North-American shipyard Palmer Johnson, originally located in Great Lakes region of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, once belonged amongst major US builders. The company started as wooden yachts builder, now boasting a 100-year-long history. They launched such famous vessels, as Fortuna for the King of Spain, unrivalled in the terms of speed for 10 consequent years, and explorer Turmoil, sailing around the globe three times. Yacht Harbour takes a closer look at the company’s long history and where they arrived at today.
Palmer Johnson was founded by Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack in 1918, originally named Johnson and Gmack. During the 1920s, the boatyard made its specialty repairing rowing skiffs and commercial fishing vessels, with its first wooden yacht launched later in 1928.
The company went through hard and prosperous periods through its history, under different owners. Sometimes its activity was affected by international events, as well. For instance, when the United States entered the WWII, most American industries rallied around the war effort. During the war years, Palmer Johnson built over forty 45-foot air-sea rescue boats and four 65-foot “T” class freighters.
King Juan Carlos' Fortuna
In 1956 the company was sold and renamed after the founder’s son, Palmer Johnson. Starting from the 1960s, Palmer Johnson becomes one of the pioneers in the field of aluminium yachts building, with the first unit Isanti built in 1962 for an American banker.
Within five years, the company delivered the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht of that time, a 25,6-metre ketch Firebird. Firebird was surpassed by Fortuna, a 30.5-metre yacht for King Juan Carlos of Spain, setting the record in 1979. She was capable of reaching an incredible speed of 46 knots, remaining the fastest yacht in the world for over a decade.
During 1989-1992, the company was extending its facilities; inaugurating new 7,000-square-metre facility at Jefferson Street and First Avenue and expanding to the East Coast.
La Baronessa
In 1998, the same year Palmer Johnson celebrated its 80th anniversary, the company launched the largest all-aluminum yacht built in the USA, La Baronessa (59,5-metre LOA).
In 2003, following several unproductive years the company was sold to her current owner, English businessman Timur Mohamed, after he had purchased a 120-foot yacht christened Cover Drive.
Under his direction, Palmer Johnson introduced its SportYacht series in 2004, featured with contemporary exterior styling and interior design by Nuvolari Lenard. Launched during a peak of prosperity for yachting in general, the series becomes one of the most popular in the midsize superyacht segment.
In 2012, the shipyard announced its new carbon-fibre SuperSport performance superyacht series as a follow-up to its SportYacht series. Despite several deliveries, it couldn't quite replicate the initial success of the previous series partly due to a different economic climate.
However, in 2015 it was announced that the Sturgeon Bay shipyard would be closed and sold after delivery of its last boat. Since 2017, production was moved to the Netherlands, although it is for now unclear under what form that currently exists.
The company reported that the relocation had a strategic purpose to increase production of the new carbon SuperSport series. It was though rumoured that the move was inevitable as sales had diminished against escalating foreign competitive pressures. Some sources reported that the closures resulted in the loss of about 100 jobs.
One of the most recent yacht launched by Palmer Johnson, was 2016 sport yacht Sanam with LOA of 52,4 metres, the last one built within US facility. Following this, Palmer Johnson announced collaborations with Bugatti on a 66ft day boat and a day boat called the PJ63 Sport, clients for the projects, however, remain to be found so far.
Nonetheless, the company still announces ambitious projects. The largest one has been revealed recently, jointly with Korean designer Chulhun Park. The companies have presented new 229-meter superyacht concept Valkyrie. Time will tell if the concept is a sign of big things to come from an iconic brand.
Northrop & Johnson has announced the delivery of a new Numarine 37XP explorer yacht to its owner. The vessel, sold by yacht broker Richard Higgins at the end of 2022, represents a significant addition to Numarine’s expanding 37XP Series.The 37-meter yacht is designed for long-range cruising and offers impressive performance capabilities. It features a range of 5,500 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and stabilizers for enhanced comfort during voyages.The yacht’s exterior design, created by Can Yalman, showcases angular lines and expansive dark-tinted windows across all decks. The triple-deck layout includes spacious outdoor areas such as a large beach club, shaded aft deck, and extensive sundeck.Interior features include floor-to-ceiling windows on the main and upper decks, which provide natural light and panoramic views. The contemporary interior design offers spacious accommodations.Richard Higgins commented on the project: “The construction of this yacht was a complex and rewarding journey — one that ultimately resulted in a truly exceptional vessel. While not without its challenges, the project was brought to a successful conclusion thanks to the dedication, experience, and close collaboration of the build team and the buyer’s knowledgeable representatives. From concept to delivery, every stage was met with a strong commitment to quality and a clear focus on achieving the owner’s vision. The result is a yacht that not only meets but exceeds expectations in design, performance, and craftsmanship — a testament to what can be accomplished through expertise, perseverance, and an effective team.”This delivery strengthens the reputation of the 37XP Series, which continues to attract owners seeking a capable platform for worldwide cruising with a focus on style and comfort.Credits: Numarine
June 24, 2025
The 32.7-meter motor yacht Far Niente, built in June 2024 by Turkish shipyard SES Yachts, is now available for sale through broker Dominic Meredith-Hardy of Classic Charters. Combining classic aesthetics with modern technology, the yacht features a fuel-efficient hull design by Hoek Design Naval Architects, inspired by early 20th-century Dutch herring luggers.Constructed with a steel hull and wood-composite superstructure, Far Niente was commissioned by experienced owners as a classic-style expedition yacht. The interior layout accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, along with crew quarters for six.The yacht’s design blends traditional and contemporary elements, with grey-washed oak and white paneling contrasted by exposed timber beams and classic deckheads. The main saloon includes a dining area for 10 and an L-shaped lounge, while the bridge deck offers a TV lounge and an outdoor space with al fresco dining and sunpads.Additional features include tender storage on the foredeck, serviced by a retractable crane. Powered by a single MAN diesel engine, Far Niente reaches a top speed of 11 knots, with a cruising speed of 9.5 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles. Key specifications include a 200GT interior volume, a 6.7-meter beam, and a 2.5-meter draft.The asking price is EUR13,000,000.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
June 24, 2025
Pershing celebrates four decades of operations, highlighting its evolution as a brand known for revolutionary yacht designs, advanced technology, and high performance. Founded in the early 1980s by Tilli Antonelli, Fausto Filippetti, and Giuliano Onori, the company initially focused on repairing laminated wood boats. A turning point came in 1985 with the launch of the Pershing 45, developed in collaboration with designer Fulvio De Simoni. This model combined speed and spaciousness, establishing Pershing as a leader in innovation.In 1998, Pershing joined the Ferretti Group, expanding its global presence. The brand further strengthened its international reach in 2012 under the Weichai Group, with notable growth in Asia, America, and Europe. Pershing has consistently introduced groundbreaking technologies, such as surface-piercing propeller systems and water jets with gas turbines, exemplified by the 5,100 HP Pershing 115 in 2004.The current fleet includes the Generation X series (5X–9X) and the GTX range (GTX116, GTX80, GTX70), balancing performance with comfort. The Pershing 140, the brand’s first all-aluminum superyacht, represents its most ambitious project to date.Production takes place in Mondolfo, Italy, at an 84,000-square-meter facility featuring advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities. The site includes dedicated areas for different model ranges, with processes such as PPG-certified dry painting ensuring high-quality finishes."By introducing technological innovations, unveiling revolutionary models, and evolving the brand’s storied shipyard, for forty years Pershing has continued to look beyond the horizon, to where the sea meets the future," the company stated.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.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 24, 2025
Overmarine Group has launched the fifth hull in its Mangusta Oceano 50 series, a 50-meter displacement yacht measuring just below 500 GT. The vessel features exterior and interior design by Alberto Mancini in collaboration with the shipyard's technical department.The yacht's layout emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive glazing. Accommodation includes five cabins, with a full-beam master suite on the main deck featuring an automated balcony. The lower deck houses four guest cabins and a gymnasium.Outdoor amenities comprise three connected beach club terraces, two swimming pools (including a 6.5×2.6-meter pool with countercurrent system), and multiple lounge/dining areas across the decks. The sun deck infinity pool creates a visual connection with the horizon.Power comes from twin MTU 12V 2000 M86 engines (1,700hp each), delivering a 16-knot top speed and 4,500-nautical-mile range at 11 knots. Moran Yachts facilitated the sale of this fifth Oceano 50 unit.The launch follows four previous deliveries in the Oceano 50 series since its introduction. Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
June 23, 2025
Horizon Yachts has completed construction of the 15th hull in its FD80 series, a 24.6-meter motoryacht that will make its European debut at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show in September. This marks the first FD80 model specifically configured for the European market.The yacht features design collaboration with Dutch designer Cor D. Rover, incorporating an open-plan interior layout with floor-to-ceiling windows. Interior finishes include bleached teak and brushed gunmetal detailing throughout the cabinetry. The owner has specified several custom features, including large-format televisions in both the main saloon and master suite.Accommodations are arranged for eight guests across four staterooms, with a full-beam master suite on the main deck and three additional guest cabins below. The crew area accommodates four staff with direct access to the beach club.Exterior spaces include multiple social areas, with a hot tub and teppanyaki grill on the bridge deck, along with flexible aft deck space that can serve as either a lounge or tender storage area. The foredeck features a dining setup with sunpads.Powered by twin MTU engines, the yacht incorporates Horizon's Skyline superstructure design and a fully enclosed wheelhouse. The FD80 will be available for viewings at both European boat shows before delivery to its owner. The Fast Displacement series represents a significant portion of Horizon Yachts' current production output.Founded in 1987, Horizon Yachts has celebrated 35 years as one of the largest luxury yacht builders in the world as well as the number one builder in the Asia Pacific region. In the past three decades, Horizon has delivered over 855 luxury yachts, with more than 220 of these over 80 feet in length. Popular models ranging from 52 to 150 feet include motor yachts, superyachts, power catamarans, expedition yachts, and fast displacement motor yachts.Credits: Horizon Yachts
June 23, 2025