Top 5 photos of the week

Royal Huisman announced the hull turning of project 408, Aquarius II, happened in March, 27, in Vollenhove. The new 65m yacht was ordered by experienced husband and wife owners of the world cruising ketch Aquarius (56m, Royal Huisman, 2018). Her naval architecture exterior styling made by Dykstra Naval Architects, the interior design is penned by Mark Whiteley Design. With the delivery scheduled for 2024, Royal Huisman decided to share the opinion of Godfrey Cray, the owner’s project manager. Aquarius II became his third Royal Huisman build after 58m Ngoni (2014–2017), and 56m Aquarius (2015–2018). According to Godfrey Cray, ‘the objectives for Aquarius II (AQII) were centered on maintaining sailing performance that matched the length increase from AQI. The yacht was designed to have increased cabins and living spaces for owner and guests, along with increased crew accommodation and service areas. The focus was on taking advantage of fully tested innovations and system upgrades, and continuing to prioritize quality and reliability.Considerations for AQII's design were made in light of the owners' satisfaction with the current yacht's modern classic exterior look, balance, and sailing performance. The team drew upon the experience and knowledge of the captain, engineers, and crew from AQI to enhance the design, systems, and fitout for the new project.The size increase from 56m to 65m led to a fourth guest cabin, a larger gym and social areas, and increased exterior cockpits and social spaces. The owners also committed to providing a good living and work environment for the crew, resulting in a larger galley, crew mess and laundry, along with an extra crew cabin. The engine room and technical spaces were also enlarged.56m AquariusSailing performance was a priority, and AQII was designed with a well-balanced, easily driven, and powerful sailing yacht. The inclusion of an efficient lifting fin keel with 7.6m of draft and the use of top sail designers and consultants contributed to the vessel's performance. AQII's sail handling and sailing systems were developed with Rondal, Doyle, and Royal Huisman, with a focus on being able to push the yacht hard in racing conditions with a crew of 30 while also safely cruising and delivering the yacht with minimal numbers of permanent crew. The team's experience from AQI's winning racing results was added to the development of AQII’.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: Carlo Baroncini; Tom van Oossanen/all courtesy of Royal Huisman

FDC Yachts has unveiled the second model of its Aluna series, the Aluna 127. This 39-meter displacement yacht features an eye-catching exterior and interior styling by Red Yacht Design, and is designed to offer a unique perspective, serving as both an expedition yacht and a support vessel. One of the standout features of the Aluna 127 is her spacious aft deck, which is created thanks to the forward placement of the superstructure. The expansive deck can be used for entertaining, relaxation, and also for storing water toys, including a tender up to 12 meters in length, and even for landing a helicopter. The yacht also has an al fresco gym area and a beach club on the stern, providing more space for relaxation and activities.The yacht's interior is designed to accommodate up to 10 guests in five spacious cabins, including an owner's suite with a large private terrace and twin bathrooms. Social spaces include the main saloon and dining area and a multi-purpose lounge that can be used for meetings, movie screenings, and more. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the saloon create a light and airy atmosphere, while the high bow design ensures a smooth and comfortable cruising experience in all sea conditions.The Aluna 127 is a versatile yacht that offers a maximum speed of 15 knots and can cruise at 11 knots. She is scheduled to be launched in summer 2025 and is currently for sale with Ocean Independence with an asking price EUR13,500,000. The first 27m Aluna 87 is scheduled for lunch in the summer of 2023.FDC Yachts was founded is based in Bodrum, Turkey. The company specialized on refit and rebuild, with the new builds as well. Facility is built on 6.000 sqm land which has a 3.000 sqm production and 3.000 sqm hard stand area.Credits: Ocean Independence

The twenty-sixth hull of Custom Line Navetta 33 has entered the water at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. This elegant displacement superyacht with an overall length of 33 meters and a beam of 7.52 meters entered the water on March 15th in the presence of the owner family from the Americas and all Custom Line’s employees.This model is the result of collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee, which handled the exterior styling, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, whose architects and designers created the interiors, with strategic interior design consulting provided by the Custom Line Atelier.The latest addition to the superyacht scene boasts an interior design, featuring pale color tones ranging from beige to various shades of green. Custom Line Atelier's team of architects and the rest of the shipyard's project group worked closely with the owner to fully customize the spaces, creating a seamless and harmonious flow between the interiors and exteriors. The yacht's furnishings were carefully selected according to the owner's wishes, in collaboration with top design brands, and the use of refined materials such as Taj Mahal marble in shades of beige and lacquered wood further enhance the yacht's luxurious feel.The yacht's attention to detail is unparalleled, ensuring an unforgettable cruising experience for guests. Every aspect of the yacht has been carefully considered, from the design of the furnishings to the choice of materials, resulting in a genuinely refined and elegant vessel.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

Ahoy Club has announced the appointment of Katya Hall as Commercial Director, USA, as part of their ongoing expansion in the United States. A highly experienced sales and charter broker with over 15 years in the superyacht industry, Katya will lead the Sales Brokerage, Charter Retail, and Central Agency streams of the business, furthering the brand's growth outside of Australia and Europe.Katya HallEllie Malouf, CEO of Ahoy Club, commented on the new appointment: "Katya's market knowledge, experience, and passion for customer service closely align with our company values. We're excited to have her join us on our journey as we expand our brand globally."Ahoy Club at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023 Ahoy Club offers a portfolio of superyachts, megayachts, and villas, combined with personal concierge services, providing unique customer experiences such as access to bucket list events, exclusive offers, and brand partnerships. The company's vision is to create memories that last a lifetime, and with the appointment of Katya Hall, they are confident in delivering exceptional customer service and experiences to clients.73m Coral Ocean is available for charter with Ahoy Club With offices in Sydney, Golfe Juan, Monaco, and soon to be Miami, Ahoy Club continues to establish itself as a leader in the luxury yachting industry, with a commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation.Credits: Ahoy Club

Fraser Yachts has sold the Project Virtus XP Hull #01 (53M/173’, Mengi Yay). David Legrand and Alain Auvare from Fraser Monaco represented the seller, while Mengi Yay brought the buyer.The 52.6m yacht boasts features fit for the demands of discerning clients in search of a go-anywhere and elegant vessel, including a helipad, pool deck, master bridge deck, guest main deck, gym, and ample tender storage. This explorer yacht, penned by designer Paolo Dose fromVYD Studio and engineered by Dutch Van Oossanen Naval Architects, combines the Virtus experience with the exhilarating features of the Explorer line.The Mengi Yay Virtus Explorer XP superyacht provides accommodation for up to ten guests across five staterooms, including a master stateroom on the main deck with a king-sized bed and a private foredeck. Nine crew members are on hand to attend to guests' needs.Notable features onboard the Mengi Yay Virtus Explorer XP yacht include a helipad, pool deck, gym, and tender storage. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, the 498 GT motor yacht has an expected top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Hull #02 is now available for sale and is currently in-build with an expected delivery date of 2025. Mengi Yay Yachts was founded in 1964 in Turkey. Now the company owns one of the largest (19,365 sqm) 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: Fraser