A solid year in terms of global financial performance, 2017 has also been a strong year for superyacht sales with 369 yachts sold so far this year, already up nearly 5% from the previous year. Through its timeline platform, Yacht Harbour looks back at the largest yachts sold so far this year.
Length: 59.3m (194 ft)
#11 Andiamo
Length: 59.3m (194 ft)
Builder: Benetti (2009)
Asking price: €35 million
Originally known as Lady Lara, the 59-meter Benetti was delivered in the first quarter of 2009 by the Italian shipyard. Listed for sale in 2015 as her owner took delivery of the 91-meter Lurssen, Lady Lara, the yacht was ultimately renamed to Lady Luck and sold in January of this year. Her new owner changed her name to Andiamo.
Following the transaction followed a complete redesign of the yacht that was previously all white, from its interior through to its exterior. Her hull now bears a dark blue colour together with her chase tender. Up on the sundeck is a large Jacuzzi and gym. Her master suite, one of the most spacious on a yacht of her size, is located forward of the main deck.
#10 Dynasty
Length: 59.3m (194 ft)
Builder: Benetti (2008)
Asking price: $29,5 million
Delivered in 2008 as part of Benetti's highly popular 59-meter line of superyachts, Dynasty, as other yachts in the line, features lots of interior volume. First put up for sale in 2013 at a price of €36 million, the yacht was refitted in 2015 with a full repaint of the yacht and her hull.
Sold in July 2017 at an asking price of $29,5 million, I Dynasty features a bespoke interior with intricate fabrics and lines throughout the yacht. Combining a mixture of dark wood and white furniture, the yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins.
#9 Lucky Lady
Length: 62.6m (205 ft)
Builder: Oceanco (2002)
Asking price: $39,7 million
Originally delivered in 2002 by Oceanco, the Dutch superyacht shipyard, as Lady Lola, the yacht was refitted in 2005 with the addition of a convertible helipad. In 2011, the yacht then changed ownership at an asking price of €36,8 million, which saw its interior being redesigned and its master cabin remodelled.
In 2015, the yacht came back on the market asking just under €50 million. A series of price reductions then brought her down to $39,750,000 at which asking price she sold in January of this year. Following the acquisition, the yacht was renamed to Lucky Lady and put on the charter market under her new name.
Amenities onboard include a hot tub on the sundeck with a waterfall feature, large windows in her full-beam sky lounge, a master cabin with a 180 degree view, forward on the bow.
#8 Turmoil
Length: 63.84m (209 ft)
Builder: Royal Denship (2006)
Asking price: $48,5 million
Launched in 2006 as Royal Denship's hull 327, the 64-meter yacht was christened Turmoil. She was then listed for sale in 2012 at an asking price of $50 million. Earlier this year, the yacht was sold at an asking price of $48,500,000.
Built for the owner of the 46-meter Palmer Johnson of the same name, his first expedition yacht, Turmoil featured a scientific climatology lab as well as research facilities intended to examine the effects of global warming on the world's oceans.
Powered by twin CAT engines of 2,260hp each, Turmoil has a range of 6,500nm at 12 knots. With a cherry wood interior, it can welcome as many as 16 guests in 8 cabins. A master cabin is located on its own private deck. Following the transaction, the yacht was renamed Albula.
#7 Natita
Length: 65.99m (216 ft)
Builder: Oceanco (2005)
Asking price: $39,9 million
Delivered in 2005 as Dilbar by Oceanco in the Netherlands, the 66-meter yacht became the first superyacht owned by Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov. Renamed to Ona in 2008 following the delivery of Usmanov's new 110-meter Lurssen, the yacht was put on the market and sold in 2010 at an asking price of €59,9 million to William Kallop.
In 2014, Kallop borrowed $32 million from Goldman Sachs against Bad Girl and Natita according to court fillings. The bank then claims the owner then stopped servicing the loan in November 2016 with nearly $28 million still left. Three crew members, captain included, recently obtained $90,000 in back pay from the owner from a Florida court.
Goldman eventually filled a suit with the Miami federal court to have the boat seized, which the US Marshals did at a West Palm Beach marina. The bank's first act as acting owners was to purchase $67,000 of fuel for the yacht to keep the generator running, fillings show. Eventually, the bank was able to sell the yacht for $39,9 million.
#6 Icon
Length: 67.5m (221 ft)
Builder: Icon (2010)
Asking price: €48,5 million
The first hull built by Dutch shipyard, Icon Yachts, on its 62.5-meter platform, Icon was sold in October of this year after spending over a year on the market in her fully refitted form. Originally listed for €62,5 million, the yacht underwent several price reductions until it was eventually sold.
Designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, Icon's most attractive features include a large glass-bottomed spa pool, an extensive beach club, a hamam and a sauna. Extended by 5 meters during her refit in 2014, the yacht now has a length of 67.5m.
Icon is capable of accommodating 12 guests in 6 cabins and carries a crew of 17. From a technical standpoint, the yacht is powered by twin MTU engines of 2,480hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots. The yacht is also now for charter.
#5 Flying Fox
Length: 74m (242 ft)
Builder: Nobiskrug (2010)
Asking price: Undisclosed
Designed by Reymond Langton Design studio with contemporary interior conceptualised and furnished by the renowned designer Mark Berryman, the 73,5-meter built in Germany by Nobiskrug was formerly known as Flying Fox.
Among her features are a luxury beach club, gym on Sun deck, fully equipped private indoor cinema and its outdoor sister. The vessel offers accommodation for 12 guests (cruising and sleeping) in six cabins.
Listed for sale in the summer of 2017, she was sold shortly after in November. Her asking price remained undisclosed. Her support vessel was the 67-meter Sea Axe, 6711, which is currently looking for a new owner.
#4 Zeus
Length: 74.5m (244 ft)
Builder: Blom+Voss (1991)
Asking price: €47,5 million
Extremely controversial when first launched in 1991, Eco was designed by Martin Francis at the request of the late Mexican media entrepreneur, Emilio Azcarraga, primarily known for owning the largest Spanish-language television network in the US and Mexico.
Searching for an art deco look for Eco's interior, Azcarraga recruited Francois Zuretti, the designer then known for his work in the Mamounia hotel in Marrakesh, to design the interior of the yacht, as his first ever marine project. Zuretti was not the only yacht designer to get his start on Eco as both Espen Oeino and Dan Lenard worked on the Eco project at some point during its development.
Five years later Ellison took delivery of the 138-meter Rising Sun (later sold to Dreamworks founder, David Geffen), which led to him selling Katana to British media entrepreneur, Aidan Barclay, owner of the Telegraph newspaper, who renamed the yacht to Enigma.
In 1999, two years after the death of Azcarraga, Eco was sold to American billionaire and founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison who renamed the yacht to Katana. Ellison also refitted the yacht, adding a basketball court aft of the main deck. The yacht later served as a mothership to his America's Cup campaign in New Zealand.
The yacht was then refitted in 2009 and then again in 2014 by the Barclay brothers. In August 2016, Barclay listed Enigma for sale at an asking price of €47,500,000 and her sale has now been confirmed without any price reductions announced. Following the sale, the yacht was renamed to Zeus.
Length: 75m (246 ft)
Builder: Lurssen (2009)
Asking price: €83 million
Built in 2009 by Lurssen, the 75m Northern Star was the third largest yacht sold this year. The superyacht's interior has been designed by Pauline Nunns and exterior styled by Espen Oeino.
Featuring a 'country house' style interior Northern Star can accommodate 12 guests in six staterooms. She also has room for up to 22 crew so that your every need can be taken care of while on board. The yacht's astonishing amenities include a gym, helipad, tender garage, swimming platform and jacuzzi.
First listed for sale in December 2012 by her owner at an asking price of €129 million, she went through a series of price reductions over her near five years on the market before ultimately selling in June 2017 asking €83 million.
#2 Solandge
Length: 88.5m (290 ft)
Builder: Lurssen (2013)
Asking price: €155 million
Delivered in 2013 by Germany-based Lurssen, Solandge was built under the codename Project Niki and based on a similar engineering platform to renowned superyachts such as the 88m Quatroelle or 87m Ace.
First listed for sale in August 2015 at an asking price of €179 million, the yacht later went through two price reduction and a central agency change. At the moment of sale the asking price for Solandge was €155,000,000.
The superyacht can sleep up to 12 guests in 7 staterooms, including a panoramic master deck featuring 180 degree windows, private dressing room, his and hers bathrooms and a private deck with spa pool. Performance wise the yacht reaches a top speed 18 knots and comfortably cruises at 14 knots.
#1 Ulysses
Length: 107m (351 ft)
Builder: Kleven (2016)
Asking price: $195 million
Built in 2016, the 107-meter Ulysses has become the clearest yet definition of an explorer yacht, incorporating swimming pools, spas with a helipad and a myriad of tenders, the largest of which is 22-meters long. Sold just a few weeks before the end of the season by her original owner, Graeme Hart, she became the largest brokerage yacht sold so far in 2017 with an asking price of $195 million.
Ulysses' story starts back in 2013 when Graeme Hart, whose net worth is valued at $10.2 billion by Forbes, commissioned the 107-meter yacht (351 ft) from Kleven, a shipyard in Norway that builds commercial ships. According to designers, Hart's choice was driven by quicker delivery times, a better price point than traditional yacht builders and high enough quality standards.
The most unique feature amongst the whole boat may however be the 21-meter tender that Ulysses carries on its bow. The two-deck boat, which most would call a yacht in her own right, requires two custom built cranes to lift in an operation that takes just over an hour to execute.
Cantieri di Pisa's CdP Custom Division has announced the sale of a 37.50-meter explorer yacht, featuring a steel hull and composite superstructure. Designed and engineered by Marcelo Penna, this vessel offers accommodation for six guests and four crew members, with interiors designed for comfort and ample light-filled outdoor spaces. Key features include a well-equipped galley, a hot tub, an owner’s terrace, a spacious beach club, a massage room, and two side terraces. Parallel to launching three new yacht lines, Cantieri di Pisa is advancing its CdP Custom Division. “This sale marks a significant milestone for our CdP Custom Division,” said Marco Massabò, CEO of the shipyard under the ownership of Enrico Gennasio. “We are pleased with the swift completion of this sale, thanks to the collaboration of our sales and engineering teams. The yacht is set to launch by summer 2026.”At 37.50 meters in length and 8.15 meters in beam, the explorer sold to a French owner features a steel hull and a composite superstructure crafted using advanced vacuum technology. This reduces tonnage and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing propulsion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. It also has a spacious garage midships with a side-launching system for a 6.5-meter tender and wave runners. The well-appointed galley, pantries, fridge and freezer areas, and a high-capacity laundry ensure comfort for long cruises, supported by generous storage compartments on all four decks.Designed for cruising in various latitudes and suitable for chartering, the yacht is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. The owner’s suite on the main deck includes a private terrace, while a full-beam VIP cabin and four guest cabins are on the lower deck. The captain’s cabin, situated on the bridge deck, is adjacent to the wheelhouse. Additionally, a massage room on the upper deck can serve as an extra single cabin.Marcelo Penna, the project's designer, noted, “This explorer is tailored for an expert owner, offering sustainability through a hybrid battery pack and generators that power hotel services at anchor. This ensures compliance with stringent environmental regulations.”Powered by two 1,000 HP MAN V8 engines, the yacht achieves a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a range of 2,600 nautical miles. The engines meet the highest environmental standards (IMO III Epa Tier IV), and the hybrid battery pack provides additional power and silent operation during nighttime anchorage.The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification. Yachts Invest represented the shipyard in the sale, while AB Yacht represented the owner. AB Yacht commented, “The buyer chose Cantieri di Pisa for their uncompromising quality. This modern hybrid vessel, suitable for chartering, will set a new benchmark in the motor yacht market.”Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
July 26, 2024
Espen Øino, renowned for designing some of the world's most notable superyachts, has turned his attention to a smaller scale with Hodgdon's latest limousine tenders.The new limousine models, designed by Øino, measure between 9 and 11 meters and feature sleek, contemporary profiles. Both models share a streamlined hull design and can be configured with either a forward or aft helm. The helm's position affects the layout: a forward helm allows for a spacious aft deck, while an aft helm creates space in the bow for a plush lounge and a boarding ramp for beach access.The cabin boasts a retracting glass roof and large integrated windows, ensuring ample natural light and 360-degree views. The interior includes upholstered seating for up to eight passengers, with four additional seats in the bow lounge on one model and two captain’s chairs at the helm on both.In terms of propulsion, the tenders can be equipped with single or twin engines. Although Hodgdon has not disclosed specific details about propulsion options, speed, or range, the company’s existing lineup indicates robust performance. For instance, Hodgdon’s Mini Venetian Limousine, powered by a Volvo D3-220 diesel engine, can cruise 250 kilometers at 32.5 knots and reach a top speed of 35 knots.With these new limousine tenders, Espen Øino and Hodgdon combine luxury and performance in a sleek, modern package, offering a stylish and efficient option for superyacht owners seeking high-quality tenders for their maritime adventures.Hodgdon Yachts founded in Boothbay, Maine, in 1816, has a legacy of delivering over 440 vessels across two centuries. Known for high-quality, advanced composite construction, the family-owned company offers a variety of tenders, including limousine, beachlander, and open styles, along with fully custom runabouts tailored to specific owner requirements.Credits: Hodgdon Yachts
July 26, 2024
Heesen has unveiled Project Agnetha, a 55-meter steel class motor yacht with a profile designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. The yacht's exterior features a modern, assertive design with horizontal lines that enhance its visual length, broad expanses of tinted glass on the main and upper decks, and a distinctive 'shark tooth' motif on the wheelhouse overhang. The design eliminates the need for fashion plates, resulting in a pillar-free superstructure aft, which enhances the yacht's indoor/outdoor flow and offers unobstructed sea views from nearly every vantage point on board, including the sky lounge.Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class is constantly evolving, and Project Agnetha is the result. The beauty of buying this kind of superyacht is that the shipyard has taken care of all the technical aspects and has perfected the platform, incorporating in-depth feedback from our constant dialogue with brokers, owners, and captains. So when clients join the project, they can enjoy the fun part of building a superyacht, focusing on all those details that will make the yacht truly theirs."Project Agnetha accommodates twelve guests across six opulent staterooms, including a spacious owners' stateroom on the main deck forward, with separate his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms, and a veranda on the starboard side, four guest cabins on the lower deck, and a VIP suite on the bridge deck. This layout makes the Heesen 55-meter class perfect for charters and clients who prefer multiple cabins.The interior, designed by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, focuses on creating a cosy and traditional atmosphere that radiates warmth and hospitality. Using a palette of warm tones, the design wraps guests in a feeling of comfort and familiarity, making Project Agnetha an ideal sanctuary for those who like to spend extended periods on their yachts.Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class represents the best example of intelligent superyacht construction. Over the past decade, we have focused on excellence and have achieved it, developing and refining the platform while optimising our supply chain and creating strategic collaborations with suppliers. This approach means we can deliver unparalleled benefits to our clients, including shortened delivery timelines, extensive personalisation, and – of course – Dutch craftsmanship of the highest standard."Vaessen elaborates, "Heesen has always been at the forefront of innovation in superyacht construction. We were pioneers in speculative build projects, beginning this transformative journey in the early 2000s with the highly successful 37-meter series and subsequently expanded the portfolio to include the 44, 47, and 50-meter yachts. Today, we are global leaders in the 50 to 57-meter segment. It's a testament to our bold and strategic commercial vision."Photo by Ruben GriffioenThe engineering of Project Agnetha is equally impressive, with an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement hull and two MTU8V4000 M63 (IMO Tier III) engines, enabling a top speed of 15.5 knots. The yacht is designed for safe navigation in all sea conditions, making it a quintessential go-anywhere blue-water motor yacht.Project Agnetha, where modern elegance meets superior performance, is available for delivery in Q2 2025.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
July 26, 2024
U-Boat Worx, a leading manufacturer of personal and commercial submarines, has announced a significant milestone for its Cruise Sub series, achieving 5,000 dives since its launch in 2019.The Cruise Sub series has become a prominent choice for underwater exploration, particularly within the cruise industry. With units delivered to private clients and ten units supplied to cruise operators, these submarines have established a reputation for safety, reliability, and performance.Since their introduction five years ago, U-Boat Worx’s Cruise Subs have been integral to the cruise industry, providing unique underwater experiences for passengers. The submarines’ capability to perform 5,000 dives underscores their durability and operational excellence.Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager of U-Boat Worx, commented, "Reaching this milestone of nearly 25,000 people diving inside a Cruise Sub is a testament to our mission of making the oceans accessible. Our network of nearly 300 trained professionals reflects our commitment to advancing underwater technology and ensuring the highest operational standards."U-Boat Worx has positioned itself as a primary supplier to the cruise industry, driven by the growing demand for immersive underwater adventures. The Cruise Sub series allows cruise companies to offer guests unparalleled experiences while prioritizing safety and comfort.The submarines’ success is attributed to their adherence to stringent safety standards. U-Boat Worx collaborates with DNV, a leading classification society, ensuring their vessels meet advanced maritime standards. Andreas Fischer from DNV Maritime in Hamburg highlighted their decade-long partnership: "Our cooperation with U-Boat Worx has resulted in over 50 submersibles achieving compliance with international regulations. We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to continued collaboration."The reliability of the Cruise Sub series has earned the trust of cruise operators worldwide. U-Boat Worx's comprehensive training program has been instrumental, with nearly 300 chief pilots trained to operate these submersibles, ensuring skilled handling in various conditions.Bryn Spencer, Chief Submersible Pilot, shared his experience, "Diving with the Cruise Sub and discovering new marine life in Chile's fjords was remarkable. Witnessing a bright orange anemone and a symphony of bioluminescence on our return was unforgettable."U-Boat Worx remains focused on advancing underwater exploration technology, with an unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and reliability. This dedication drives the ongoing success and confidence placed in their submarines by the cruise industry.The Cruise Sub series continues to set the standard for underwater exploration. As U-Boat Worx celebrates five years of achievements and 5,000 dives, the company is poised to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to making underwater exploration accessible and safe.Founded in the 1980s by Bert Houtman, U-Boat Worx leads the global submersible market, continuing The Netherlands' maritime tradition with innovative, safe, and high-quality designs for both private and commercial use.Credits: U-Boat Worx
July 25, 2024
Royal Huisman, celebrating its 140th anniversary, has reached a significant milestone with the hull turning of Project 410, the world's largest sloop. This 85-meter marvel, also known as the "85m New World Sloop," represents the pinnacle of modern yacht design and engineering.Project 410, cloaked in secrecy, is a collaborative effort involving the yacht owner, Frers Design for the overall concept and naval architecture, and Wetzels Brown for the interior design. The engineering is handled by Royal Huisman's in-house team alongside expert co-makers. The project was initially unveiled at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta in 2022, but details have been sparse since then.The aluminum hull, constructed at Royal Huisman's expanded Hall 2 in Vollenhove, showcases the shipyard's commitment to pushing boundaries in superyacht construction. This latest milestone sees the main 61-meter section of the hull turned upright, a critical step in the vessel's development.The hull turning is a testament to Royal Huisman's engineering prowess and marks a pivotal point in the creation of the world's largest single-mast yacht. CEO Jan Timmerman highlighted the significance of this event, noting, "Four of the world's ten largest sailing yachts are either built by or under construction at Royal Huisman. This includes Athena, Sea Eagle, Project 410, and another large sailing yacht currently underway. These projects exemplify the advantages of large sailing yachts, such as the thrill of hoisting sails and cutting through waves, combined with advanced technologies for comfort and efficiency."Timmerman also emphasized the green credentials of these yachts, noting their ability to utilize wind propulsion and operate in an energy-neutral mode, a feature that allows for silent anchoring and efficient power generation. This approach continues Royal Huisman's legacy of innovation, initiated nearly two decades ago with the world’s first hybrid superyacht.The hull turning of Project 410 involved a meticulously planned maneuver using four cranes to lift and rotate the 200-foot aluminum structure over a canal adjacent to the shipyard. Once turned, the hull was placed on a cradle and moved back into the construction hall for further outfitting.With this phase complete, the focus now shifts to the installation of onboard systems and the completion of the bow section, which is being constructed separately. Concurrently, Rondal, a sister company, is progressing on the carbon boom, mast, and integrated sailing system.The completion of the hull turning marks a significant step forward in the journey of Project 410. As the yacht continues to take shape, it embodies the shipyard’s ethos of combining tradition with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. The Royal Huisman team, along with their partners, will continue to work towards delivering a yacht that is not only the largest of its kind but also a symbol of personal freedom and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
July 25, 2024