhuis identifies as the typical Burger owner's priorities: "A vessel that's practical, comfortable, and tailored to their specific desires." The studio balanced aesthetic considerations with maintenance requirements and durability for extended cruising use.The Burger 180' interior marks another American-European collaboration for the Dutch designers, who have increasingly focused on storage optimization and transitional lighting schemes in recent superyacht projects. The yacht's technical specifications and propulsion details remain undisclosed at this stage of construction.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
May 21, 2025
Electric yacht builder Sialia Yachts has named Marco Plicchi as its new Chief Operating Officer. The appointment strengthens the company's leadership team as it prepares to launch its fully electric Sialia 45 model in June 2025.Sialia 45Plicchi brings 25 years of marine industry experience to the Polish shipyard, having previously held senior operations roles at several luxury yacht manufacturers. As COO, he will oversee production processes, new product development, and quality control across Sialia's range of 13-30 meter electric yachts.Marco PlicchiThe naval architect's immediate focus will be operational efficiency improvements as Sialia completes its 45-foot flagship model. The Sialia 45 claims class-leading range and a 43-knot top speed ahead of its scheduled debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025.Sialia 57 Deep SilencePlicchi's technical background includes implementing production systems, managing sea trials, and developing after-sales service programs. His appointment follows Sialia's expansion under parent company Silent Straits Group, though no organizational changes were announced beyond the COO position.Sialia 45The shipyard continues developing its zero-emission yacht portfolio, targeting the growing market for electric propulsion in the 40-100 foot segment. No production volume targets or new model announcements were disclosed alongside the executive appointment. Plicchi will assume operational responsibility immediately as Sialia prepares for its Cannes showcase.Credits: Sialia Yachts
May 21, 2025
The Custom Line 50 superyacht has received the Miglio Blu Design Award 2025 in the "Living Innovation" category. The 50-meter aluminum yacht was recognized for its revolutionary interior layout during the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia.Judges highlighted the yacht's dedicated owner's deck featuring a 75-square-meter suite with private terrace, natural lighting solutions, and separated crew/guest circulation for privacy. The award acknowledges Custom Line's approach to combining aesthetic innovation with functional design in the semi-custom segment.The Ferretti Group brand continues to emphasize owner-centric layouts across its model range. The Custom Line 50 remains available for order through the company's global dealer network, though pricing and delivery timelines were not disclosed. This marks the third consecutive year a Ferretti Group product has received recognition at the Italian design awards.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
May 20, 2025
Italian shipyard CRN has handed over the 67-meter superyacht Amor à Vida to its owner following successful sea trials. The steel and aluminum vessel, previously known as Project Maranello, departed CRN's Ancona facility in early May for its maiden Mediterranean voyage.The six-deck yacht features exterior styling by Nuvolari Lenard and interior design by Valentina Zannier, developed in collaboration with the owner. Moran Yacht & Ship represented the owner throughout the construction process, overseeing technical evaluations and project coordination. Accommodation includes an owner's suite on the upper deck, a convertible VIP suite on the main deck, and five guest cabins on the lower deck, with a total capacity for 12 guests.Amor à Vida incorporates a hybrid propulsion system with two MTU 12V4000 M63 engines, achieving IMO Tier III emissions certification. The yacht reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots with a cruising speed of 15 knots. An advanced heat recovery system improves energy efficiency by repurposing waste heat for the yacht's pools and plumbing network.CRN's project team worked closely with the owner's representatives and subcontractors to execute the custom design, which emphasizes fuel efficiency through its hybrid power management. The delivery follows the 2024 launch of CRN's 72-meter Cloud 9 and precedes several scheduled 2025 completions at the Ancona shipyard. No construction timeline or cost details were disclosed.The yacht's delivery marks another full-custom project completion for CRN, continuing the Ferretti Group subsidiary's focus on bespoke superyacht construction. Amor à Vida will spend its inaugural season cruising Mediterranean destinations before potentially appearing at fall boat shows.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
May 20, 2025