Featuring sleek and contemporary styling, Nick Mezas Yacht Design introduces its latest motor yacht concept in collaboration with Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the 69m Project Smooth. The inspiration behind the Smooth was to create a fast vessel for long-distance cruising in complete comfort, whether spending time on the yacht’s spacious exterior decks or inside. These requirements are met by the Van Oossanen developed Fast Displacement Hull with integrated Hull Vane®. The combination of the two allows a high maximum speed and high fuel efficiency, while the Hull Vane® furthermore dampens the pitching and rolling motions of the vessel.
The spacious interior and exterior areas are aesthetically pleasing and feature thick bulwarks on every deck, providing guests aboard with a sense of safety as well as adding to the yacht’s powerful looking design. It was clear right from the beginning that these elements represent an important part of the design in order for it to work.
Smooth’s exterior boasts lovely long and fluent lines, flowing through the yacht’s decks to create her modern yet timeless design. Another detail which contributes to the yacht’s sleek design is the bow’s top-plate which slopes gently back towards the yacht’s stern. This sloping line is accentuated by the hull’s two-tone white and grey metallic color.
Guest accommodation has been created on the lower-deck of the superyacht, incorporating 4 guest cabins - two twin and two doubles. Guests can use the yacht’s lift which goes from the lower deck to the main- and bridge deck, or take the main staircase opposite to the lift. The crew mess is located forward of the guest cabins with 7 crew cabins for 14 crew; all cleverly separated from the guest cabins and areas by a sliding door. This enables crew to service the guest cabins without undue passage through guest areas and saves time. The lower deck also shows off a vast beach club aft with a portside terrace where guests have the opportunity to enjoy a swim, watersports or lounge.
The main deck boasts the full-beam Owner’s suite with the owner’s office on the starboard side. This luxurious suite features a spacious bathroom with direct access to a large walk-in wardrobe. The suite also offers a private cinema room. The suite’s large windows allow plenty of natural light to enter these luxurious areas. The tender garage is located forward on the same deck and hosts a 27ft tender, diving gear, Sea-Doos, canoes and various other superyacht toys. Smooth’s saloon and dining area which are located aft on the main deck offer seating for up to 12 guests. There is an extensive galley with pantry on the main deck’s portside with a practical food lift for effortlessly serving delicious dishes to the bridge- and sun deck. Additionally, when stepping outside through the saloon’s sliding doors, guests will find a lounge area with a beautiful pool from which the views of the vessel’s surroundings can be enjoyed.
Moving onto the bridge deck, guests will enter a second spacious saloon, complimented with an abundance of natural light, thanks to the panoramic windows. Smooth’s generous gym is found forward of the saloon and has her own bathroom. The wheelhouse and captain’s cabin are located forward of the saloon and gym. There is also a comfortable al-fresco seating area for those lovely romantic evenings to be enjoyed while at anchor.
Smooth’s vast sun-deck shows off a stylish combination of a Jacuzzi and sunbathing area facing forward. There is also a dance floor, another sunbathing area and a large bar, which is excellent for guests when raising a glass of wine and relaxing.
Smooth’s steel hull reaches a maximum speed of about 20 knots, coupled with a 5000 nm range at 14 knots, when powered by 2x MTU 16V 4000 M73L engines using a fully conventional drive train. Fuel consumption at 14 knots is approximately 28 l/nm (392 liters per hour) and the vessel can cross the Atlantic from Gibraltar to Antigua in under a week (in good weather conditions).
In November 2016 the Dutch superyacht designer presented a 74 meter custom motor yacht concept in his first collaboration with Amels.
Nick Mezas Yacht Design has recently moved their office to Kortenaerkade 7A, 2518AX in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
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
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
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