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
Administrators of Fairline Yachts, the UK-based luxury boatbuilder, are reportedly reviewing multiple bids for the company, according to the Northamptonshire Telegraph. Entering administration in January 2025, just two months after being acquired by Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems Limited, Fairline Yachts employed approximately 250 staff across its two sites in Oundle and Suffolk.Joint administrators of Fairline Yachts Limited secured funding through its existing lender, DF Capital, enabling the continuity of employment for its workforce. Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, the joint administrators, are actively seeking a buyer to ensure the brand's future viability.Michael Magnay, joint administrator at Alvarez & Marsal, acknowledged Fairline Yachts as an iconic brand with a skilled team and strong relationships with dealers and customers. He suggested that the brand could attract interest from both international and domestic investors.Founded in 1967, Fairline Yachts offers four yacht ranges, ranging from 10 to 21 meters, sold globally through direct channels and local dealerships. Despite facing financial difficulties in the past, including administration in 2015 and labor shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company maintained a strong order book valued at £100 million in early 2024. However, its latest financial results showed a decline in turnover from £48.3 million in 2022 to £41.1 million in 2023, although forecasts predicted a rebound for 2024.Credits: Fairline Yachts
March 18, 2025
Codecasa Shipyards has launched of Pleiades, Codecasa Classic Yacht 110′, Hull F80, which took place on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, in Viareggio. The Codecasa Family extends sincere appreciation to all contributors who brought Pleiades to fruition, notably Engineer Federico Bennewitz and his skilled team. They warmly congratulate the owner, wishing them and their family countless cherished memories aboard their new yacht.Measuring 33.50 meters, this yacht exudes timeless elegance and classic lines, embodying the creative vision of designer Luca Dini. The hull, crafted by Names Studio's Francesco Rogantin in partnership with Codecasa Shipyards, guarantees exceptional performance.Inside, the yacht features a stylish saloon on the main deck, another saloon on the bridge deck, an owner's cabin, and four guest cabins. Two twin-bed crew cabins and a captain's cabin round out the accommodations. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to foster enjoyable social interactions and relaxation.Powered by dual MAN V12 engines delivering 1550 hp each at 2300 rpm, this new Codecasa Yacht reaches a top speed of 21 knots and boasts a range exceeding 1200 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots. Codecasa shipyard was established in Viareggio in 1825 by the shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa. Still run by the founder’s heirs, nowadays the Codecasa Shipyards Group is able to offer a wide range of Yachts, featured by top quality, technologic innovation, reliability, design and comfort. The shipyard is known all over the world as builders of steel and light alloy motoryachts, ranging from 30 to 70 meters LOA.Credits: Codecasa
March 18, 2025
Damen Yachting is excited to announce the launch of the first Xplorer 60, SX6001 – a superyacht that redefines exploration in style, comfort, and total autonomy. Designed for exploration and built for luxury, this 60-meter masterpiece blends bold design, ultimate comfort, and boundless freedom. With its striking hull and distinct presence, the Xplorer 60 feels equally at home in the Mediterranean's prestigious ports as it does navigating polar regions.Built and launched at Damen Yachting's dedicated shipyard in Antalya, Turkey, the Xplorer 60 draws on Dutch heritage, engineering, and craftsmanship to ensure the highest standards of quality and innovation. Currently undergoing final outfitting, commissioning, and sea trials, this remarkable yacht is poised to usher in a new era of luxury exploration.Formerly known as the SeaXplorer 60, the Xplorer 60 is ideal for owners seeking extraordinary experiences beyond traditional superyachting. It strikes the perfect balance between adventure and indulgence, turning every voyage into an opportunity to explore in unparalleled luxury.The Xplorer 60 stands out with several unique features, including a Crow's Nest and an Observation Lounge with direct access to the exterior Fore Deck. These allow the owner and guests to take in breathtaking Arctic scenery or exotic landscapes. Traditional superyacht amenities include a dedicated Spa Area on the Bridge Deck Aft, complete with a full-size whirlpool. On the Main Deck aft, the yacht stores, launches, and lifts a limo tender, crew tender, and jet skis.The Xplorer 60 builds on the award-winning designs of the original Xplorer 58 Pink Shadow and the Xplorer 77 La Datcha, both of which have enjoyed significant success in the charter market. This 60-meter Xplorer is a result of collaboration with exterior designer Azure Yacht Design. Equipped with hybrid power and propulsion, battery banks, a fully certified helideck, Ice Class certification, and compliance with the IMO Polar Code, the Xplorer 60 is suited for any destination, whether north or south."Since introducing the SeaXplorer concept in 2015, Damen Yachting has established itself as the leader in luxury explorer yachts. We anticipate that more owners will demand the autonomy, safety, flexibility, and luxury that the Xplorer series offers. That's why we chose to build the Xplorer 60 on spec for quick delivery. Xplorer 6001 is the only luxury explorer yacht available in its class and presents an incredible opportunity," says Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting.For the Xplorer 60's opulent interiors, Damen Yachting partnered with H2 Yacht Design to create a bespoke concept. Featuring three guest decks with six suites for 12 guests, this collaboration marks the first time H2 Yacht Design has worked on an Xplorer project, building on their successful history with Damen Yachting on Amels projects.Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting
March 18, 2025
Azimut has appointed Supreme Yachts as its official dealer in Poland, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the European market. Operating under the name Azimut Yachts Poland, the company will serve as the exclusive representative for Azimut in the region.Founded by entrepreneur Wojciech Jaworski, Supreme Yachts brings substantial expertise in the premium automotive sector and a deep understanding of the luxury market. As an Azimut owner himself, Jaworski recognized the brand's exceptional craftsmanship and service, leading him to establish his own venture focused on yachting.The partnership aims to provide Polish clients with an elevated purchasing experience aligned with Azimut's core principles of innovation, quality, and meticulous attention to detail. Commenting on the collaboration, Azimut Chief Commercial Officer EMEA-APAC Enrico Chiaussa emphasized the company's broader growth strategy: "Our agreement with Supreme Yachts marks another key step in our European expansion plan. We aim to build upon our current success by organizing exclusive events, fostering new partnerships, and bolstering our after-sales support."Echoing this sentiment, Supreme Yachts CEO Wojciech Jaworski highlighted the synergy between the two brands: "We share similar values with Azimut, and our combined strengths ensure that Polish owners receive a truly exclusive experience, supported by comprehensive local and international assistance."Poland, noted for its growing population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and increasing interest in luxury yachting, offers Azimut a prime opportunity for growth. Coupled with the country's strategic location on the Baltic Sea and a rising number of Polish boat enthusiasts frequenting the Mediterranean, this partnership positions Azimut for continued success 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
March 17, 2025
Turkish shipbuilder Ares Yachts has shared updated visualizations of its latest 54-meter explorer superyacht concept, Atlas, first presented in October 2022. The vessel boasts a striking blend of form and function, catering to the demands of modern adventurers.Created by Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, with naval engineering by Van Oossanen, ATLAS delivers both elegance and utility.Instead of a traditional foredeck, Atlas incorporates a multi-level outdoor space, complete with a spa pool that connects directly to the owner's suite.Inspired by resort aesthetics, the aft section converts into a lounge with fold-out terraces, enhancing connectivity to the surrounding environment.Atlas may feature hybrid propulsion and solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint.Atlas integrates numerous adventure-centric elements, including a large tender garage with a side-launch system, helipad capabilities, and an array of water toys, such as jet skis, paddleboards, and diving gear. These features make the yacht ideal for off-the-beaten-path expeditions.The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in five staterooms, with the owner's suite enjoying direct access to the private terrace and spa pool. Additionally, four guest suites connect to the beach club, maximizing interaction with the outdoors.Equipped with a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), Atlas ensures efficiency at varying speeds. Bold architectural lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and well-balanced decks further emphasize its modern, dynamic appearance.Piraye Şahinkaya Orhun, Yacht Projects Director at Ares Yachts, states, "This beautiful explorer yacht reflects our heritage while addressing today's adventurers' needs."Enrico Lumini, Design Director at Hot Lab, adds, "The result is a resort-like atmosphere, fostering seamless transitions between relaxation and activity."Offering a range of nearly 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed above 16 knots, the yacht promises extended journeys without sacrificing comfort.Atlas represents the latest addition to Ares Yachts' impressive lineup, alongside the 50.55-meter Spitfire and customizable one-off projects. Its intelligent design, robust performance, and eco-friendly options position it as a leader in the explorer superyacht market.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
March 17, 2025