Joachim Howard, Founder of Ocean Alliance, sees the collaboration as an important step towards maintaining one of the world's most celebrated reef systems while encouraging a positive utilisation of Superyachts through charter experiences.
"The Great Reef Census is a world-first for superyacht Owners and Charterers to participate in conservation efforts on the Reef. It is an opportunity to encourage a culture of "yachting for purpose" and offer Charterers the ability to incorporate a meaningful contribution to the ecosystem in which they are experiencing."
● Superyachts contribute to ocean conservation and research as a result of a new collaboration between Ocean Alliance and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
● The Great Reef Census aims to survey 100 priority reefs in 2020, and is a world-first citizen science project.
● Superyacht charterers are given the opportunity to visit unsurveyed areas of the Great Barrier Reef and contribute to important research work.
● A unique experience that can be incorporated into a luxury charter for as many days as
desired.
Launched in October 2020 by Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Reef Census is a world-first citizen science project to capture reconnaissance data from across the Reef over an 11-week period. Following a successful pilot program in 2019, this year sees a major scale-up to 100 priority reefs with the support of Superyachts and other vessels, with the intention to build on this year’s learnings to launch an even bigger Great Reef Census in 2021. Ocean Alliance is collaborating with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to involve superyachts in this pioneering initiative for ocean conservation.
Exploration is in the DNA of a luxury superyacht charter, though very rarely is there an opportunity to discover areas where little is already known. The Great Barrier Reef, encompassing 3,000 individual reefs that stretch for 2,300km along the sun-drenched Queensland coastline, is a unique yachting experience. Due to its sheer size measuring the overall state of the Reef is difficult, up to 40% of the Great Barrier Reef has never been surveyed before.
The Great Reef Census is a trial to explore new ways of capturing data from across the Great Barrier Reef, utilising citizen scientists as well as the wide range of marine assets already out on the water.
Ocean Alliance is leading the efforts from the superyacht industry to support this innovative new approach to conservation challenges.
Ocean Alliance has enlisted their central agency fleet to participate with the superyacht, BELUGA which has already participated in the Great Reef Census. For scientists and ocean conservationists involved in the Census, the involvement of superyachts is an important addition, given the distinct advantages and capabilities that these luxury vessels provide.
The 35m BELUGA has recently completed an itinerary from Lizard island to Port Douglas as the first Superyacht to participate in the Great Reef Census, providing a platform for the research team to test some key technology for the project as well as survey some target reef sites.
Andy Ridley, CEO of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, highlighted the important role that
superyachts can play in this project and urges more to get involved. "Superyachts are in a unique position to operate in remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef and utilise their resources, crew, tenders and communications to vastly improve the reach and outcomes of the project," said Ridley.
Superyachts indeed provide an incredible platform from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef. This is something that will benefit not only the research efforts of the Great Reef Census but also superyacht Owners and Charterers.
“To achieve the scale required this year needs a massive collective effort and that's what we're seeing, from the tourism industry, to some of the Reef’s top scientists, tech companies and now Superyachts,” Ridley continues. “We would love to see the superyacht community become even more involved as we scale-up this project in 2021, not only through vessel support but also through awareness-raising and access to influencers.”
Taking part in The Great Reef Census is a fantastic way for superyachts to give back to the oceans without which the joy of sailing and luxury charters wouldn't be possible. The Census provides owners and charterers with the chance to contribute to research which can be
incorporated into customised charter itineraries.
Superyachts will have the option to host leading marine biologists and scientists on board during their charter, giving guests a unique insight into the diverse ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the ultimate destination for captivating reef encounters, with other 600 types of hard and soft coral along with 1626 species of fish to uncover.
"Superyachts offer ideal platforms to align with scientific exploration and create a new way of connecting our caring audience even more closely to the essence of the Ocean element, inspiring and empowering the desire for its protection. What a generous way to give back whilst having an amazing experience on the Great Barrier Reef "comments Laurie Foulon.
The Great Reef Census is a Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef project, delivered in partnership with the University of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science with support from James Cook University. The project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Prior Family Foundation and the Reef & Rainforest Research Centre.
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025