In June 2015 it was announced that yet another superyacht with a name inspired by a James Bond movie would be built, the 66-meter Spectre. The order for the vessel was placed by American businessman, John Staluppi as the owner's 7th yacht.
Moving up from an 18-meter Viking boat, Staluppi commissioned the 36-meter For Your Eyes Only from Denison as his first yacht. The semi-displacement yacht was eventually launched in 1985 and became the first motor yacht to have a combination of MTU engines with water-jets in the US, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 30 knots.
In the late eighties, For Your Eyes Only hit a sandbar which led to her taking in water from a crack in the engine room. The yacht was eventually salvaged, refitted and renamed with some speculating that the following alleged legal actions, combined with the sinking of two other Denisons within a short amount of time, led to the bankruptcy of the US shipyard.
In 1988, Octopussy was launched as Staluppi's second yacht in a successful attempt to build the fastest yacht in the world. A defining moment for Heesen Yachts, Octopussy had to reach 50 knots in order for Staluppi to take ownership of the boat, which it ultimately did, reaching a top speed of 53 knots. Staluppi eventually sold the 44-meter yacht after having used her for close to a year in and a half, which allowed him to start working on his next project, Moonraker.
By the time Octopussy was sold, HH the Aga Khan, was building a yacht to overtake the crown of the world's fastest yacht. Staluppi therefore set out to build an even faster one and the 36-meter Moonraker was eventually delivered in 1992 by Norship with a design done by Dutch-based Mulder.
In 1998, Staluppi set up his own business in yachting, Millenium Superyachts that was to handle his project in the superyacht industry. In 2004, the newly created label delivered The World Is Not Enough, a 40-meter yacht with 20,600hp that could reach a top speed of 70 knots but couldn't steer past 66 knots according to the owner.
In October 2007, Staluppi acquired a project in-build from Henry Luken, co-owner of Christensen Shipyards. In 2008, the 49.6-meter Casino Royale which can cruise at a more regular speed of 12 knots, was delivered to her new owner. Built out of composite, the full displacement yacht came in at just under 500GT. It was later listed for sale in December 2008 and sold in April 2009 to Californian businessman, David McDonald.
In July 2009, Staluppi acquired Midlandia, a 52-meter Benetti with an asking price of €19,950,000, which he renamed to Quantum of Solace and extensively refitted. In August 2009, he listed the boat for sale again at an asking price of $24,995,000 and eventually sold it, two years later, in July 2011.
In November 2011, Diamonds are Forever was launched for Staluppi who had acquired the yacht whilst in-built, 18 months prior to its delivery. Throughout the construction project, Staluppi made several substantial improvements including the addition of an extra top deck.
Originally intended to be chartered out by its owners, Diamonds are Forever was listed for sale in August 2012, asking $63 million. In October 2012, her asking price was reduced to $59.5 million and she was eventually sold in December 2013.
Commissioned in July 2015, Spectre will become Staluppi's seventh superyacht named after a James Bond film and will also be designed by Mulder.
Camper & Nicholsons announced that the 31.1.m Taiji was added to its Central Agency sales fleet, with the yacht being represented by sales advisor Maël Fiolet.Taiji was launched as Sanlorenzo SL102A in 2021 and presented for sale in as-new condition. She was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and has been equipped with many additional options, giving this yacht an incredibly high specification and enormous appeal.Benefiting from the advantages of Sanlorenzo's innovative Asymmetric design, the 31.1-meter Taiji showcases a plethora of cutting-edge features that set her apart. From an expanded main deck interior to a captivating fold-down terrace on the starboard side of the main saloon, this yacht exudes both elegance and functionality.Gracing the main deck, the master suite epitomizes luxury with its carefully curated elements. Adorned with an opening window on the port side, a walk-in wardrobe, an ensuite bathroom, and a private terrace on the foredeck. The lower deck houses four guest cabins, including two VIP doubles, one double, and one twin.Taiji's interior ambiance is characterized by a chic and contemporary style, featuring brushed oak panels, natural hues, and subtle accents of light pastel blue. Luxurious Santushi carpets grace the cabin floors, while Silk Georgette marble adds a touch of sophistication to the bathrooms.The sundeck offers an array of delightful amenities. Here, guests can indulge in the well-appointed bar, savor al fresco dining experiences, and bask in the sun on comfortable loungers. The retractable center panel of the hard top allows for customizable sun exposure, while an optional awning provides shade for the aft section of the sundeck.At the aft, Taiji showcases a hydraulic platform, providing easy access to the tender garage and water toy storage. Furthermore, she comes equipped with low engine hours and at-anchor stabilizers, ensuring optimal comfort and stability. Taiji has a top speed of 27 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots.Taiji is asking EUR10,500,000. Credits: Camper & Nicholson
June 5, 2023
Marco Casali and Umberto Tagliavini have created a new version of the best selling Gozzo 35 for year-round navigation, in all weather conditions and for several days at a time when desired, as well as in northern Europe waters, the great lakes of North America and Turkey. Elegant and impactful, the deckhouse bathes the entire cockpit in a profound sense of protection: the volume of the structure is made to look lighter by the extensive perimeter glazing, which floods the lounge with light and offers guests a spectacular 360-degree view of the horizon. The interiors and exteriors united through a four-section plate glass door. Its functions are twofold: to create a single space connecting the indoor and outdoor settings or, when closed, to protect guests from excessive heat or bad weather. Here is the helm station and a functional galley behind it with a sink and hob, there is also an L-shaped dinette.The new Cabin version is also characterized by the care lavished on onboard comfort: the very generous stern platform, an extensive sun pad forward with panoramic seating, the pull-out L-shaped table seating six in the cockpit and the wide side decks. The high bulwarks have also made it possible to raise the deck and therefore increase the volume of the interiors, without compromising the boat’s lines. As a result, the height of the gunwale is 20 cm lower and a rail has been added to maintain the boat’s lateral flow, but also and most importantly for reasons of safety, given this new model’s exceptional cruising capabilities. Below the deck guests can find the layout with two cabins and a bathroom. While the forward area remains basically the same, the new layout brings benefits for the bathroom and shower, which now offer more surface area. The guest cabin amidships also gains in terms of width, with room for a bed that is 140 cm wide at head level.In terms of propulsion, the boat offers the practicality and reliability of a traditional in-line shaft arrangement with two Volvo Penta D4 270 engines, but there is also the option of twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI stern drives.The first Gozzo 35 Cabin will be presented to the public in the early months of 2024.The history of the shipyard starts in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started to handbuild rowing and sailing boats used for fishing in Sorrento, basing his craft on the shape and form of the traditional “gozzo sorrentino”. Now the shipyard range includes the Apreamare and Maestro yachts.Credits: Apreamare
June 5, 2023
Omega Architects has lately unveiled its concept, the impressive 83.5-meter superyacht named Seasar. Designed by studio founder Frank Laupman, Seasar represents a "rational" evolution of Omega Architects' integrated hull-and-body design philosophy, seamlessly blending the two components for a visually cohesive superyacht.Crafted from a combination of steel and aluminum, Seasar features a masculine exterior characterized by a graceful arch that breaks up the horizontal lines and creates a captivating transition to the aft exterior spaces. The yacht boasts six decks, each thoughtfully designed to serve different purposes, enhancing privacy and ensuring a logical flow throughout the vessel. The lower deck is dedicated to the crew, while the main deck caters to guests and tender storage. The owner's deck offers exclusive accommodations, and the wheelhouse deck is focused on yacht handling and management. Finally, the observation deck provides unrivaled panoramic views from an elevated vantage point.Accommodating up to 14 guests, Seasar features five double cabins and a luxurious owner's suite. The owner's deck incorporates a unique glass window that maximizes interior freedom. It is equipped with a built-in heat barrier, ensuring a cool and comfortable atmosphere. Among its notable features, Seasar showcases a spacious swimming pool on the upper deck, offering enhanced privacy while in port, and an elevated beach-club style lounge area on the main deck, providing a delightful space for relaxation.With a gross tonnage of 2,000GT, Seasar offers the flexibility to be powered by fuel-cell or biofuel generators, allowing for a quieter and more environmentally friendly cruising experience. The yacht is optimized for exploration, featuring 150 sqm of toy storage to accommodate four Jet-Skis, a 9.6-meter limo tender, a five-meter rescue tender, and a submarine. The helideck is strategically designed without interior spaces below, providing a dedicated area for helicopter operations and seamless reception for arriving guests.Technically, Seasar boasts a moderate 3.2-meter draft and an impressive transpacific range of 5,000 nautical miles. The yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 18 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 16 knots. Laupman emphasizes that the welding of Seasar's steel structure will be executed with meticulous precision, requiring minimal fairing while maintaining the impeccable finish expected of a superyacht.Credits: Omega Architects
June 5, 2023
The iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon has been revitalized through an extensive refit. This 88-meter superyacht, commissioned by Tom Perkins and built in 2006 by renowned Perini Navi, with naval architecture by Gerard Dijkstra and interior design by Ken Freivokh, has undergone an impressive transformation at Lusben Shipyard. The meticulous refit, involving over 80 dedicated professionals collaborating seamlessly with the yacht's crew, spanned more than six months.“It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock. We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings. It was an honor for all of us to be able to carry out this modernisation work on such an iconic boat, one that has made international yachting history,” said Gianni Paladino, Lusben Commercial Director.Lusben successfully transformed the owner's vision into reality by orchestrating a range of aesthetic and functional enhancements. One of the most challenging tasks was the meticulous repainting of the entire hull, restoring the distinctive 'Perini Blue' color to its former glory.Following the hull's transformation, Lusben's expert teams meticulously carried out maintenance work on the yacht's intricate onboard systems, including generators, main engines, and propellers. Notably, the mast handling system received careful attention and a delicate overhaul.Embracing the growing significance of sustainability in the boating industry, Lusben prioritized eco-conscious upgrades during the refit process. The generators were replaced with superior-class units that boast enhanced efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, the main engine mufflers were exchanged, resulting in considerable environmental benefits and reduced noise levels for the comfort of guests. The propellers were inspected, with the shafts, blades, and bearings disassembled and serviced to optimize fuel efficiency for years to come, reflecting the collaborative efforts between Lusben, the captain, and the crew.The most vital and delicate system of the Maltese Falcon, its sail rig, underwent extensive work to ensure optimal performance. Developed by UK-based Insensys, the pioneering Dynarig system features three rotating carbon fiber masts capable of deploying an impressive 2,396 sqm of sail. This remarkable rig allows the yacht to reach top speeds of 25 knots with a displacement of 1,240 tonnes. During the refit, the teak deck was replaced, and the interiors were refurbished, with a particular focus on the cabins and bathrooms to enhance comfort and provide a more welcoming night area. The galley was also fully appointed to meet the highest standards. Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, resulting in substantial energy savings. Routine maintenance, including hull cleaning and valve overhauls, was also diligently executed as part of the commission.The yacht now returns to its captain and crew as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability in the yachting industry. “It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone, because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team. The Maltese Falcon can now return to the sea in all her splendor, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences,” said Pierfrancesco Cafaro, captain of Maltese Falcon.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben
June 2, 2023
Van der Valk Shipyard has announced the commissioning of two new superyacht projects: Project 111.11 and Project Samba. These vessels, based on the proven hull design of Lady Lene, will embody the vision and preferences of their respective owners, with every detail meticulously tailored to their desires.35m Project SambaThe 34-meter Project 111.11 and the 35-meter Project Samba will feature distinct exterior profiles, expertly crafted by the esteemed designer Guido de Groot. Guido de Groot will also lend his creative touch to the interior of Project Samba, while the interior design of Project 111.11 will be skillfully executed by Carla Guilhem. The clients for Project Samba were introduced to Van der Valk by Will Noftsinger from Denison Yachting.34m Project 111.11Both yachts have been ordered by experienced owners. Project 111.11 will be full displacement with twin Volvo Penta 750 hp continuous duty engines and a top speed of 14.4 knots. In contrast, Project Samba’s fast displacement hull and twin MAN 1450 hp diesels will ensure top speeds around the 17-knot mark.Project 111.11Project 111.11 will have the sky lounge with an asymmetrical semi-full-beam layout in order to stay under 300 GT volume. This allows the vessel to be built under full commercial charter class without requiring a rescue tender/davit and also gives a sidewalk from bridge to aft deck to avoid crew having to go through the lounge. The full beam master suite will have a large walk-in wardrobe aft that includes a chute which leads directly to the laundry station on the lower deck. The lower deck has a very large washer/drier capacity and a walk through from the laundry into the guest corridor, requiring a watertight bulkhead door for damage stability reasons.Project SambaProject Samba will have a large aft deck that includes a relaxation lounge zone featuring an aft-facing sofa and a formal dining table for alfresco lunches and dinners. The lower deck will feature a beach club with a chill-out area, sauna, day head and lots of washer/drier capacity for towels. Extra space will become available in the garage once the William Sportjet 395 tender is launched. Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
June 2, 2023