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.
Feadship has delivered the 71.76-meter superyacht Stella M to her owner on 5 August 2025. Built at the Dutch yard and designed by Studio De Voogt, the vessel features five decks and a layout intended for multi-generational use.The yacht is equipped with a next-generation diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to reduce noise and vibration while supporting cleaner cruising. According to Feadship, sea trials confirmed notably low noise and vibration levels.The project was carried out in collaboration with Burgess, representing the owner throughout the build, and Hugo-Morgan Harris acting as technical representative.“Every detail was shaped by a shared ambition to create something exceptional,” said Maarten Janssen, Feadship Sales Director. “Her advanced diesel-electric propulsion system has resulted in remarkably low noise and vibration levels.”Burgess Senior Partner Richard Lambert commented: “Her Dutch pedigree coupled with complete collaboration between all parties resulted in a vessel that meets the owner’s forward-thinking vision.”Stella M is set to begin her first Mediterranean season following delivery.Credits: Feadship
August 11, 2025
Oceanco has launched the 111-meter diesel-electric yacht Leviathan, previously known as Project Y722, at its facility in the Netherlands. The vessel features naval architecture by Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architects, exterior design by Oceanco, and interiors by Mark Berryman Design.Commissioned by an experienced owner, Leviathan was developed with a focus on operational efficiency and crew wellbeing. According to Oceanco, crew members were involved in the design process to provide practical input. The yacht incorporates durable, low-maintenance materials such as honed stone, natural wool carpets, composite capping rails and decks, and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads, replacing more maintenance-intensive elements like teak decks and polished wooden handrails. These choices are intended to reduce routine upkeep and allow crew to focus on guest services and operational tasks.The project involved collaboration between the owner, technical representatives from YTMC, and management company Y.CO. More than 2,000 people contributed to the build, and their names are engraved on a glass panel in the main staircase.Leviathan is designed to accommodate a variety of uses, including hospitality and scientific work. She has a beam of 17.8 metres and is scheduled to begin sea trials in the coming weeks. Further details on her capabilities are expected to be released later.Credits: Oceanico
August 11, 2025
Search operations are ongoing for Mazu Yachts co-founder Halit Yukay following a collision between his yacht and a cargo vessel in the Sea of Marmara.Yukay, 43, was travelling from Yalova to the Greek island of Mykonos when the incident occurred. His family reported him missing on Monday, 4 August. The wreckage of his yacht, Graywolf, was later found off the coast of Marmara Island. Rescue teams, including divers, have been working in the area since, but no trace of Yukay has yet been found."The privacy of Mr. Yukay’s family and Mazu Yachts’ team members remains a priority during this time," the company said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for the thoughts, prayers, and support extended to us. Verified updates will be shared through our official channels as they become available."Yukay co-founded Mazu Yachts in 2011, initially focusing on chase boats before expanding into the semi-custom yacht sector. The yard’s portfolio includes models such as the 24.9-metre Mazu 82 and the 40.2-metre flagship 132 DS. Its 28.5-metre Waterlily was a finalist at the 2024 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards."Halit is a friend and a constant source of inspiration and bold ideas," said Nicola Pomi, head of Volvo Penta’s yacht division. "Today, while we hope and wait, we hold on to his spirit. We are closely following the ongoing search and rescue efforts, and our thoughts are with Halit, his family, and the Mazu team."Credits: Coast Guard Command (Turkey)
August 11, 2025
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.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: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.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
August 7, 2025