Ares Yachts, a division of the esteemed Ares Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey, has unveiled details of its exciting new 54-meter explorer superyacht concept, Atlas. Built to stay just below the 500-GT threshold, Atlas reimagines fundamental features to enhance the experience for owners and guests. This design embodies a true go-anywhere spirit while offering luxurious guest areas and advanced options for hybrid propulsion and other eco-friendly solutions.
The sleek lines of Atlas are derived from the creative minds at Italian design studio Hot Lab, which is part of the Viken Group. The efficient naval architecture is the result of expertise from Van Oossanen Naval Architects based in the Netherlands. "The unique characteristics of Atlas ensure an impressive blend of aesthetics and practicality for both owners and guests," shares Piraye Şahin kaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “With remarkable long-range capabilities and a seaworthy design, she promises extraordinary adventures.”
Antonio Romano, Business Director and co-founder of Hot Lab, notes, “We believe that every project should include a touch of innovation, which we refer to as 'incremental innovation.' Our goal with Atlas was to identify what was lacking in explorer yachts around 50 meters.”
Central to this vision was a focus on enhancing the owner's private space – providing perhaps the finest views imaginable for a yacht of its size while facilitating innovative interaction with the sea.
“One of our key ideas was to incorporate a mezzanine structure at the bow, granting the owner a cabin with uninterrupted views of the horizon,” explains Enrico Lumini, Design Director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “Simultaneously, we designed what we call the ‘welcome lounge’ at the stern – a space that typically serves secondary functions as a beach club, but on Atlas, it takes center stage as a primary lounge and welcoming area for enjoying time with family and friends.”
This distinctive stern design is seamlessly integrated into Atlas’s bold yet elegant profile. With sharp, angular lines that highlight both style and functionality, ATLAS is equipped to handle challenging conditions, reinforced by a high, robust bow. Each deck features generous outdoor spaces, including a stern platform ideal for swimming or launching tenders, alongside spacious upper decks for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Atlas boasts a full-beam owner's suite complete with a private foredeck and spa pool, along with four guest suites that allow direct access to the beach club, thanks to the forward placement of the engine room. Five crew cabins ensure that nine crew members provide the highest level of service for guests aboard.
While the interior design will be tailored to individual client preferences, the team envisions a modern, minimalist aesthetic characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces. The use of neutral tones and high-quality materials will create a sophisticated and timeless ambiance, complemented by light wood flooring in a plank pattern for added warmth. Large panoramic windows will serve as a focal point, offering breathtaking views and flooding the interior with natural light to foster a bright, open atmosphere.
At the core of this stunning design is a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. This hull type has become the industry standard for efficiency across all speed ranges. Atlas is designed to achieve a top speed of 17 knots, with a cruising speed of 11 knots and an impressive range nearing 5,000 nautical miles. It also includes ample storage for tenders, toys, and equipment to maximize the exploration experience, along with an optional touch-and-go helipad and potential hybrid propulsion features, including solar panels for reduced emissions.
“This is a high-performance 54-meter yacht designed to optimize efficiency, speed, and range while minimizing environmental impact,” states Perry van Oossanen, CEO of Van Oossanen Naval Architects. “By placing the engine room forward, we provide guests with a grand entrance while reducing overall volume in the aft area, which in turn minimizes hydrodynamic resistance at cruising speeds and enhances range, making it ideal for long-distance adventures.”
For Ares Yachts, Atlas signifies an exciting new chapter in their yacht collection, joining the composite 50.55m Spitfire model and their bespoke offerings for unique projects.
“Our vision was to create a range of expedition yachts, and Hot Lab has delivered a stunning explorer superyacht that remains under 500 GT while capturing the Ares Shipyard’s commercial heritage within its design,” expresses Şahinkaya Orhun. “This project truly reflects our heritage and showcases the skills of our talented shipyard team in steel and aluminum construction, with an anticipated two-year build time. We are extremely optimistic about Atlas – this project excites us, and we are eager to bring it to life!”
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
Oyster Yachts has introduced its new 24-meter 805 sailing yacht, developed with Humphreys Yacht Design. The model features a twin-access swim platform, configurable interior layouts, and solar-powered hardtop.CEO Ashley Highfield confirmed first delivery for 2027. The yacht offers 3.4-meter or 2.7-meter keel options, with the latter complying with Mediterranean seagrass regulations.Former Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös joins as strategic advisor, stating: "Oyster is very similar to what Rolls-Royce is all about with its relentless striving for perfection."The 805 includes four convertible guest cabins and Oyster's largest sub-30-meter owner's suite. Standard features include ultra-thin marble surfaces and 3kW solar generation.Oyster Yachts was founded in 1973 by Richard Matthews. For 52 years the British brand has created the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailboats.Credits: Oyster Yachts
May 30, 2025
The 2025 ICOMIA Congress, hosted by Spain's ANEN in Palma de Mallorca, concluded yesterday after five days of meetings and events. The gathering, held concurrently with IFBSO's annual congress, brought together marine industry representatives, including Italy's delegation led by Andrea Razeto of the Italian Marine Industry Association.Key discussions centered on three committees chaired by Stefano Pagani Isnardi: the Technical Committee addressed upcoming revisions to the European Recreational Craft Directive; the Superyacht Division examined IMO greenhouse gas reduction proposals and French anchorage restrictions; while the new Trade and Market Intelligence Committee analyzed global tariff developments. ICOMIA has launched dedicated online resources for Posidonia meadow protection updates and tariff tracking.Frank Hugelmeyer (NMMA) was elected ICOMIA President, succeeding Darren Vaux, with Finnboat's Jarkko Pajusalo as Vice President. The board expanded to include representatives from Spain, Turkey, Sweden, and Australia alongside existing members.The 2026 Congress is scheduled for May 24-28 in Washington, D.C., hosted by NMMA.Credits: The Italian Marine Industry Association; Eugene Zhyvchik/Unsplash
May 30, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa has commenced construction of a 40-meter full-custom yacht at its shipyard, marking the occasion with a traditional coin ceremony. The steel-hulled vessel, featuring an aluminum and composite superstructure, was sold several months ago and is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Designed by Antonio Luxardo, the four-deck yacht accommodates six guest cabins and six crew cabins – an unusual configuration for its size. The layout includes an owner's stateroom with private terrace on the main deck, four guest cabins and a VIP cabin on the lower deck, plus crew quarters on the bridge deck. Two saloons, multiple relaxation areas, and an aft Jacuzzi complete the amenities.The yacht's technical specifications include a sub-500 GT volume and propulsion by twin 1,550 HP MAN V12 engines, projected to deliver a 15-knot top speed and 2,000-nautical-mile range. A lateral-launch garage will accommodate a 6.6-meter tender and water toys.Engineering was developed by Studio Sa.Ma.Re Design with support from Luxardo and Optima Design. The construction utilizes vacuum-bonded composites to reduce weight and improve efficiency. The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification.The coin ceremony, attended by the French owner and shipyard representatives, follows maritime tradition dating to Roman times. Cantieri di Pisa's management emphasized the project combines the yard's signature design elements – including distinctive black and white air intakes – with customized owner requirements.The yacht's charter-focused configuration includes extensive storage, a full galley, and entertainment systems for global cruising. Construction is underway at Cantieri di Pisa's facility in Pisa, Italy.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
May 30, 2025
Damen Yachting has completed the 26-month refit of the 79.2-meter superyacht Moonstone (ex-Albatross) at its Vlissingen facility. The vessel, originally built by Delta Marine, departed the yard following extensive modifications including a 7-meter extension and full exterior repaint.London-based Harrison Eidsgaard oversaw the comprehensive redesign, which transformed both interior and exterior spaces. Key modifications include a reconfigured sun deck with new bar area, a winter garden added to the bridge deck, and new leisure amenities including a hot tub on the owner's deck and swimming pool on main deck. The lower deck now features an expanded swim platform for water access."We are proud and pleased with the intensive and effective collaboration that led to this final result," said Damon Smallwood, representing the owners. "The Owners have a beautiful yacht to cruise around the world for years to come."The refit utilized Damen Yachting's dual Vlissingen yard facilities and specialized refit teams. Project Manager Daan Langezaal noted: "After months of work on this beautiful project, we proudly bid her farewell. The collaboration with the Owner's team ran like clockwork, and challenges were successfully overcome. A big thank you to everyone involved in this beautiful project."The vessel's summer itinerary remains private following its transformation. The project demonstrates Damen Yachting's large-scale refit capabilities, with Moonstone's modifications addressing both structural changes and interior layout revisions.Technical details of the mechanical and systems upgrades were not disclosed. The refit's duration reflects the scope of work undertaken, which included significant structural modifications alongside cosmetic and functional enhancements. Moonstone's departure marks the completion of one of Damen Yachting's most extensive recent refit projects.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 29, 2025
Azimut has appointed two new official dealers in the Asia-Pacific region: Europa Yachts in Indonesia and Short Marine in Australia. The partnerships expand the Italian yacht builder's regional network, which already covers China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.The appointments follow Azimut's selective dealership model, which assigns one dedicated dealer per market to ensure localized expertise and client-focused service. The strategy aligns with growing demand in APAC, where rising wealth and evolving lifestyles are driving yacht ownership.Azimut Grande Trideck"With these new appointments, we are not only expanding our footprint but also enriching the strength of our network," said Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut Chief Commercial Officer EMEA-APAC. "Azimut now boasts the most comprehensive dealership presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and this milestone reflects our strategic vision of pairing world-class products with localized excellence."Europa Yachts, already established in the Philippines, will represent Azimut in Indonesia through a partnership with local entrepreneur Alvin Gozali. The collaboration combines Europa's operational experience with Gozali's market insights."We are honored and excited to bring Azimut Yachts back to Indonesia: by combining the Indonesian deep market knowledge and connections with Thomas's expertise and the strong foundation of Europa Yachts, we are confident this partnership will deliver exceptional results and elevate the yachting experience in the region," said Gozali.Short Marine, a Sydney-based dealer with over 40 years in the industry, will handle Azimut's Australian operations. The company's technical expertise and community ties aim to strengthen the brand's position in a market experiencing growth in high-net-worth individuals.Azimut Fly 62"We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Short Marine, who will now be the point of contact for all the Azimut Yachts clients in Australia," said Murry Offord, Head of Asset Management at Balmain Asset Management. "This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Azimut in the region."The expansion follows Azimut's recent Asian Rendez-vous event in Tokyo, reinforcing its commitment to the APAC market. The brand continues to prioritize localized service networks to support its growing client base in the region.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
May 29, 2025