Latent demand for even larger Sunseeker yachts is driving force behind the brand’s move into metal-built vessels. In a truly momentous step, Sunseeker International has announced plans to move into the world of metal-built yachts as it looks to capitalise on its success in the superyacht market and the demand it sees from owners for even larger Sunseeker vessels. This exciting development will see the British brand partner with renowned Dutch builders, ICON Yachts, to produce a new 49-metre yacht, the first of which will launch in 2021.
This new venture moves the brand into a completely different method of build for the first time in its 50-year history, but the idea behind this move is certainly not a recent one as Sunseeker International Sales Director, Sean Robertson explains: “We have wanted to build larger vessels for some time; we know there is demand there for larger Sunseeker yachts as the 155 Yacht proved. The decision to stop building that model was a commercial one based on space and capacity and certainly not due to lack of demand, so we knew we needed to rethink our approach to this size of vessel and have spent considerable time looking at various opportunities.
“A move into metal also means there is no ceiling as to how big we can go in the future, but obviously this requires different expertise and so it was essential to find the right partner to support the project. Finding experience and expertise in metal build was not the issue. Finding a yard that shared the same progressive, innovative spirit to create something truly special and, most importantly, one which will provide us with the flexibility to build a true Sunseeker was the challenge. We have certainly found all of that with ICON.”
ICON Yachts was founded in late 2005 by Ton Van Dam and a group of investors. The founders were then joined by business partners, including the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, Jen Wartena. Rather than building unique, one-off custom superyachts that would require three or more years to design and construct, ICON Yachts developed a groundbreaking ‘blueprint’ hull which allows owners to fully customise their yachts from the waterline up. ICON has more than delivered on this concept, producing several superyachts to date within exceptionally short build times, and in the two-year range. In addition, ICON is dedicated to maintaining one of the greenest shipyards in the yachting industry, outfitting each yacht it builds with equipment to help reduce her environmental impact.
Jen Wartena, CEO of ICON Yachts, comments: “There is a great synergy between ICON and Sunseeker because we are combining both of our strengths; our capacity and metal yacht building capabilities with Sunseeker’s sales expertise and marketing power. I am confident about the partnership because for the past few years there has been a high demand for Dutch pedigree yachts in this size range. We believe the Sunseeker by ICON will revolutionise the industry in a positive way. It is an exciting period for ICON Yachts and this new partnership with Sunseeker is part of our ongoing growth strategy where we are investing heavily in facilities and people to improve our capability and capacity.”
The new yacht will be built in the ICON yard in the Netherlands using a proven fast displacement hull design, but the naval architecture, design and engineering will be unmistakably Sunseeker.
Sean Robertson explains: “This will certainly not be a badge engineering exercise. We are an established superyacht brand in our own right and so we are merely combining the metal build expertise of ICON with our design DNA, technical expertise and market know-how. She will absolutely be a Sunseeker.”
Sunseeker’s first foray into the superyacht market came with the introduction of the now iconic 105 Yacht in 2001. Since then, Britain’s biggest boat builder has seen unprecedented growth in the sector, delivering more than 125 yachts over 100 feet and firmly placing the Poole-based builder in the top three superyacht builders in the world. This new partnership with ICON is the next stage in that remarkable growth story and will be marketed and sold by Sunseeker under the “Sunseeker by ICON” nomenclature.
The new 49m tri-deck yacht follows the iconic Sunseeker exterior lines and offers exceptional space and volume, with an interior that can be styled to each owner’s unique taste via Sunseeker’s ‘Bespoke’ service. The theme throughout is one of space and flexibility, maximising volume and providing compelling features to enhance enjoyment on board. Many of these features are usually only associated with much larger craft including the plunge pool on the main deck and the exceptional beach club with drop down bulwarks and transom to create an incredible space for relaxing or entertaining close to the water. Standard guest configuration is for 10 guests in five cabins, with scope for up to 12 to be accommodated depending upon layout chosen.
Hull #1 is due for launch in Spring 2021.
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025
Feadship has confirmed the sale of Project 717 through its dedicated resale division. The 49.5-meter yacht was sold to an existing Feadship owner, with Feadship Resale representing the buyer and Edmiston acting as the seller's representative.The yacht features an angular exterior design by Studio De Voogt and contemporary interior spaces. Accommodation includes five staterooms for ten guests, with a full-beam owner's suite featuring panoramic views and a private study.Outdoor amenities include a glass-fronted hot tub, fold-down bulwarks that expand the beach club area, and a sundeck equipped with a bar and barbecue facilities.This transaction represents the third sale completed by Feadship Resale since its establishment, following previous sales of yachts named ONE and Savannah. Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
September 22, 2025
A comprehensive study profiling Italian recreational boat owners was presented on September 18 at the Genoa International Boat Show. Conducted by the Italian Marine Industry Association's National Nautical Observatory, the research analyzed demographic patterns, boat characteristics, and regional distribution trends among Italy's boating population. Roberto Neglia, Head of Institutional Relations at the association, presented the findings.The study revealed that 80% of Italian boat owners are over 50 years old, with the largest concentration (45%) in the 60-75 age bracket. Only 4% of owners are between 30-39 years old. Women represent 13% of boat owners, a minority but growing segment that tends to be younger than male owners, with approximately 15% of female owners in the 40-49 age range.Geographical distribution shows relatively balanced representation across regions: North-East (25%), Central Italy (24%), North-West (21%), South (20%), and Italian islands (10%). The analysis identified Rome, Milan, and Naples as the top three municipalities for boat ownership, accounting for approximately one-third of all owners. Southern Italy shows the highest proportion of young boat owners under 40, particularly in the 30-39 age bracket, representing over 25% of the national total for that demographic.The typical Italian boat owner possesses a 10-12 meter vessel with inboard propulsion, built between 2000 and 2009. Regarding propulsion types, 73% of boats use inboard engines, with motorboats being more popular in Southern Italy (73%) and the islands (61%), while sailing vessels gain more market share in Northern and Central regions (48-55%). The most common power category is 251-999 HP (35% of units), followed by 40-115 HP (22%).The study noted significant generational differences in boat preferences. Motor propulsion shows strongest concentration among 60-75-year-olds, while sailboats attract more diversified age groups. Owners of vessels over 24 meters have an average age exceeding 68 years, while owners of registered boats under 10 meters average approximately 58 years.The research also analyzed registration trends, noting that only 2% of registered boat owners are foreign residents. Since 2015, the industry has seen a sharp reduction in new registrations despite sector turnover growth. While the industry reached a record turnover of €8.6 billion in 2024, annual registrations remain significantly below peak levels of 2006, when over 800 new units were registered yearly.The study contrasted boat owner demographics with show visitor demographics, noting that Boat Show attendees average 50 years old, with the 55-64 age bracket representing 34% of visitors and 25-44 year-olds comprising 22%.The analysis of mooring patterns revealed pressure throughout Central and Northern Italy and the Naples province, while Southern regions show deficits in transit mooring availability. Approximately 35% of pleasure boats were built before 2000, with less than 10% constructed after 2020.The research provides data for public and private sector planning regarding infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and policy decisions affecting Italy's marine industry.Credits: Genoa International Boat Show
September 21, 2025
The Invictus TT550, a 16.87-meter yacht built by Cantieri Aschenez, made its first public appearance at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival followed by exhibition at the Genoa International Boat Show. With a beam of 5.04 meters, the model represents the flagship of the Invictus TT series.The yacht incorporates structural fiberglass tanks integrated into the hull construction, which the shipyard states enhances rigidity and weight distribution. The hull utilizes PET thermoplastic resin, a recyclable material that reduces overall weight. The exterior design includes folding side terraces, a semi-reverse bow, and an extended swim platform.Outdoor areas feature a carbon fiber hardtop covering the dinette and galley area, deep side bulwarks, and a forward lounge shaded by a carbon fiber canopy. The aft section contains a sunpad and sofa with foldable backrest that extends the sunbathing area. A garage provides storage without occupying primary lounge spaces.Rosario Alcaro, General Manager of Invictus Yacht, stated: "The enthusiastic response we have received in Cannes and now in Genoa, from both our dealer network and the public, confirms that we are on the right track. The TT550 is truly one-of-a-kind in terms of design, innovation and performance. Our goal is to keep evolving, to ensure our yachts are never static projects, but always forward-looking, always seeking solutions that enhance both product quality and onboard lifestyle."Below deck, interior layouts offer flexibility with two cabins (Master and VIP) that can be positioned either forward or amidships, accompanied by two bathrooms. Options include a third cabin, central galley, or crew cabin for extended voyages. The interior design was developed by Christian Grande.Customization options include an expanded color palette with new Stone White and Deep Groove exterior tones, paired with Cloudy, Sandy or Woody upholstery shades. The shipyard utilizes water-resistant upholstery textiles developed through cross-industry research. The Atelier Invictus program provides modular layout options and bespoke finishes.Propulsion comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS950 units, providing what the shipyard describes as a balance between sport performance and cruising comfort. The design emphasizes open-air living spaces and connection with the marine environment through multiple outdoor social areas.The Italian shipbuilder produced open type boats with multiple vocations. The debut production will include two ranges of leisure boats, corresponding with two types of propulsion: inboard-outboard for the “GT” series, more tending to leisure and sailing, and outboard for the “FX”, more technical and sporty. Credits: Invictus Yacht
September 19, 2025