The most important annual event in the yachting industry, the Monaco Yacht Show, has just come to an end, gathering some of the world’s most elite super yachts in the Monaco Marine. This year’s edition had over 125 superyachts on display, with their average length around 50 metres and the largest vessel measuring 111 metres (TIS), not to mention the visiting superyachts seen at anchor in the bay.
Yacht Harbour lists some of the most celebrated yachts seen in Monaco during the 2019 edition of the show:
#1. Flying Fox
LOA: 136m
Builder: Lurssen (2019)
The impressive 130-metre Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox was delivered to her owner in March 2019, later sensationally listed for charter with Imperial. The superyacht boasts the most elegant and graceful exterior design by Espen Oeino, maintaining striking looks despite her massive volume of 9,100 GT.
This superyacht’s key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters and a generous swimming pool located aft of the main deck. Flying Fox also boasts vast sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports. She can accommodate up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms, along with a crew of 54.
Noteworthy, Flying Fox has recently caused vast social media buzz, rumouring the vessel belonged to the world’s richest person, Jeff Bezos. According to Business Insider, a representative of Amazon responded to the media, the Amazon CEO did not own the superyacht, and they had no information on who it belonged to.
#2. Kismet
LOA: 95.2m
Builder: Lurssen (2014)
Photo: Dutch Yachting
95-metre superyacht Kismet was built in 2014 by Lurssen and is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars. The yacht's interior has been designed by Reymond Langton Design and her exterior styling is by Espen Oeino.
Kismet is stretching over five decks, designed with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, thus suitable for parties of up to 270 guests. As an innovative feature, Kismet boasts video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.
A large swimming pool and Jacuzzi area, spa zone, movie theatre, an outdoor fireplace and winter garden can be found among the yacht’s luxury amenities.
In general, Kismet’s entertainment and design characteristics have been attracting top artists and events. For example, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted on-board last year, while Netflix filmed Kismet in a party scene from its biggest production so far, "Six Underground", making Kismet one of the largest superyachts appearing on screen.
#3. DreAMBoat
LOA: 90m
Builder: Oceanco (2019)
According to the information from social media, DreAMBoat was built for US billionaire and owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team Arthur Blank, who is valued at $4.7 billion by Forbes. Meanwhile, Forbes values the team at $2.6 billion as of September, 2018.
Along with sleek exteriors by Espen Oeino, DreAMBoat's interior features bespoke surfaces and limestone floors, all decorated with sophisticated natural materials including wood, semi-precious stone, leather and mother-of-pearl all designed by Terence Disdale. Her impressive interior volume of 2,950 GT allows accommodation for 23 guests on-board, along with up to 33 crew members.
DreAMBoat is trademarked with generous overhangs from the superstructure and cut outs in the bulwarks lending her classic and strong appearance. The vessel’s exterior features numerous large windows offering panoramic views. Swimming pool aft at the main deck, a partially closed sundeck with Jacuzzi and plenty of seating and entertainment zones and a private Jacuzzi at the Owner’s deck
#4. Octopus
LOA: 126.2m
Builder: Lurssen (2003)
Photo: Dutch Yachting
Until the explorer superyacht REV launches in 2020, Octopus holds the title of the largest expedition yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She had belonged to Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, till he passed away in late 2018. Last month, she was finally listed for sale.
Octopus is capable to accommodate 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Amenities found on-board include a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
She has two helicopter pads and an internal dock that extends through the hull, holding two submarines and a 18-metre tender. The yacht has been involved in multiple exploration discoveries, including a Japanese battleship and the bell from HMS Hood, a World War II battlecruiser.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s top-rate celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
#5. TIS
Builder: Lurssen (2019)
LOA: 111m
One of the rear vessels of over 100 metres publicly listed for charter, the 111.5-metre Lurssen TIS was made available in July 2019 from € 2,200,000 per week, just a month after delivery.
TIS was commissioned for a long-time charter client of Moran Yacht & Ship. The vessel boasts exterior and interior styling by Andrew Winch Design and features 2 helicopter pads, a 12-metre swimming pool on the main deck aft, a resort inspired spa at beach club level, and opulent palatial staircases.
Photo: Dutch Yachting
TIS comes with the tender storage able to house two 13-metre tenders, two additional 10-metre tenders, a submarine and diverse watersports toys.
With her impressive interior volume within a beam of 18.4 metres, TIS will accommodate up to 16 guests across a massive private owner’s deck and eight guests staterooms, served by the crew of 38. The featured top speed of the vessel makes 18 knots.
#6. Maltese Falcon
LOA: 88m
Builder: Perini Navi (2006)
Iconic Maltese Falcon had held the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht until Oceanco launched the Black Pearl in 2017.
Commissioned in 2000 by Tom Perkins, the late venture capitalist, the Maltese Falcon took nearly six years to complete. Sold to hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou at an asking price of €70 million in 2009, the 88-meter is now one of the largest yachts available for charter with a rate starting from € 480,000 per week.
Maltese Falcon’ most innovative attribute became her sails that could rotate based on the direction of the wind. This was a first for the yachting industry. This innovative system allows the yacht to even sail against the wind.
Maltese Falcon features a cruising speed of 16 knots. Meanwhile, in a storm in the Gulf of Lion, France she demonstrated a speed of 26 knots under sail alone.
Designed by Ken Freivokh, the Maltese Falcon was extensively refurbished in 2015/2016 during a refit. She can accommodate up to 12 guests on-board.
#7. Amadea
LOA: 106.5m
Builder: Lurssen (2006)
Photo: Dutch Yachting
One of the most mysterious super yachts on the market, Amadea was delivered in 2006 by Lurssen. The German shipyard reported that the vessel had been commissioned by Middle East client with a fleet of other yachts. The yacht is officially registered in the Caymans, with her owner still not known.
With an interior design by Francois Zuretti and an exterior design by Espen Oeino, the key feature of Amadea is her ten-metre aft pool. The boat also has a spa, beach club and movie theatre. She offers accommodation to up to 16 guests across 8 cabins.
She is powered by MTU engines of 5766 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots. Amadea's maximum range is estimated at 8000 nautical miles.
Recently, the vessel has been listed for sale through Imperial, traditionally working with Russian businessmen.
#8. Phoenix 2
LOA: 90.02m
Builder: Lurssen (2010)
Launched in 2010 by German shipbuilder Lurssen and last refitted in 2011, the 90-metre Phoenix2 boasts design by Andrew Winch and offers elegant exterior lines, complemented by beautiful interiors and spacious socialising areas throughout. The most notable feature is definitely the giant sculpted phoenix figurehead that sits proudly on the prow of the vessel.
Built for the late Polish billionaire, Jan Kulczyk as a replacement for his previous 61-meter Lurssen, Phoenix was delivered by the German shipyard in 2010. Designed by Andrew Winch, Phoenix boasts over 100 metres of steel handrails built specially to follow the shape of the hull.
The owner's stateroom located forward of the yacht is styled like a New York duplex from the 1930s with a private staircase linking the two areas together and leading to a private jacuzzi and owner's deck on the yacht's bow. Other features include a spa pool, Jacuzzi and cinema on the sundeck.
#9. Bold
LOA: 85m
Builder: Silver Yachts (2019)
Photo: Dutch Yachting
The largest Australia-built superyacht, Bold has outdone her predecessor Silver Fast by 8 metres. First known under the name Silver Loft, the yacht features exteriors by Silver in-house team in collaboration with Espen Oeino, who also worked on the successful Silver Series of high speed motor yachts.
Described by the yard as ‘a fast world explorer vessel with a genuine, fully-fledged superyacht finish’, Bold features all-aluminium design, along with interiors from the boards of Andreas Hölnburger of Vain Interiors.
The Bold’s low draft and highly optimised hull form provide her owner with remarkably low fuel consumption, fast repositioning and access to shallow cruising grounds unusual for yachts of her size.
The design team has opted for a straight bow, a feature that seems to gain popularity. Benefits of this particular bow shape include an increased interior volume due to the longer waterline length, as well as decreased resistance resulting in a higher speed. Thus, Bold reaches her top speed at 24 knots and cruises comfortably at 18 knots up to 5,000 nautical miles.
#10. Excellence
LOA: 80m
Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen (2019)
The vessel is believed to be owned by Herb Chambers, American billionaire and the owner of a network of six dozen dealerships in Massachusetts. He is also famous for his collection of exotic cars. The automotive dealership mogul estimated at $1.5 billion by Forbes.
The sixth largest vessel of Abeking & Rasmussen, Excellence features both exteriors and interiors developed by the UK-based design studio Winch Design. Her framework relies on the same technical platform as the 81-metre Grace (ex. Kibo), featuring a 12.6- metre beam and a maximum draught of 3.5 metres.
Photo: Dutch Yachting
Key exterior trademark of the vessel is her striking and angular reverse bow, offering a silhouette comparable to a spaceship. Her exterior lines draw the eye to the bridge and owner’s decks surrounded by curved floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass, blurring the distinction between the upper deck and the panoramic skylounge.
With accommodation capacity for 14 guests, Excellence offers a swimming pool and platform, as well as Jacuzzi and sprawling beach club and impressive limousine tenders.
At the recent Monaco Yacht Show, a leading British yacht builder Sunseeker has revealed new Sunseeker 133 model. It will operate on a hybrid propulsion system developed jointly with Germany-based engines manufacturer MTU. Yacht Harbour discussed the future of hybrid propulsion engines with Darrel Barnett, Marine Manager with MTU UK.Sunseeker 133Where does MTU decision to focus on hybrid systems for yachts come from?MTU has been an engine supplier for many years. The company is around 110 years old. Over that time, we have specialised in manufacturing and supplying light-weight and high-speed diesel engines.Now the time has come, when we have to be more than just an engine supplier, since the power requirements on-board yachts are getting greater. Owners of yachts want to operate them in a different way. They do not want to travel fast - they want to travel comfortably, economically and efficiently.Therefore, the best solution to that is to offer the system that can power the vessel in different ways. Thus, it would provide both propulsion and supply of all the consumes on-board, such as air conditioning, stabilisers and other hotel loads.Is that right, that speed is not the major concern anymore?Yes, that is what we say. So it is not all about having the largest, most powerful engines. It is about being able to offer better experience on-board, whilst the customers spend their leisure time there.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti and Darrel BarnettWhat makes hybrid propulsion different from other engine systems?Diesel engines will remain the core of propulsion systems for boats in the future. Nonetheless, what we are doing is offering systems that can power a vessel using batteries, for example. We also deploy generators to provide power for not only propulsion, but also for conventional power needs on-board.Actually, the way all of that is linked together is a clever part, because the hybrid system itself is greater than the sum of all the components. You cannot just select components and install them into the yacht. Apparently, they need to be integrated together, so that they operate seamlessly. We believe, that there is a great future in yachting for hybrid systems.Our approach is that we will deliver the whole scope of supply. It means, not just the engine, not just a part of it but the whole system. Thus, we are also taking full responsibility for it. Customers want to have the knowledge that the complete system will be taken care of, because with complicated systems such as this one it can get difficult.Currently, we are developing a hybrid system jointly with Sunseeker for the Sunseeker 133 yacht. And we are looking into a modular and serialised system, since we want to have a portfolio of components to select from, such as different diesel engines and several types of batteries and generators. Sunseeker 133Do you think the hybrid propulsion system you are working on could be installed on other yacht models?The ideas is, with Sunseeker we have the first or pilot installation. Therefore, at the moment we are working on the scope of supply for the Sunseeker 133. In the future, the basis we have developed with Sunseeker will be available for other yacht builders with different diesel engines, different batteries and different generators. It will be possible to customise the system for any particular yacht.But is the system ready for installation yet?We are still in the development phase, but we are close to finalizing the total scope of supply. Hopefully, Sunseeker soon will be able to begin construction of the 133 yacht with the hybrid system.Then in the future, what do you think could be the largest size of a yacht to operate on hybrid propulsion?The serialized system we are developing with Sunseeker is aimed more at the production yacht market. Naturally, much larger yachts have much more specific requirements. However, we have done it in the past and that is what we will continue to do in the future.Operating as a custom service, we would develop a system to meet the customer’s requirements. That could be any size of yachts, up to the very largest ones. For instance, Sailing Yacht A operates on a kind of hybrid system, where MTU have supplied gensets.Many builders now opt for more eco-friendly engines in general. Have you noticed raising environmental awareness among yachting clients?Yes, definitely. Owners of yachts have realised that they probably could do something to more environmentally friendly. All the large yachts are the big consumers of power. What they could do, is raising awareness of where they can be more efficient. And it is obvious, that vessels running on diesels create emissions.Alternatively, with a hybrid system, all those large vessels could operate in harbours using batteries. It is a great benefit, that it is emission-free and completely clean. The only problem with hybrid is that for the moment people do not understand what hybrid is. It is a long process, and we are trying to educate people, what the capabilities of that system are.What is more, when a yacht is at anchor in a small bay and the owner of the yacht wants to swim around with family, they would not want a generator running with exhaust emissions coming on to the water. The environment would much nicer if there are no diesel engines running. We see it is a great benefit.
November 14, 2019
Delivered this summer, the 90-metre Oceanco superyacht DreAMBoat made a splash at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019 with her international debut. Yesterday, the famous vessel was photographed at the shores of Gibraltar.Photo: @DannyWheelz on Instagram via Dutch YachtingAccording to social media sources, DreAMBoat was built for US billionaire and owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team Arthur Blank, who is valued at $5.5 billion by Forbes. Meanwhile, Forbes valued the team at $2.6 billion as of September, 2018.DreAMBoat at the MYS 2019. Photo via Dutch YachtingThe yacht of aluminium superstructure on a steel hull features a 14.2-metre beam. Sleek exteriors by Espen Oeino come trademarked with generous overhangs from the superstructure and cut outs in the bulwarks lending her classic and strong appearance.DreAMBoat at the MYS 2019. Photo via Dutch YachtingThe vessel’s exterior also features numerous large windows offering panoramic views. Swimming pool aft at the main deck, a partially closed sundeck with Jacuzzi and plenty of seating and entertainment zones and a private Jacuzzi at the owner’s deck.DreAMBoat at the MYS 2019. Photo via Dutch YachtingDreAMBoat's interior carries bespoke surfaces and limestone floors, all decorated with sophisticated natural materials including wood, semi-precious stone, leather and mother-of-pearl all designed by Terence Disdale. Her impressive interior volume of 2,950 GT allows accommodation for 23 guests on-board, along with up to 33 crew members.Her propulsion package consists of two MTU 4,828 HP engines, with reported top speed of 18.5 knots.DreAMBoat at the MYS 2019. Photo via Dutch YachtingThe superyacht belongs on the list of the largest superyachts, ever built for sports teams owners.
November 14, 2019
Italian engineering startup company iSpace2O has offered an interesting 'craft', with no analogues as of today. Named DeepSeaker DS1, it can dwell both above and below water. DeepSeaker is a multipurpose craft. The vessel can be deployed for leisure, tourism, search and rescue, research and other utilities.DeepSeaker DS1 is capable of diving to a depth of 50 - 100 meters, depending on the mode. To go underwater, it is necessary to fill the inflatable tank that plays the role of a ballast tank.Oxygen cylinders that allow people inside to breathe are not needed, since the Oxygen for the passengers will be extracted from sea water.According to the developers, this process requires minimum energy, which is important, since DeepSeaker DS1 is a 100% electric device.On the surface, equipped with water jets and foils, the DS1 is capable of speeds up to 30 knots under the most powerful performance. With two electric motors of 40 kW each, which are included in the basic package, the maximum speed capabilities are limited to 23–25 knots.Lithium-ion batteries guarantee six to eight hours of battery life. A full recharge of batteries takes eight hours, but there is also a quick charging system that allows you to manage in no more than an hour.The small size of the four-sear Deepseaker DS1 enables her to fit easily in a garage of any superyacht or support vessel. The owner is also entitled to personalise his model opting for a colour scheme in the style of a mothership.The standard equipment on-board the vessel includes a digital dashboard, connectors for iPad, GoPro cameras and even such peculiar devices as hydrophones, with which one can listen to marine inhabitants.According to Giuseppe Carusi, co-founder at iSpace2O, the project has existed for five years, but only now they received financing. The first prototype of DS1 is planning to attend the Dubai Expo in October 2020, while the final version of the prototype will be ready by early 2021.The price of DeepSeaker DS1, according to preliminary data, will vary from € 950 thousand to € 1.2 million, depending on the version. In the future, it is planned to develop a larger and more spacious version, based on the platform.
November 13, 2019
Two months after presenting its new Espen Oeino-designed superyacht Amels 60, the Dutch yard has announced the sale of the first hull. The yacht is now under construction for delivery in spring 2022. The 60-metre superyacht with Amels Hybrid technology, Amels 60 offers cruising at up to 7 knots on electric propulsion motors. The system will deploy multiple sources of energy, working together seamlessly throughout a wide operating profile.Amels and Damen’ Managing Director Rose Damen expressed:Since we introduced our new Amels 60 design at the end of the summer, we’ve been blown away by the market’s reaction. The fast sale of the first yacht is very rewarding for everyone in our design, engineering and project teams who have worked so hard on the Amels 60 during the last few years. We’re very proud of the design and excited about building this new yacht for her owner.The model has become the second collaboration with Oeino for the yard, following the 78-metre Amels Full Custom that is now under construction for delivery in 2021. Amels 60 will stand out with a huge open sun deck, swim platform and folding owner’s suite balcony, 9-metre luxury tender, and a generous interior volume of 830 GT. As for the interiors, the team of Studio Indigo has been invited to create the design concept.The vessel’s owner will benefit from low noise and vibrations, lower fuel and maintenance costs, while reducing harmful emissions. Amels 60 will feature a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots, while her top speed will make 15.5 knots.The news come just after Amels announced the sale of in-built 60m Limited Editions superyacht Amels 200.
November 13, 2019
The USA-based yacht builder Nordhavn presented a new project of a 45-metre research vessel Nordhavn 148. The vessel with designs from the Dutch studio Vripack was revealed at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.The model will be the debut superyacht entirely built of metal in the brand’s history. She will also become the yard’s new flagship, displacing the 36.75-metre N120 model.Jim Leishman, Vice President of Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., which manufactures Nordhavns, says:We’ve talked about building a larger boat for a while now. It would be something specifically meant for the most challenging worldwide conditions.The ice class explorer needs is set to come out innovative in many ways for Nordhavn itself. The project is difficult to classify to a specific category, therefore, the shipyard speaks of it as a crossover, which combines the features of commercial ships and luxury superyachts.PAE looked to Vripack, with whom they’ve had a successful partnership on the interior design of the Nordhavn 80, to mentor the project and head up engineering. Vripack has overseen the design of the most notable of Northwest Passage-exploring yachts and have a rich, successful history of building in steel. Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack expressed:Nordhavn were keen to tap into our explorer heritage. Nordhavn boats are renowned for venturing to remote off-the-beaten-track destinations, and so the aim was to demonstrate to owners that this significant latest model has been conceived by a design studio that has a proven track record in this arena.Not many details on N148 have yet been disclosed. Key to the design are Vripack’s reinterpretation of particular features, including a flared, rounded bow, the yard’s interesting combination of square and round windows, and an industrial chic aesthetic.It is also known that the internal volume of the new model, designed for 12 guests and 10 crew members, will exceed at about 25% that of N120 (constructed of FRP), with 495 GT against 400 GT. The yard explains rejection to use FRP by lower costs and a shorter delivery time due to greater convenience in working with metal.The new Nordhavn 148 is expected to be built in less than two years. There is also a probability that the construction will take place in Europe, and not in China or Taiwan, where other Nordhavns are built due to the cheaper cost of the Asian assembly.
November 12, 2019