1. How much does a superyacht actually cost?



Yachts are hardly a mass market product and yet the superyacht market has carved out a niche in being even more exclusive, but how much does a yacht cost to build, buy or rent? In the feature we take a look at the current state of the market.




CRN Yachts, part of the Ferretti Group, have confirmed the launch of Cloud 9. The 74-meter Cloud 9 becomes the shipyard's second largest yacht to date, outranked only by the 80-meter Chopi Chopi. With an exterior by Zuccon and an interior by Winch Design, Cloud 9 is able to accommodate up to 16 guests (12 when chartering) in a master suite, a VIP suite and 6 guest cabins catered to by a crew of 22. Amongst the yacht's key amenities are a private deck, complete with an intimate lounging area, forward of the master cabin, an extensive beach club with an extended platform.




Just a day before the launch of the first unit, a third 52Steel has been sold by Sanlorenzo Superyacht Division thanks to West Nautical Brokerage who introduced the client. The 52Steel project with hull number 125 is already under construction and will be delivered to her owner in 15 months, during April 2018. The yacht's profile was penned by Officina Italiana Design, while the Sanlorenzo Technical Department developed all technical aspects of the project. 




Developed by New York-based, Gill Schmid Design in conjunction with Columbus Yachts for Globe Regal yachting, Sea The Stars was intended to be a stepping stone for an expert owner between his current yacht and ultimately a 120m project. Due to a last minute change, the project is however now available for a new owner with a reduced delivery time. With a length of 80-meters, Sea The Stars has a 13.7m beam, which lets her boast over 1,000 square meters of outdoor space, a 510m2 indoor entertainment area and an 87m2 owner's suite located on her own private deck, above the wheelhouse.




ISA Yachts is pleased to reveal new details about the second model of the new Super Sport series, unveiled during Monaco Yacht Show 2016. This range of two models (121 and 141), designed by Marco Casali, are yachts built in composite materials. The 141 Super Sportivo project is born with an emphasis on speed and a new sleek profile, incorporating the heritage and class of the shipyard. 




Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, has recently revealed its new project, 12.7m Sport Yacht concept. She is powered by twin high- performance Lexus V8s and is capable of carrying from six to eight guests. As a concept, the Lexus Sport Yacht revealed at Miami is a bespoke one-off project with no production intent. To produce this single example the Marine Department selected the Marquis-Carver Yacht Group of Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA, based on their in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities and their skill in large hand- laid composite structures.




The largest Amels superyacht to date emerged at its facility in Vlissingen at the end of June 2016. Since then Here Comes The Sun completed her sea trials and a week ago left the Netherlands for international waters. Measuring 83m, Here Comes The Sun features an exterior design by Tim Heywood and interior style by Winch Design. 




92-meter Aquarius (Project Touchdown) was launched by Feadship in September 2016. Since then the Dutch shipyard has released official images of its new yacht and at the end of November we saw the superyacht leaving Holland. And now we've been informed that Aquarius has been spotted in Fort Lauderdale, the USA. 




Royal Huisman is proud to announce their intention for the exclusive use of the facilities of Holland Jachtbouw (HJB) in Amsterdam following the anticipated termination of business by HJB after the passing away of founder Chris Gongriep. Together with Royal Huisman’s purpose built home base in Vollenhove on an area of over 30,000 sqm (consisting of 5 main shipbuilding halls) and the use of Emden Dockyard in Germany (surface of 300,000 sqm), the modern 12,000 sqm facility of HJB in Amsterdam incorporates 3 state-of-the-art halls with a maximum length of 60m, all overlooking 120m of waterfront with convenient access to open sea, all available for new-build, refit and commissioning.




Monte Carlo Yachts have announced that they have sold the first three units in the new MCY96 series. Measuring 29.26m, the first model perfectly slots between the MCY86 and the MCY105 and is due for launch in July. The exterior and interior styling was designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, the same as with the previous models of the range.  

Latest News

SW96 Liberty Delivered by Southern Wind
Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind
Yonca Shipyard Ventures into Superyacht Market with Mishi Yachts Brand Tuzla
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
First Hybrid Electric Propulsion Yacht Swan 88 Launched by Nautor Swan
On April 22nd, the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, Finland, witnessed the launch of the first unit of the Swan 88 featuring hybrid electric propulsion. The Swan 88 is a groundbreaking model, meticulously developed to offer a hybrid electric propulsion option in collaboration with Torqeedo. This innovative project continues the successful partnership with German Frers for Naval Architecture, Misa Poggi for Interior Design, and Lucio Micheletti, Micheletti + Partners, for the exterior styling.A defining feature of this new project is the coachroof's shape, inspired by the wind, boasting essential and dynamic lines. The transom beckons to the 'Beach Club' swim platform. With a focus on space, functional quality, and on-board comfort, both indoors and outdoors, the Swan 88 is designed to impress. Natural light floods in from the stunning 'atrium' companionway, coachroof, and hull windows, providing a bright interior ambiance.The Swan 88 offers Owners a super-smart opportunity to reduce running costs through chartering. This performance maxi design ingeniously complies with the critical 24-meter load line length rule for light MCA charter regulations. Nautor Swan's decision to develop this vessel aims to offer a true performance superyacht based on an efficient platform, minimizing management costs, and simplifying the charter certification process.Dedicated cruising appendages include a moderate draught fin T-keel of 4 meters and twin rudders, providing advantages such as reduced draught, enhanced safety, and excellent sailing balance. The hull and deck boast full carbon fiber epoxy construction, utilizing Sprint® lamination technology and the yard's advanced carbon mold technology."The Swan 88 marks an important milestone for the shipyard's production. It's the first hybrid propulsion yacht, showcasing our constant collaboration with Torqeedo and contributing to the study and development of similar features across the entire range, not just maxi yachts," says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. "This significant new model, of which we will launch the second unit in a few days, epitomizes Swan's 360-degree essence, the DNA that has made our boats recognizable worldwide for 58 years, and we are immensely proud of it."The Swan 88 will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 10-15 and the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25-28.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
Heesen Delivers YN 20150 Cinderella Noel IV After Intensive North Sea Tests
On Saturday, April 20, Heesen announced the delivery of YN 20150 Cinderella Noel IV, following rigorous trials in the North Sea. The owners christened their yacht on December 23, 2023, marking an unforgettable moment for all shipyard employees and subcontractors involved in the construction.Stefan Zucker and Sven Stark, the clients' surveyors and project managers, expressed their appreciation for the shipyard's efforts, stating: "We have hardly experienced such intense involvement of clients ever before."Cinderella Noel IV stands out not only for her exceptional design but also for her owners' deep involvement. With a passion for sailing, the clients actively participated in the yacht's creation, bringing practical and technical insights from years of experience on the water.During three days of sea trials in challenging conditions, Cinderella Noel IV surpassed all expectations. Captain Bob van Zundert praised her swift responses and exceptional handling, even in rough seas.Built on a proven engineering platform, Cinderella Noel IV integrates a hybrid propulsion system chosen by the owner to minimize environmental impact. Heesen's hybrid system, powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 main engines and Danfoss electric motors, ensures cleaner, quieter, and more efficient cruising.Rick van de Wetering, Heesen's Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in the collaboration with the owners and their teams, highlighting the strong bond formed during the 41-month construction period. He concluded, "On behalf of everyone at the shipyard, we wish them fair winds and following seas on their wonderful yacht."Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Ruben Griffioen/Heesen Yachts
Alychlo Awards 2024: TISG Wins Best Performing Large Size Company
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has been honored with the "Best Performing Large Size Company" award at the Alychlo Awards 2024, marking its third consecutive win in this category.TISG secured the recognition for its outstanding turnover and EBITDA results, which ranked as the best in its reference category.The awards ceremony took place at the enchanting Pairi Daiza, a renowned botanical garden and zoo, bringing together 160 guests, including entrepreneurs and managers from companies in which Alychlo, the family investment company of Belgian entrepreneur Marc Coucke, invests.The Alychlo Awards celebrate companies, individuals, and teams that have achieved exceptional results. In the 2023 edition, 10 prestigious awards were presented to 10 outstanding winners.Alychlo, the cornerstone investor of The Italian Sea Group since its IPO, has investments in over 40 public and private companies across various sectors, with a focus on high-value-added companies that contribute significantly to job creation."We are extremely honored to receive this recognition and to be selected among important and excellent companies," commented Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "We thank Mr. Marc Coucke for his constant trust in our Group since its listing on Euronext Milan. We will continue working passionately and with dedication to achieve increasingly ambitious results."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group