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.
The Board of Directors of Sanlorenzo S.p.A., chaired by Mr. Massimo Perotti, convened to review and approve the preliminary consolidated results as of December 31, 2024. Key highlights include:Financial PerformanceNet Revenues from New Yachts ("Net Revenues New Yachts") reached €930.4 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to €840.2 million in 2023. This growth was driven by the excellent performance of the Superyacht Division (+17.6% YoY) and the stabilization of the Yacht Division (+1.8% YoY).EBITDA increased by 12.0% to €176.4 million, with a margin of 19.0% on revenues.Operating Profit (EBIT) grew by 10.6% to €139.3 million, with a margin of 15.0% on revenues.Operational PerformanceInvestments totaled €49.3 million, largely directed towards expanding industrial capacity and developing new models and product lines. Following the inclusion of Nautor Swan and Simpson Marine, total investments for the period reached €188.1 million.Net Cash Position stood at €29.1 million post dividend payments of €34.8 million, organic investments of €49.3 million, and other operational expenses. Excluding extraordinary transactions, the net cash position would have been €112.8 million.Order Book and Sales:Q4 2024 Orders amounted to €230.2 million, a 22.0% increase over the same period in 2023. The total backlog stood at €1,019.8 billion, with €623.1 million allocated to 2025.Strategic InitiativesThe company continued to enhance its international footprint via direct representation in key regions, exemplified by the acquisition of 95% of the Simpson Marine Group in March 2024.In August 2024, Sanlorenzo signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Nautor Swan, which had already contributed €38.3 million over five months.Technological advancements were also notable, with the launch of three yachts showcasing innovative sustainable technologies.Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo, stated: "Our solid growth trajectory, confirmed by achieving results both in terms of revenues and margins, highlights the effectiveness of our 'Haute Couture' business model and the ability of our team to successfully navigate global markets and close valuable acquisitions, even in uncertain times like 2024. We are steadily pursuing the Group’s long-term vision and executing the strategic objectives set out in our business plan, while maintaining a solid financial position and liquidity that allow us to evaluate and seize every opportunity to further strengthen our brands."Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
February 14, 2025
Maxim Yachts is set to make its first appearance at the Dubai International Boat Show, held from February 19th to 23rd, 2025, at Dubai Harbour.Max 43 Comfort The Spanish shipyard, renowned for its day cruisers, will welcome visitors by showcasing its mission to offer a highly customizable range of boats tailored to fit both the specifications and regional requirements of owners worldwide.Max 43 Race Among the highlights is the latest model from the Barcelona-based yard, the Max 44R, which made its global debut at the recent Miami Boat Show. Designed by Alex Cherigny and engineered by Isonaval, the Max 44R is equipped with a triple Mercury Verado outboard engine configuration, generating a total of 1,200 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds above 50 knots.Max 44 RMaxim Yachts has already created a buzz within the industry, making an impactful appearance at the Genoa Boat Show earlier this year. Renowned for its limited and customizable production, the shipyard prides itself on superior craftsmanship. The Neo 43 Comfort exemplifies a perfect blend of style, performance, and comfort, showcasing Maxim Yachts’ unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.Credit: Maxim Yachts
February 14, 2025
The Quick Group, a globally recognized leader in the development of advanced marine systems and comprehensive pre- and after-sales services for yachts and superyachts, is thrilled to announce a momentous strategic partnership between its renowned Quick Nautical Equipment brand and Mercury Marine. This significant collaboration was officially unveiled at the Miami International Boat Show 2025.For decades, Quick Nautical Equipment has been instrumental in shaping the marine industry, establishing benchmarks with its pioneering innovations. Known for its uncompromising reliability and technological advancements, the brand has garnered a stellar reputation for excellence across various sectors, including anchoring systems, water heaters, bow thrusters, inverters, battery chargers, and more. Its extensive product portfolio encompasses a vast array of offerings, notably its comprehensive selection of bow thrusters, which have consistently delivered superior performance and durability.Notably, Quick Nautical Equipment was among the first to introduce bow thrusters powered by IP68 synchronous motors with integrated drivers, ensuring unlimited continuous proportional operation—a hallmark of the brand's commitment to innovation.Beginning now, Quick Nautical Equipment's thrusters are officially compatible with Mercury Marine's Joystick Piloting system. This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in enhancing boat maneuverability and control. By integrating Quick Nautical Equipment’s advanced bow thrusters with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting system, boaters can expect unprecedented precision, responsiveness, and ease of handling.Quick Nautical Equipment offers a comprehensive range of thrusters specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with Mercury's single-engine and multi-engine Joystick Piloting systems. To facilitate this integration, Quick Nautical Equipment has developed a gateway that allows communication between its Proportional Control Systems (PCS) and Mercury’s protocols. This means that control of QNE thrusters can be achieved directly through Mercury’s maneuvering joysticks. Moreover, this system can be retrofitted onto existing Quick Nautical Equipment installations, provided that the PCS is either already in place or will be installed.This integration significantly enhances precision and control during low-speed maneuvers, resulting in a superior boating experience for users.Quick Nautical Equipment's enduring commitment to excellence ensures that it remains at the forefront of marine innovation, continuously delivering solutions that stand the test of time and elevate the overall boating experience. These achievements are bolstered by strategic collaborations with top global industry leaders, such as Mercury Marine, driving the integration of cutting-edge technologies and raising the bar for the entire marine industry.Credits: Quick Group
February 14, 2025
Overmarine Group hassold the seventh unit in the Mangusta Oceano 50 series, with the transaction facilitated by Moran Yacht & Ship. Dubbed Project Nexus, this 49.9-meter yacht is designed by Alberto Mancini and will be constructed at Overmarine's facility in Viareggio, Italy. Moran Yacht & Ship will manage the project, with delivery expected in 2028. Upon completion, Project Nexus will join other notable sisterships like Dokinha and Eternity.The first Oceano 50, named Alisa, was delivered in 2021 and went on to secure a victory in its category at the subsequent World Superyacht Awards.Project Nexus offers a flexible accommodation layout, featuring five cabins on the lower deck, including two VIP suites, along with an optional additional VIP cabin or gym, depending on the owner's preferences. The owner's suite is situated on the main deck and comes equipped with a fully automated balcony, providing unobstructed views of the ocean.One of the standout features of this model is the bow area, which houses a garage that transforms into a swimming pool with a counterflow system when the tender is deployed. Additional amenities include a spacious sundeck with a hot tub, lounge, and al fresco dining area, as well as a 68-square-meter beach club with three terraces overlooking the sea.Performance-wise, the Mangusta Oceano 50 can achieve a top speed of 16 knots and boast a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.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
February 13, 2025
Pearl Yachts is thrilled to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Dubai International Boat Show 2025, scheduled from February 19th to 23rd. This significant event also marks the debut of Pearl Gulf, the brand’s newly appointed dealer for the GCC region, highlighting Pearl Yachts' ongoing expansion in the global market.Pearl Gulf, a distinguished member of the esteemed Ocean World Group, will cater to the discerning tastes of yacht enthusiasts across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. Building on its successful introduction at Boot Düsseldorf, Pearl Gulf reinforces Pearl Yachts’ presence in one of the world's most dynamic yachting markets.Visitors to the Dubai Boat Show will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Pearl yachts via Virtual Reality, exploring: the flagship Pearl 95, the Pearl 82, the Pearl 72, and all-new Pearl 63.Pearl Yachts has cemented its status as a boutique British yacht builder, celebrated for its painstaking attention to detail and pioneering approach to luxury yacht design. Each model is the product of a unique collaboration between Dixon Yacht Design, responsible for exterior styling and naval architecture, and Kelly Hoppen Interiors, renowned for creating exceptionally stylish interiors. This exclusive partnership guarantees that every Pearl yacht seamlessly merges cutting-edge performance with timeless elegance.What distinguishes Pearl Yachts is its unwavering focus on the customer experience. Owners benefit from an industry-leading five-year warranty, a reflection of the brand’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, each yacht is meticulously crafted to offer spacious interiors, distinctive features, and exceptional value for money.Iain Smallridge, Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, shared: “The Dubai International Boat Show presents the ideal platform for us to engage with yacht enthusiasts in the GCC, a region with a flourishing and growing yachting culture. Pearl Gulf’s involvement emphasizes our commitment to extending the Pearl Yachts experience to a broader audience. At Pearl, we do more than construct yachts; we create extraordinary experiences for our owners that surpass all expectations.”Pearl Yachts was founded in 1998 and has now become one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards. Every Pearl motor yacht is designed and built by experienced craftsmen. Pearl’s fleet consists of the new Pearl 62, the Pearl 80 and the Pearl 95. All newly launched Pearl Yachts are covered by a unique, comprehensive five-year warranty program.Credits: Pearl Yachts
February 13, 2025