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.
Rebel 50 G is the newest model in the Rebel line, a vessel that epitomizes the brand's ethos of dynamism, versatility, safety, and comfort. Breaking away from conventions without flamboyance, this model, with its unique Stingray color palette, pays homage to the brand's elegant and iridescent legacy.Designed by Christian Grande, the Rebel 50 G exhibits a distinctive profile characterized by balance, continuity, and an unconventional design. Positioned between classic ribs and open boats, its tapered foam profiles ensure safe mooring while adding a touch of sportiness.The standout feature of the 50 G is its large window, seamlessly integrated to create an impression of floating. The glass, forming a closed and protected space, sets it apart from other models. The G, with its powerful and collected shape, offers the flexibility to create a closed space in total continuity with the external environment. The addition of a sliding rear window allows for an open boat experience with the advantages of a cruiser, ensuring comfort on the water and protection during adverse weather conditions.The main deck is a luminous expanse, flooded with natural light, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. This expansive living space integrates the wheelhouse, an extractable television, a refrigerator, and a kitchen cabinet with an ice maker. The area seamlessly connects with the stern, forming a unified environment. An extendible electric roller blind and carbon poles provide options for shading and shelter.The external spaces of the Rebel 50 G cater to experienced boat owners, offering expansive mooring surfaces at the stern and bow. The walkaround configuration ensures safety, while the large stern and bow sun decks enhance the overall experience. The bow, with a corner chaise lounge, is deemed the most romantic area, inviting enthusiasts to view motoring as a relaxed flight over water. The optional roof extends its suitability to various climates beyond the Mediterranean.The sporty stern features an up&down platform for hauling a 2.50-meter tender. Configurable in four ways – Garage Sunpad, Forward Lounge, Stern Lounge, and Free Standing – it provides diverse options for relaxation, dining, and a versatile on-water experience.The interiors, adorned with Ceppo di Gre' marble, offer an unostentatious elegance. Below deck, two layouts provide ample storage, voluminous areas, and privacy. The rooms, exceeding two meters in height, ensure maximum comfort, with bathrooms featuring dimensions typically found on larger boats. Four variants – Tonic White, Daikiri Touch, Spicy Honey, and Velvet Mist – add a personalized touch.Powered by a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 950 HP engines, the Rebel 50 G achieves a maximum speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 28, setting a new standard in innovation, elegance, and performance in the world of superyachts.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Credits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
November 28, 2023
ISA Yachts has shared the latest developments on Project Future, the ISA GT 80M. Currently being crafted at the Palumbo Superyachts shipyard in Ancona, the steel hull is rapidly nearing completion. Having been sold in July this year, the project is on track for delivery in 2027.Envisioned by Enrico Gobbi of Team for Design, the exterior lines of ISA GT 80M exemplify a sporty coupé with fluid contours, erasing the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior design, a testament to Gobbi's creative prowess, and naval architecture handled by Palumbo Superyachts' in-house team promise a seamless and sophisticated yacht experience.The hull, adorned in steel gray with charcoal details, juxtaposed with minimal windows, imparts a slender and modern appearance. The skylounge, housing the wheelhouse, cleverly integrates with the dynamic ISA arch, emphasizing continuity across all decks.The main deck forward features an infinity pool seamlessly connected to the owner's cabin through an illuminated path, offering a visually stunning experience. The owner's cabin, a transparent haven with floor-to-ceiling windows, boasts unobtrusive uprights and exquisite outdoor furnishings marked by organic shapes and modern curves, accentuated with warm wood.The upper deck hosts a well-equipped gym, complementing the wheelhouse and captain's cabin. On the main deck, ISA GT 80 features five double cabins, including a VIP with a lounge. The upper deck forward accommodates the owner's cabin, complete with two bathrooms, a vanity area, two wardrobes, and an office. An additional VIP cabin with twin beds is situated on the lower deck.The lower deck encompasses a crew area with ten cabins, providing accommodation for up to 18 crew members. ISA GT 80M promises a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and cutting-edge design, setting new standards in the world of superyachts.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts
November 28, 2023
Yesterday marked a significant moment as the inaugural Amels 80 superyacht arrived in the Netherlands for the commencement of its outfitting phase at Damen Yachting's primary shipyard in Vlissingen. Expected to be completed in 2025, this 80-meter vessel is the first among the latest designs emerging from the Amels Limited Editions collection. True to the Amels legacy, the external design, a contemporary masterpiece, was crafted by the renowned designer Espen Oeino.Romke van der Linde, Project Manager at Damen Yachting, emphasized the shipyard's enduring commitment to innovation: “This yacht is at the forefront of shipbuilding. We are a 100+ year old shipyard that continues to innovate, and the hybrid Amels 80 is a true testament to this. The feedback from the several Amels 60 yachts that already feature our hybrid system has been more than positive.”Opting for a fully custom interior, the owner enlisted the expertise of Dutch design studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive North America at Damen Yachting, highlighted the allure of Amels Limited Editions' personalized interior design: “A key selling point of our Amels Limited Editions superyachts is the ability to create a fully personalized interior design. And judging by the interior renderings, this is set to be a spectacular rendition of the Amels 80 that we are all excited to see delivered in 2025.”Distinguished by a unique color palette and a selection of natural materials, the interior promises a dedicated owner’s deck and an expansive 200-square-meter sun deck. With a voluminous 2,175 GT, the yacht boasts ample space for an array of toys, a waterside beach club opening on three sides, a wellness and spa area, and a helicopter landing area.The hull and superstructure of the first Amels 80 were launched from the build facility in Galati, Romania, on September 27, 2023, and then towed to the Netherlands for the final stages of completion. Burgess, involved as the owner’s representative since the yacht was sold a year ago, expressed pride in the collaborative effort to push the boundaries of the Limited Editions series. Sean Bianchi, Partner – Head of New Construction, Naval Architect at Burgess, stated, “This is a great testament to the project team who are working collaboratively together to complete a yacht that pushes the boundaries of the Limited Editions series to the maximum. We are extremely proud to have been part of this unique project and look forward to her delivery in 2025.”Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
November 28, 2023
Enzo Manca's latest superyacht concept, named Juno, masterfully blends the essence of classic 1980s yachts with cutting-edge technology. Juno, a sleek aluminum vessel stretching 109 meters in length, draws inspiration from the iconic yachts of the 1980s while integrating the latest advancements in marine design. Crafted by Italian designer Enzo Manca, the yacht boasts sharp, futuristic lines and an extended, slender bow that pays homage to the elegance of renowned yachts from past decades.Spanning six expansive decks, Juno provides abundant space for both relaxation and entertainment. The living areas harmonize contemporary materials and furnishings with retro elements reminiscent of the charming decor of the '80s. The main saloon stands as a "luxury oasis," featuring generous plush sofas, an upscale bar, and expansive panoramic windows. The capacious cabins comfortably accommodate 16 guests, with additional room for a crew of 36.The standout among the accommodations is undeniably the owner's suite. Situated on the fourth deck, this multifunctional space serves as both a sleeping area and a private lounge, complete with a piano for those musically inclined.The aft beach club is divided into two levels, with the upper tier housing a swimming pool and an expansive sundeck for 15 guests. The lower section is equipped with a beach club and a bar. As expected with modern yachts, fold-out terraces adorn the stern, providing direct access to the sea. Adding to its features, Juno boasts a helipad at the bow, facilitating convenient arrivals and departures by air.While details about the propulsion system remain undisclosed, Manca has revealed that the yacht will feature an innovative electronic anchoring system. This system not only ensures the protection of the seabed but also promises secure and reliable mooring, regardless of water depth.This isn't Manca's first venture into extraordinary superyacht concepts. In a previous unveiling, he introduced UAE One, a 139-meter megayacht designed to be the official flagship of the United Arab Emirates. Credits: Enzo Manca Design
November 27, 2023
Camper & Nicholsons announces the addition of Zoo to its sales fleet, with sales brokers Elle Curro and Sebastien Bernard representing the yacht.Built by Cantieri di Pisa, the 31.1m motor yacht Zoo graced the waters in 2008. Continuous refits and upgrades have meticulously maintained the yacht, ensuring it meets exceptional standards.Featuring timeless exterior lines and impressive interior volume, Zoo boasts a flybridge design that enhances its overall allure. As a semi-custom construction, it belongs to Cantieri di Pisa's Ahkir 105 models, offering a spacious cockpit area, an expansive flybridge, and accommodation for up to nine guests.The cabin arrangement includes a full-beam master suite, two VIP cabins, and one guest cabin. Interior spaces comprise a saloon lounge and dining area on the main deck, along with a dedicated TV room/office.Navigational stability is a highlight of Zoo, complemented by at-anchor stabilizers that contribute to enhanced onboard comfort. Additionally, the yacht comes with a tender garage at the stern and is available for sale, inclusive of its 3.35m ZAR ZF1 tender.The yacht’s asking price is EUR3,900,000.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
November 27, 2023