When Savannah won the Motor Yacht of the Year prize at the World Superyacht Awards and the ShowBoats Design Award for Exterior Design & Styling, the judges praised many aspects of her design and construction. Among other things, they were impressed by her floating superstructure, circular profile shapes, underwater Nemo lounge and the fact that Savannah is the world’s first hybrid super-motoryacht.
And then there was the paint. A glorious display of green which matches the yacht’s eco-friendly propulsion credentials and showcases the attention to detail that was the hallmark of the entire project.
Despite her impressive size, Savannah is the first superyacht to be entirely metallic painted, including the ceilings and fixed deck furniture. There are only two exceptions. Because metal interferes with reception, the mast domes were painted in pearl paint in order to achieve exactly the same effect aesthetically. A further addition was the 48 custom-made composite panels in shiny jet black, which were prefabricated before being placed on board to supplement the visual look given by the dark windows.
But let’s get back to the paint. The magnitude of the challenge faced by the Feadship crew was such that they were already making paint samples a full two years before the actual build of Savannah got underway. Ultimately, there would be over 200 different samples made before the perfect solution was found for the owner.
This two-year window prior to construction was also used to initiate an internal training programme designed to build up a team of carefully selected specialists who would embark on this massive project. Obviously the experience gained during this training would also be used on future Feadships but the complexity of the Savannah project was the first priority at this time.
By the time the team got to work, it consisted of 46 specially trained personnel: 21 spray painters, 21 ‘helpers’, three overall managers and one paint maker. Together they worked as a single unit that took care of spraying a particular section of the hull and superstructure in a single day, always heading in the same direction. Starting at five in the morning and working for as long as it took, their goal during these long but ultimately hugely rewarding sessions was to ensure every part of the area in question was painted in exactly the same way without even using tape lines.
It made for an impressive sight to see this human machine of craftsmen at work in their climate-controlled tent spanning some 22,500 cubic metres. They used special mixing machines and, for the first time, electrically-charged spray guns to get all the metallic flakes in perfect order and achieve the thickest possible layer.
In total, these tireless perfectionists were responsible for covering a total surface area of 3200 square metres. They used some 1200 litres of metallic paint on Savannah along with 1900 litres of clear paint.
Feadship has recently launched 92m superyacht Aquarius and presented 74m Future Concept Choice.
Ferretti Yachts has announced the Ferretti Yachts 800, a new flybridge yacht designed to enhance the cruising experience through a combination of elegance, functionality, and privacy. The project, presented at Boot Düsseldorf, is under construction at Ferretti Yachts’ Cattolica shipyard.The Ferretti Yachts 800 features exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interior design by IdeaeItalia. The yacht has an overall length of 24.47 meters and a maximum beam of 5.91 meters. A version with a shorter stern platform is also available to comply with the 24-meter limit established by French law.Filippo Salvetti commented, “With the introduction of a new aesthetic… the design of Ferretti Yachts 800 embraces a bold and functional approach that elegantly redefines the distribution of spaces between the main deck, the bridge and the flybridge.”Key features include large windows, optional sliding door on the starboard side, segregated spaces, and a 40 sq. m flybridge. The interior has a Classic or Contemporary mood option.Ideaeitalia stated, “Our aim with Ferretti Yachts 800 is to breathe life into a boat concept that’s future-forward without sacrificing the brand’s signature refinement… It’s a project that redefines the on-board experience through solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality."The yacht includes a 7 m2 beach area, a 15 m2 cockpit, and a salon with two-meter ceiling height. The lower deck has a master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins, providing eight berths and four en suite bathrooms. The flybridge area is 40 sq. m.The Ferretti Yachts 800 can be powered by two 1,550 HP MAN V12 engines (27 kn top speed/15 kn cruising speed) or two 1,800 HP MAN V12 engines (31 kn top speed/27 kn cruising speed).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
March 3, 2025
AES Yacht has launched the 35-meter custom superyacht Mereley I, with exterior and interior design by Milan-based studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group. The yacht is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson.Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab co-founder and design director, describes the vessel as positioned between a modern explorer and a sportier yacht: "Her volumes clearly reference the tradition of expedition vessels, yet at the same time have a more dynamic and sporty spirit. We wanted to give a sleeker look to a classic explorer."Built to RINA classification, Mereley I features a semi-displacement steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles at 11.5 knots. The design emphasizes contrasts, utilizing dark greys, blacks, and natural tones. Key materials include oak, lacquered finishes, and 3D-textured surfaces. The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in a full-beam owner's suite and four additional cabins.Erdem Biçer, shipyard manager and partner at AES Yacht, stated: “Our goal was to design a striking, modern explorer yacht with expansive windows, open bulwarks, and a spacious layout… and the Hot Lab team executed everything to perfection.”Deniz Kaymaz, yacht broker at Northrop & Johnson, commented: “More than just a yacht, Mereley I is a statement of ambition, sophistication, and the pursuit of adventure… Crafted with precision and vision, this yacht isn’t just about reaching destinations; she’s about redefining the journey."AES Yacht is planning a second hull and is collaborating with Hot Lab on a 40-meter version. Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, expects success in the charter market: “Mereley I is a perfect example of how it is possible to build a magnificent yacht from scratch in Turkey, featuring cutting-edge characteristics and top-tier aesthetic and technical finishes."AES Yacht is located in Kocaeli Free Zone, Turkey. The company is building mega-yachts made of steel and aluminum. Credits: Northrop & Johnson
March 3, 2025
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