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.
Custom Line has introduced the Custom Line 50, described as “the first 50-metre superyacht built entirely from aluminium” and “the new displacement flagship” that “makes her debut in the metal yachts segment under 500 GT.” The yacht, measuring 49.90 meter in length with a 9.60-metre beam, spans four decks and has a gross tonnage of about 260 GT.Key features include an owner’s suite positioned in the bow on the upper deck, a configuration typically found on larger vessels. The design also incorporates a beach club with an infinity pool integrated into the main deck, forming a 120-square-metre area designed to enhance the connection with the water. With a draught of 2.2 meter, the yacht is intended for cruising and mooring in areas such as the Caribbean.According to the press release: “More than a superyacht, Custom Line 50 is a statement of forward-thinking design, engineering excellence and conscious exclusivity.”The project results from collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard Engineering Department in Ancona. Architect Filippo Salvetti designed the exterior, while Studio ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel developed the project architecture and interiors. The brand’s team provided project management, guiding the owner through customization and execution.Guest accommodations include a master suite on the upper deck and four lower-deck cabins, for a total of up to 12 guests. Five crew cabins are configured to house nine crew members. The yacht’s layout emphasizes privacy, with separate guest and crew circulation paths. Exterior styling uses clean lines and horizontal elements for a sense of harmony.The Custom Line 50 introduces “an unprecedented feature for the segment,” with a deck devoted entirely to the owner. This 75-square-metre owner’s apartment includes a panoramic cabin with wraparound windows and a private terrace.Interiors incorporate a concept based on three-dimensionality and materiality, utilizing Canaletto walnut, leather, ivory-colored wallpaper, and marble cladding in bathrooms. Mirrored surfaces and large curved windows aim to create a feeling of openness, integrating indoor spaces with the seascape. Outdoor areas are organized into a series of terraces and lounges. A two-level beach club at the stern is connected to an infinity pool on the main deck, while upper decks and a sun deck offer dining areas, lounges, and a hydromassage pool.Propulsion is supplied by two CAT C32 ACERT engines for a top speed of 16 knots and a range of about 4,500 nautical miles at an economy cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht is designed with IMO Tier III-certified SCR systems to reduce emissions. Stabilization is managed by CMC Marine fins, and onboard systems aim to balance performance and reduced environmental impact.Credit: Custom Line
December 18, 2024
The Italian Sea Group participated in the inaugural Red Sea Week marking the opening of Sindalah Island. The newly established island, designed and planned by LUCA DINI Design & Architecture studio, aims to position itself as a premier luxury yachting destination in the Red Sea.At the ceremony in late October, Sindalah introduced itself as a high-end travel location. Among the project’s contributors was Stefano Ricci, who designed the Sindalah Yacht Club, one of the first completed and unveiled structures.The Italian Sea Group presented ten representative yacht models at the Sindalah Yacht Club. According to the company, these models attracted attention for their design, build quality, and focus on sustainability.“Participating in the Red Sea Week in Sindalah, a location that will set new standards in the world of luxury travel, was a significant moment for presenting our yachts in a strategically important area for us from a commercial point of view, generating great curiosity among the guests,” said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. “I would like to thank Cavaliere Stefano Ricci for the outstanding professional synergy, which will surely lead to further major projects together.”The Italian Sea Group operates with the brands Admiral, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti, and offers maintenance and refit services under NCA Refit. It has collaborated with luxury names such as Giorgio Armani and Automobili Lamborghini. According to the 2025 Global Order Book by Boat International, The Italian Sea Group ranks as the first Italian superyacht builder for yachts over 50 metres.Credit: The Italian Sea Group
December 18, 2024
Extra Yachts has announced the sale of the second unit of its X100 Triplex model. The 30-meter composite hull, reinforced with carbon fiber and featuring a maximum beam of 8.1 meters, is designed to provide internal volumes comparable to yachts over 40 meters. The vessel’s gross tonnage is approximately 260 GT.According to the shipyard, the X100 Triplex model is designed to offer large interior and exterior spaces, exceptional comfort, liveability on board, low consumption and the possibility of undertaking long-range cruises. The design includes floor-to-ceiling opening windows on both the main and upper decks, as well as large side windows in the owner’s cabin. At the bow, these windows can retract to provide unobstructed forward views.The exterior configuration features an aft cockpit arranged on two levels. The area near the beach club includes a large sun lounger, while an upper, informal lounge is situated a step above. The sun lounger’s backrest can also be used as a seat, linking the two areas, and the fold-down side terraces enhance the sense of openness. The upper deck includes a lounge area with flexible furniture arrangements, along with a sundeck that has a bar, sunbathing areas, and a dining table for up to ten people.Owners can select from multiple layout options. In this unit, the pantry is located on the main deck, and the galley is on the upper deck. The main deck interior houses a lounge area and the owner’s cabin with a private office, vanity, bathroom with double sink and separate toilet, and a large wardrobe. The upper deck includes the helm station, galley, lounge area with armchairs and coffee table, and a formal dining table for ten. Below deck, four double cabins with private bathrooms comprise two VIPs and two twin cabins. The crew area can accommodate up to five crew members in three cabins, as well as a separate laundry.The aft garage under the sunbathing area stores a tender of nearly 4 meters, two Seabobs, and additional equipment. Standard propulsion is provided by two MAN engines of 1,550 hp each, giving a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. An optional upgrade to 1,800 hp MAN engines is available, raising top speed to 18 knots and cruising speed to 15 knots.The exterior lines were developed by Studio Agon, with interiors by Laura Brocchini Design and naval engineering handled by the shipyard itself. The second X100 Triplex unit is intended for a client familiar with the Extra Yachts brand.Credit: Extra Yachts
December 18, 2024
At its Annual Members' Assembly on Thursday, December 12, the Italian Marine Industry Association presented forecasts and survey findings outlining upcoming market trends. The data, compiled by the Association’s Research Department, reflects responses collected from a broad sample of member companies.In 2023, the Italian yachting sector reported a turnover of €8.33 billion, marking an increase of €1 billion compared to 2022. This growth of 13.6% follows a previous 20% increase in 2022. A key factor driving the rise in turnover was the export of Italian-built yachts, which surpassed €4 billion in 2023 and climbed to €4.23 billion in the first four months of 2024.The industry’s export rate stands at 90%, reinforcing Italy’s role as a global leader in both the superyacht segment – responsible for more than half of worldwide orders – and in the production of large inflatable units, components, and equipment. The sector’s workforce also expanded, reaching 30,690 employees in 2023, about 7% more than in the previous year.Projections for 2024 indicate a normalization of growth in the yachting sector. Market dynamics are expected to diverge between high-end products and smaller vessels. According to the Association, “the outlook for the Italian yachting industry remains positive overall, despite complex external economic scenarios, due in no small amount to the substantial contribution of the superyacht segment.”Survey results highlight a differentiated situation within boatbuilding. Among companies in the superyacht segment, 75% anticipate a positive year-on-year close, while the remaining 25% expect stability. Order book performance suggests normalized growth rates, with about two thirds reporting a modest decrease in orders (ranging from -5% to -10%) and others indicating stable or slightly positive levels.In boatbuilding under 24 metres, the situation is more varied. About 60% of respondents forecast a contraction in turnover in 2024, with negative ranges spanning from -5% to over -30%. Stability is predicted by 18% of respondents, and 22% foresee growth. In 2025, sentiment appears more optimistic: the share of companies expecting growth remains at 22%, while only a third predict declines, and 45% anticipate stability.In the marine engine segment, 2024 outcomes vary. The survey shows an even split among those recording growth (5% to 20%), stability, or contraction (5% to 20%). For 2025, one third of respondents anticipate an increase in turnover, while two thirds expect stable conditions.Within the equipment and accessories sector, 39% of sampled companies foresee growth in 2024, 42% predict contraction, and the remainder stability. Looking ahead to 2025, 63% expect stable results, 23% anticipate contraction, and 14% foresee improvement.For nautical tourism businesses, 2024 appears positive. Approximately 63% predict turnover growth, 28% expect stability, and only 9% foresee a decline. The outlook for 2025 remains promising, with 55% forecasting continued growth, 39% stability, and 6% a possible contraction.These assessments, pending official figures to be released in the next edition of “La Nautica in Cifre LOG” at the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, suggest that 2024 may mark a stabilization of the yachting industry’s overall turnover. The strength of the superyacht sector helps offset recent difficulties in smaller segments. The forecasts for 2025 indicate a potential recovery, pointing to improved conditions as early as next spring.Credit: Italian Marine Industry Association
December 17, 2024
Heesen Yachts has announced the keel laying of Project Evita, a 57-meter all-aluminium yacht currently under construction at the company’s facility in Oss, Netherlands. The new vessel, featuring a shallow draft suitable for cruising the Bahamas, is designed to reach a top speed of 22 knots at half load.“To achieve such a high top speed, the yacht must be lightweight, so we are naturally building in aluminium – something that we here at Heesen have elevated into an art form over the years,” said Peter van der Zanden, General Manager of Design and Development at Heesen Yachts. “The vertical bow guarantees a long waterline length for maximum efficiency and speed potential, while the aft end is composed of complex sweeping curves. This yacht will be unmistakable when she enters a new harbour.”The exterior, designed by Omega Architects, includes an elongated profile and a distinctive scoop-shaped stern with sharp angles and dynamic lines. As the second vessel in Heesen’s new 57m Aluminum Class with FDHF, Project Evita has a volume of 780 GT.Inside, Harrison Eidsgaard’s interior design accommodates up to 12 guests in six staterooms. A central elevator connects all three decks. Amenities include a pool on the main deck aft and a transom lazarette for water toy storage.Project Evita is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2027.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.Credit: Heesen Yachts
December 17, 2024