Earlier this year, Amels' latest flagship, Here Comes The Sun, was launched as part of the yard's Limited Edition series. A significant step forward for the Dutch shipyard, the superyacht also became the Russian owner's fourth vessel named after a Beatles' song.
In 2005, Heesen Yachts launched the third hull in their popular 3700 series which was named Let it Be after the famous Beatles song. With a length of 36.8 meters, the semi-displacement yacht boasted 5 cabins for 10 charter guests and could reach a maximum speed of 32 knots.
Just over a year later, the 47-meter Let it Be was launched by Heesen for the same owner which media publications have identified to be Alexander Dzhaparidze, the co-owner of the Eurasia Drilling Company with a net worth estimated at $1.16 billion by Forbes.
The yacht was later put up for sale in September 2009 at an asking price of €24,750,000 and was eventually sold in 2010. Designed by Omega, the superyacht could accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins and was the second hull in Heesen's 4700 semi-displacement series.
The third yacht delivered to Mr Dzhaparidze became the first Amels 212, Imagine. Delivered a month ahead of schedule in 2011, Imagine became the largest yacht in the shipyard's Limited Edition series designed by Tim Heywood. Amongst the 65.7-meter's key features were a spa pool with bar stools, two symmetrical VIP cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows located on the upper deck and a large garage that fit 2 tenders and four jet skis.
The yacht was eventually put up for sale at an asking price of €69,950,000 in July 2015. Managed by Fraser Yachts, Imagine was also the most expensive charter vessel in their central agency fleet, being available from €530,000 per week. The yacht was eventually sold in 2016 and was renamed to Infinite Shades.
The owner's latest flagship was launched earlier this year in June. Here Comes The Sun boasts an exterior design by Tim Heywood and an interior by Winch Design with a gross tonnage of 2,827gt. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines of 3,150hp each, the superyacht will be able to reach a maximum speed of 17 knots.
Here Comes The Sun has completed her first sea trials in August and is scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.
Damen Yachting has successfully relaunched the refurbished superyacht Albatross, formerly a 72.2-meter Delta Marine vessel, following a comprehensive 26-month refit and transformation. The relaunch took place in Vlissingen, marking the culmination of an extensive express refit executed by Damen Yachting, renowned for its expertise in both refits and new builds.Albatross underwent a remarkable transformation, with significant alterations to its exterior and interior. The project extended the yacht’s original length by seven meters, reconfiguring fundamental structural components. Notable additions include a Beach Club with a wellness center, a large exterior pool, and a Winter Garden, alongside expanded exterior seating areas. Despite the complexity of these modifications, the refit maintained essential characteristics of the original vessel while addressing the owners' specific desires.Michel Coens, Head of Refit & Services at Damen Yachting, praised the collaborative effort behind the project, noting the intricate engineering adjustments needed to ensure the yacht’s stability and performance. Challenges such as lifting exhaust systems and redesigning various systems were overcome through the collective expertise of Damen Yachting’s engineering and design teams.Captain Nathan Milicich highlighted the owners’ enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the seamless integration of tradition and innovation throughout the refit process. The relaunch signals the yacht’s readiness for future adventures, fulfilling the owners’ aspirations for a vessel that meets the highest standards of safety, beauty, and functionality.Albatross now measures 79.2 meters, with a gross tonnage of 2149 GT, and is designed to accommodate 12 guests, accompanied by 2 staff and 18 crew members, including the captain. The interior and exterior design work was executed by Harrison Eidsgaard, contributing to the yacht’s renewed elegance and functionality. Naval architecture was overseen by Damen Yachting, ensuring the integrity of the refit.This milestone illustrates Damen Yachting’s ability to breathe new life into existing vessels, combining technical mastery with creative vision to exceed owners’ expectations.Credits: Damen Yachting
March 7, 2025
Italian shipyard Maiora, part of the Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the first model in its new M line, the Maiora M|36. Measuring 37 meters in length, the M|36 features a composite hull and superstructure spread across three decks.Designed in collaboration with Italian studio Quartostile, known for its work on the Maiora 36 Exuma, the M|36 sports a sleek, sporty profile characterized by an "interplay of light and shadow," with contrasting hull tones, dark glazing, and warm teak accents. The exterior design combines aesthetic appeal with functionality, expressing a holistic approach to design informed by engineering principles.Interior design for the M|36 is credited to Italian studio Acube Design in conjunction with Maiora's in-house Centro Stile, which previously worked on the Maiora 36 Exuma. Natural materials dominate the layout, promoting comfort, practicality, and wellness, while flowing forms and continuous surfaces foster a serene atmosphere.The M|36 accommodates up to 12 guests in five cabins, including an owner’s suite spanning the yacht’s width on the main deck. Below deck, four additional guest suites are complemented by quarters for a crew of five. The design integrates an open connection between interior and exterior spaces, enhanced by features such as a full-beam bow and retractable side windows in the salon.Configurable areas on the upper deck include a lounge, dining area, bar, and sunbathing spaces tailored to owner preferences. The aft section offers versatility, with fold-down bulwarks and a convertible pool.Two propulsion options are offered: twin MAN V12-2200 engines for a top speed of 24 knots, or twin MTU 16V2000 M96L engines, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 knots. Construction of the first M|36 unit is underway at Maiora's facility in Viareggio, Italy, with plans for a summer 2026 launch.Credits: Maiora
March 7, 2025
Tankoa Yachts revealed the world premiere of the 45-meter M/Y Go, the inaugural vessel of its new T450 series, at the Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 19th to 23rd, 2025.Constructed with a sturdy blend of steel and aluminum, the T450 embodies Tankoa’s enduring design philosophy while introducing fresh vertical elements and sleek horizontal lines, resulting in a striking and modern profile. Developed by Cassetta - Yacht Design & Architecture, the M/Y Go exemplifies the shipyard’s commitment to quality and aesthetics.The M/Y Go was commissioned by an American client through the Italian Yacht Group of Fort Lauderdale, who sought an enhancement in the original gross tonnage from 430GT to 450GT, thereby optimizing interior volume. Claudio Corvino, Sales & Business Development Manager for the Americas and Asia-Pacific, described the T450 as a versatile platform ideal for semi-custom builds, balancing generous dimensions with sleek, elegant lines.Highlights of the M/Y Go include a main saloon designed for comfort and relaxation, offering breathtaking 270-degree water views. The owner’s suite, situated forward on the main deck, provides a tranquil and calming escape, while the lower deck features five lavish guest suites to accommodate visitors. Abundant natural lighting fills the interior, accentuating the spaciousness of each area. The beach club boasts expansive opening side platforms and a sliding sunpad that covers the pool during navigation, enhancing convenience and flexibility.This debut underscores Tankoa’s ability to deliver exquisite craftsmanship and innovation, regardless of vessel size, demonstrating the brand’s capacity to meet diverse client needs across various segments of the luxury yacht market.Credits: Tankoa Yachts
March 7, 2025
Pearl Yachts is set to participate in the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, taking place from March 19th to 23rd, as part of its ongoing global expansion efforts. The show serves as a premier platform for the British boutique yacht builder to showcase its celebrated range to the American market.Together with East Coast dealer Atlantic Yacht and Ship, Pearl Yachts will exhibit a selection of its award-winning models, including the Pearl 95, Pearl 72, and Pearl 62. These yachts epitomize the brand's hallmark blend of innovation, performance, and contemporary British luxury.Established as a leader in the luxury yacht market, Pearl Yachts distinguishes itself through its boutique approach, crafting a limited number of yachts annually to ensure superior quality and exclusivity. Collaborations with Dixon Yacht Design and Kelly Hoppen interiors have shaped a fleet recognized for its elegant styling, spacious layouts, and refined finishes.Over the past year, Pearl Yachts has garnered numerous industry accolades, affirming its status as a top-tier manufacturer of luxury yachts. Iain Smallridge, Managing Director, stated that the Palm Beach event is crucial for connecting with discerning clients who appreciate the brand's craftsmanship and personal touch.Credits: Pearl Yachts
March 6, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa’s refit division has experienced a significant surge in orders, with intense activity reported across over 30 boats currently in progress. The division has witnessed a fivefold increase in sales in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting heightened demand for refitting services.Among the notable projects underway are three superyachts built by esteemed manufacturers: a 50-metre Benetti, a 41-metre Feadship, and a 43-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht, all nearing completion. Additionally, Cantieri di Pisa has secured orders for three larger superyachts, each measuring 50, 41, and 43 meters, respectively, which are slated for imminent handover to their owners following extensive refit and renewal work.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, expressed satisfaction with the division’s achievements, emphasizing increased sales and expanded facilities. The refit division’s workspace now spans 24,000 square meters, employing approximately 20 internal staff members, with another 10 specialists soon joining the team. Projects typically involve a workforce ranging from 200 to 300 individuals along the supply chain.The division benefits from its proprietary equipment, including a 300-tonne trolley and travel lift, as well as expertise in materials such as carbon fiber, fibreglass, steel, and aluminium, utilizing advanced techniques like 45-degree welding prevalent in Northern Europe. Strong collaboration with the Research & Development department and close interaction with yachts’ captains underscore the division’s commitment to precision and customer satisfaction.Umberto Nannola, Refit Manager at Cantieri di Pisa, highlighted the division’s adherence to pricing agreements despite challenges posed by lengthy projects, attributed to the yard’s reputation for efficiency and organizational harmony. Notably, a Perini Navi sailing yacht traveled from Monaco to Pisa for refit work, illustrating the trust placed in Cantieri di Pisa by international clients.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
March 6, 2025