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.
At the Dubai International Boat Show, Majesty Yachts, part of Gulf Craft, announced the sale of the first unit in its 44.2-meter Majesty 145 series. The news was shared during a press conference led by Gulf Craft chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali.The Majesty 145 stands as a mid-range offering within the lineup, positioned between the 32.3-meter Majesty 100 Terrace and the 54.4-meter Majesty 175. Interior design by renowned Italian studio Cristiano Gatto Design features a neutral color scheme complemented by warm lighting and navy blue accents. The studio, known for its work on Gulf Craft's flagship Serenity MRF, brings a refined aesthetic to the vessel.While specific details remain limited, renderings showcase notable amenities such as dual dip pools located on the main deck aft and sundeck, along with an upper deck al fresco dining area and a lounge designed for panoramic ocean views.Chairman Alshaali highlighted the significance of the sale, stating it reflects client confidence in Gulf Craft's design and engineering capabilities. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, emphasizing the brand's commitment to setting new standards in the yachting sector.The first Majesty 145 is scheduled for launch in spring 2026.Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world: once a builder of small fishing boats in its modest premises, which was a genuine passion for Gulf Craft, they then established their credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry. With five brands in their product portfolio ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience, such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts.Credits: Gulf Craft
February 28, 2025
The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. has approved the consolidated preliminary financial results for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024. Key highlights include:Order Backlog: Reached an all-time high of €1.7 billion, marking a 25.5% increase compared to September 2024 and an 11.6% rise over December 2023.Revenue Growth: Net revenue from new yachts increased by 5.6% to €1,173.3 million compared to 2023.Profitability: Achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.2%, exceeding expectations and showing strong operational efficiency.Net Profit: Rose by 5.6% to €88.2 million compared to the previous year.Board Changes: The company appointed two new directors – Tan Ning and Hao Qinggui – and restructured its committees.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, expressed optimism about these results, attributing them to the company's innovative strategies, commitment to quality, and customer trust. He emphasized the group's focus on expanding globally, investing in technology, and enhancing products to reinforce their market leadership.These figures demonstrate Ferretti Group's robust financial health and continued success in the luxury yacht industry.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
February 28, 2025
Feadship announces the completion of Project 714, a 79.95-meter yacht destined to become a significant addition to its fleet. Having left the construction shed at the Aalsmeer facility, the vessel is now undergoing final outfitting and preparation for sea trials.Designed by RWD, Project 714 boasts an exterior characterized by sculpted curves and a striking blue hull, reflecting the pinnacle of sophistication and style. Feadship’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout, ensuring that both aesthetics and performance meet the highest standards.Naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects plays a crucial role in delivering optimal performance, while the yacht also incorporates cutting-edge technology through the FEAD (Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive) program. Featuring a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, Project 714 benefits from increased electrical storage capacity, surpassing previous iterations like the Savannah. Two contra-rotating thrusters replace conventional drive shafts and rudders, minimizing drag and improving efficiency.Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis informed the design of the pods and propellers, resulting in reduced vibration and enhanced comfort. This approach underscores Feadship’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its leadership in the superyacht industry.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
February 28, 2025
The 35.4-meter Benetti Mediterraneo 116 motor yacht Bella Vita, built in 2020, has been freshly listed for sale by Sean Doyle, Wes Sanford, and Ed Dickinson of Northrop & Johnson. Designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta with naval architecture by Benetti, Bella Vita is the eighth of ten yachts in the Mediterraneo 116 series.Owned continuously since new, the yacht was commissioned by experienced charter guests who sought to customize every space for entertainment purposes. Built to MCA compliance and recently surveyed, Bella Vita offers accommodation for 10 guests in five cabins, including an owner's suite, two VIP cabins, and two twin cabins, all en suite. The crew quarters accommodate eight individuals, including a captain's cabin and three additional cabins on the lower deck.Interiors are described as minimalist and bright, featuring oversized windows, a neutral color palette, rich wood finishes, and bold color accents. The main saloon includes a seating area with a fold-away TV and a formal dining area for ten, while large glass doors lead to a wide aft deck with a sofa and tables for relaxed dining or coffee. An outdoor dining area is located aft of the sky lounge.Outdoor living is emphasized in the design, with an expansive 80-square-meter sundeck ideal for sunbathing, socializing, and alfresco dining. The foredeck features a hot tub and additional sunpads. An impressive swim platform doubles as a launching point for watersports, accompanied by a spacious beach club with a garage housing a Williams tender, Jet Skis, and dive equipment. Equipped with an Atlas crane and gym facilities, the yacht is prepared for active leisure pursuits.Cruising at a comfortable 14 knots with a range of 3,200 nautical miles, Bella Vita reaches a top speed of 15 knots due to twin MAN 2,800hp engines. She is offered for €11,200,000.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
February 28, 2025
MB92 Group, a leading superyacht refit specialist, is significantly expanding its Mediterranean presence with a multi-million euro investment in its newly acquired Golfe-Juan shipyard. Located on the French Riviera, approximately 70 nautical miles east of La Ciotat, the facility is now operational, providing refit, maintenance, and repair services for yachts up to 43 meters. The move aims to enhance MB92's refit capacity in the Mediterranean and meet the growing demands of the superyacht industry.The investment, totaling €5 million, will be focused on modernizing the Golfe-Juan facility. Plans include building renovations, restoration of hard-standing areas, and the implementation of advanced pollution-prevention infrastructure. This follows the recent certification of the shipyard's new 240-tonne travel lift, which enables MB92 Golfe-Juan to accommodate up to 16 yachts of up to 43 meters simultaneously.Rob Papworth, Managing Director of MB92 La Ciotat, expressed confidence in replicating the success of their La Ciotat operations at the new Golfe-Juan location. "Our experience with the 300t Origins platform in La Ciotat has proven the value of a flexible, client-focused approach, and I am confident we can replicate the same success in Golfe-Juan," Papworth stated . He further emphasized that clients will benefit from MB92 Group's substantial investment in the site, access to their extensive network of global and local providers, and project support from the La Ciotat team.Philippe Escousse, a former skipper with extensive yacht refit experience, has been appointed as the site manager to oversee the transformation. His responsibilities include integrating MB92's operational efficiencies while ensuring continuity for existing clients. He will be supported by a team of over 15 professionals from the previous shipyard.MB92 Golfe-Juan specializes in a comprehensive range of services, including mechanical and electrical engineering, painting, carpentry, and full rebuilds . Situated between Cannes and Antibes, the shipyard is strategically positioned to serve the yachting community along the French Riviera.The launch of MB92 Golfe-Juan coincides with a comprehensive redevelopment of the Camille-Rayon port, led by D-Marin. This initiative aims to transform the port into a high-performance service hub, meeting the demands of clients for both superior infrastructure and environmentally responsible practices.Corinne Reynaud, Global Chief Financial Officer at D-Marin and President of D-Marin France, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "As we continue to enhance the capabilities of the Camille-Rayon port, the opening of MB92 Golfe-Juan marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to delivering exceptional infrastructure and services."For 25 years the MB92 Group comprises the refit and repair shipyards MB92 Barcelona and MB92 La Ciota. Both sites offer unrivalled facilities and employ a workforce of over 300 in-house professionals. In 2019, MB92 was acquired by Squircle Capital, a European alternative investment firm focused on private equity and real estate value-add investments. Credits: MB92 Group
February 27, 2025