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.
Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts has introduced its first superyacht, the 62-meter ketch-rigged Simena. The steel-carbon composite vessel will debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show (September 24-27) after completing sea trials.Designed to RINA Charter Class C standards, Simena ranks among the world's top 25 largest sailing yachts. Taka Yacht Design developed the exterior, while Design Unlimited created the interior blending classic and contemporary elements. The yacht features teak decks, mahogany joinery, and a hybrid propulsion system enabling silent electric operation up to 6 knots or 14.5-knot top speed with diesel assistance."Simena blends classic ketch elegance with cutting-edge technology," said Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Ares Yachts Projects Director. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew, with a main-deck owner's suite and transatlantic range of 4,000 nm at 11 knots.Interior materials include walnut cabinetry, textured leathers, and marble-clad bathrooms. Northrop & Johnson holds the exclusive listing. 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
July 5, 2025
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025