Kurt Strand's inspiration for this astonishing explorer yacht was the incredible nature, as well as the rough weather conditions in Northern Norway, where he was born and raised. The purpose of Aurora Borealis is to enjoy the planet's beautiful nature from the luxury inside living space. When the weather allows, the yacht can transform into an open outdoor experience. It's designed with retractable balconies and large gates, to have the perfect combination of luxury and adventure. This gigantic superyacht is meant to explore the most outpost destinations from the Arctics to the Tropics.
The yacht is 6-storeys high, has a length of 122 meter and a massive beam of 20 meter. A large helicopter pod is located on the aft deck. In front of the landing pod is a swimming pool with a retractable glass floor, to move the helicopter inside the hangar, large enough to park 2 helicopters. The yacht's aviation club with bars and launch area is part of the hangar. In case of bad weather the large gate can be closed but there is still access to the deck/pool area via 2 pantographic doors integrated in the gate.
The yacht is equipped with cinema, beauty salon with spa, gym and even an alpine ski slope track system. The lower deck has 48 private cabins with a living area for the crew. The Yacht is designed with the next generation environment friendly propulsion system. 3 electric azimuth pods are powered by hydrogen fuel cell generators. It also has a Diesel powered backup gensets. The hydrogen technology is mostly used in the car industry but Kurt Strand want's to bring it to the next level in the yacht industry because he believes it is beneficial for the whole planet.
The 115-meter concept of global explorer Stormbreaker was introduced by Berlin-based designer Theodoros Fotiadis.
The yacht is designed to be able to travel to the most remote corners of the world, and is ready for any weather conditions. Stormbreaker is ready for construction at 90 or 115 meters and will be sold with Jim Evans, founder of SuperYachtsMonaco.
Yacht demonstrates sharp classic lines of the exterior, tough appearance, eye-catching design, bottomless toy chest, effective traction. Explorer has an integrated and interactive audio-visual interface from Icon Connect with a high-tech communication system that can record and broadcast live frames from the environment. Another key feature, the complex glass atrium, that is located in the center of the ship.
Also, Stormbreaker will have a large tender garage for small boats or a submarine, a beach club, a spa and gym, a cigar lounge, an observation deck, a swimming pool, a dining room, a private office, an art gallery, a library and a heli-hangar.
#3. 105m Esquel
Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco presented its new 105-metre superyacht concept at Dubai International Boat Show 2019. The 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.
The vessel featured with a plumb bow is evidently designed for remote cruising destinations. This ambitious project requires a very thorough elaboration and the builder has drawn Timur Bozca Design for exterior design, Lateral Naval Architects and Engineering for naval architecture, interior stylist Gina Brennan and Pelorus company specialising is yacht expeditions.
Thought of as an expedition vessel and a modern superyacht at the same time, Esquel carries features of both types. She is fitted with a 230 square-metre storage for inflatable boats, multiple tenders, diving equipment and watersports toys. 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.
As to her technical characteristics, this 105-metre vessel with a beam of 17,5 metres and a draft of 4,3 metres under full load features interior volume of 5,000 GT. Esquel is equipped with advanced diesel- electric engines, enabling her operate autonomously through the world’s waters. The yacht with reinforced hull can boost a cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles at 13 knots and reaches her highest speed at 16,5 knots.
#4. 100m Exploris
The 100m-explorer vessel with its Ulstein Group style ‘X-BOW’ is a robust looking yacht that will take her owner and guests anywhere in the world with confidence. Behind the masculine exterior that includes an Ice Class hull, is a high volume superyacht equipped with all the technology and hardware you would expect of a true explorer.
As a Lloyds PYC classified vessel, Exploris provides plenty of accommodation and her twin Azipod propulsion system will achieve a range of 7,000nm. When combined with a forward retractable thruster and twin bow thrusters, Exploris has superior manoeuvrability and full dynamic positioning capabilities.
The Italian yard, specializing in high caliber, “eco-friendly” superyachts, teamed up with the Milan-based design studio, to deliver a 67-meter steel and aluminum build with a beam of 11.6 meters named Explorer.
With her chunky hull and classic bow, the project resembles a workboat or a research vessel both visually and from the technical standpoint.
The yacht features a far forward construction, leaving room for gear in the aft part of the boat. For safety purposes, deck hardware goes beneath the deck surface, occupied by a vast beach club with sunbeds and sofas. However, if necessary, this whole area can be turned into a provisional helicopter pad. The beach club has a foldable full-beam swimming platform attached to it, which allows doing without a conventional staircase.
The boat boasts an elevator to provide convenient access to her four decks, an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, gym and two wing stations, or foldout balconies, overlooking the water.
The project offers a choice between a six-cabin or a seven-cabin interior layout by Hot Lab designer Enrico Lumini. Both of them will provide accommodation for 15 crewmembers and the captain. The master suite on the upper deck includes an owner’s cabin, two bathrooms, and a private study. All living areas are flooded with natural light coming through panoramic windows.
Complying with ABS standards, the 67m Explorer will have Caterpillar power and a station-keeping system. She should also see a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots.
Royal Huisman has commenced work on Project 412, an 80-meter-plus sailing yacht for a repeat client. The full-aluminum vessel will rank among the largest sailing yachts built by the Dutch shipyard when completed.The yacht features a carbon rig supplied by Rondal, designed for performance sailing and global circumnavigation. While exterior details remain confidential, the project continues Royal Huisman's specialization in large-scale sailing superyachts.Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, stated: "We are honored to embark on this new super-sized sailing yacht project for a returning owner. Project 412 promises a true sailing experience while offering a distinctive and sustainable alternative to large powerboats."The construction reinforces Royal Huisman's position in the XXL sailing yacht segment. No delivery date or additional specifications were disclosed. The yard currently has multiple large sailing projects in progress at its Netherlands facilities.Project 412 will join Royal Huisman's portfolio of custom sailing superyachts, which includes several of the world's largest sailing vessels. The commission demonstrates continued demand for performance-oriented sailing yachts in the 80-meter-plus range.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
May 15, 2025
Sanlorenzo S.p.A. announced its Q1 2025 financial results, reporting €213.5 million in net revenues from new yacht sales, a 9.6% year-over-year increase. The company's EBITDA rose to €37.0 million (+8.5% YoY), while net profit reached €21.2 million (+8.0% YoY).The Superyacht Division grew by 10.4%, and Nautor Swan contributed €23.8 million in revenues. Geographically, the Americas saw a 40.6% increase, while Europe grew by 8.6%. The company’s backlog stands at €1.2 billion, with 89% of orders sold to final clients and deliveries scheduled through 2028.EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 17.3% (from 17.5% in Q1 2024), attributed to the Nautor Swan acquisition. Excluding this effect, profitability would have improved. EBIT increased by 4.2% to €26.8 million, maintaining a 12.6% margin.Net financial position shifted to -€28.1 million due to seasonal working capital needs ahead of the Mediterranean delivery season (May-July). The company also repurchased €3.7 million in treasury shares and acquired 60% of AF Arturo Foresti S.r.l. for €0.7 million.Order intake in Q1 2025 reached €178.1 million (+5.9% YoY), reinforcing confidence in the Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, and Nautor Swan brands. The company confirmed its 2025 guidance, citing strong demand with waiting lists extending to 2028.Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO, stated: *"Our business model – unique in the international yachting landscape – continues to deliver excellent profitability and long-term visibility. We are reinforcing leadership in the 30 to 50-metre segment, supported by a sophisticated client base and semi-custom production."*Perotti noted that only 5% of revenues come from yachts under 30 meters, minimizing exposure to potential U.S. tariff risks. The company remains optimistic about sustainable growth and value creation.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
May 15, 2025
Wally has completed sea trials for its new wallyrocket51 racing yacht, marking the Ferretti Group brand's first dedicated race boat design. The 15.5-meter (51-foot) yacht demonstrated performance capabilities during testing off Valencia ahead of its competitive debut at the ORC National Championship in Sorrento earlier this month.Developed as a one-design class optimized for both IRC and ORC racing formats, the wallyrocket51 incorporates several technical innovations. Naval architecture by Botin Partners features a 6,250kg displacement hull with 640-liter water ballast tanks and pre-preg carbon construction with Corecell and Nomex cores. The design includes a 94-square-meter square-top mainsail and 265-square-meter gennaker, delivering 360 square meters of downwind sail area."The market is splitting between owners who want to cruise and those who want to race professionally," said Wally founder Luca Bassani. "We decided to build a one-design boat at around 50 feet, which ended up at 51 feet." The strict one-design rules aim to maintain competitive parity while extending the model's racing lifespan.The yacht's development team included 28-time world champion Vasco Vascotto and Guillermo Parada, who consulted on performance characteristics. "We wanted to create a boat that could make owners and sailors happy - faster than anything else out there, with a controllable budget," Vascotto stated. Early testing showed strong upwind pointing ability and downwind speed, with Parada noting the yacht's "taller rig relative to its size" incorporates recent technological developments.Key operational features include:Convertible between electric-powered one-design and manual-powered IRC/ORC configurationsWater ballast system allowing 6-7 second side-to-side transfersReduced crew requirement of 11 sailorsRemovable hydraulic systems for rating optimizationThe wallyrocket51 dominated its first competitive outing at the ORC Central and Southern Tyrrhenian National Championship, winning three of four races. The model is scheduled to compete in the Cowes-Dinard-Saint Malo race, Admiral's Cup, and Fastnet Race this summer.Wally has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the wallyrocket51 class. The yacht represents the brand's strategic shift toward dedicated racing models alongside its cruising-oriented offerings. Santa Maria Magnolfi design studio incorporated signature Wally styling elements including an inverted sheerline and distinctive stern design while maintaining racing functionality.Pure Design & Engineering oversaw construction at a specialist racing yacht yard, with particular attention to weight management. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners noted the design's offshore capabilities, stating the yacht was "engineered since day 1 for offshore races" despite its light displacement.The wallyrocket51 will next appear at the 2025 European racing circuit, with Wally anticipating strong interest from both professional campaigns and owner-driver programs.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.Credit: Ferretti Group
May 15, 2025
German yacht builder YYachts has launched the Y6, a 20-meter sailing yacht designed for single-handed or short-handed operation. The carbon-epoxy constructed vessel combines customizable layouts with performance-focused engineering for autonomous cruising.The Y6 offers owners configuration options including three or four cabins, an office space, crew quarters, or a customized owner's suite. Interior materials include oak, walnut, and mahogany, with clients permitted to employ external designers. All sailing controls are accessible from the helm station, with an optional Y on Watch system providing remote technical support.An electric propulsion system is available alongside conventional options. The lightweight composite construction maintains performance in light winds while preventing interior odors, according to the builder."The Y6 is for those who want to sail independently, but without any compromise in design, comfort or performance," said YYachts founder Michael Schmidt.The yacht targets the 60-65 foot market segment, though pricing and delivery timelines remain undisclosed. The model joins YYachts' portfolio of minimalist sailing yachts, continuing the brand's emphasis on customizable, performance-oriented designs.No specific performance data or range estimates were provided for the new model. The Y6 represents the company's latest response to demand for owner-operated luxury sailing vessels.YYachts is a German shipyard that builds carbon sailing yachts between 70 and 100 feet in length. The portfolio consists of the Y7, Y8 and Y9 models; the Custom Division implements completely individual designs.Credits: YYachts
May 14, 2025
VisionF Yachts has unveiled interior details of its VISIONF 101, a 30.7-meter aluminum power catamaran currently under construction at the Turkish shipyard. The vessel, scheduled for launch in autumn 2025, represents the builder's largest project to date and will be the first aluminum catamaran of its size built to RINA Commercial Class standards.The VISIONF 101 features a shallow 1.45-meter draft designed for coastal cruising and access to secluded bays. Accommodation includes four guest cabins, with the owner's suite spanning 29.5 square meters across half of the starboard hull. The layout provides an 18-square-meter bedroom, 6.5-square-meter dressing room, and 5-square-meter ensuite bathroom. Three additional guest cabins continue the neutral-toned interior design scheme.Main saloonThe catamaran offers 132 square meters of flybridge space and a 103-square-meter main saloon. Crew accommodation consists of three cabins for five staff members. A 76-square-meter foredeck features an integrated cinema system, while the superstructure incorporates curved glass elements to maximize natural light.Main saloonPower comes from four Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines producing a combined 4,000 hp, enabling a top speed of 17 knots. The roof utilizes Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester construction to reduce weight.Owner cabinVisionF Yachts currently has eight models in production, including electric and aluminum catamarans ranging from 14 to 47 meters. The company has not disclosed pricing or ownership details for the VISIONF 101 project. The RINA Commercial Class certification indicates potential charter use, though operational plans remain unconfirmed.The vessel's design emphasizes maneuverability in both open water and coastal conditions, with the shipyard describing it as combining "comfort, luxury and refined aesthetics" for extended cruising. VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
May 14, 2025