Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands has delivered the fourth yacht in its renowned Raised Pilothouse semi-custom range. The 26-metre Nicostasia was built for owners who had already enjoyed the experience of owning a Van der Valk motoryacht and now wanted to go larger and all-new. Featuring exterior and interior design from Guido de Groot and the highest standard of Dutch construction and engineering, Nicostasia is an impressive addition to the growing Van der Valk fleet.
The cooperation and coordination between the yard and the owners’ representatives during the design and construction of Nicostasia was seamless. As Van der Valk has ample experience with owners from their country, they were able to conduct all communications in their native language.
The overall design brief for Nicostasia was to create a cool-looking, smart-working family boat, thoroughly adapted to the clients’ wishes. The interior and exterior were both designed in partnership with Guido de Groot. Overall, the interior is typified by bright colours, with whitewashed oak as the principal material – the family had seen this colour scheme on several other Van der Valks and opted to reproduce the palette in an even lighter version. “The interior is quite elegant and minimalistic, yet clearly very functional and robust,” says Guido de Groot. “Nicostasia is a real family boat – the owners are delighted with her and spend lots of time on board.”
The lower deck hosts the main accommodations: the owner’s suite, which takes up the full 6.25-metre beam, two guest cabins, one to starboard and one to port, and a VIP cabin forward. All accommodations include ensuite bathrooms, with the owner’s suite being especially large and also featuring a walk-in wardrobe. The guest cabins are designed specifically for the children in the family, including in terms of décor choices, underlining the fact that Nicostasia is more a family boat than a typical yacht which is intended for charter.
The pièce de résistance of bespoke design on Nicostasia is the compact but state-of-the-art open galley integrated in the saloon. “Normally, of course, the saloon contains the dining space while the galley is located elsewhere in the boat,” says Guido de Groot. “But this family loves to socialise with guests while cooking, so they requested this one-of-a-kind feature.
“They also wanted to have as much natural light as possible in that area. The design allows as much sunlight as possible to reach this space from the oversized windows in the wheelhouse above by making the ceiling in the galley area spectacularly high. Another ingenious element is the extractor hood above the stove that doubles as a lighting fixture. Each of these components was quite complex to implement given that the passage between the sunbathing areas on the flybridge above is directly above the cooking island and the extractors. Only an expert yard like Van der Valk could have accomplished this so well.”
Nicostasia is Van der Valk’s fourth Raised Pilothouse, and while the boats in the series are characterised by tried-and-true exterior lines, there are a wide range of choices in terms of layout and interior architecture options.
“This has a lot to do with the optimised interior space of this particular "Raised Pilothouse" superstructure shape,” explains Yoeri Bijker, Marketing manager at Van der Valk Shipyard. “Some clients place the crew area on the main deck, while others prefer to have an on deck owners’ cabin there instead. The Raised Pilothouse concept offers a great deal of flexibility and its classic flare generates a very elegant appearance. It also gives the vessel a timeless look, ideal for owners who are less enthusiastic about today’s typical straight bows without a lot of flare.”
Nicostasia’s layout includes a graceful elevated wheelhouse position and a wide-open main deck area forward. The flybridge deck boasts an outdoor helm station as well as sun loungers, a wet bar with fridge, wine cabinet and ice maker to port, and a U-shaped lounge dinette settee to starboard. This is also where the 4.45-metre tender and the waverunner are located.
The yacht also has some unique exterior components: for instance, the main deck and the pilothouse are connected with chic floating steel stairs in polished stainless steel which combine with the split-level wheelhouse arrangement to provide a natural flow. She is also characterised by an unusual and lovely grey metallic hull colour, with stylish dark blackout areas and striping.
Nicostasia has a conventional shaft propulsion system, with twin MTU 10V 2000 M93 engines of 1502 hp each which provide a maximum speed of some 25 knots. She is equipped with a 30kW Electric 96V DC 3 phase bow- and stern thruster, and two 26kW Northern Lights PX332K2 auxiliary engines (generators). An electric Seakeeper 26 gyroscopic stabilising system optimises comfort for passengers and crew.
Currently berthed in Montenegro, Nicostasia will cruise the Adriatic Sea for the time being – possibly from a permanent base in Croatia. Eventually her owners will criss-cross the Mediterranean in a superyacht built entirely to their specifications.
Camper & Nicholsons has opened a new design studio and office in Viareggio, Italy, expanding its service offerings in new construction, refit, and design sectors. The facility includes a materials lounge and digital configurator for client presentations.CEO Paolo Casani stated: "With this studio in Viareggio, we reaffirm our roots and expand into areas that strengthen our heritage: new build sales, project management, refit, and design." The Italian operation is led by Managing Director Daniela Duck, who also serves as Group Head of New Build.The studio will provide three core services: new build sales and project coordination, technical refit services through worldwide shipyard partnerships, and interior/exterior design for both yacht and residential projects. The materials lounge allows clients to review physical samples while digital tools enable real-time visualization of design concepts.Daniela Duck noted: "Our clients can now experience a truly collaborative environment. This is where owners, shipyards, and our team come together to create yachts of the highest quality."The Viareggio location places the company near several Italian shipyards while maintaining global project capabilities through existing international partnerships. The technical team currently oversees multiple new construction and refit projects worldwide.The expansion represents Camper & Nicholsons' increased focus on comprehensive project management services from initial concept through final delivery. The company will maintain its existing offices while utilizing the new facility for client meetings and design development activities.Current projects include the studio's first new build commission and several refit operations managed through partner shipyards. The company continues to provide brokerage services alongside its expanded project management offerings through the Viareggio location.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
September 9, 2025
Turkish yacht builder Sirena Yachts has unveiled the Sirena 60 at the Cannes Yachting Festival, replacing the previous Sirena 58 model. The new design offers increased interior volume and expanded exterior spaces compared to its predecessor. The 18.3-meter yacht features updated styling from Frers Naval Architecture with modifications by Sirena's in-house design team. Key changes include larger windows, a redesigned flybridge, and increased storage capacity. The hull retains the plumb bow design and extended swim platform characteristic of the series.Accommodations include three cabins with a full-beam master cabin amidships and forward VIP cabin. The third cabin features convertible bedding that transitions between double and twin configurations. Crew areas incorporate separate access routes for operational efficiency.Standard power comes from twin Volvo D11 670hp engines, with an optional 900hp package available. Performance specifications indicate 23-knot maximum speed with standard engines and 25 knots with upgraded power. The design emphasizes fuel efficiency and range capabilities for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising.CEO Cagin Genc stated: "We are so excited to present our Sirena 60 to the market, as the natural evolution of our successful Sirena 58. Ideal for experienced boaters looking for comfort, flexibility, and performance in a manageable size."Exterior social areas include a forward lounge with dining capabilities and sunpads with convertible backrests. The flybridge receives updated dashboard instrumentation and pilot seating alongside a Corian-topped bar unit.Storage capacity accommodates various water toys including jet skis and paddleboards. The extended swim platform facilitates water access while maintaining the yacht's cruising capabilities. The design incorporates Corian surfaces and marine-grade materials throughout interior spaces.The Sirena 60 enters production following the company's established manufacturing processes in Turkey. The model will compete in the 18-20 meter motor yacht segment against offerings from European and Asian shipyards.Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credits: Emre Boyoglu/Sirena Yachts
September 9, 2025
The Cannes Yachting Festival opens today across Vieux Port and Port Canto locations. The event typically features numerous global premieres. Here is our list of boats that cannot be missed.Singolare45mTankoa YachtsThe second hull in Tankoa's T450 series represents the largest yacht debuting at the 2025 festival. Following the delivery of sister vessel GO in 2024, this iteration features design by Giorgio M. Cassetta with interior spaces by Brazilian architect Debora Aguiar. The yacht incorporates a hardtop creating an enclosed veranda that converts to climate-controlled salon accommodation.Tremenda45mCantiere delle MarcheThis 45-meter explorer yacht delivered in March 2025 shares the title of largest debutante with Singolare. Commissioned by an experienced owner in 2021, the design emphasizes outdoor connection through oversized windows, extensive al fresco areas, and a substantial beach club. Interior spaces incorporate mid-century modern design influences.Andiamo40.7mSanlorenzoThis first unit in the SD132 series represents Sanlorenzo's largest composite semi-displacement construction at 420 GT. Notable features include a beach club configuration with television-equipped bar and lounge seating, plus lateral terraces creating 70 square meters of additional exterior space when deployed.Juno's 744.1mBenettiAs the flagship of Benetti's Class series, this vessel becomes the yard's largest GRP construction to date. Giorgio M. Cassetta designed both exterior and interior spaces utilizing FSC-certified woods and resin finishes. The layout accommodates 12 guests across six cabins including full-beam master suite. Technical specifications include twin MAN engines providing 4,100 nautical mile range at 11 knots.Lalabe35.3mVan der ValkBased on the Lady Lene hull design with naval architecture by Guido de Groot, this custom construction accommodates three generations through five-cabin layout. Outdoor spaces incorporate integrated balconies, custom swimming platform, and aft deck relaxation zone with beach club and sauna facilities. The yacht delivered in July 2025.Majesty 100 Terrace32.25mMajesty Yachts This model emphasizes exterior terraces and fold-down balconies, following design concepts from the larger Majesty 111. Phathom Studio created a glass-fronted owner's cabin with skylights and private forward terrace. The design focuses on multiple entertainment areas throughout the vessel's layout.Pearl 8225mPearl YachtsThis model incorporates a raised pilothouse design enabling a main deck master cabin with private foredeck terrace alongside four lower deck ensuite cabins. Notable features include folding side platforms, multiple cockpit configurations, and garage capacity for Williams 395 tender and Sea-Doo jet ski. The design focuses on maximizing interior volume while maintaining competitive pricing within its segment.Ferretti Yachts 80024.47mFerretti YachtsFerretti Yachts 800 is the new model that completes the range renewal process begun in 2018. Developed by Ferretti Yachts’ Cattolica shipyard, the project is the result of collaboration between the Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The yacht has a length overall of 24.47 m – a version with a shorter stern platform is also available to comply with the 24-metre limit established by French law – and a maximum beam of 5.91 m. The most innovative features include large windows for uninterrupted views of the surroundings from the interiors and an optional sliding door on the starboard side of the salon; perfectly separated spaces to ensure total privacy; and optimisation of the exterior surfaces and particularly the flybridge (a full 40 m²), further enriching the on-board experience. Pershing GTX7023.99mPershing The Pershing GTX70 represents the smallest model in the Sport Utility Yachts range, developed through collaboration between Ferretti Group's Strategic Product Committee, Vallicelli Design, and engineering teams. Its design maximizes interior and exterior spaces, offering 10% and 30% more area respectively than comparable yachts. The stern features a two-level arrangement with a 23 m² extendable beach area and shaded cockpit. A retractable glass panel connects the main deck interior with outdoor spaces, creating a continuous open layout. The yacht accommodates three ensuite cabins below deck while maintaining a 16 m² sundeck divided into functional zones.Absolute Navetta 5315.98mAbsolute This Navetta series update incorporates plunging gunwales, aft cutaways, and extensive hull glazing while maintaining traditional interior organization. The layout includes lower deck VIP cabin with diagonal berth configuration, starboard twin cabin, and main deck saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows. Compact yet full of character, it was the first Navetta under 70 feet to introduce the terrace cockpit, now a distinctive hallmark of the Absolute brand. Credits: Absolute; Ferretti Group; Guillaume Plisson for Sanlorenzo; Tankoa Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
September 9, 2025
Italian marine manufacturer MED Group will debut its TYKUN X chase boat at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, 2025. The 10.5-meter aluminum vessel, designed by Tommaso Spadolini, will showcase at stand QA34.The chase boat utilizes twin 400 HP Mercury Verado V10 engines to achieve speeds exceeding 50 knots. Its aluminum hull construction derives from MED Group's defense sector experience through its MED DEFENSE division, which supplies NATO-qualified vessels to security agencies.Design features include a carbon fiber hardtop and lateral terrace configuration intended to enhance passenger access to marine environments. The layout allows customization of materials, color schemes, and electronic systems according to client specifications. Storage capacity accommodates water toys including Seabobs and paddleboards.MED Group CEO Marco Galimberti stated the model represents years of development combining military-grade engineering with superyacht requirements. Designer Tommaso Spadolini emphasized the vessel's focus on both performance characteristics and practical functionality.The TYKUN X targets superyacht owners and operators seeking high-performance support vessels with proven seaworthiness characteristics. MED Group will demonstrate docking capabilities and maneuverability features during the exhibition.The chase boat segment shows growing demand for specialized tenders combining functional requirements with recreational amenities. MED Group's entry leverages existing naval architecture experience while incorporating design elements tailored to luxury yacht operations.Production will occur at MED Group's Italian facilities, with delivery timelines to be confirmed following the Monaco presentation. The company anticipates interest from both private owners and commercial yacht operators requiring robust support vessels capable of high-speed operations.Credits: MED Group
September 8, 2025
Azimut has launched the Magellano 27M, a 27-meter yacht representing the third generation of its Voyager series. The design features exterior work by Jarkko Jämsén and interior spaces by AMDL CIRCLE & Michele De Lucchi, marking the architecture firm's first marine project.The yacht incorporates a loggia-style main deck with full-height glazing designed to create visual connection with marine environments. The exterior design emphasizes clean lines and curved surfaces intended to reflect light and water movements. Jämsén's approach focused on reducing visual elements to create what the designer terms a "bare shape" that integrates with natural surroundings.Interior spaces utilize light wood finishes and architectural elements inspired by Mediterranean patio designs. The layout prioritizes natural illumination through extensive glazing, with wooden structural components serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The design team treated natural light as a structural material throughout the living spaces.Technical specifications include long-range cruising capabilities consistent with the Magellano series' explorer yacht positioning. The vessel maintains Azimut's dual-mode hull design, offering stability in various sea conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency during extended voyages.The Magellano 27M accommodates owners focused on extended cruising rather than seasonal Mediterranean use. Interior configurations emphasize connection with external environments while maintaining privacy requirements during long-term onboard living.The yacht represents Azimut's continued development of its Voyager series, which targets owners seeking transoceanic capabilities combined with contemporary design aesthetics. The collaboration with architectural firm AMDL CIRCLE introduces new design approaches to marine interiors, particularly in the treatment of natural light and spatial organization.Production will utilize Azimut's existing manufacturing facilities, with the Magellano 27M positioned as the new flagship of the Voyager line. The yacht is scheduled for public presentation during the 2025-2026 boat show season following initial client deliveries.The Magellano series now spans multiple size categories, with the 27M model representing the largest current offering in Azimut's explorer yacht range. The company continues to develop both motor yacht and explorer segments simultaneously across its product portfolio.Credits: Azimut
September 8, 2025