New deliveries and launches understandably benefit from significant exposure across the yachting world, yet, refits of historical yachts are sometimes even more significant events for the sector as these five yachts show.
Length: 39m (128 ft)
Original yard: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (1913)
Refit: Royal Huisman (underway)
The famed financier and avid yachtsman Harold S. Vanderbilt, heir of the vast railway empire, ordered from Herreshoff Manufacturing two schooners, both named Vagrant. The first of them, launched in 1910 and measuring 32 meters, was refitted in 1984 by Peter de Savary and is reportedly still afloat in Japan under the name of Vagrant of Burnham. Meanwhile, the largest of the two, the 39-meter Vagrant is now under reconstruction at Royal Huisman facilities in Vollenhove.
«Thanks to her owner's vision and respect for her legacy Vagrant will not become a piece of forgotten history, but instead will remain a living legend – sailing and enjoyed by many for decades to come», claims the Dutch yard, assuring that the yacht's owner directed to refit the boat inside and out with the utmost respect for her historic value.
Royal Huisman took the challenge and embarked on the project in 2017. The rebuilt began with the sandblasting and preservation of the yacht's 33-meter over-a-hundred-years-old steel hull. At the same time, the iconic boat has to be re-engineered with modern quality materials and board systems. Dykstra Naval Architects is in charge of re-rigging her schooner-rigged sail plan, while Rondal provides bespoke components, including aluminum masts for the inside furling of the fisherman and mainsail.
Guest accommodation will be refurbished and new crew quarters will be designed in-house. All the machinery, including generators, air conditioning, and heating, will be wisely concealed behind wooden panels and cabinetry.
The rebuilt classic yacht is due for re-launch in 2019.
#2. Kentra
Length: 25.6m (84 ft)
Original yard: Fife & Son (1923)
Refit: Fairlie Yachts (1993/2015)
Built for Scottish industrialist, Kenneth MacKenzie-Clark in 1923, the 25.6-meter Kentra has a long racing and round-the-world cruising history, along which she kept changing owners. In the early 50s, the luxury yacht was turned into a venue for glamorous parties, with Christina of Spain, actors Brigitte Bardot and Errol Flynn among the yacht's celebrity guests. She eventually returned to Britain, where she was lying dormant for many years until bought at auctions in 1992 by her current owner, who commissioned Fairlie Yachts for rebuilding the boat that took 18 months to complete.
The full structural restoration required the re-coppering of the yacht's hull. Her copper-bottomed hull, introduced in the 18th century by the British Royal Navy to ensure ultimate resistance over the traditional wooden hulls, makes Kentra a rarity nowadays.
Furthermore, yacht's keel was removed from the aft end in order to balance the weight of the modern machinery. New rigs were constructed from Fife's original drawings. Fortunately, the old deck structures were in good condition and could be reused. Designers had to create new interiors, utilizing the original doors and frames.
After her first refit, Kentra received a new lease of life and even took her owner for an around-the-world voyage between 1999 and 2004. During the second refit, carried out in 2015, the boat's hull had a provisional update with copper cladding meant to protect the hull for another two decades. During winter the historic yacht leads a quiet life very close to her birthplace, although sometimes her adventurous owner braves the contrary weather to cruise western isles.
#3. Williamsburg
Yard: Bath Iron Works Corp (1931)
Refits: 1941,1995
Referred to for good reason as The Floating White House, the 74-meter steel motor boat started out her life in 1931 as Aras, but in 1941 the private yacht was acquired by the US Navy and, refitted into a gunboat, entering service under the name of USS Williamsburg. During the Second World War, the vessel was mainly used for escorting military convoys in the North Sea. One of the boat's most memorable adventures was the secret transfer of 28 treasure chests full of gold bars in 1942.
During the post-war years, under the presidency of Harry Truman, the boat hosted world leaders, including Winston Churchill, and other important politicians, such as George Marshall and Clement Attlee, cruising to Florida, Cuba and the Virgin Islands. In 1953, Williamsburg was replaced as a presidential yacht by the new head of state, Eisenhower, and, thus, was consigned to oblivion.
There were a number of attempts to restore the yacht. In the mid-90s she was transferred to Genoa to be converted into a luxury cruise ship under a different name, something that never happened. An urgent appeal of the Italian government saved her for this time being. The US Williamsburg Preservation Society was formed with the goal of reincorporating the former presidential yacht into the American Navy. However, the raise fund campaign failed to collect the necessary $40 million. The legendary yacht eventually sank at her moorings in La Spezia harbor in 2015.
#4. Endeavour
Length: 40m (131 ft)
Original yard: Camper & Nicholsons (1934)
Refit: Royal Huisman (1989), Yachting Developments (2012)
The 40-meter sailing yacht Endeavour was launched in 1934 by Camper & Nicholsons for Sir Thomas Sopwith, English aviation pioneer and yachtsman. Determined to compete for the America's Cup in 1934, he was keen to ensure that the yacht featured the most advanced design possible. For instance, he insisted on applying the aviation technology to the boat's rig and winches.
Over half a century, the award-winning superyacht bounced through a number of owners, her fate often hanging by a thread. She was even sold to a scrap merchant in 1947 only to be saved by another buyer hours before her demolition was due to begin. In the 70s she was about to sink in the Medina River of the Isle of Wight, when two carpenters bought her for £10 and somehow got her afloat, patching the holes in her hull with plastic bags.
In 1984 American yachtswoman Elizabeth Meyer laid her eyes on the wreckage of the iconic yacht and commissioned Royal Huisman to have her completely rebuilt. In five years' time Endeavour left the Dutch shipyard turned into a modern masterpiece, with all-new decks, mast, boom and rigging, an installed generator and mechanical systems and recreated interior. Between 1989 and 1999 the yacht cruised extensively and successfully competed in numerous races.
In 2011/2012 Endeavour underwent a major refit at the New Zealand-based shipyard Yachting Developments, with Dykstra Naval Architects, John Barrett Associates, and Adam Lay design studio involved in the project. The 18-months work required over 100.000 men hours and in excess of 40 tons of material removed and then replaced on the boat, including the whole weather deck being rebuilt with deck equipment reinstalled. 3D modeling was used to design the interior layout, saving but the underfloor engine room and service areas.
The effort paid off, as the yacht won best-refitted sailing yacht at the 2013 World Superyachts Awards. Endeavour is now for sale, asking €17.500.000.
#5. Malahne
Length: 50m (164 ft)
Original yard: Camper & Nicholsons (1937)
Refit: 1960, 1983, Pendennis (2015)
The 50-meter Malahne was the jewel in her original owner’s crown. A British businessman, founder member of F. W. Woolworth & Co., William Lawrence Stephenson commissioned from Camper & Nicholsons a motor yacht for racing and ocean cruising. However, with the outbreak of the Second World War, the boat was enrolled in the army as patrol cruiser. As such, she saw action in the evacuation at Dunkirk and later participated in torpedo target practice in Scotland.
After the war, Malahne passed through many hands, being first refitted and re-classed to Lloyd's in 1960 by order of the famous Hollywood producer Sam Spiegel. Over the two further decades, the classic yacht acted as his production office and luxury hotel for movie stars.
In 1983 Saudi Sheikh, Adel Al Mojil purchased the yacht and had her completely refitted with little respect for the original concept, with a different bow, stern and renewed superstructure. In 2012 Malahne was sold to a reputable client introduced by Edmiston and Burger at an asking price of €550,000. The new owner's brief was to «make Malahne look as if she had been in continuous ownership since she was built».
The «artistic director» of the ambitious restoration project was the classic yachts expert, William Collier of G.L. Watson & Co., who prepared the drawings partially based on the older photos of the yacht. All operations, including the finishing touches, were carried out on site, at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, making it an essentially British project.
The refit was developed in several stages. After the deconstruction was completed, it took six months only to examine Malahne's construction frame by frame in order to decide what could be saved and what had to be refabricated to meet modern standards.
«The new Malahne had to function with contemporary requirements for air conditioning and technology, all of which had to be contained in an original envelope», explained Guy Oliver, who was in charge of the yacht's interior design.
When rebuilding the vessel, modern materials were used, such as aluminum for the superstructure and composite for the funnel, although updating the steel hull presented a no lesser challenge.
As for the yacht's interiors, those were inspired by the Art-Deco styling of Eltham Palace in Greenwich. In the new layout, the obsolete engine room on the main deck was replaced by a spacious dining, while the crew quarters were substantially altered. Among many features reminding of the yacht's original period is a pair of rotary-dial wall phones coming from the 50s.
“The challenge of recreating many of the yacht’s features while achieving a faithful restoration of the hull shape has been very rewarding. Together we have brought a historically important yacht back to life,” concluded William Coller in 2015, when the 30 months' project was finally completed.
In 2016 Malahne won Refitted/Rebuilt/Converted Yachts at World Superyacht Awards. She is available for charted from €135.000 per week through Edmiston.
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