1. Project Solar starts sea trials in the Netherlands
Project Solar, the 105-meter headed for the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world upon her delivery, has embarked on sea trials at the end of January near Rotterdam before returning to the shipyard. Launched in September 2016, Project Solar, also known as hull Y712, was designed by Nuvolari Lenard with naval architecture by Dykstra who had previously worked on the 88-meter Maltese Falcon. With a three rotating mast structure, similar to the Maltese Falcon, Project Solar is expected to be delivered within the first quarter of this year.
New York based Gill Schmid Design in collaboration with Tim Dempers Studio from Cape Town, has recently presented 90m ice-class explorer. Named Taboo, she is designed for an adventure seeking owner. Taboo hosts an open double height tender bay with an A-frame lifting arrangement, and a helicopter landing pad with a retractable fully enclosed helicopter garage. Taboo's alluring amenities include two jacuzzis, the extensive guest gym & spa area, a cocktail lounge, expansive beach club and pool area, guest lounges and an aft summer house which can operate either as another exquisite lounge space, additional VIP guest quarters, or casino. Moreover, the yacht boasts a glass pool lined either side with exotic aquariums.
As Feadship superyacht Aquarius, the 2013-built Solandge has been spotted in Fort Lauderdale, the USA. 85m yacht was launched at Lurssen to world acclaim. She is based on a modern 80m hull and engineering platform similar to Phoenix2, Ace and Quattroelle. Solandge’s exterior design is the work of Espen Oeino, who has successfully created harmonious lines and balanced proportions that encase a vast selection of versatile outdoor living, dining and entertainments areas. Her panoramic top deck plays host to a beach club area with customized dance floor, Jacuzzi and bar while the bridge deck is ideal for relaxation and casual al fresco dining with a spacious seating area. On the bridge deck there is also a fully-equipped health spa featuring massage room, sauna and gymnasium leading out onto a glass-edged plunge pool.
As Feadship superyacht Aquarius and Lurssen's Solandge, explorer yacht Luna has also been spotted in the USA, but in Miami. Measuring 115m, Luna was launched as the world's largest expedition yacht in 2010 by Lloyd Werft and Stahlbau Nord Shipyards. She has an interior styled by Donald Starkey, whilst Newcruise Design is responsible for superyacht's exterior.
In recent years explorers have become a particularly popular class amongst new superyacht deliveries, reason being that they allow their owners to cruise to places that may be inaccessible otherwise, places where one would not expect to find yachts such as polar regions. Several yachts have however already been exploring those regions.
The Monaco Grand Prix is arguably the most publicized event of the Formula 1 season. Held this year between the 25-28th May, the Monaco GP will attract 200,000 visitors, the best way to watch the race is however of course from a yacht in Port Hercules. The track stretches through the Principality of Monaco and a large portion of the race actually takes place in the area surrounding the city's main marina, Port Hercules. Securing a good yacht with a trackside berth in Monaco during the event isn't easy, but it is possible to obtain a prestigious position along the Quai des Etats Unis.
Oceanco's highly confidential 88.5m superyacht, Y715, has been lowered into the water in Keppel Veroime 2 months ago. Since then we have received the photos of the superyacht undergoing her first sea trials and returning to the Dutch yard's facility in Alblasserdam afterwards. Launched at the end of October, she has a beam of 14.5m and a draft of 3.95m. Exterior styling and interior design are by Sam Sorgiovanni Designs.
Newly founded yacht builder HSY Yachts to build a 56m superyacht due for launch in summer 2019. Destined for an American client, the vessel will commence in Antalya’s Free Zone next month. The superyacht features the exterior styling from Unique Yacht Design, the studio behind the two 80m projects currently in build at Bilgin Yachts. As for accommodation, 12 guests can be carried in 6 cabins including a main-deck full-beam owner’s cabin, an upper deck VIP near the captain’s cabin and 4 guest cabins on the lower deck. A crew of 11 can be accommodated in 6 cabins located on the lower deck as well.
Launched at Icon Yachts in Harlingen in March 2016, 77,4m yacht Legend has been spotted in Antarctica. With naval architecture and exterior styling by Diana Yacht Design, interiors by Thom Beerens and Jan Verkerk, Legend represents an explorer yacht, which was extensively refitted and renovated. Originally constructed in 1974 by the IHC Holland shipyard, the tranformation into an icebreaking passenger ship with a 1B-Swedish / Finish classification took place at Icon Yachts. Moreover, the vessel was lengthened in the stern by 3,6m, whilst her superstructure was completely redesigned and her mast rebuilt. Legend boasts a dark grey hull, which makes her stand out in the arctic regions.
Originally introduced during the 2016 Cannes Yachting Festival as project 777 - this new yacht, which will be known as Canados 808 Maximus, is currently under construction and will be officially presented to the public in September 2017 during the autumn boat shows. The first unit has been sold and will be based in Palma de Mallorca.
Mengi Yay has released interior renderings for its inaugural 52.6-meter NL 50 Plus model, currently under construction in Istanbul with scheduled 2026 delivery. The superyacht, designed in collaboration with Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard, features naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen.The interior scheme employs a warm palette with minimalist lines and premium wood finishes. The layout includes a 50-square-meter owner's suite featuring a sliding balcony, private office, and spa bathroom. Guest accommodation consists of four VIP cabins on the lower deck, with additional crew quarters for eight staff members.Notable exterior features include an expansive sundeck with heated spa pool and fire pit, along with a beach club incorporating a drop-down platform and integrated swimming pool. The foredeck serves dual purposes as both open-air cinema and storage for a 7-meter tender."We've gained valuable expertise through collaboration with Mengi Yay and Camper & Nicholsons," said Carlo Nuvolari of Nuvolari Lenard. The designer highlighted the owner's balcony mechanism which automatically deploys safety rails when extended.Mengi Yay CEO Hüseyin Mengi noted the Italian design partnership has elevated the yard's product quality. Camper & Nicholsons is handling project coordination and sales representation.The yacht's efficient hull design aims to optimize fuel consumption for extended cruising. Construction continues at Mengi Yay's Istanbul facility.Mengi Yay Yachts was founded in 1964 in Turkey. Now the company owns one of the largest (19,365 sq m) yards that were specifically designed for the refit and refurbishment of existing craft as well as the manufacturing of the new motor and sailing yachts. Credits: Mengi Yay Yachts
May 23, 2025
StellarPM has introduced the ST88, an 26.8m raised pilothouse motoryacht as the newest addition to its StellarONE Series. The steel/aluminum vessel offers a 2,800-nautical-mile range at 10-knot cruising speeds, with twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT 615hp engines meeting IMO Tier III emissions standards.The ST88 features an AH36 carbon steel hull with aluminum superstructure built at StellarPM's Hai Phong shipyard, while pre-engineered interior modules are fabricated at the company's Zhuhai facility. Naval architecture comes from Ginton Naval Architects, with interiors by Unzile Acar. Lloyd's Register certification includes +100A1 SSC, Yacht, Mono, G6 classification."ST88 embodies our focus on engineering integrity and customizable luxury," said Chris Holmes, StellarPM Principal. The yacht is offered in two configurations: a full-displacement version with 14-knot top speed, and a semi-displacement aluminum variant featuring twin 1,800hp C32 engines capable of 22 knots with 2,200nm range. The performance version adds a one-meter hull extension.Designed for owner-operation or crewed service, the ST88 emphasizes system redundancy and global serviceability. The Vietnam-based builder targets experienced owners seeking transoceanic capability, though pricing and delivery timelines remain undisclosed. The model joins StellarPM's growing explorer yacht portfolio focused on long-range cruising.StellarPM is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company offers the expertise of the yachting industry, from design, drafting and time management, to the coordination of refits and new builds.Credits: StellarPM
May 23, 2025
Italian shipbuilder AB Yachts has delivered the inaugural 39.7-meter AB 130 model, named Effe, to its owners. The high-performance motoryacht reaches speeds exceeding 40 knots through waterjet propulsion while maintaining a shallow 1.3-meter draft.Effe's design incorporates an innovative expandable beach club with twin stern wings that create a 100+ square meter seaside terrace when deployed. The main saloon spans 50 square meters with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views. A convertible swimming pool transitions between covered and uncovered configurations on demand.Storage capacity includes a floodable garage housing a 4.6-meter tender, two jet skis, Seabobs, and inflatable water toys. The yacht offers a 450-nautical-mile range when cruising at 35 knots.The owners, described as experienced yachtsmen, customized the interior layout to their specifications. This delivery follows AB Yachts' AB 125 series, continuing the Viareggio-based builder's focus on high-speed motoryachts between 30-50 meters in length.No price or construction duration was disclosed for this first AB 130 unit. The shipyard currently has additional AB 130 models in production at its Italian facility. The design emphasizes outdoor living spaces while maintaining the brand's signature performance characteristics.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
May 23, 2025
Florida-based MarineMax broker James Corts has facilitated the sale of a new Ocean Alexander 35R to longtime clients, marking their fourth yacht purchase through Corts in two years. The experienced owners, previously operating vessels between 60-88 feet, took delivery of the 35-foot model for private cruising in Florida waters.The buyers selected the 35R for its enclosed skylounge configuration, climate-controlled upper deck, and crew accommodation layout. "The 35R checked all their boxes with its refined design and comfortable living spaces," said Corts, who has represented Ocean Alexander at MarineMax Naples since 2021.Ocean Alexander's Head of Global Operations Dan Mundy acknowledged Corts' role in the transaction: "His continued success reflects deep industry knowledge and dedication to clients." The manufacturer did not disclose the sale price or delivery timeline for the semi-custom motor yacht.The 35R model features a three-stateroom layout with crew quarters, joining Ocean Alexander's Revolution series targeting owners downsizing from larger vessels. MarineMax remains the exclusive Ocean Alexander dealer for Florida's southwest coast, with Corts having closed multiple seven-figure transactions for the brand in 2024.This sale continues a trend of experienced owners transitioning to smaller, more manageable yachts with premium amenities. Ocean Alexander reports strong demand for its 27-42 foot models in the Florida market, particularly from repeat customers. The new owners plan to use the vessel exclusively for private family cruising.With a rich heritage spanning over 45 years, Ocean Alexander stands at theforefront of the yachting industry. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and dedication to luxury, Ocean Alexander continues to redefine the standards of luxury yachting, offering vessels that are both performance-oriented and comfortable.Credits: Ocean Alexander
May 22, 2025
Columbus Yachts has launched its new 42-meter Crossover model, M/Y Big Naan, at its Savona shipyard in Italy. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was built for an American owner, with construction supervised by owner's representative Trevor van Wyk and brokerage handled by Zarpo Yachts.Designed by Hydro Tec with interiors by Hot Lab, the Crossover 42 features explorer-style exterior lines with a bulbous bow and distinctive angular superstructure. The yacht accommodates 11 guests across four lower deck cabins and a full-beam master suite on the main deck featuring a central bed, walk-in wardrobe, office area and bathroom with separate shower compartment. Crew quarters provide for nine staff members.The aft deck combines leisure and functional spaces with a 17-square-meter swimming pool and tender storage served by a built-in crane. A beach club on the lower deck incorporates a hydraulic door and receives natural light through side windows and a glass-bottom pool. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines delivering a maximum speed of 14 knots and transatlantic range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.Columbus Yachts currently has four additional vessels under construction at Savona, including a Crossover 47 scheduled for 2027 delivery and two ISA Gran Turismo 45 Alloy hulls that will be completed at the company's Ancona facility. The shipyard did not disclose the build time or price for Big Naan, which will undergo sea trials before delivery to its owner.The Crossover 42 model represents Columbus Yachts' approach to compact explorer vessels, combining long-range capabilities with leisure amenities typically found on larger superyachts. The launch follows the 2023 delivery of the first Crossover 42, M/Y Dragon, and expands the Palumbo Group subsidiary's portfolio of explorer-style vessels.Technical features include two watermakers producing 8.6 cubic meters daily, 60 cubic meters of fuel capacity, and dual stabilizer systems for both underway and at-anchor use. The yacht's interior design emphasizes natural materials and functional spaces suited for extended cruising.Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts
May 22, 2025