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.
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.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: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.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
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.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.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025