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.
Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.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
May 21, 2025
Vripack has completed the interior concept for Burger Boat Company's new 55-meter superyacht, drawing on their 25-year collaboration with the Wisconsin shipbuilder. The design emphasizes natural materials, functional storage solutions, and adaptable lighting schemes for the custom-built vessel.The interior scheme features American walnut flooring and ceilings throughout, complemented by Calacatta Gold and Dark Emperador marble in guest bathrooms. Vripack prioritized maintaining sightlines through large picture windows while incorporating discreet storage units, particularly in the main salon. "Floor-to-ceiling windows are important, but shouldn't sacrifice functionality," said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.Lighting design forms a key element, with layered illumination including sconces, mini spots, and underlighting to transition from daytime to evening ambiance. The owner's stateroom employs a lighter color palette with customizable artwork displays, while guest areas feature Poltrona Frau furniture including Archibald armchairs.Storage solutions were expanded across all decks, addressing a common owner priority. The design maintains what Bouwhuis describes as "an easy-going foundation" with textured fabrics by Dedar and high-gloss finishes adding visual richness. Loose furniture selections include a Poliform Westside coffee table in the main saloon.The project continues Vripack's longstanding partnership with Burger, having previously collaborated on yachts including the mahogany-clad Ingot and the Slide Hull-equipped Burger 50 Cruiser. No delivery date was specified for the 180' model, which represents Burger's contemporary approach to custom yacht building.Vripack's design targets what Bouwhuis identifies as the typical Burger owner's priorities: "A vessel that's practical, comfortable, and tailored to their specific desires." The studio balanced aesthetic considerations with maintenance requirements and durability for extended cruising use.The Burger 180' interior marks another American-European collaboration for the Dutch designers, who have increasingly focused on storage optimization and transitional lighting schemes in recent superyacht projects. The yacht's technical specifications and propulsion details remain undisclosed at this stage of construction.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
May 21, 2025
Electric yacht builder Sialia Yachts has named Marco Plicchi as its new Chief Operating Officer. The appointment strengthens the company's leadership team as it prepares to launch its fully electric Sialia 45 model in June 2025.Sialia 45Plicchi brings 25 years of marine industry experience to the Polish shipyard, having previously held senior operations roles at several luxury yacht manufacturers. As COO, he will oversee production processes, new product development, and quality control across Sialia's range of 13-30 meter electric yachts.Marco PlicchiThe naval architect's immediate focus will be operational efficiency improvements as Sialia completes its 45-foot flagship model. The Sialia 45 claims class-leading range and a 43-knot top speed ahead of its scheduled debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025.Sialia 57 Deep SilencePlicchi's technical background includes implementing production systems, managing sea trials, and developing after-sales service programs. His appointment follows Sialia's expansion under parent company Silent Straits Group, though no organizational changes were announced beyond the COO position.Sialia 45The shipyard continues developing its zero-emission yacht portfolio, targeting the growing market for electric propulsion in the 40-100 foot segment. No production volume targets or new model announcements were disclosed alongside the executive appointment. Plicchi will assume operational responsibility immediately as Sialia prepares for its Cannes showcase.Credits: Sialia Yachts
May 21, 2025
The Custom Line 50 superyacht has received the Miglio Blu Design Award 2025 in the "Living Innovation" category. The 50-meter aluminum yacht was recognized for its revolutionary interior layout during the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia.Judges highlighted the yacht's dedicated owner's deck featuring a 75-square-meter suite with private terrace, natural lighting solutions, and separated crew/guest circulation for privacy. The award acknowledges Custom Line's approach to combining aesthetic innovation with functional design in the semi-custom segment.The Ferretti Group brand continues to emphasize owner-centric layouts across its model range. The Custom Line 50 remains available for order through the company's global dealer network, though pricing and delivery timelines were not disclosed. This marks the third consecutive year a Ferretti Group product has received recognition at the Italian design awards.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
May 20, 2025
Italian shipyard CRN has handed over the 67-meter superyacht Amor à Vida to its owner following successful sea trials. The steel and aluminum vessel, previously known as Project Maranello, departed CRN's Ancona facility in early May for its maiden Mediterranean voyage.The six-deck yacht features exterior styling by Nuvolari Lenard and interior design by Valentina Zannier, developed in collaboration with the owner. Moran Yacht & Ship represented the owner throughout the construction process, overseeing technical evaluations and project coordination. Accommodation includes an owner's suite on the upper deck, a convertible VIP suite on the main deck, and five guest cabins on the lower deck, with a total capacity for 12 guests.Amor à Vida incorporates a hybrid propulsion system with two MTU 12V4000 M63 engines, achieving IMO Tier III emissions certification. The yacht reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots with a cruising speed of 15 knots. An advanced heat recovery system improves energy efficiency by repurposing waste heat for the yacht's pools and plumbing network.CRN's project team worked closely with the owner's representatives and subcontractors to execute the custom design, which emphasizes fuel efficiency through its hybrid power management. The delivery follows the 2024 launch of CRN's 72-meter Cloud 9 and precedes several scheduled 2025 completions at the Ancona shipyard. No construction timeline or cost details were disclosed.The yacht's delivery marks another full-custom project completion for CRN, continuing the Ferretti Group subsidiary's focus on bespoke superyacht construction. Amor à Vida will spend its inaugural season cruising Mediterranean destinations before potentially appearing at fall boat shows.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
May 20, 2025