The number of yachts over 80 meters has sharply increased over the past few decades and, with Lurssen launching 3 megayachts over 100 meters in under a week, it seems we have now entered into the golden age of megayachts.
Project Jupiter
In the past week, Germany-based Lurssen has launched the 123-meter Project Jupiter, the 111-meter Project TIS and an unknown 130m+ superyacht which does not seem to be matching any known project at the shipyard. The shipyard's phenomenal growth however does not stop with those 3 projects as the German builder has the 75-meter Thor, 85-meter Sasha, 112-meter Palo Alto and 139-meter Redwood under construction at the moment with the 106-meter Project Mistral having already undergone sea trials earlier this year.
This demand for megayachts is however not specific to only Lurssen. Dutch-based, Oceanco have recently launched a new 88.5-meter superyacht and have completed a 106-meter sailing yacht which are now moored together at their Alblasserdam facility. The shipyard is also working on the 110-meter Project Jubilee, which is scheduled to become the largest yacht built in the Netherlands upon its delivery, and is rumored to be a replacement for Ronald Perelman's C2.
Project Jubilee
Turquoise Yachts, the new brand of Proteksan Turquoise following its acquisition by Oceanco's billionaire owner, Al Barwani back in 2014, is also working on a megayacht of its own with a 77-meter as well as a 66-meter already in construction. Another player in the megayacht space in Turkey has emerged to be Bilgin. Indeed, the shipyard has just announced it had sold a second 80-meter superyacht to a repeat client, having had already sold their first 80-meter hull to a repeat client back in October 2015. Turkey-based, Dunya Yachts are also building 100m Project Blade for the owner of Axioma.
Project Blade
More established players in the yachting industry are also strengthening their position in the expanding market at the same time. LVMH-backed Feadship, has recently delivered Steve Wynn's 92-meter Aquarius, a year after delivering 101-meter Symphony to LVMH CEO, Bernard Arnault. Italy-based Benetti is also working on a new flagship with a 107-meter megayacht currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2019.
Understandably, this growing demand for megayachts has sparked interest amongst shipyards normally specializing in smaller ranges of the market. Heesen, who have just delivered their latest flagship, the 70-meter Galactica Super Nova, are now working on an 85-meter dry dock to be able to expand their flagship size. Amels, who are about to deliver their 83-meter flagship, Here Comes The Sun, have also announced their plans to compete in the 80-110m space through their Full Custom division.
Here Comes The Sun
All of this demand at existent shipyards is also complemented by commercial shipyards, venturing into superyacht construction. Norway-based, Kleven have for example recently delivered Ulysses to New Zealand's richest man, Graeme Hart and are working on a 116-meter yacht for the same owner.
The brokerage side of the megayacht market is also becoming more active with the recent listing for sale of M/Y A by Andrei Melnichenko, the 115-meter Ona (ex. Dilbar), by Alisher Usmanov and the recent reported sale of Pelorus to a Chinese billionaire. Our guess it's therefore just a matter of time before the 200-meter barrier is breached.
The latest addition to Custom Line's Navetta 30 displacement line, the eighteenth hull, was launched on November 7 at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. The ceremony, attended by Custom Line employees instrumental in the yacht's creation, marked the debut of this superyacht, tailored for an owner in the Asia-Pacific region.Crafted through a collaborative design process, the Strategic Product Department, responsible for exterior styling, worked in tandem with the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. Internally, ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel led the interior architecture, supported by Filippo Salvetti for exteriors and strategic interior design consulting from the Custom Line Atelier.Measuring 28.43 meters in length and boasting a 7.3-meter beam, this superyacht achieves ambitious volumes while radiating a sense of lightness and cruising elegance. The exterior design showcases horizontal lines sweeping towards the bow, imparting a sleek and dynamic silhouette with a touch of timeless classicism. The four-deck configuration maximizes onboard spaces, strategically arranged for conviviality, relaxation, and contemplation. Expansive glazed surfaces, over-two-meter high decks, and generous stern and bow areas provide panoramic views, creating an immediate sense of openness.Seamless integration between interior and exterior spaces defines a linear continuum, optimizing functionality. The interior styling, blending classic elements with a contemporary twist, introduces carbon detailing, sophisticated lacquer finishes, and custom textured claddings. Reflecting the owner's preferences, the decor embodies a sporty chic style, enriched by materials like nubuck leather and a captivating interplay of contrasts using polished Orobico marble and Silk Georgette marble.Dynamic contrasts come to life in a well-balanced fusion of pale, delicate tones – white, beige, and cream – with evocative shades of burnt brown, dark gray, and sepia. 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
November 30, 2023
Antonini Navi announces the sale of the custom 33-meter yacht, Seamore 33, marking another success within a month of revealing the Explorer Yacht 32 M contract. This new yacht, commissioned by an Italian owner, is set to launch in spring 2025 and will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival the same year. Seamore 33 represents the initial vessel in a semi-custom series, showcasing Antonini Navi’s venture into highly customizable yet series-produced yachts.This broader project involves a collaborative effort between Antonini Navi's Technical Office, Hydro Tec for exterior design and naval architecture, and Hot Lab for interior design. The steel and aluminum construction, based on a Hydro Tec concept, enables modifications to the superstructure and hull sections while maintaining the platform's integrity.Seamore 33’s distinctive design features a high, dominant bow, creating a sleek and sporty profile. The emphasis on open spaces prioritizes flexibility, with over 150 square meters of open-air living space on the main deck, expandable or enclosed by sliding pocket windows. An additional 160 square meters of al fresco space on the upper deck, including 50 square meters under an elegant hard-top, enhances the yacht's versatile layout.The interiors, crafted by Hot Lab, strike a balance between classic elegance and modern innovation. Noble teak wood complements pastel colors, fostering an atmosphere of calm and harmony with the sea. Enrico Lumini of Hot Lab describes the interiors as an "instant classic" with timeless beauty.Simone Antonini, CEO of the shipyard, expresses immense pride in Antonini Navi's achievements and credits the success to the commitment and vision of the group. This recent sale, along with the Explorer Yacht 32 M contract, solidifies Antonini Navi's position as a niche brand in luxury custom yacht construction. Aldo Manna, partner and sales director, emphasizes the challenge of selling two units over 30 meters in less than two months. With three out of four production slots occupied, Antonini Navi aims to conclude on a high note, selling the next unit with delivery in the 2026 season.Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec applauds the shared commitment to exceeding expectations, showcasing the success of the long collaboration and ongoing dedication between the involved companies.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
November 30, 2023
Burgess is set to make waves in its US expansion with the revelation of a new office in the heart of Miami's bustling financial district.Situated on the 27th floor of the sophisticated 1450 Brickell office tower, a creation of the esteemed architectural firm Nichols Architects, the spacious office is a testament to Burgess's commitment to excellence. The 35-story Class-A tower is home to prestigious tenants such as JP Morgan Chase, Bilzin Sumberg, Boston Consulting Group, Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, as well as numerous leading law firms, family offices, and private equity firms.Burgess's strategic move to the Brickell area, often referred to as Wall Street South, aligns with the recent influx of prominent hedge funds and tech companies like Ken Griffin's Citadel. It also synchronizes with several notable firms relocating their headquarters to South Florida, including Carl Icahn's Icahn Enterprises and Barry Sternlicht's Starwood Capital Group.Conveniently positioned within walking distance of the city's chef-driven restaurants and luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Miami and Mandarin Oriental, the office offers proximity to the Brightline transportation, facilitating seamless travel for Burgess's team of charter brokers and sales brokers between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess, remarked, "The location is very strategic as it puts us in the right company and is convenient for our brokers to meet privately with clients. As we look to our future, the US remains our strongest market, and this announcement is the first of several expected in the coming 12 months, emphasizing our commitment to the region and its potential."Having opened its doors in South Florida over 20 years ago, Burgess has evolved from a small team to a robust staff of 19, earning accolades for delivering top-notch services. Their comprehensive offerings include charter, charter management, brokerage, yacht management, and a full suite of owner services.Credits: Unsplash.com
November 30, 2023
Codecasa Shipyards has announced that the new Codecasa 43 – Hull C124 has arrived in the Viareggio facility from the Codecasa production site in Navicelli Pisa, to be completed and to be ready for delivery to the owner scheduled in Summer 2024.The 43 meter C124 is a totally custom-made full displacement yacht with steel hull and aluminum superstructure. She is designed by Codecasa Shipyards in-house technical staff. She was sold in January 2023. Distinguished by its vertical bow, the C124 boasts expansive windows that flood the interior with abundant natural light. With internal volumes just below 500 gross register tons (GRT), its exterior design, marked by clean and elegant lines, ensures optimal comfort and privacy. Two spacious saloons and four large guest cabins, along with the owner's suite on the forward main deck, define the luxurious accommodations. Fully equipped service areas and inviting exterior spaces spanning the three decks enhance the overall experience.Propelled by two Caterpillar C32 "Acert" engines generating 1600 horsepower at 2300 rpm, the yacht achieves a top speed of 16 knots at light displacement. Its cruising range extends to 4,000 nautical miles at a comfortable 11 knots. Codecasa shipyard was established in Viareggio in 1825 by the shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa. Still run by the founder’s heirs, nowadays the Codecasa Shipyards Group is able to offer a wide range of Yachts, featured by top quality, technologic innovation, reliability, design and comfort. The shipyard is known all over the world as builders of steel and light alloy motoryachts, ranging from 30 to 70 meters LOA.Credits: Codecasa
November 29, 2023
The construction of the fourth 60-meter ketch sailing yacht by Perini Navi, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, is advancing rapidly. Works at the Marina di Carrara shipyard are in full swing, aiming to deliver a vessel that embodies both safety and efficiency for an unparalleled sailing experience.Developed in collaboration with Ron Holland, who oversaw the naval architecture, the 60-meter yacht caters to those seeking perpetual safety, comfort, and efficiency on the open seas. Crafted with an aluminum hull and superstructure, boasting a gross tonnage under 500 and a displacement of around 570 tons, the yacht integrates carbon fiber masts, booms, and rigging for optimal performance.The sailing system has undergone a redesign, emphasizing ease of handling, speed, and enhanced overall performance. Incorporating cutting-edge technology, a state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system ensures the yacht maintains its position and direction autonomously, eliminating the need for an anchor.Internally, the yacht boasts an innovative design by French designer Remy Tessier, blending modernity with tradition to create an elegant and comfortable ambiance. The owner's suite and the five guest cabins epitomize luxury and refinement in a tasteful and unostentatious manner.Sistership Perseus 3 With the optimization of facilities now completed, the focus shifts to the outfitting and masting operations. The launch and delivery of this remarkable yacht are slated for the end of 2024.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, expressed, "The lines of this 60-meter yacht are the result of constant efforts that allowed us to preserve the unmistakable Perini Navi style and, at the same time, create a more modern yacht."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
November 29, 2023