New ClubSwan 80 finished at the podium in the Rolex Swan Cup and in two races out of four of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. The ClubSwan 80 is the product of Nautor Swan that brought together a truly international team: design by Juan-K studio, CFD development, built by Persico Marine, with Nauta for the interior design, Vittorio Volontè as project manager, composite structure done by Pure Engineering, rig design done by Scott Ferguson and developed by Southern Spars, sails developed at North Sails.
You don’t expect a brand-new boat with a newbie race crew to put in a podium finish on their first competitive outing. And yet that is just what My Song, the achingly sleek new ClubSwan 80 has achieved.
The feat is made all the more impressive by the fact that it came in the teeth of some of the toughest big-boat competition in the world, at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. And then, to demonstrate that it was not a question of luck, My Song repeated the trick the following week in a blustery Swan Cup.
“She proved to be a racing machine also in IRC/ORC races,” says Giovanni Pomati. “As My Song planed past bigger boats, the sailing world sat up and took notice. Personally, I would love to see a fleet of at least five ClubSwan 80s competing in the maxi events, and I think that is a real possibility in coming years.”
Juan K commented “ClubSwan 80 is a One Design and the notion of it is related to have high-performance boats, which are also the lightest, and from this platform there is a series of interiors and features that can be added on. Working together as a team we’ve managed to have both performance and comfort coexisting according to the use of the boat, and that is very exciting” says Juan K. “My Song was only launched in June, a dream in carbon fiber with a canting keel and a forward rotating canard,
Mario Pedol of design studio Nauta added: “Despite very little experience of the yacht, they took first and third place on different days of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. We couldn’t be happier!”
My Song’s owner, the hugely experienced maxi sailor and industrialist Pier Luigi Loro Piana, was thrilled. "This boat has been a labor of love played out over three years. Not a day has gone by when I haven't intervened in the project directly. Just to step aboard this beautiful yacht now is a delight, but to make two podium finishes in our first regattas shows there is exceptional potential here.”
Hopes were high on the first day of the six-day Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, held in ideal 15- to 22-knot conditions off Porto Cervo. The boat was designed after many hours of complex CFD calculations and looks every inch the racer. But her promise wasn’t confirmed until the helm bore away at the top mark and the huge asymmetric billowed into life.
“At that point we were all spellbound,” says Nauta’s Mario Pedol, who was racing aboard that day. “We were looking at the instruments in disbelief, then watching as our boat overhauled one, then two, then numerous of the bigger yachts as we planed downwind. I don’t think an all-Italian crew has ever remained silent for so long!”
My Song posted a strong third place in the first race of the regatta, and that set the tone for the rest of the event. The high point came on the final day, when a building wind propelled the boats round a 27-nautical-mile coastal course that ducked into the Maddalena archipelago, then off on a long southerly leg downwind. In this endurance race, My Song took a resounding first place.
Giorgio Benussi, ClubSwan 80 - My Song team manager commented: “The brand new CS80 is a game changer, no question! Down into the water in racing trim and with our full crew just a week before the prestigious Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, where we competed against extraordinary opponents. At the start of the first race, when we finally jumped into the fray, we realized that what we imagined could come true. The CS80 has extraordinary potential; the conception, design and construction process can be turned into a solid, concrete success. We were competitive in handicap despite the canting keel/canard configuration. The performance - taken for granted in the off the wind legs - was just as good on the wind and the boat was easy to handle with a crew of only 18.”
Her performance the following week in the Rolex Swan Cup was perhaps even more remarkable. In a seven-strong fleet that ran up to 115ft LOA, My Song scored three second place finishes in four races. And had she been 33 seconds quicker on day three, she would have taken second place overall. As it was, she settled for an electrifyingly close third. It is the best possible start for the ClubSwan 80.
Several months were spent at the start of the project pondering different options for the hull and appendages of the boat. Foils and fixed keels were quickly discarded in favor of the canting keel and rotating canard, because it provided the best balance of performance and usability.
Once the optimum configuration had been agreed, the Nauta team set about designing an interior that would fulfill the requirements of comfortable cruising without sacrificing speed on the racecourse.
Interior furniture has been built in a mixture of foam-cored carbon fiber and flax fiber composite, and can be quickly and easily removed when necessary. Two people can transform the boat from racing to cruising mode or back again in just two days.
Nautor’s 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: Carlo Borlenghi/Nautor’s Swan; Nauta Design
Ferretti Group's Yard in Ancona has launched the third hull of the Custom Line Navetta 38 series on March 20. The 38.76-meter displacement yacht, with a beam of 8.00 meters and 299 GT volume, entered the water during a private ceremony attended by the European owner family and shipyard personnel.This marks Custom Line's fifth launch in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating the shipyard's active production schedule. The Navetta 38 model was developed by Ferretti Group's Product Strategy and Engineering Departments, with exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The Custom Line Atelier team facilitated owner customization throughout the build process.The owners, existing Ferretti Group clients with two previous yachts from the builder, prioritized personalized interior solutions to enhance spatial perception and natural light. Design features include mirrored ceiling panels in the main deck lounge and strategic placement of reflective surfaces along walls and architectural details. Full-height windows were incorporated to maintain visual connection with the marine environment.Notable customizations include a reconfigured galley space with optimized storage depth, designed to serve as a social hub while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Material selections emphasize durability, with Botticino Semi Classico marble specified for the master bathroom.The interior palette combines neutral beige tones with contrasting mocha and brown accents, complemented by natural teak, oak, and leather finishes. Luminous wallpaper treatments contribute to the yacht's refined atmosphere.The Navetta 38 is designed for extended cruising with large guest groups, balancing functional durability with the brand's signature aesthetic standards. The model represents Custom Line's continued focus on customized displacement yachts within its product range.With this launch, Ferretti Group reinforces its position in the mid-size superyacht segment, maintaining production momentum at its Ancona facility. The yacht will now undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owners.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
July 18, 2025
The 70-meter sailing superyacht SY Zero, the world’s first designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels, is approaching the final stages of construction, with an expected launch by the end of 2025. The project, a collaboration between Vripack Yacht Design, Vitters Shipyard, and Dykstra Naval Architects, represents a significant step in sustainable yacht development, backed by over 60,000 hours of research and innovation.SY Zero is engineered to rely solely on wind, solar, and thermal energy while maintaining the performance and luxury standards of a traditional superyacht. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating fossil fuel dependency in high-end yachting. All technical data, system designs, and research findings will be made publicly available through FoundationZero.org, providing open access to sustainable maritime innovations for designers, engineers, and researchers.The yacht’s energy system is entirely electric, powered by a five-megawatt-hour battery storage system—equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Renewable energy is harvested through multiple methods: hydro-generating thrusters capture energy from water flow while under sail, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar panel array converts both light and heat at 60% efficiency, and a wind turbine supplements power generation using offshore airflow.Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack, stated: “This project has always been about showing what’s possible. We wanted to demonstrate that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation. The project has been driven by data, testing, and a long-term commitment to sustainable naval design. Our goal wasn’t just to prove that a fossil-free superyacht is viable—it was to create a real-world model others can learn from.”Vitters Shipyard, known for high-performance sailing yachts, led the construction. Louis Hamming from Vitters commented: “From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognize is coming. It’s a privilege to help bring that future into reality.”The interior accommodates up to 12 guests, featuring sustainable materials such as pine-based leather and leathered marble, which retains natural imperfections. Each cabin draws inspiration from a global destination, with bespoke artworks crafted by local artisans.Following its technical launch, SY Zero will undergo extensive sea trials to test its advanced systems, including proprietary software managing onboard operations. Delivery is expected in 2026, seven years after the project’s inception.Eduard van Benthem, Executive Director at Foundation Zero, emphasized the broader mission: “The project isn’t about showing how good we are, nor even specifically about the yacht itself. We are really trying to showcase how we can do things better and inspire others to join us on the journey, to learn together and to share the knowledge, which is the fundamental aim of Foundation Zero in all its projects.”Beyond private use and limited charter opportunities, SY Zero will serve as a research platform for marine renewable energy and ocean sustainability studies, furthering its role in advancing eco-conscious yachting.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners.Credits: Vripack
July 17, 2025
GX Superyachts has provided a progress update on its 42-meter flagship model, the GX42, currently under construction at SES Yachts' facility in Istanbul. The project remains on schedule for delivery in summer 2026, with several major construction phases now completed.The aluminum hull and superstructure are fully assembled, marking the transition to the outfitting stage. Thermal insulation and main piping systems are 80% installed, while electrical work has reached 25% completion. Approximately half of the paintwork has been applied.The hybrid propulsion system, combining diesel-electric drive with solar power generation, has passed factory testing and is ready for installation. Interior furniture, designed by Marco Casali, is 50% complete in workshop production.Vladimir Zinchenko, founder and CEO of GX Superyachts, stated: "It's inspiring to witness the GX42 taking shape so smoothly. Each milestone reinforces our belief that the GX42 will set a new benchmark in responsible yachting — a vessel that delivers both elegant design and low-impact cruising. Thanks to our partners at SES Yachts, Andrea Armas, Marco Casali and Francesco Rogantin, the project is running smoothly and exceeding expectations."The interior design emphasizes family-friendly spaces with a raised pilothouse layout that includes a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP cabin. Natural materials and subdued color schemes reflect the yacht's focus on sustainable luxury.Upcoming work includes finalizing insulation and piping systems, progressing electrical installations, and integrating the hybrid propulsion package. Sea trials are planned for early 2026.Andrea Armas, consultant to GX Superyachts' Board of Directors, noted: "We are pushing the boundary of responsible yachting navigating through a new era of technological advancement, tailoring the dream of Yacht owners into a sustainable reality."Credits: GX Superyachts
July 17, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has confirmed the sale of the 50.58m schooner Borkumriff IV, built by Royal Huisman in 2002. The sale was managed by Senior Sales Broker Arne Ploch. The yacht accommodates six guests in three cabins and has space for nine crew members.Inspired by traditional Newfoundland schooners, Borkumriff IV has a total length of 50.58 meters, including the bowsprit, and a sail area of 1,164 sq. m. The exterior was designed by John G. Alden’s office, with naval architecture by Dykstra. The interior, crafted by John Munford, features mahogany wood paneling and custom furniture, contrasting with lighter ceilings and floors.The yacht includes a main deck saloon and dining area, with accommodation on the lower deck. The full-beam master suite has a separate study, while two twin guest cabins are located midship. All cabins are en suite. Crew quarters are spacious, with a large galley.Borkumriff IV carries two tenders on its teak decks and features two cannons, used for ceremonial flag-lowering at sunset.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: Yacht Harbour archive
July 17, 2025
Turkish builder ART Shipyard, part of Besiktas Group, will unveil its first superyacht – the 35-meter Bee Explorer – at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was designed by Hydro Tec to stay under 300GT while offering a 4,000-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. Ocean Independence serves as worldwide central agent for the €15.25 million vessel, which is available for immediate delivery.Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec explained the design rationale: "The 7.7-meter beam provides additional fuel capacity without significant efficiency loss, allowing owners to take advantage of regional fuel price variations." The naval architecture prioritizes seakeeping and fuel economy, with computational fluid dynamics used to optimize the hull form.Michele Dragoni's interior design blends explorer yacht robustness with contemporary styling. Horizontal dark lacquer frames contrast with bleached oak paneling in the main saloon, while curved bulkheads and strategic window placement maximize natural light. The upper lounge features a ceiling-mounted TV lift and lowered cabinetry to create a more relaxed atmosphere.Measuring 35 meters LOA with 2.2-meter draft, the Bee Explorer will be displayed in Port Canto during the festival. The yacht represents ART Shipyard's entry into the competitive sub-40-meter explorer market, leveraging Besiktas Group's commercial shipbuilding experience. The Cannes presentation follows successful sea trials in Turkish waters. Prospective owners can inspect the yacht throughout the six-day show before its scheduled autumn handover to its first owner. Credits: Ocean Independence
July 16, 2025