At sea, your gaze and your imagination have no limits. You keep on feeling the vastness of the sea and experience a completely new feeling of exploring or rediscovering the true meaning of life. This ship takes you to a new level of emotionality - right where the sea meets the sky. The Solar Impact is a yacht for people who want to travel further, without sacrificing comfort, elegance and state-of-the-art technology, and for whom the destination is the actual experience of the journey itself. The Flybridge is a welcoming outdoor space. The view is fantastic and as you watch the sea, all your wishes can come true.
"SolarImpact is synonymous with state-of-the-art in shipbuilding when it comes to fluid mechanics, highly efficient energy technologies, and sustainability. Our yacht concept avoids noise and CO2 emissions and is therefore an important step towards electric mobility in the maritime sector." - comments Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG.
This new yacht is a game-changer, not just in terms of its solar propulsion and design. Two aspects that have prevented a pleasant stay on board in the past have also been addressed: rough seas and high noise levels. The innovative solar yacht glides almost silently and without swaying - even over waves several metres high. The hull technology is based on the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) construction principle.This achieves a physical shaft decoupling that reduces the rolling and heeling of the yacht by up to 90 percent. the hull lies calmly in the water even in strong swells, putting an end to the annoying swaying motion of the boat. But SolarImpact has recognised that the principle offers yet another invaluable advantage: it significantly reduces energy consumption. All systems on board can use the sun as their primary energy source. The yacht‘s solar drive is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely quiet.
Not only is the solar yacht almost self-sufficient in terms of energy, but with a top speed of over 20 knots it is also exceptionally fast. This is due to the technical components used, which collectively ensure the yacht‘s high overall efficiency and are optimally controlled using artificial intelligence (AI). All key systems are highly automated, so that a single person can even manoeuvre the yacht.
"However, the technology is not in the foreground: our customers can expect a product that sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, comfort and convenience, and individual freedom. For instance, our yacht also caters to people’s increasing desire to move their centre of life permanently onto the water. The yacht concept we‘re presenting takes an important step towards maritime e-mobility by avoiding noise and CO2 emissions. We also see this as a special incentive for investors, who not only invest in a promising emerging technology, but also, by purchasing the yacht, pay into an environmental fund that serves to preserve and rebuild the environment for the future." -comments Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG.
The interiors of the Solaryacht were designed for long stays on board with luxurious living areas and spacious cabins. It is especially dedicated to people who know comfort on long journeys and love sophisticated aesthetics. That excellent balance of shapes and the elegance of design make the SolarImpact Yacht an exceptional residence with a view of the sea. On deck you enjoy your own oasis to the sun and an environment where you can relax and unwind in complete peace. The SolarImpact is a yacht for cruisers who want to travel further without sacrificing comfort, elegance and the latest technology, whose goal is the actual experience of the journey itself. The large windows offer unparalleled views and incredible brightness in every area. The interiors are designed to pamper owner and guests with maximum comfort. Light flows into the large open living room, which combines modern taste with a warm and cosy style.
After an day out at sea, the skipper's suite and the guest cabins offer a maximum of comfort and a pleasant peace and quiet. The interior presents only one variant. The equipment is adapted according to the customer's wishes. You can glide the yacht anywhere - without a single drop of fuel! Thanks to absolutely free solar energy, the SolarImpact Yacht has an unlimited range. Just enjoy the quiet and solar-powered journey.
The SolarImpact Yacht is a ship with an exceptional feeling of airiness, wide and spacious corridors and a special crew area that promises passengers maximum privacy. It also offers technical extras for further travel and unique comfort for journeys to the horizon and beyond. The flybridge is an inviting open-air living room where you can spend hours in the sun.and spend it in the light. The view is fantastic and while you are watching the sea, all your dreams can come true.
To ensure the perfect functioning of all systems, the required energy quantity of the solar system should be up to 500 kilowatt hours per day. How much energy can the solar system generate? This depends primarily on the geographical location of your yacht and the current weather conditions. The number of daylight hours and the intensity of sunlight are the most important factors. However, the solar system could produce more than enough energy in the world's most popular sailing areas. The yacht is equipped with a real-time energy monitoring system so that the owner can monitor and make optimum use of energy consumption at all times. Under optimal environmental conditions, the solar system generates up to 320 kWh of electricity (32KW/h peak => 10h), which charges the energy store or drives the yacht.
The insolvent shipyards owned by Lars Windhorst in Schleswig-Holstein are set to be taken over by new investors. The appointed administrators have presented two buyers, while Windhorst has made a last-minute offer in an attempt to regain control.According to preliminary insolvency administrator Christoph Morgen, the Heinrich Rönner Group from Bremerhaven will acquire the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG). Work at the shipyard is expected to resume shortly, focusing on completing a ferry for the Australian shipping company SeaRoad. The vessel has been docked for an extended period. The Nobiskrug shipyard in Rendsburg, meanwhile, will be taken over by the Lürssen Group from Bremen, as confirmed by preliminary insolvency administrator Hendrik Gittermann.Both shipyards are currently owned by Windhorst’s Tennor Group. Windhorst entered the Flensburg shipyard in 2019 and later acquired the Rendsburg facility. Over time, both shipyards reportedly struggled with financial difficulties, leading to complaints from employees about a lack of orders and materials. Insolvency proceedings were initiated after social security providers filed claims over unpaid contributions. The administrators also discovered over 150 official notices in the offices, including enforcement orders and court documents.Despite the planned takeovers, Windhorst has not abandoned efforts to retain the shipyards.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
January 31, 2025
The 26.7-meter power catamaran Laniakea, built by Latitude Yachts, is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson's yacht broker Ed Cavendish at a price of EUR7,500,000. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the vessel is constructed from a lightweight carbon-fiber composite and features a shallow draft of 0.62 meters, making it suitable for coastal cruising and accessing shallow waters.The interior, designed by Chulhun Park of Latitude Yachts, has an open-plan layout with a main salon that integrates dining, lounging, and galley areas. Large, angular windows provide natural light and panoramic views. The interior design features beige and cream tones, wood accents, and blue details. Geometric wood paneling and integrated LED lighting contribute to a contemporary aesthetic.The owner's cabin includes a custom window overlooking the water. Guest accommodations consist of two VIP cabins, a double cabin, and an option for two additional cabins, allowing Laniakea to accommodate up to 10 guests. Two crew cabins provide space for onboard staff.The aft deck includes a dining area and a tender platform with a 500kg lift. The foredeck is designed for relaxation, with sunpads, seating, and glass bulwarks.Powered by four BMW-engineered waterjet engines, Laniakea has a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. The yacht incorporates solar panels on the superstructure and smart onboard systems for navigation, climate control, and entertainment. It is also capable of silent operation for up to six hours.Established in 2007, Latitude Yachts quickly gained recognition when its Quality Management System was certified by Bureau Veritas in 2011. By 2016, the shipyard launched the ocean-class trimarans, including the renowned Galaxy of Happiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
January 31, 2025
The Italian Sea Group continues outfitting work on the 82-meter Admiral Galileo megayacht at its Marina di Carrara shipyard. Designed by the company's R&D department in collaboration with London-based Bannenberg & Rowell Design for the interiors, the yacht is constructed from steel and aluminium.The current phase includes the installation of technology systems, navigation instrumentation, and the completion of interior and exterior spaces. According to Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, "We are executing every phase of the project with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that Galileo stands as the ultimate expression of luxury and innovation."Galileo features four decks with large windows and extensive lounge areas exceeding 100 square metres on each level. The owner’s cabin, located on the upper deck, spans 130 square metres. Other notable features include a waterfall connecting two of the yacht’s four pools, an underwater cinema lounge, and a beach area with a gym, spa, and massage room. The yacht can accommodate 12 guests and 28 crew members.One of the design elements is a visible engine room, integrated into the yacht’s interior through a corridor linking the spa area to the upper deck foyer. The delivery of Admiral Galileo is scheduled for early 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. Credit: TISG
January 31, 2025
Custom Line concluded 2024 with the launch of two new yachts, bringing the total number of vessels introduced at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona to 18 over the past year. Among the launches were the Custom Line 50, the brand’s first all-aluminium 50-meter displacement superyacht, and the Custom Line Navetta 38, a 299 GT displacement yacht. The first units of these models were launched in January and November, respectively.Custom Line 50The shipyard completed eleven launches in the Navetta line, six in the planing line, and one in the aluminium superyacht line. A new Custom Line Navetta 30 was launched on December 4, marking the 22nd hull in this displacement line. The yacht, measuring 28.43 metres in length with a beam of 7.3 metres, was developed by the Product Strategy Department and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, in collaboration with ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel for the interiors and Filippo Salvetti for the exterior styling. Custom Line Atelier provided strategic consulting to adapt the interior design to the owner's stylistic preferences. Custom Line Navetta 38The year concluded with the launch of the 33rd Custom Line Navetta 33 on December 16. The vessel was developed by the Product Strategy Committee and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, with Custom Line Atelier overseeing the owner's requests. The yacht, measuring 33 metres in length with a beam of 7.52 metres, was designed for charter operations and includes a number of customised features such as pullman beds in the guest cabins, additional storage units, and cocktail bars on the sun deck. The interior incorporates materials such as Irish Green marble in the master bathroom and American walnut flooring. The yacht’s colour scheme reflects the owner's preference for sage green, integrated in various elements throughout the interior.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
January 30, 2025
Ocean Independence recorded a 22% increase in retail charter income in 2024 compared to the previous year, with several yachts in its Central Agency Fleet surpassing typical seasonal booking targets. The most frequently booked yacht was Onyx, securing over ten weeks of charter, followed closely by E-Motion and Isotta.OnyxChief Commercial Officer Toby Maclaurin stated, “We are very pleased with the 2024 charter result. It was a key pillar to the company’s overall performance and we expect a similar, if not better, result in 2025. Chartering large yachts is in vogue and we are well prepared to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers with our portfolio. Of course, we can also reserve any other available charter yacht for our customers.”The list of top-performing charter yachts in 2024 was led by Onyx, a 25.48-meter Ferretti-built yacht from 2007. The vessel accommodates up to ten guests in four staterooms and offers a spacious aft deck, alfresco dining areas, and a hot tub. Charter rates start from EUR 40,000 per week.E-MotionE-Motion, a 40-metre Sunseeker, was also among the most-booked yachts. It offers accommodation for ten guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam master suite and convertible twin staterooms. Charter rates begin at EUR 170,000 per week.IsottaIsotta, a Ferretti 1000 motor yacht, was another high-performing vessel. It features an innovative aft beach area and a spacious flybridge. The yacht accommodates up to ten guests in five staterooms, with rates starting from EUR 114,000 per week.VertigeVertige, a 50-meter yacht built by Tankoa in 2017, also saw strong bookings. The aluminium-built vessel features minimalist deck spaces and a contemporary interior by Francesco Paszkowski, accommodating 12 guests in six staterooms. Charter rates start at EUR 270,000 per week.HuboHubo, an Azimut 85 delivered in 2015, remains a popular choice among charterers. The yacht accommodates eight guests in four staterooms, including a full-beam master suite. Rates start from EUR 40,000 per week.With demand for large yacht charters increasing, Ocean Independence is advising early bookings for the 2025 season. Helene Delstanche, Group Charter Fleet Manager, commented, “To secure your dream yacht, I suggest calling us rather sooner than later. 2025 bookings are already strong, and demand will only get higher as we get closer to springtime.”Credits: Ocean Independence
January 30, 2025