Launched in 2015 by Feadship in the Netherlands, the 83.5-meter Savannah became a landmark project for her shipyard, becoming one of the first true representations of a hybrid superyacht. With features such as an underwater observation room and a 9-meter swimming pool, the yacht was recently made available for charter from €1 million per week.
Built as a separate room, adjacent to the entrance to the master stateroom, the owner's study features floor-to-ceiling windows, not unlike other areas on Savannah, as well as a fully-stocked library and lounging area.
Built for Swedish billionaire, Lukas Lundin, according to the New York Times, Savannah boasts the first hybrid propulsion system implemented on a yacht of this size.
Built under the codename Monkey Business, Savannah stretches across a beam of 12.5 meters, the widest possible measurement that allowed her to cruise out of the shipyard and into the sea through Dutch canals. Straying away from classical Feadship lines, Savannah's rounded shapes were drawn by CG Design, the second superyacht the French studio ever designed.
Having designed the interior of Lundin's previous yacht, a 49-meter Christensen named Odessa, the French studio aimed to look at yacht design in a different way. The result was the creation of spaces such as the underwater observation lounge, a secret room in the bow and a customized interior layout.
"It is not the individual technologies used on Savannah that are new in the yachting world - it is the way they have been combined." detailed the owner's project manager, Ted McCumber at the time of her delivery.
Prior to Savannah, hybrid superyachts had long been an ambition for various shipyards but the yet unproven technology was failing to attract enough attention from clients to warrant them venturing into nine-figure yacht construction projects on a dream.
This all changed in 2011 when Lundin placed an order with Feadship to build the 83.5-meter Savannah. Initially skeptical to implementing the propulsion technology that would set Savannah apart, Lundin reportedly had his engineer ride several passenger ships in Japan where a similar technology had been installed to test it out on the seas.
Featuring five different operating modes, from diesel to fully electric, Savannah features a 30-tons lithium battery bank capable of holding up to 1 million watts of electricity. Using best of both worlds, Savannah can reach a cruising speed of 18 knots in diesel-electric mode.
Savannah's main salon is purposely located on the same level as her 9-meter swimming pool, to create a gigantic open space on the main deck. Should guests open the weathertight doors, which get stacked invisibly on the side, a virtually natural transition between the indoor salon and the outdoor swimming pool takes place.
Low lounging furniture located all around the swimming pool create an ideal location for sunbathing, whilst at the same time letting guests experience an untampered view all around from the mosaic swimming pool. Railings have also been built in such a manner to keep an open view.
Inside the main deck, the circular layout theme continues with round shapes found in a variety of places. From the light spread on the ceiling to the concealed staircase on the side to the shapes of the carpets and furniture, the circular theme spreads throughout the main deck lounge.
Another noticeable detail is that instead of cutting through rooms in a straight line, corridors flow throughout the layout of the yacht in curves, mimicking the shape of a wave and the sea as they spread through the 83.5-meter yacht.
"When we were in design meetings, [the designer] would turn to me and ask if there was a 'nautical reason' for things - straight hallways and square rooms for example. If we'd say no, she'd say: 'Good, let's do it a different way.' There was not one detail she would not spend days going over to make sure Savannah was perfect. She really pushed the yard with her design to build the best possible yacht for the owner" McCumber explained to BI.
In between the main salon and the upper deck lounge are two tall, video screens built into the wall that feature abstract video art that spreads across the decks. "It was hard work designing and implementing" Gherardi, the designer, explained BI "but it was worth the effort. It creates movement, a view in a space which is normally stale".
The lighting installed onboard the 83.5m Savannah is amongst one of the most complex ever built on a yacht of this size. Developed by Milan's Metis Lighting, some elements of Savannah's lighting scheme feature up to 10 different colors, lenses and positions. The yacht's exterior strip lighting was on the other hand developed by Total Looks. Although the yacht is very bright by day, at night she takes on an almost mysterious look thanks to her lighting choices.
Past the tall video screens is located the yacht's main dining table, capable of comfortably accommodating all 12 of Savannah's guests. The same outdoor to indoor transition that guests would see on the main deck can also be spotted on the upper deck, as seemingly endless windows can be stacked away to open the area completely onto the outside lounge, perfectly suited for cocktails.
Forward on the upper deck is the owner's stateroom. Offering an unparalleled, 180-degree view as the yacht cruises forward, the master stateroom basically translates to an owner's deck, complete with a study and lounge. To offer even more light, a glass feature was installed into the suite's ceiling.
Up on the third deck starts a transition to a wellness area with a well-equipped gym located aft of the deck with the same transition from outdoor to indoor as guests previously had found on lower decks. A unique opportunity to exercise with an unbeatable view whether underway or at anchor.
A space dedicated for relaxing in the summer sun, Savannah's sundeck features extensive space for lounging. Sunbeds are located aft of the deck, with a lounging area, which could be used as a casual dining spot protected by shade from Savannah's roof.
Forward of the sundeck can be found even more lounging space protected by a shade as well as extensive areas for sunbathing on the sides of the yacht. Towards the bow is a hot tub that seamlessly blends into the deck with no railings around and nothing to block an incomparable view.
In addition to her owner's stateroom, Savannah features five guest cabins bring the total number of guests to 12, catered to by a crew of 24. Located down on the main deck, guest accommodation is split into two twins, two guest cabins and one VIP cabin with a foldable balcony.
Featuring a light set of colors, Savannah's guest cabins continue the yacht's circular theme through round shapes found in various setups throughout the guest accommodation. Another aspect that's also replicated in these staterooms are the large windows found in every cabin.
Savannah's most standout feature, even perhaps surpassing the novelty of her inspired hybrid propulsion, is the so-called Nemo room. Letting its guest look out into the sea from a stadium-like layout, the room features unquestionably one of the best views onboard with the ability to watch sea life from the comfort of an 83.5-meter superyacht.
Accessible from main deck aft, the underwater observation lounge also doubles as a cinema with a giant screen dropping down from the ceiling and transforming the area from a place to stare at the depths of the ocean into a fully-functional cinema.
Lukas Lundin was born in 1958, the son of Adolf Lundin, a Swedish entrepreneur that established several businesses with the natural resources space and made his first breakthrough discovery of an oil field in Qatar in the 1970s.
Graduating from the New Mexico Institue of Mining and Technology in 1981, Lukas Lundin held a variety of high-profile position in the petroleum sector during the 1980-90s. Through his tenure at those ventures, he participated in a number of 9-figure takeovers of gold and oil businesses.
Ranking simultaneously on the list of richest people in Sweden and in Canada, due to his dual citizenship, Lundin has an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion combined with his brother Ian, who runs Lundin Petroleum. He competed four times in the famed Paris-Dakar race, finishing it twice.
The Lundin's family mantra, according to the international press, has been "no guts, no glory" ever since Adolf Lundin started his first company in the natural resources space. One such move was the Lundins investing $12 million in an Argentinian copper asset in 1992 during a period of instability, selling it for $500 million in 1995.
According to Lundin, success in the natural resources space requires 3 things. "First — risk-taking. Second — you have to be a giant optimist. Third — you have to be willing to go out there and do it. It’s easy to sit on a couch and talk about it, but then you have to actually fly to some crazy place and pick up the concessions and develop them." he said in an interview to CEO CA in 2013.
In recent years, Lukas Lundin has been most famous in the business community for his ability to discover natural resources using sometimes unconventional methods by granting its employees more freedom to test out new ideas.
Lundin Petroleum, for example, discovered near 2 billion barrels of oil in an area that had previously been drilled without success. Lundin believes this resource alone is worth $12 billion.
Lundin has also been hailed for his repeatedly impeccable timing, allowing for tremendous exits in the space that have yielded his shareholders colossal returns. In 2010, the Lundin Organization sold their Red Back Minning company to Kinross gold for $9,2 billion, generating a 1041% return for shareholders. The acquirer, Kinross, eventually had to write down billions as a result of this transaction and ultimately its CEO, Tye Burt retired early.
Lundin pushing the yachting industry forward with the delivery of Savannah comes as the Scandinavian region, in general, has been recently becoming a powerhouse in the superyacht space.
Benetti unveiled M/Y Juno’s 7, the inaugural vessel of its Class 44M series, during a launch event in Viareggio. This remarkable yacht showcases the artistry of Cassetta Yacht Designers, featuring a design that emphasizes natural, informal settings across its four decks, reflecting the brand's rich heritage.Juno’s 7 represents a significant milestone for Benetti, as it is the shipyard's fiberglass flagship, merging excellence and tradition with a modern flair. Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti’s Sales Director, expressed her excitement, stating, “This yacht embodies our continued commitment to innovation while honoring our legacy. Cassetta Yacht Designers have expertly redefined the exterior and interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to our design ethos.”The design philosophy behind Juno’s 7 focuses on creating a relaxing atmosphere, intentionally steering clear of overly artificial or elaborate environments. The use of expansive transparent surfaces, such as hull mirrors in the main lounge, enhances the natural light and openness of the space.Material selection played a central role in the design. Highlights include the use of trowelled resin for bathroom surfaces instead of traditional marble – reserved only for the main deck's basins. The yacht features a diverse array of FSC-certified woods, including antique elm flooring that retains the wood’s natural knots and uniquely varied plank sizes. Striped ash paneling was chosen for the walls, meticulously curated to achieve the perfect aesthetic for the yacht.Juno’s 7 is tailored for extended and secure voyages, with a layout designed for maximum privacy and ample storage. The yacht boasts four decks: the main deck includes the owner’s cabin, a galley, a dayhead, and a spacious lounge with panoramic views; the upper deck features a helm station, expansive living areas, and an optional VIP cabin; the sun deck offers over 102 square meters of recreational space, while the lower deck houses four guest cabins and crew facilities. A unique beach club near the water's edge adds an independent, multifunctional area, complemented by a garage strategically located on the port side.Soundproofing is a standout feature, placing this 44-meter yacht at the forefront of its class through advanced floating floors, bulkheads, and cutting-edge flexible transmission couplings. Additionally, the yacht’s air-conditioning system ensures optimal climate control with six air exchanges per hour.Powered by twin MAN engines rated at 1,400 HP each at 2,300 r/min, Juno’s 7 can reach a top speed of 15 knots and offers an impressive range of 4,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
November 15, 2024
The Italian Sea Group marked a significant milestone with its brand Tecnomar for Lamborghini during the European premiere of Automobili Lamborghini's latest super sports car, the Temerario1.Over 400 automotive enthusiasts arrived at Lamborghini Day Germany, hosted at Luftschiffhangar Mülheim near Düsseldorf, showcasing their extraordinary super sports cars. The event offered a thrilling 360-degree celebration of the iconic brand and unveiled the Temerario1, a remarkable Fuoriclasse super sports car boasting a powerful 920-hp twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain.As a partner for the occasion, Tecnomar for Lamborghini curated a unique experience using its Ad Personam configurator, enabling guests to customize their own Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht. A stunning scale model of the yacht captured the attention of attendees, emphasizing the dynamic synergy between the realms of Tecnomar and Lamborghini through their shared attributes of sportiness and power.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
November 15, 2024
The power of enduring collaborations is evident, especially when it comes to the partnership between shipyard and design studio. This synergy speaks not only to the success of previous projects but also to the mutual understanding of project needs and how to elevate past designs into something new.This rings true for the Italian design studio Hot Lab, a part of the Viken Group, and Turkish shipyard Numarine, known for their popular contemporary explorer yachts, many of which have benefitted from Hot Lab's creative flair. It’s this successful history that led Numarine to engage Hot Lab for the interior design of its new flagship, the 45.34-metre 45XP, debuting for the first time. The interiors showcase clever spatial designs, multifunctional spaces, and a clean yet inviting beach-house-chic aesthetic that beautifully complements the expansive deck areas and guest amenities of the 45XP.Main saloon “With several years of collaboration under our belts, we share a mutual understanding of each other’s distinct styles,” said Ömer Malaz, Chairman of Numarine. “Given the significance of this new flagship, establishing a cohesive design strategy was paramount. While we provided some technical guidelines, we entrusted much of the creative vision to the Hot Lab team.”Main saloonThe yacht boasts a remarkable 498GT exterior, highlighted by striking profile lines that maximize deck space and superstructure glazing, ensuring a strong connection to the outside world from any point within. But the 45XP is designed not only for aesthetics; it’s built for serious cruising, featuring a seaworthy hull with a trans-ocean range of 6,000 nautical miles. This exceptional foundation allowed Hot Lab to enhance the livability of the guest spaces, drawing upon their extensive experience with previous models in the series.Master cabinThe design process began with a thorough review of the layout, which proved to be a straightforward task, thanks to Numarine’s advanced work. “The project was already positioned well technically, and Numarine requested our input on the general arrangement,” shared Enrico Lumini, design director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “Minimal intervention was needed because the yard had developed an incredibly solid design. For this 45-metre yacht, we provided insights built from our extensive construction experience, focusing on the yard's strengths while suggesting minor improvements for detail.”Upper deck loungeMalaz noted that Hot Lab understood Numarine's previous projects well, having crafted varied interiors for their last few models. “They recognize that interiors don't always need to mirror the exterior style, especially for well-received yachts produced in multiple units,” he stated. “However, they strive to enhance the interplay between interior and deck spaces, ensuring that windows and connections to the outdoors create cohesion.”Upper deck cabinThe interior design philosophy aimed to craft warm, inviting, and well-proportioned areas that harmonize in color. The layout prioritizes spaciousness in individual cabins rather than simply maximizing the number of cabins. While the design is adaptable to client preferences, Numarine is showcasing the project with an emphasis on five generously-sized cabins, fostering privacy alongside communal spaces—an essential feature for their flagship design. The yacht includes large saloons and a spacious owner’s cabin with direct access to a private bow area. “It harmonizes the yard's characteristics with innovative proposals,” Lumini noted.Moreover, they intentionally layered multiple functionalities within shared spaces to promote social interaction. This resulted in inclusive areas where families of varying ages could engage together or pursue different activities, with the saloon serving as a communal “piazza” that thoughtfully integrates lounging, dining, and cinema within a unified setting.Complementing this design is a carefully curated palette of colors and materials, balancing wood and leather and contrasting grey-sand oak with burgundy leather. The stylish design of walls and columns is fused with oriental tones in the ceiling panels. “This blend of styles is perhaps the yacht's most distinctive feature,” Lumini remarked.Main saloonÖmer Malaz further emphasized that the designers drew inspiration from current trends – not simply for the sake of fashion, but because these trends align seamlessly with their design philosophy. Their approach favors simplicity, natural materials, and unrefined finishes, celebrating the essence of materials like travertine and oak without artificial treatments. “This philosophy allows the natural aesthetics of these interiors to shine,” Lumini affirmed.This collaboration exemplifies the thorough alignment of purposeful layout and design, positioning the 45XP as a testament to Numarine's commitment to quality and style. “Our long-term partnership reflects continuity and trust, making us proud of our collective achievements,” expressed Antonio Romano, commercial director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab. “This yacht is unequivocally Numarine, offering spacious interiors and unique pathways, yet it represents the pinnacle of quality and style developed by the yard over recent years. We’re thrilled to have contributed to it.”Malaz wrapped up by noting, “Our new flagship marks a further evolution of our previous endeavors, embodying the design expertise and construction quality we've perfected over countless projects. This interior layout and style resonate perfectly with the essence of the 45XP and the adventurous cruising lifestyle that Numarine offers to all our owners through our tailored explorer yachts.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.The Viken Group includes Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. It has been established to gather leading and passionate companies, with similar ideas and business ethics, under one umbrella. This enables it to provide a full range of completely aligned and comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services.Credits: Numarine
November 15, 2024
Saxdor Yachts enhances its global footprint by entering the Mexican market through a strategic partnership with Performance Boats, the country’s leading family-owned marine company. As Saxdor's inaugural official dealer in Mexico, Performance Boats will introduce the brand’s cutting-edge, high-performance models to customers nationwide, solidifying Saxdor’s presence in the Americas and positioning Mexico as a vital hub for future growth in the region.With over 33 years in the industry, Performance Boats stands as Mexico's largest family-owned marine business. Built on a foundation of exceptional customer service, the company boasts an impressive portfolio, representing renowned brands like Ferretti, Boston Whaler, Fairline, and Pershing. To date, they have successfully sold over 4,000 units and operate from eight strategic locations across the nation, including full-service marinas, dry storage facilities, and fueling stations. Performance Boats offers a comprehensive range of services, ensuring maintenance, storage, and yacht management for their clients.This partnership signifies a crucial milestone for Saxdor, which is actively expanding its geographic reach—an impressive feat achieved in just five years. By entering the Mexican market with Performance Boats, Saxdor aims to address the diverse demands of the country’s boating regions, from the stunning waters of Cancún to the Pacific coastline and inland lakes. The brand’s versatile models will deliver the perfect mix of performance, design, and innovation, enhancing the experience for Mexican boating enthusiasts.Performance Boats’ dedication to quality service is key to this collaboration, ensuring Saxdor owners in Mexico receive superior, localized support. With a bilingual team fluent in Spanish and English, Performance Boats offers a comprehensive suite of services, including after-sales support and technical assistance, guaranteeing that each Saxdor boat operates at peak performance for yacht owners and their crews. To further enhance after-sales support across the Americas, Saxdor will also establish a spare parts storage facility in Florida, minimizing response times and ensuring swift access to essential components for U.S. and Mexican clients.“We are extremely proud and excited to begin this partnership with Performance Boats, the most esteemed dealer in Mexico,” said Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts. “Their long-standing reputation for excellence and extensive reach align seamlessly with Saxdor’s commitment to quality and performance. This collaboration opens new opportunities for Saxdor in one of the most vibrant yachting markets.”Jon Hautamäki, Saxdor Yachts’ Sales Director, added, “We are truly impressed with the strong presence that Performance Boats has established in the Mexican market, supported by exceptional facilities and an experienced team. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will broaden the brand’s reach in the region and provide top-notch service to our customers.”The alliance with Performance Boats represents a significant advancement in Saxdor’s strategic plan to establish robust footholds across the Americas. Together, Saxdor and Performance Boats will deliver innovative, high-quality boats to the Mexican market, granting local enthusiasts access to Saxdor's state-of-the-art fleet and a tailored customer experience backed by decades of industry expertise.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
November 14, 2024
Ferretti Group continues its upward trajectory, reporting a remarkable marginality of 16.0%, an adjusted EBITDA of €138.2 million, and an order intake that has surpassed €1 billion, resulting in an unprecedented order backlog of €1.6 billion as of today.Order intake for the first nine months of 2024 reached €736.9 million, totaling over €1 billion due to a robust influx of orders after the quarter-end, fueled by favorable responses from recent boat shows. The current order backlog stands at a record €1.6 billion, reflecting the volume of orders secured since the conclusion of Q3. Net revenue from new yacht sales amounted to €865.3 million, which marks a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of €138.2 million represents a 10.7% increase, with a margin of 16.0%, up by 100 basis points from the first nine months of 2023. The net profit was €62.2 million, closely aligned with the €61.9 million reported in the first nine months of 2023. As of September 30, 2024, the net financial position reflects €149.6 million in net cash. The mid-term guidance remains intact; however, the 2024 forecasts have been cautiously revised, pending the confirmation of order pickups from the American market following the elections in the composite segment.The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. convened to review and approve the consolidated financial results as of September 30, 2024, and to organize the upcoming ordinary shareholders’ meeting.Alberto Galassi, the Group’s CEO, commented: “With the closure of this quarter, we have achieved a new record in profitability, reaching 16%, confirming the strength and effectiveness of our strategy. In the third quarter of 2024, we observed a significant increase in order intake from the Super Yacht segment, confirming the success of our positioning in this market through the enhancement of our brands. We are also seeing excellent signs from the Composite Yachts segment, which we expect will provide a new boost to order intake. Additionally, the strong results from our participation in the major Mediterranean boat shows and the opening of the American season further contribute to our outlook, being activities that could bring concrete benefits in the short term. The Order Backlog as of September 30 stands at €1.3 billion, and by adding the orders received after the close of the quarter, the value is in line with that recorded in the first nine months of 2023. On the production side, we are continuing at a rapid pace with the construction of the Ravenna shipyard, which will soon allow us to expand and further improve our offering, optimizing the product mix and consolidating our position in segments with high growth and profitability potential.”The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
November 14, 2024