Perhaps the most appealing aspect of a superyacht is its ability to transport guests to remote, unchartered territories. Accessing some remote beaches, anchoring spots and icy regions can however prove difficult for most yachts built with more traditional cruising grounds in mind. As a result of this thirst for exploration and privacy, a new class of yachts has emerged: "explorers".
In recent years, explorers have been the subject of many discussions in the yachting industry. The concept of explorer yachts is however not a novelty to superyacht builders. "We do see a consistent number of clients over the years that are interested in exploring remote regions on their Feadships." said Tim Hamilton, Director of Feadship America, "Some of them have requested us to build them an explorer but more often they want a traditional looking yacht with explorer capabilities."
Some of the hype associated with the alleged rise of the market for explorer yachts could be associated with often misinterpreted design features. "A vertical bow is not something that we would assimilate with an explorer by itself." commented Michael Breman, sales director of Lurssen and president of the Superyacht Builders Association. "The demand for explorer yachts has always been there and Lurssen has built many of them. A good example of an explorer is Octopus which we delivered in 2003".
"To build to full ice class, more is required than just strengthening the hull and adding fuel tanks" according to Mr Hamilton, "Extreme conditions stress many elements of the yacht. For instance, water tanks, located in the hull, could freeze. Also, the hull needs to be shaped in order to be able to reverse out of packed ice and needs to account for added weight from ice on deck.".
The line between a yacht and a ship becomes blurry when the requirements include extreme conditions.
Tim Hamilton, Director of Feadship America
In essence, explorer yachts unlock new destinations but require specialized equipment which takes up limited space on board. This seems to explain why the majority of explorer yachts have a length of over 60 meters. Some shipyards have however taken on the bet of building explorers on a smaller scale.
Sanlorenzo, an Italian shipyard originally focused on building fast, planning yachts has recently launched the second hull of its 460EXP series. The model features a raised bow, five decks but also an endless swimming pool and a wide array of toys. Four additional 460EXP models have already been sold according to the shipyard.
Cantiere Delle Marche, another Italian shipyard established less than a decade ago, has seen great success with its Darwin Class consisting of 86ft, 102ft and 107ft models.
The ability of these yachts to cruise for long distances however doesn't seem to indicate a decline for more mainstream destinations. "The Med and the Caribbean remain the top destination areas for the majority of superyachts" explained Paris Baloumis, marketing director of Oceanco.
"However there are certainly the adventurous individuals who wish to go further afield. Several yachts in our fleet have been to the South Pacific, Maldives, Galapagos, Alaska, etc. In any case, whether owners have immediate plans to go to these places or not, they want to be capable of going there. For instance, our 2015 delivery [Infinity] is both PYC-compliant and ice class."
"We have seen a slight rise in explorer-styled yachts, but I think this is more a result of clients wanting to carry more toys with them. There are always clients wanting to explore remote locations and other that like to stick to the tried and true", added Mr Hamilton.
It therefore seems that shipyards in general are not seeing as much a massive uptick in the demand for explorer yachts as an increase in yacht concepts taking design features from explorers and carrying more and more toys on board.
These are nice boats, but it will be interesting to see if they will actually be built or not.
Michael Breman, Sales Director, Lurssen
A simple fad in yacht design or an actual change in mentality in the superyacht industry, the "explorer yacht" look will undoubtedly make a mark in the sector's history with the border between ships and yachts being constantly blurred by new project such as the new 116m Kleven.
Finnish builder Baltic Yachts has delivered its 43-metre sailing superyacht Canova, following successful sea trials. The vessel was launched on May 13, to become the world's first sailing superyacht equipped with DSS technology, earlier deployed on smaller yachts. Canova departed Jakobstad yard for her maiden trip on October 20.<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/365718981" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/365718981">The story of DSS</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user69423240">Baltic Yachts</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Canova claims to be one of the most technically advanced yachts the yard has ever constructed. The world's first sliding wing yacht, she has been designed to reduce bowing, increase speed and increase comfort on-board. The superyacht’s design was developed by Baltic in-house team in collaboration with Gordon Kay from Infiniti Performance Yachts and engineers from BAR Technologies. Farr Yacht Design was responsible for the marine architecture of the boat, while the interior profile comes from the drawing boards of Lucio Micheletti.Canova’s wing is integrated into the cassette in the yacht’s hull directly under the waterline and extends up to 6.5 meters in the leeward direction, which significantly increases the ship's driving performance and the comfort of the crew and guests on board.<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/367998030" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/367998030">Baltic_142_Canova_ Departure</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user69423240">Baltic Yachts</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Furthermore, her systems are designed for ease of maintenance in remote areas and while under sail her free-wheeling propeller will take the place of conventional generating sets to charge her large bank of Lithium ion batteries.Featuring 9-metre long DSS foil developed by Infiniti Yachts athwartships, Canova will strive for comfort while under sail in long trans-ocean passages with her heel angle will be reduced by up to 10 degrees and her pitching motion dampened. Depending on the conditions, the technology will increase the yacht’s estimated top speed of 25 knots at 5-20%.Canova will also be propelled with a new diesel-electric drive system for more efficient, less noisy and vibrations sailing than when on conventional motors. Another outstanding feature of the yacht is a lifting keel able to reduce the draught from 6.5 metres to 3.8 metres.The focal point of the interior design meanwhile is the full beam deck saloon, which leads via sliding doors to a same-level cockpit. The yacht will offer accommodation for up to eight guests across three cabins and a master suite. A shaded al fresco relaxation spot will be provided by a long Bimini hardtop stretching out from the coachroof over the cockpit.Following sea trials before her departure, Canova’s owner said he was delighted with the effect of the foil emphasising that any improvement in performance would be a bonus.
October 23, 2019
The 37.6-metre aluminium open-style sports boat A2 (ex-Madhuri) was built by Eurocraft Cantieri Navali in 2008. In 2018, the vessel underwent a major refit headed up by Florence designer Tommaso Spadolini, who introduced significant changes to the exterior and interior layout, closely with the New York-based designer Peter Marino to update the décor. Below is the information on how a 6-month refit on a yacht of A2 type works, with a synergetic collaboration between the owner, the designers and the shipyard. Spadolini recalls, the initial owner’s brief centred on light and space:It was a challenging project as he [the owner] wanted to make significant changes and gave the refit team just half a year to complete the job, which required a high level of cooperation and synergy between the owner, the designers and the C.A.R.M. shipyard in Lavagna.Importantly, the original boat had no hull windows and was built on a very traditional layout. Taking care to retain the yacht’s original personality, portlights were opened up in the hull, requiring new certification, and the general arrangement was completely revised. A full-width entrance leads into a bright, welcoming main deck salon furnished with large sofas, a bar and wide-screen TV. The wheelhouse is located forward on the same level.On the lower deck, the old twin cabins were replaced with two new ensuite cabins: the owner’s suite with four hull windows for extra light, a separate dressing room and marble-lined bathroom, and a double cabin for his daughter with two new windows. A bright VIP with ensuite bathroom is also located on the lower deck forward and has its own dedicated staircase.A modern galley was fitted with an external gull-wing door so the crew has access to the side decks, and a new dayhead has replaced the old fireplace area. The galley, captain’s cabin, crew mess and laundry are served by a dedicated service staircase. The two crew cabins aft with two bathrooms have direct access to the engine room. For the interior design and decor, Spadolini worked closely with Peter Marino Architects (PDA):Peter had designed homes for the owner in the past. PDA selected all the colour palettes, textiles, marbles, fixtures and fittings, but we made sure his proposals could be integrated into the interior design.Techno wise, the yacht is powered by MTU engines of 2500 hp each to a maximum speed of 31 knots and a fast cruising speed of 28 knots. After taking delivery, the owner and his family spent their August vacation on-board A2 cruising the waters of Corsica and Sardinia.Tommaso Spadolini design studio celebrated 40 years of activity in 2018. The company has worked with many of the yachting industry’s most famous shipyards: Cantieri di Pisa, Barberis, Alalunga, Baglietto, Codecasa and Rossinavi.
October 23, 2019
Recently, many world’s marinas have gone through deep restructuring to strengthen their offering and compete for superyachts' attention. At the core of this pivotal moment for yachting infrastructure, however, stood Porto Montenegro, one of the first purpose-built superyacht hubs. During the MYS 2019, the plans for further development of one of the 10 most stunning European superyacht marinas got revealed. The project of Porto Montenegro dates back to 2007, when Peter Munk, a Hungarian-born Canadian businessman purchased a site in Montenegro for €23 million, with the purpose of building a superyacht marina that would rival mainstream destinations. With backing from LVMH Chairman, Bernard Arnault, Russian oligarch, Oleg Deripaska and Lord Jacob Rothschild, the Barrick Gold founder set out to develop the largest private-sector investment in the country.Located near the coastal city of Tivat, Porto Montenegro's ambition was to become a homeport for some of the world's largest yachts by providing their crew and visiting owners with high end facilities. The development also included the construction of a strong ecosystem around the marina with condos, restaurants and a five star hotel.Over its several years of development, Porto Montenegro caught the eye of new investors and in May 2016 it was confirmed that the development was acquired the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the city-state's investment arm. Currently, Porto Montenegro has 450 berths for yachts from 12 to 250 meters in length (with a capacity to expand to 850 berths), 300 sold-out luxury apartments, as well as 60 units of ground floor retail with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and amenities and a five-star Regent Hotel with over 130 luxury suites and apartments.During a private event at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, Porto Montenegro announced it was going to invest over €500 million in further development and new projects on site over the next 10 years.Danilo Kalezic, Senior PR and Marketing Manager at Porto Montenegro, stated:We are currently only building on 30 percent of a vast 24 hectares that once belonged to the Arsenal, a former Yugoslav naval base. To date, we have invested €500 million and I believe that in the next 10 years, we’ll invest additional €500 million to develop half of the remaining land. This is difficult to predict because the site study is still being adopted but we’re on the right track.He also emphasised, that the Porto Montenegro village has been transforming from a summer destination to a year-round regional lifestyle-centre and multi-faceted business hub.What is more, in 2019 the Regent Pool Club Residences, consisting of apartments and penthouse suites, positioned adjacent to the five-star Regent Porto Montenegro hotel, was completed. The space contemporary design with elements of Venetian and Italian aesthetics, by London’s WATG Architects and MHZ Paris.In addition, the managers reported the summer season 2019 to be one of the most successful ever for Porto Montenegro. The village hosted such top-level events as the first RC44 regatta, the Gigayacht Captains Forum, the Sunreef Yachts rendezvous and Gumball3000 supercar rally, along with music, fashion and wine festivals. Danilo Kalezic expressed on the high number of yachts and residential clients:All berths for yachts under 30 metres were fully occupied this summer and overall occupancy was 11.5% higher compared to 2018. In the winter season, we recorded a 10.5% increase compared to last year.Alongside continued upgrades to Porto Montenegro Yacht Club, the village also embraces new business dimensions, offering co-working spaces and new office hubs. In 2019, Porto Montenegro also welcomed its first family office for new business residents, with Monte Carlo Yachts, Beneteau, and Sunreef Yachts among them.Meanwhile, Damen, the Dutch group behind Amels, has entered into a contract with Adriatic Marinas and the government of Montenegro to develop a superyacht repair and refit facility in a former shipyard in Bijela, Boka Bay. It is expected to become fully operational in 2021.
October 22, 2019
On October 7, a brand new 38-metre superyacht Westport 125 crashed into a fuel dock Port Angeles Boat Haven in Washington, DC. The dramatic incident was captured by surveillance cameras, causing an overall damage of reported $100,000 to the berths and several smaller vessels on her way.According to media sources, the superyacht was moored at a fuel dock at Port Angeles Boat Haven just outside of Seattle, Washington. The release by Clallam County Sheriff's Office states the yacht was expecting fuelling. The mooring lines were secured to the dock but the fuelling process had not yet begun, at the moment of the accident.Suddenly, the superyacht accelerated from the fuel dock by herself, colliding with several docks and at least seven other boats. The most extensive damage was caused to a research vessel named the Kuapio Kohola. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.At the moment, the cause of the accident remains under investigation. A crew of 6 employees, including the Captain, were on-board at the moment of the collision. Importantly, alcohol and drugs are not suspected. Some suggestions indicate the reason of the collision could be a malfunction of on-board electronics. Meanwhile, Westport shipyard promised to fully compensate for the caused damage.The 195-ton superyacht was built by Westport in 2018. With a beam of 8 metres and a draft of 1.75 metres, she has a GRP hull and GRP superstructure. Designed by Westport, the motor yacht can accommodate 10 guests across 5 cabins. Powered by MTU engines of 2600 hp each, Westport 125 can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. Her maximum range is estimated at 2,500 nautical miles.According to the Peninsula Daily News, the yacht owned by Westport, was getting ready to travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for delivery to her new owner. Earlier, she was listed for sale, asking $20,495,000.
October 22, 2019
Key annual event of the yachting industry, the Monaco Yacht Show, took place from 25 to 28 September this year. Traditionally, it featured the most impressive fleet of acclaimed superyachts and new-builds, even attracting a record-breaking number of exhibitors this year. The largest number in the show’s history, 600 companies came to energize the yachting market, drawing an encouragingly vast and committed clientele to the show.Check Yacht Harbour’s list of the TOP 10 most impressive superyachts seen at the MYS 2019’ edition here.The organisers report, after the 29th edition of the MYS, feedback from the exhibitors is pragmatic and positive: although the market could be stronger, positive signs are to be noted, including the higher number of private visitors present at Monaco’s Port Hercule this year. Furthermore, several sales deals have been closed after the show, such as 67-metre Heesen superyacht Project Sparta for 2023 delivery or 125-metre Project Jag signed by Lürssen.The MYS private concierge service invited over 211 VIP visitors (compared to 150 in 2018), linking them up with the show’s exhibitors and triggering over 50 yacht visits. The majority of the potential clients came from the USA, Russia, the UK, China and India. According to the exhibitors’ feedback, the definite trend in visitor profile comprises a broader range of countries and a wider age bracket.During the major event in the world of luxury yachting, some of the latest superyacht projects, technologies and joint ventures have been unveiled by the leading yards. The list of premiered concepts included among others Falcon Rig Gallery by Perini Navi or 70-metre superyacht project S702 by Tankoa.Bringing together some of the most outstanding vessels, the show increased in attendance this year by the albeit slight (31,565 visitors compared to 30,400 in 2018).This year’s edition of the MYS showcased 125 superyachts with an estimated total worth of around €4 billion, the most impressive fleet of vessels ever to be presented there. The superyacht exhibition included 44 new models and 14 megayachts over 70 metres in length, not to mention the 111-metre TIS and the 106-metre Amadea. Although the average length remained stable at 49.5m, the average price for a motoryacht exhibited at the show reached €37.8 million this year. 600 participating companies occupied a large section of Port Hercule, split into different themed areas. Yacht builders, brokers and designers set up their stands on the quaysides, close to their yachts. Tender and water toy manufacturers showcased no fewer than 55 pieces of equipment, with half of them presented for the first time. Their stands were mainly situated on the port’s Quai Antoine Ier, where the yacht show’s Car Deck displayed 30 collector or custom-built cars and motorbikes. The show’s many nautical equipment manufacturers and country pavilions were set up in tents on the port’s Darse Sud and Quai Albert Ier. The Parvis Piscine tent was dedicated to luxury products and services, with a fully revamped Upper Deck Lounge, reserved for the show’s partners from the luxury industry, spanned over 2 floors.On the eve of the MYS, 4 prizes were awarded at the 6th Monaco Yacht Show Superyacht Awards ceremony. The list of winners comprised three vessels. The 64-metre Sanlorenzo flagship superyacht Attila received the MYS/RINA Award for her design that complies with the environmental standards established by RINA. The brand new Lürssen superyacht TIS picked MYS Interior Design Award. Last but not the least, the 80-metre Abeking & Rasmussen Excellence won two prizes, the MYS Exterior Design Award, and the ceremony’s most prestigious award, the MYS Finest New Superyacht Award.The release expresses:The 2019 MYS carried a note of optimism, supported by its exhibitors' commitment to showcasing their finest products and services and by an increasingly varied final-client profile. The date has been set for next year’s event to confirm this positive trend on the Monaco Yacht Show’s 30th anniversary.
October 21, 2019