Every bespoke superyacht concept carries particular features, imparted by her owner. However, some customers let their imagination go beyond traditional boundaries, when it comes to design. That said, a 62-metre Sea Owl built by Dutch yard Feadship and designed by Andrew Winch for US millionaire Robert Mercer, has definetely become one of the world's iconic superyachts.
Robert Mercer, a former IBM language recognition specialist and currently the co-CEO with Renaissance Technologies hedge fund, is estimated at $125,000,000, as of April, 2017 - Forbes, while his company's most recent portfolio value is calculated to $ 91 billion - Fintel.
In 2008, Mercer conceived to build a yacht that would represent a portal into fairy tale world for his guests, primarily his children and grandchildren. A bid to bring the idea to life went out to seven shipyards, with Feadship signing the contract. Construction, that began two years later, was completed in 2013. With her green hull inspired by Peter Pan, and ornate interior, Feadship reports Sea Owl to be the most personalised yacht ever built by the yard.
Evidently, Peter Pan is not the only character inspired the yacht’s leading designer Andrew Winch. There are two dedicated children’s cabins, three guest suites and the owners’ stateroom on-board, so that each room received its unique features, encouraging the children to discover both real and fairy tale worlds.
Sea Owl’s complex design features numerous sophisticated details embedded into the outfit of this high-volume explorer. Silk and wool hand-knotted carpet from Nepal, exuberant Venetian glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly or a carved gem-looking basin made of a single crystal block are just several exceptional elements from the stunning choice to be found on-board.
The bridge deck boasts staff cabin decorated with frescos of fossil seashells, next to a children classroom. En passant, the seashells were collected by young Charles Darwin during his first trip. The lower deck carries a pirate-themed room and one of the daughter’s cabins in the style of Alice in Wonderland. The sun deck, in its turn, is decorated with a toothy shark on the spa pool wall.
The owner’s spacious office features another ceiling fresco, representing the world map as of 1800s, and an exquisite copy of an 18th Century French desk by French furniture designer Serge Mirochnikoff.
It is worth mentioning, that the custom-made furnishings, including rosewood Steinway baby grand piano situated in the main salon, are sea-fastened for safety reasons.
Regarding the yacht’s technical characteristics, she features a wide 12,2-metre beam and a large superstructure, ensuring the yacht’s accommodation capacity for 12 guests on-board. Powered by two MTU engines of 2038 HP, she can cruise comfortably at 14 knots and reach her top speed at 16 knots.
The yacht is also equipped with hi-tech solutions, such as security cameras with a 360-degree view at the waterline or fingerprint-recognition keypads, not to mention sophisticated entertainment system. Furthermore, the owners ordered a bespoke positioning system, allowing the yacht to stand still without deploying anchors.
At the illustrious Yacht Style Awards & Gala Dinner 2025, hosted in the Constellation Ballroom of One°15 Marina in Singapore, the Swan 88 was awarded top honors for the best yacht above 20 meters.This accolade serves as another significant milestone for the Swan 88, solidifying its status as one of the most celebrated yachts introduced within the last year. Crafted by renowned designer German Frers, with exquisite exterior styling by Lucio Micheletti and interiors by Misa Poggi, the Swan 88 exemplifies unparalleled versatility and refined performance. Offering configurations with either three or four cabins along with crew quarters, it also features an optional lifting keel, further elevating its cruising capabilities.Barry Ashmore, Chief Commercial Officer, and Daniele Lucà, CEO of Simpson Marine, accepted the award on behalf of Nautor Swan during a grand ceremony preceding the Singapore Yachting Festival's commencement at Marina Sentosa.In response to this achievement, Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, stated: “This vessel truly embodies victory. Following our success with the Eco Award from Boat International, we now find ourselves on the podium once more, courtesy of Yacht Style. It brings immense joy to see our dedication acknowledged. The Swan 88 strikes the ideal harmony between luxury, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Sailing aboard a Swan remains the pinnacle of experiences for avid mariners.”The Swan 88 represents a cornerstone in Nautor Swan's mission toward autonomous, eco-friendly cruising. Collaboratively developed with its initial owner, the yacht pioneers long-distance voyaging powered exclusively by wind energy, capable of generating electricity to sustain essential onboard systems while relying solely on batteries. This groundbreaking concept extends throughout the entire Swan fleet, ranging from the compact Swan 51 to expansive models surpassing 100 feet, underscoring the brand's steadfast commitment to sustainability.Bringing together over 300 esteemed guests, including prominent yacht owners and industry influencers, the Yacht Style Awards celebrated excellence in global yachting through 33 competitive categories. Judged by a distinguished panel of 20 experts, criteria encompassed innovation, craftsmanship, environmental stewardship, and exceptional owner satisfaction, with a particular emphasis on the vibrant Asian market. The awards were gracefully presented by Gael Burlot, CEO and Publisher of Yacht Style magazine.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
April 11, 2025
Sirena Superyachts has appointed Ocean Independence as the exclusive sales broker for its upcoming 42M and 118 models in Europe. These luxurious vessels, slated for launch in 2026, showcase the latest in design and engineering innovation from the esteemed Turkish shipbuilder.Sirena 11842M Model crafted by renowned designer Luca Vallebona for both exterior and interior layouts, alongside Hot Lab's sophisticated interior styling. Naval architecture provided by Van Oossanen ensures optimal performance and efficiency.118 Model features sleek exterior lines developed by Sirena's own design team, while Cor D. Rover lends his expertise to the interior. Naval architecture duties fall to German Frers, guaranteeing stability and comfort on the open seas.Sirena 42Cagin Genc, CEO of Sirena Superyachts, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to collaborate with Ocean Independence, a respected name in the industry. Their extensive network and reputation will provide excellent support for potential buyers across Europe.”Sirena 42Toby Maclaurin, Chief Commercial Officer at Ocean Independence, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Europe presents a wealth of opportunities for discerning clients seeking unparalleled craftsmanship and luxury. We look forward to introducing these extraordinary yachts to the market.”Sirena 42Construction of the flagship 42M model is already well underway, with the hull and superstructure successfully joined. This impressive vessel will offer lavish entertainment spaces, ample outdoor relaxation zones, and a striking master suite complete with a private terrace. Additionally, it features a spacious beach club with retractable bulwarks, enhancing its appeal for coastal cruising.Sirena 118The 118 model introduces a new composite line from Sirena, characterized by a waterline length exceeding 24 meters and a gross tonnage under 300GT. Its three-deck layout includes a versatile sundeck equipped with an optional circular pool and forward-facing lounges, complemented by a capacious beach club at the stern.Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credits: Sirena Yachts
April 11, 2025
On April 2nd and 3rd, Besenzoni welcomed members of the Italian Yacht Masters association for the third iteration of the Captains’ Experience.For the third consecutive year, Besenzoni opened its headquarters to host a select group of captains from the Italian Yacht Masters association, including Board Member Marco Nocenti. This initiative reaffirms the company’s commitment to fostering direct dialogue with nautical professionals, with the aim of continually improving the onboard experience.The meeting provided a valuable forum to discuss key topics concerning the evolution of the yachting sector. The presence of Architect Christian Grande and Professor Architect Filippo Rossi (CCO of Floating Life) added depth to the discussion, offering insights into the latest onboard requirements and emerging market trends. Their expertise helped to explore crucial aspects of design, functionality, and onboard comfort, which are increasingly important to yacht owners and their guests.As a leader in the nautical components industry, Besenzoni remains committed to investing in research and development, focusing on innovation and quality to meet the evolving needs of the market.The Italian Yacht Masters is an exclusive association of Italian superyacht captains, founded on principles of respect, integrity, competence, and professionalism. Its mission is to elevate the role of the captain and promote the tradition and excellence of Italian yachting worldwide.Credits: Besenzoni
April 11, 2025
Damen Yachting have received the prestigious Yacht Style Award 2025 for the Amels 80 in the Superyachts 60-80 meters category at the award ceremony held in Singapore. Presented during the SEA Yachting Conference and preceding the Singapore Yachting Festival, the awards recognized the finest accomplishments in the Asian superyacht industry.Accepting the award on behalf of Damen Yachting, Marketing Manager Sarah Flavell expressed the company’s delight: “We are thrilled to accept this award for the Amels 80 in the 60-80 meter category here in Singapore. This region has become increasingly significant for us in recent years, and it is gratifying to see Amels receiving such recognition here. Since introducing this new 80-meter Amels Limited Editions in 2022, we have been overwhelmed by the industry’s and our clients’ responses to this groundbreaking next-generation design. It has been an extraordinary journey.”The Amels 80 embodies a perfect blend of performance, sophistication, and enduring quality, crafted through a true collaboration between renowned designers and talented craftsmen. Originating from the visionary exterior lines of Espen Øino and the refined interiors of Sinot Yacht Architecture, the yacht also reflects the meticulous naval architecture of Damen Yachting. Built by skilled craftsmen at Damen’s Dutch shipyard, the Amels 80 exemplifies a harmonious fusion of heritage and progressive design.Scheduled for official launch in May and delivery to its Owner this summer, the Amels 80 boasts exceptional specifications: 80 meters in length, 12.5 meters in beam, 2,175 GT, a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, accommodations for 14 guests and 20 crew, and advanced naval architecture by Damen Yachting.Damen Yachting, the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group, is renowned for building and refitting the finest Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition superyachts, and Yacht Support vessels, enabling clients to experience the pinnacle of luxury and adventure. Supported by a team of approximately 500 yacht-building professionals and hundreds of specialist co-makers, Damen Yachting delivers on its promise of excellence with unrivaled know-how and a relentless commitment to innovation.Credits: Damen Yachting
April 10, 2025
M/Y Kasper 7, a 67-meter superyacht built by Benetti, has been honored with the Yacht Style Awards 2025 in the “60-70M” category for her design that fosters conviviality. Recognized for her exceptional style, Kasper 7 was specifically designed for an owner couple who envisioned their yacht as a floating home centered on social interaction.Hosted annually by Yacht Style concurrently with the Singapore Yachting Festival, the awards acknowledge the most outstanding yachts presented globally. This year’s selection, including M/Y Kasper 7, acknowledges her uniqueness and distinction. Immediately striking with her originality, Kasper 7 creates an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, drawing admiration from guests.Designed and built by Benetti, with exteriors by Cassetta Yacht Designers and interiors by the owner Nisrine Karagulla and her studio Ask Deco, Kasper 7 embodies a warm and relaxed ambiance, making guests feel at ease. The project seamlessly integrates design and engineering, crafting a singular on-board experience.Credits: Benetti
April 10, 2025