#20. 7 of the superyachts not to miss at Monaco Grand Prix 2019
With the atmosphere incomparable to any other sporting event, the Monaco Grand prix stands almost distinct from the sport it was born from. Returning to the principality for its 77th run, this year’s race took place from May 23 to May 26, with royalty, celebrities and billionaires flooding renowned harbour front of Monaco and a selection of luxury yachts lined up opposite the track.
In June, a 47.7-metre Heesen charter superyacht Blue Magic lost control and hit a pier at the port of Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy. The sailing yacht was crushed between the dock and the bow of Blue Magic. At the time of collision, the sailing vessel was not occupied, and fortunately no one was injured in the accident.
The latest designs of superyachts are mammoth and sometimes so extravagant that it’s difficult to imagine where yacht designers can realistically go next. In the world of luxury yachting, it is very important to create a sensational visual and tactile experience. Here are four of the world’s impressive yacht concepts.
Originally delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2012, the 60.9-metre Excellence V remains one of the most voluminous yachts in her size. After her sale at the asking price of €69,500,000 in May, the yacht was renamed Arience. Initially, the vessel was built for American billionaire Herb Chambers, becoming his fifth superyacht.
Australian naval architecture company Incat Crowther has opened up about their involvement in the creation of the long-awaited 66-metre support yacht Hodor by Spanish builder Astilleros Armón. The vessel is designed to support the new 87-metre Feadship superyacht Lonian. First time for the Shadow Cat range, Hodor’s platform offers vast amounts of deck and storage space, flexibility, stability, efficiency and capability.
In January, American media executive Oprah Winfrey was spotted on David Geffen's $300 million 138-metre superyacht Rising Sun in St Barts, celebrating her 65th birthday. The yacht was built by Lürssen in 2004, with the design of Jon Bannenberg. David Geffen, a billionaire with a net worth of $6 billion, co-owned Rising Sun along with Larry Ellison from 2004, before he bought it in 2010.
In the early hours of August 7, 2019, the 56.39-metre superyacht Lady D, anchored at Phuket Grand Marina, Thailand caught fire. The fire started at about 8am, shortly blazing beyond firefighters ability to control. With at least 3,000 litres of fuel on board, the burning yacht was moved around 500 metres farther from the marina to prevent fire from spreading over other vessels. With no injuries reported, the yacht totally burnt down.
Combining performance and practicality, sportfisher yachts are always built with game-fish in mind. They do not need to be large, and the key qualities such yachts should provide are comfort, high speed, stability, and reliability. In average, they measure 29.6 metres with interior volume of 160 GT. Still, some vessels stand out, exceeding general sizes. Yacht Harbour takes a look over 5 of the largest fishing yachts built.
One of the most prominent deliveries of 2019, the 136-metre Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox caused vast social media buzz this summer, rumouring the vessel belongs 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.
The world's largest superyacht. 181-metre explorer REV hit the water in Tulcea, Romania on August 22 for the first time, then within approximately 30 days towed to the Brattvåg shipyard on the west coast of Norway for more construction work. The giant vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2021, aimed to surpass the current largest superyacht in the world in terms of LOA, the 180.6-metre Azzam.
Photo courtesy: Ken Deadman via DorsetECHO
One of the world's largest sailing superyachts, the 106-metre Black Pearl was seen docked at Portland Harbour this summer. The Black Pearl was built in 2017 by Dutch yard Oceanco, contending for the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world against the 143-metre Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A ever since. Despite her larger size, some experts consider the latter rather a sail-assisted motor yacht than a sailing vessel.
Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco presented its new 105-metre superyacht concept at Dubai International Boat Show 2019. The new vessel is christened Esquel after a meteorite composed of metal and crystals, and she is conceived to explore vast territories even across the North Pole and the South Pole. Her 200-square-metre main deck features aft deck with glass superstructure, where a swimming pool and panoramic spa areas can also be found. Furthermore, the deck can house different kinds of locked containers, extra tenders or off-road vehicles.
Irish UFC fighter and superstar Conor McGregor ordered a new yacht. He shot a video on Instagram of himself, flicking through the brochure of his new customized yacht. As seen on the video, he ordered new Prestige 750 yacht, which has price of around $3,4 million, without any extra additions. McGregor's net worth is estimated at around $100 million, according to Forbes.
142-metre Project Redwood was launched by Lürssen in January 2019. The details are coming from brokerage company Moran Yacht & Ship, which sold the yacht. This vessel is the largest yacht ever sold and built by a brokerage company in the history of yachting. Designed by the team at Nuvolari & Lenard, Project Redwood is being built to a Moran Yacht & Ship specification and her construction is being overseen by them with completion scheduled to 2020.
Photo Credit: BackGrid via The Sun
Currently the 10th largest superyacht in the world and one of the most futuristic ones, the 142.8-metre sailing yacht A has been spotted in Monaco this summer. The vessel is owned by a Russian industrialist tycoon Andrey Melnichenko, whose net worth is estimated at $13.4 billion by Forbes. Although her 142.8-metre LOA would give her the title of largest sailing yacht in the world, many experts rather consider her more of a hybrid due to her technical classification as a sail-assisted motor yacht.
The 182.9-metre research expedition vessel REV, the world's largest superyacht, is taking shape, scheduled for delivery in early 2021. REV has been commissioned by Norwegian ocean research company Rosellinis Four-10, owned by Norwegian industrialist billionaire Kjell Inge Roekke. Built for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) will also be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions. She will offer accommodation to up to 60 scientists and 30 crew during research expeditions.
LuxWrap, a company that makes its specialty in yacht and superyacht vinyl finishing, has completed a transformation of a 53-metre superyacht Belami.com, formerly known under the name Kinta. In a non-traditional way for yachts of her size, the vessel was covered with 600 square metres of golden vinyl coating with a mirror effect.
Korean designer Chulhun Park and luxury yacht builder Palmer Johnson announced their plans o a new 229-metre superyacht concept Valkyrie, but no contract signed yet and it is unknown whther she is actually to be built. This megayacht would become the largest private vessel ever build, with an approximate cost of $800 milliom. She would stretch to the length of more than two football fields, boasting her own casino and art gallery.
The 136-metre Lürssen was delivered and named Flying Fox. With an exterior by Espen Oeino and an interior by Mark Berryman, the yacht's key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters out there. Another highlight of the 136-meter Flying Fox is the large swimming pool located aft of the main deck. The superyacht also boasts large sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports.
Dutch shipyard Oceanco delivered the 109-metre superyacht Bravo Eugenia to US billionaire and owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise, Jerry Jones, in January 2019. The yacht was technically launched in 2017. One of the largest Dutch vessels, the 109-metre features Nuvolari Lenard exteriors and interior by Reymond Langton, with over 4,000GT of volume. Stretching across a 16.3-meter beam, the yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 17.5 knots.
Henk de Vries III will retire as Director of Feadship and CEO of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw on 1 May 2025, concluding nearly four decades of leadership in the superyacht industry. He will transition to an Ambassador role for Feadship while maintaining involvement as a non-executive board member and shareholder of the family-owned shipbuilder.Henk de Vries De Vries joined the company in 1987 and became a director/shareholder in 1996 alongside his cousin Tom de Vries. Under their leadership, De Vries expanded to seven operating companies with over 1,200 employees. The group remains fully family-owned and holds a 50% stake in Feadship.A proponent of sustainability, de Vries co-founded the Water Revolution Foundation in 2018 and continues as its Board Chairman. The organization focuses on reducing yachting’s ecological impact through science-based initiatives.Leadership transitions to Roderick de Vries as CEO and Operational Director, with Bas Nederpelt assuming the role of Chief Commercial Officer and Feadship Director. The new executive team brings over 80 years of combined experience at De Vries.Henk and Tom de VriesHenk de Vries stated: “The four members of our new executive board bring with them over eighty years of De Vries experience. Their deep understanding of the company ensures it is in very capable hands.”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
April 25, 2025
Apreamare California, the brand’s new exclusive dealer for the U.S. West Coast, will present the American premiere of the Gozzo 38 Cabin at the Newport Beach International Boat Show from May 1st to 4th. The new dealership, led by entrepreneur Jack Suski, marks Apreamare’s return to the U.S. market, where the brand has previously sold nearly 100 boats across Florida, California, Connecticut, and other regions.Based in San Francisco Bay, Apreamare California maintains direct ties with the Sorrento shipyard, ensuring clients receive an authentic Made in Italy experience.The Gozzo 38 Cabin is a year-round cruising version of the popular Gozzo line, designed for enhanced comfort in rougher waters while retaining the open version’s signature style. Developed by Cataldo Aprea, Marco Casali, and Umberto Tagliavini, the model features a redesigned deckhouse with panoramic windows, offering a 360-degree view and a fully enclosed dinette.Giovanni Aprea, Sales Director of Apreamare, stated: “Overseas shipowners have always shown a strong appreciation for Apreamare boats, attracted by the timeless style of our creations, the excellent navigation capabilities, and the endless customization possibilities. With Apreamare California and our participation in the Newport Beach boat show, we bring this heritage directly to our esteemed American customers.”Jack Suski, CEO of Apreamare California, added: “I am thrilled to introduce the Gozzo 38 Cabin to California. Apreamare’s elegance and seaworthiness perfectly align with West Coast boating culture, offering owners the opportunity to cruise the coastline in style and with confidence.”The Newport Beach International Boat Show will be held at Lido Marina Village.Credits: Apreamare
April 25, 2025
The 60 Sunreef Power Eco electric catamaran has been named Catamaran of the Year 2025 in the Multipower category. The award was presented on April 23 during the International Multihull Show in La Grande Mothe, France. The prestigious accolade is granted by Multihulls World magazine to recognize the most innovative and outstanding catamarans in the industry.The 18m catamaran features an advanced solar energy system with photovoltaic panels integrated into the hulls, bimini roof, and superstructure. Powered by two electric motors, the vessel benefits from a continuous supply of clean energy, delivering a smooth and environmentally friendly sailing experience.A key feature of the 60 Sunreef Power Eco is its special ultralight battery, which enables silent and vibration-free operation. The catamaran is designed for comprehensive 360° sustainable sailing, incorporating an energy-efficient air conditioning system and eco-friendly materials in its finishes. Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
April 25, 2025
Viken Group has introduced its latest innovation in the luxury cruise yacht sector – the 196-meter REI. Developed as a collaborative effort between the three brands of the Viken Group – TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine – the project aims to set new standards in sustainable and exclusive cruise experiences.The REI project solidifies Viken Group’s position as a pioneer in the luxury cruise yacht segment. The vessel, designed to accommodate up to 112 guests and 125 crew members across its 10 decks, features a beam of 28 meters and offers a unique blend of adventure, sustainability, and exclusivity.“We are thrilled to introduce REI. The 196-meter project is the perfect illustration of the combined offerings of the Viken Group, where we manage exterior styling, engineering, master planning, and interior under one umbrella,” said Fredrik Johansson, Co-Founder of the Viken Group and Executive Director of TDoS. “This approach helps our clients streamline the process dramatically, control investments, and optimize outcomes for both guests and operators.”The yacht’s design features a streamlined exterior inspired by nature, combining technical, industrial, and automotive aesthetics with dynamic curves. In contrast, the contemporary interior offers a tranquil environment with adjustable lighting and tactile materials, providing a rare digital detox experience for guests.REI’s design focuses on balancing private and public spaces, featuring numerous dedicated areas for exclusive use. Notable amenities include duplex suites with private winter gardens and pools, massage areas, double-height windows showcasing panoramic views, and a stunning forward infinity pool.Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with multiple propulsion options including electric, hydrogen, solar, and wind power. The vessel also includes a secondary 27-meter expedition vessel for easy embarkation and disembarkation, powered by electric or solar energy.The onboard experience is designed to be ever-evolving, with entertainment, activities, and menus adapting to the time of year and location. The exploratory dining concept, themed ‘from sea, to land, to sky,’ offers a diverse culinary journey.“The market for cruise yachts is currently looking very promising,” said Antonio Romano, Commercial and Marketing Director at Viken Group. “Thanks to our three brands – TDoS, Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine – Viken Group can harness our unique expertise across superyachts, cruise ships, and refits, meaning we are perfectly positioned to make our mark.”The REI project represents a significant advancement in the luxury cruise yacht sector, combining innovative design, sustainability, and an unparalleled guest experience.Credits: Viken Group
April 24, 2025
Heesen Yachts has announced the passing of its founder, Frans Heesen, on April 23, 2025, in his hometown of Oss. He is survived by his wife Petra, children, and grandchildren.Frans Heesen’s leadership and talent for identifying and nurturing potential were fundamental to the success and growth of Heesen Yachts. Known for his visionary approach and Dutch courage, Heesen took bold steps that shaped the future of the shipyard.One of his most notable achievements was the decision to build the groundbreaking yacht Octopussy, despite significant risks. This project not only succeeded but also brought global recognition to Heesen Yachts.Throughout his career, Frans dedicated himself to creating a family-like atmosphere at the shipyard. Even after the company was sold, the family environment he established remained strong. The values he instilled continue to define the company’s culture today.Heesen Yachts expressed its deepest condolences to Frans’ family and friends, noting that while his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit and vision will continue to guide the company.Frans Heesen’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the yachting industry and on everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. He will be remembered for his pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence.Credits: Heesen Yachts
April 24, 2025