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.
Spanish studio Daroca Design has introduced Real, an 80-metre yacht concept developed as part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection. This approach allows clients to begin with a proven platform by Lateral Naval Architects, then customise both the exterior and interior.According to designer Alejandro Crespo, Real is a “true reflection of a desire for sleek minimalism and perfect proportions,” with an exterior intended to “integrate into the natural landscape.” The design features flowing lines, curved superstructure details, and glass bulwarks. A beach club includes two pools and direct water access via a swim platform. The concept also shows generous lounging areas, a helipad at the bow, and white furnishings for a contemporary look.Crespo describes Real as “a symbol of sincerity and distinction,” designed for both calm coastlines and open waters, with the goal of reconnecting with nature, family, friends, and “the beauty of life.”The Simply Custom designs incorporate advanced technical elements such as optimised stabilisation, pod drives, electric propulsion, and onboard battery storage. Oceanco states that the platform supports renewable diesel fuels like HVO, which can reduce carbon emissions by 80 to 90 per cent compared to standard marine diesel.Real’s unveiling follows the introduction of other Simply Custom concepts, including North West Boatworks’ Aurora earlier in the month.Credit: Daroca Design
December 20, 2024
Aiata, a brand entering the boating market under the Turkish conglomerate Anadolu Group, will make its global debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The show, held from January 18 to January 26, 2025, attracts over 250,000 visitors and more than 1,900 exhibitors worldwide. Aiata will present the Wayfinder 38 in three variations: Cabin, Open, and a specialized Fishing configuration derived from the other two models.The Wayfinder 38 is a 25-foot outboard walkaround designed by Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén. Aiata states that this model “stands for flexibility, comfort and craftsmanship.” The Cabin version includes a wheelhouse layout with an L-shaped salon, integrated galley, Webasto sunroof, and air conditioning system. It offers teak furniture, a queen-size bed, an enclosed bathroom, and 2-meter ceilings. Its wheelhouse incorporates a lift-up mechanism connecting the interior and cockpit. The bow area features a U-shaped sofa with a hi-low table.The Open model is designed for a more outdoor experience, featuring a suntop and a continuous salon layout intended to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Oak furniture complements the open deck.A Fishing configuration is also available, applicable to both Cabin and Open models. It includes a spacious foredeck sunbed and is described as ergonomic and intuitive, making it suitable for day cruises, watersports, or fishing activities. The Wayfinder 38 offers outboard engine options ranging from 300 to 425 horsepower.Yutkun TokYutkun Tok, General Manager of Aiata, said: “We are honored to participate in Boot Düsseldorf, a prestigious platform that celebrates the pinnacle of the boating world. The Wayfinder 38 embodies Aiata’s mission to deliver versatile, high-performance boats backed by the Anadolu Group’s legacy of innovation and excellence. For Aiata, this is a defining moment – not only because we are showcasing the Wayfinder 38, but because it reflects the expertise and unwavering commitment to quality that define the Anadolu Group. Aiata benefits from the financial strength and engineering excellence of Anadolu Group, ensuring every vessel we produce is a symbol of reliability, innovation, and craftsmanship. We look forward to sharing our passion for boating with enthusiasts from around the globe.”Credits: Aiata
December 20, 2024
Antonini Navi, established in 2020 by the Antonini Group in collaboration with engineer Aldo Manna, has announced the successful joining of the hull and superstructure for its Seamore 34 superyacht. According to the shipyard, “The steel hull was connected to the aluminum superstructure using bimetal,” and with this phase completed, the focus will now shift to the vessel’s internal compartmentalization.Seamore 34, featuring design and development by Hot Lab, is the first model in a “semi-custom” series scheduled for launch in the second half of 2025. The yacht’s profile is described as having “a high, dominant bow” that gives it a “sleek and sporty feel,” combined with superstructure volumes that result in “an elegant, maritime look.” The concept prioritizes versatility and flexibility, as well as open spaces that “create unique settings for sharing and conviviality among guests.”The shipyard states: “One of the most interesting features of Seamore 34 is the more than 150-square-meter open-air living space on the main deck, much of which can be closed off if needed by sliding pocket windows fitted flush with the deck.”At the current stage of construction, potential buyers, captains, and brokers can arrange onboard visits. These inspections, guided by engineers from the shipyard’s technical office, provide industry professionals the opportunity to examine the yacht’s construction quality and design firsthand.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
December 20, 2024
Turkish shipyard Sarp Yachts has released the first interior renderings of the XSR 85 RPH, a 25.9-metre raised-pilothouse model set to debut in late 2025. Developed in collaboration with Red Yacht Design and Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the yacht is described as having “more expansive interior and exterior spaces” compared to previous models in the XSR series.According to the shipyard, the interior design takes cues from “the captivating beauty of ocean life,” using light tones and airy spaces to promote a connection to the seascape. The yacht accommodates five cabins, including a main deck master cabin with a private bow terrace. Al fresco dining options are available on the sundeck, and lounge areas are located on the main deck aft and swim platform.Design director of Red Yacht Design, Cana Gokhan, stated: “The XSR 85 RPH represents our commitment to pushing boundaries in yacht design. By integrating an ocean-inspired theme with modern luxury and optimising both interior and exterior spaces, we’ve created a yacht that sets a new benchmark in its category."Elkin Yildirim, general manager of Sarp Yachts, added: “The XSR 85 RPH represents a leap forward in yacht design and functionality. In this project, we push boundaries and craft a vessel that merges elegance, comfort and practicality. We are thrilled to share these remarkable interiors, which perfectly reflect our dedication to innovation and excellence."Credit: Sarp Yachts
December 19, 2024
The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race’s multihull lineup presents a departure from recent years, as a range of different vessels seek Line Honours in the MOCRA Class. Previous editions were dominated by MOD70s, but this year’s field promises greater diversity.Among the competitors is Oren Nataf’s Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert (FRA). In 2021, Rayon Vert secured overall line honours in the RORC Transatlantic Race, finishing in 9 days 2 hours 33 minutes and 19 seconds, and later took second place in MOCRA for the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race. For the 2025 edition, Rayon Vert will race double-handed with François Seruzier.Miami-based Jacopo Bracco enters with the custom 53-foot trimaran Finn (USA), designed by Renaud Banuls. Bracco has raced multihulls since childhood, and Finn’s crew includes individuals with MOD70 experience, such as project manager Sam Mabey, 5.80 Transat winner Etienne Messikommer, and record-setter Jeff Mearing. Bracco stated: “In the right conditions, Finn can easily hit 20 knots and surf at 30!” He also noted one concession: “I have found a real Italian restaurant in Lanzarote which will be preparing some great meals. I am originally Italian, so there is no way we are going to race without good food!”Clarin Mustad’s Alibi 54 trimaran Dakota returns after failing to start in 2024 due to rudder issues. Now prepared in Lanzarote, Dakota could finish in about 12 days under ideal conditions. Mustad, new to ocean racing, said: “I prefer to compete rather than cruise because it makes the journey so much more exciting.” Dakota, bearing a Grenadian sail number, will be crewed by experienced sailors including co-skipper Carles Boned Roig and Christina Menabó, plus other friends.Thierry Roger’s Newick 39 trimaran Perros-Guirec, a sistership to the 1978 Route du Rhum winner Olympus Photos, will also compete. Roger will race double-handed with longtime colleague Renan Le Penven and aims to maintain an average speed of 10 knots. Roger, who has waited years to attempt a transatlantic crossing, said: “This will be my first transatlantic, but I have looked out over that ocean all my life… Now, at 64, I work less, so I have raced the boat in many regattas, but my ultimate goal is the 2026 Route du Rhum.”These entries join others in the Multihull Class at the RORC Transatlantic Race, supported by Calero Marinas, the International Maxi Association, and the Yacht Club de France. The race is scheduled to start on January 12, 2025, from Marina Lanzarote, covering 3,000 miles to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada.Credit: RORС
December 19, 2024