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
The 50-meter Heesen motor yacht Bijin has completed a comprehensive refit at Monaco Marine's La Seyne-sur-Mer facility. Formerly named Sibelle, the vessel was sold in October 2024 with Burgess representing the buyer and Ocean Independence the seller.The nine-month project involved exterior repainting from oyster white and grey to Matterhorn white with jet black accents and a red boot stripe. Interior updates focused on Japandi-inspired design elements blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian influences. Milan-based studio Hot Lab led the design in collaboration with Austrian contractors List GC.Hot Lab design director Enrico Lumini stated: "Their hands-on involvement and constructive approach were instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and complete the project within the established timeframe." The owners maintained an active role throughout the process, having previously worked with the design studio.Refit work concentrated on soft furnishings including beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture rather than structural modifications. The color palette shifted toward lighter tones and softer brown shades to create what the owner described as "an organic, naturally blending and appealing design" for guest relaxation.Originally delivered in 2015 with a Fast Displacement Hull Form design, Bijin received recognition at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. The yacht accommodates 10 guests with an owner's suite featuring dual bathrooms serving as buffer zones before the main cabin.Monaco Marine project manager Augustin Fabre noted the refit met "the most demanding standards" for visual identity and functionality. The yacht will operate for both private use and charter in the Western Mediterranean, with initial seasons fully booked.The refit demonstrates continued market activity in large yacht refurbishment projects, particularly for well-maintained vessels requiring aesthetic updates rather than technical overhauls. The collaboration between ownership, design teams, and shipyard resulted in a nine-month completion timeline.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Viken Group
August 29, 2025
Azimut has developed Neuron, a fully digital yacht management system designed to streamline vessel operation and maintenance. The system was created by Azimut Technical Development in partnership with MDP Tech following a six-month trial installation aboard an Azimut Fly 53 model.Neuron enables remote monitoring and control of onboard systems including lighting, climate control, and entertainment through a customizable interface. The system reduces routine and extraordinary maintenance requirements by approximately 70% through continuous diagnostics and remote troubleshooting capabilities. According to the company, the technology allows after-sales technicians to perform system diagnostics while maintaining customer privacy protections.Technical specifications include a 50% reduction in wiring weight compared to conventional systems, freeing space for other functions. The plug-and-play architecture permits rapid component replacement, starting with control units. Power management features adjust electricity consumption based on real-time requirements.Azimut Technical Director Ruggero Gandolfi stated: "Neuron truly improves the owner's life, not only allowing them to monitor their vessel from home and directly manage certain systems with great ease, but also performing diagnostic tests and reducing unscheduled maintenance."The system is scheduled to become standard equipment on Azimut models up to 24 meters (80 feet) following final verification testing. The development represents Azimut's continued investment in digitalization projects aimed at enhancing owner experience and operational efficiency.Neuron's architecture incorporates risk analysis protocols to minimize system disruptions both at sea and in port. The technology will be rolled out across Azimut's production lines as part of the company's ongoing digital transformation initiatives in yacht manufacturing and support services.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 29, 2025
Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo will display ten vessels with combined length of nearly 300 meters at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The exhibition will feature three global premieres: the SL110A, SX120, and SD132 models, representing expansions of the company's asymmetric, crossover, and semi-displacement yacht lines.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A continues Sanlorenzo's asymmetrical design concept with a full-beam owner's suite featuring direct access to a forward pool area. Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the vessel reaches speeds up to 27 knots.The SX120 crossover model blends explorer yacht capabilities with flybridge amenities, featuring clean exterior lines and flexible interior layouts. The design maintains the brand's focus on challenging conventional yacht layouts while emphasizing connection to marine environments.SX120At 40.7 meters length, the SD132 becomes Sanlorenzo's largest composite-built yacht to date with 420 GT interior volume. Features include rotating beach club terraces, forward pool area, 85-square-meter flybridge, and side-launching tender garage. Zuccon International Project handled both exterior and interior design.Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a special opportunity for us to share our vision for the future of the industry and to showcase Sanlorenzo's extraordinary dynamism." CEO Tommaso Vincenzi added: "With these three new models, Sanlorenzo reaffirms its vision of yachting as a fine, elegant and responsible way of life."SD132Additional displayed models will include the SP92 from the Smart Performance line, SL86A and SL90A asymmetric yachts, SD90 and SD96 semi-displacement vessels, and SX100 and SX88 crossover designs. The exhibition coincides with the 20th anniversary of Massimo Perotti's leadership at Sanlorenzo.The company's subsidiary brands Bluegame and Nautor Swan will also exhibit new models at the festival, demonstrating the group's diversified product range across multiple yacht segments. Sanlorenzo's presentation occupies significant space in the Vieux-Port exhibition area, reflecting the company's expanded production capabilities across its Italian shipyards.Credits: Sanlorenzo
August 29, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the newly delivered 28.63-meter Sunreef Power catamaran Petite Belle for sale. Broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa represents the fifth hull in this series, which features numerous upgrades from standard specifications.The catamaran's 13.5-meter beam accommodates 10 guests across five ensuite cabins. The main saloon features panoramic glazing that opens to the aft cockpit, integrating interior and exterior social spaces. Outdoor areas include forward lounges, a beach club platform, and an expansive flybridge with hot tub, dining area, and bar.Petite Belle incorporates 13kWp of solar panels integrated into the superstructure and hardtop, supporting silent night operation through battery power. The yacht meets European and U.S. compliance standards including Malta Sea Area A1+A2+A3 certification (sCYC 2024).Additional features include a full AV system with DJ connectivity, 20 underwater lights, security cameras, and custom bar installations. The vessel carries a Williams SportJet 625 tender and two jet skis.Construction was supervised by independent surveyors at Sunreef's Gdansk facility. The catamaran enters the brokerage market immediately following delivery, offering availability without construction wait times. Northrop & Johnson will coordinate viewings and sea trials for prospective buyers.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Lomac Milano has named fashion designer Alessandro Martorana as Creative Director of its Lomac Atelier division. The appointment coincides with the world premiere of the GranTurismo 12.5 AMare limited edition model at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.Martorana's collaboration with Lomac represents the first product from the newly established Lomac Atelier, a service dedicated to fully customized yacht configurations. The GranTurismo 12.5 AMare features customized colors, bespoke upholstery, sartorial stitching, and matching engine livery. The design emphasizes individualized styling while maintaining the performance characteristics of the base model.The limited edition model is powered by twin Yamaha XTO 450hp outboard engines, maintaining the standard powertrain configuration of the production version. Lomac will display two additional models at Cannes: the GranTurismo 12.0 with triple 300hp Mercury engines and the flagship GranTurismo 14.0 X with triple Yamaha 450hp engines capable of 60-knot speeds.Alessandro Martorana stated: "The boat is the new 'must' for the elegant man. Together with Lomac, we aim to create unique pieces that reflect the personality of their owners, just like a bespoke suit."The Lomac Atelier service launched earlier this year at the Düsseldorf boat show, focusing on complete customization of the company's GranTurismo maxi-RIB series. The Cannes presentation marks the first physical realization of the program, with the AMare edition serving as demonstrator of the customization options available.Lomac's participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival includes three models from its production range, with the Martorana-designed limited edition representing the company's emphasis on personalized yacht design. Lomac was founded in the early 1960s in Milan. Today it is led by Paolo and Fabrizio Lo Manto, the third generation of the family, and offers a production that includes seven different series for 58 models, the result of the union of the highest technologies with careful craftsmanship. Lomac also produces and markets a wide range of original accessories to better customize your boat, and maintenance products created specifically for its models.Credits: Lomac
August 28, 2025