Boat International Media in association with Oyster Yachts will hold the 14th annual edition of The World Superyacht Awards 16 - 18 May 2019 in London. The awards are aimed to recognise remarkable design, engineering and construction innovations of the world’s finest luxury yachts.
This year’s ceremony will take place in the heart of the City, in Old Billingsgate, returning to London after several other venues, such as Venice, Amsterdam and most recently Florence.
The three day programme includes golf day at the exclusive St. George’s Hill Club and clay shooting at West Wycombe House, along with a journey aboard the Belmond British Pullman train prior to the opening party at Kensington Palace.
This year’s nominees list enhances some of the most stunning superyachts, as usual divided into categories. The categories formed by experts of the industry include displacement (comfort) motor yachts, semi-displacement, and planing (speed) motor yachts and sailing yachts. Three categories are reserved for yachts that have been given major refits, have been completely rebuilt or converted and that were finished within the last year.
Yacht Harbour chooses the vessels not to miss out from the nominees lists in the most interesting categories.
BEST SAILING YACHT
Builder: Oceanco
Length: 106m
Year: 2017
Launched in 2016, this already iconic vessel holds the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world. Inspired by Perini Navi's 88-metre Maltese Falcon, Black Pearl features similar to Maltese Falcon structure with three rotating masts, while the yacht is capable of crossing the Atlantic burning just 20 liters of fuel thanks to alternative power sources.
The Black Pearl’s striking exterior was designed by Nuvolari Lenard and Ken Freivokh, while her praised naval architecture was developed by Dyksra Architects, who had also previously worked on Maltese Falcon.
A combination of smart and elegant high-tech design and modernised state-of-the-art DynaRig sailing system makes the Black Pearl a unique vessel. Her hull outline is trademarked with an exclusive wave-piercing bow featuring not only graceful appearance, but also fuel efficiency.
Another key element of Black Pearl's development was her solar sails, which can actually produce energy whilst the yacht is underway thanks to solar panels built within the fabric of the sail.
Other nominees: All About U, Global Impact Yachting/Ada Yacht Works (49.9m), Aquarius, Royal Huisman (56m), Kiboko Tres, Southern Wind Shipyard (32.3m), Meira, Neta Marine (50m), Vijonara, Pendennis (42.2m)
SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS 40M AND ABOVE
Builder: Rossinavi
Length: 63m
Year: 2018
The yacht owned by Loren and J.R. Ridinger according to Forbes, was commissioned in November 2014 and launched in 2018. Utopia IV is fitted with four light Rolls Royce engines as well as four hydro jets, optimised for comfort and style.
The yacht with exterior design by Team For Design, balancing between elegance and attitude, is presumed as the compromise between a tri-deck motor yacht and a speed boat. She can reach a top speed of 28 knots and an cruising speed of 15 knots. She can easily reach a cruising speed of 18 knots using only 35% of propulsion power.
With the yacht’s capacity to sleep 12 guests within six spacious cabins, the forward facing owner’s suite features a six-metre fixed balcony and floor to ceiling glass windows for a 180-degree panoramic view.
The vessel’s key trademarks include Key features do include 70 square metre beach club, 3 spa pools and a touch-and-go helipad. Her naval architecture is by the Italian studio Arrabito Naval Architects. Gobbi's studio also designed the interior, which includes rich wood panelling to divide the main-deck saloon from the dining area.
Year: 2018
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The 51-metre full-custom motor yacht Irisha was delivered by Heesen in May 2018. Irisha features exterior lines with a gunmetal blue hull and contemporary curved glass windows, and interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard.
The unique colour scheme enriches the beauty of the profile. The top is Snow White, the main deck is Midnight Blue by Awlgrip, and the hull is metallic Pacific Blue custom paint by Alexseal. In sunlight, the hull colour changes from metallic blue to dark olive-green hues.
Spacious and bright, Irisha’s interior enjoys lots of natural light and has a versatile layout with a seamless flow between the interior and exterior living space, ideal for socialising and entertaining. The yacht offers accommodation to up to 10 guests within 5 beautifully-appointed staterooms.
Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, Irisha achieves a top speed of 26 knots, with a transatlantic range of over 3,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.
Other nominees: Flying Dagger, Rossinavi (49m), Elysium, Sunseeker International (40.1m), El Leon, Overmarine (54m), C'est La Vie, Gulf Craft (43.1m).
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS BETWEEN 300 GT AND 499 GT - 48M AND ABOVE
# Cecilia
Builder: Wider
Length: 49.6m
Year: 2018
At a sleek 50-metre LOA and just under 500GT, the elegant all aluminum superyacht has an elongated profile. Designed to accommodate the owner’s long wish list of toys, both inside and out, the Wider 165 satisfies the desires of the most adventurous.
Constructed entirely in aluminum, the elegant profile of the Wider 165 was created by the in-house Wider design team in collaboration with Italian yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni.
The interior layout, designed by IdeaeItalia in conjunction with the owner’s architect, is packed with more stand out features including a generous study with terrace on the port side, private gym with terrace on the starboard side, a sauna room as well as a spacious and light owner’s cabin and ensuite bathroom.
On the foredeck, the helicopter-landing pad, unique to the Wider 165, and circular seating areas set into the superstructure, forward of a large Jacuzzi tub, offer a versatile space that will double as generous dance floor for fun evenings afloat.
Cecilia is set to boast a range of 3,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12.5 knots, increasing to 5,400 nm at the ecological speed of 10 knots. The yacht’s maximum speed meanwhile makes 14.1 knots.
Other nominees: KD, Sanlorenzo (52m), Latona, CRN (50m), Power Play, Damen (55.5m), Seven, Benetti (49.8m).
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS ABOVE 500 GT AND UNDER 2,000 GT
Year: 2018
The yacht was launched in August 2018, making her international debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.
Designed by Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, Solo’s interiors represent blend of contemporary and timeless air. Her spacious main and upper salons provide relaxation zones with large plush seating areas, along with a dazzling baby grand piano and numerous entertainment options.
The yacht’s six staterooms can accommodate up to 12 guests, including a spacious VIP, two doubles and two twins. The master suite is fitted with a private terrace complete with sunpads and a Jacuzzi with panoramic views.
On the skylounge aft, there is a swimming pool and a private dance floor, which easily converts to a touch-and-go helipad.
Solo’s beach club, meanwhile, represents a spacious and welcoming space with sofa, bar, TV, oversized glass walled gym with fold-out terrace, bathroom, sauna (also fitted with its own fold-out terrace) and hammam.
Other nominees: Volpini 2, Amels (57.7m), Promise, Feadship (51m), Spectre, Bennetti (69.3m).
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS ABOVE 2,000 GT
# O'Ptasia
Builder: Golden Yachts
Length: 84.7m
Year: 2018
The 85-metre superyacht O’Ptasia was launched in 2018 by Greek yard Golden Yachts, joining the list of the top 200 largest superyachts in the world. Her exteriors and interiors were developed by Italian Studio Vafladis.
O’Ptasia can accommodate up to 12 guests in 11 cabins - 3 twin and 8 double cabins, including a 95-square-metre owner’s suite on the upper deck and 85-squaremetre VIP suite with a private cinema room. The service is provided by the crew of 26.
Other key features on board O’Ptasia include a large beach club complete with wellness and spa centre, an elevator servicing all decks, and a fully equipped gym on the bridge deck. The central superyacht elevator provides quick access between all four decks, while the foredeck helipad allows guests to arrive in style.
Other nominees: White Rabbit, Echo Yachts (84m), Planet Nine, Admiral - The Italian Sea Group (73.2m), GO, Turquoise Yachts (76.8m), Elandess, Abeking & Rasmussen (74.5m), DAR, Oceanco (90m).
REBUILT/REFIT/CONVERSION YACHTS
# Dream
Builder: Halic Shipyard
Length: 106.5m
Year: 1997
Refit Yard: Olympic Yacht Services
Fully rebuilt, this former passenger ferry now represents a brand new six-deck superyacht. There are two elevators and four staircases for guests only; a 2,800 sf master cabin, a 400-square-metre main saloon, a cinema and 22 guest cabins (up to 36 guests); massive crew and service areas and six pantries. The spacious entertainment decks include a sundeck with swimming pool, a huge bar, and oversized beach club. On the fifth deck adjoining the owner's suite, there a luxurious dining area for 44 guests.
The yacht cruises at 15 knots and reaches a top speed of 17 knots.
Other nominees: Haida 1929, Krupp Germaniawerft (71.1m), Dancing Hare, Amels (57.5m), Thalia, Vitters (48.5m), Forever, Benetti (44.8m), G2, Vitters (39m), A2, Eurocraft (37.6m), Vespucci, CRN (30.5m).
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
April 23, 2024
On April 22nd, the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, Finland, witnessed the launch of the first unit of the Swan 88 featuring hybrid electric propulsion. The Swan 88 is a groundbreaking model, meticulously developed to offer a hybrid electric propulsion option in collaboration with Torqeedo. This innovative project continues the successful partnership with German Frers for Naval Architecture, Misa Poggi for Interior Design, and Lucio Micheletti, Micheletti + Partners, for the exterior styling.A defining feature of this new project is the coachroof's shape, inspired by the wind, boasting essential and dynamic lines. The transom beckons to the 'Beach Club' swim platform. With a focus on space, functional quality, and on-board comfort, both indoors and outdoors, the Swan 88 is designed to impress. Natural light floods in from the stunning 'atrium' companionway, coachroof, and hull windows, providing a bright interior ambiance.The Swan 88 offers Owners a super-smart opportunity to reduce running costs through chartering. This performance maxi design ingeniously complies with the critical 24-meter load line length rule for light MCA charter regulations. Nautor Swan's decision to develop this vessel aims to offer a true performance superyacht based on an efficient platform, minimizing management costs, and simplifying the charter certification process.Dedicated cruising appendages include a moderate draught fin T-keel of 4 meters and twin rudders, providing advantages such as reduced draught, enhanced safety, and excellent sailing balance. The hull and deck boast full carbon fiber epoxy construction, utilizing Sprint® lamination technology and the yard's advanced carbon mold technology."The Swan 88 marks an important milestone for the shipyard's production. It's the first hybrid propulsion yacht, showcasing our constant collaboration with Torqeedo and contributing to the study and development of similar features across the entire range, not just maxi yachts," says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. "This significant new model, of which we will launch the second unit in a few days, epitomizes Swan's 360-degree essence, the DNA that has made our boats recognizable worldwide for 58 years, and we are immensely proud of it."The Swan 88 will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 10-15 and the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25-28.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
April 23, 2024
On Saturday, April 20, Heesen announced the delivery of YN 20150 Cinderella Noel IV, following rigorous trials in the North Sea. The owners christened their yacht on December 23, 2023, marking an unforgettable moment for all shipyard employees and subcontractors involved in the construction.Stefan Zucker and Sven Stark, the clients' surveyors and project managers, expressed their appreciation for the shipyard's efforts, stating: "We have hardly experienced such intense involvement of clients ever before."Cinderella Noel IV stands out not only for her exceptional design but also for her owners' deep involvement. With a passion for sailing, the clients actively participated in the yacht's creation, bringing practical and technical insights from years of experience on the water.During three days of sea trials in challenging conditions, Cinderella Noel IV surpassed all expectations. Captain Bob van Zundert praised her swift responses and exceptional handling, even in rough seas.Built on a proven engineering platform, Cinderella Noel IV integrates a hybrid propulsion system chosen by the owner to minimize environmental impact. Heesen's hybrid system, powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 main engines and Danfoss electric motors, ensures cleaner, quieter, and more efficient cruising.Rick van de Wetering, Heesen's Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in the collaboration with the owners and their teams, highlighting the strong bond formed during the 41-month construction period. He concluded, "On behalf of everyone at the shipyard, we wish them fair winds and following seas on their wonderful yacht."Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Ruben Griffioen/Heesen Yachts
April 22, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has been honored with the "Best Performing Large Size Company" award at the Alychlo Awards 2024, marking its third consecutive win in this category.TISG secured the recognition for its outstanding turnover and EBITDA results, which ranked as the best in its reference category.The awards ceremony took place at the enchanting Pairi Daiza, a renowned botanical garden and zoo, bringing together 160 guests, including entrepreneurs and managers from companies in which Alychlo, the family investment company of Belgian entrepreneur Marc Coucke, invests.The Alychlo Awards celebrate companies, individuals, and teams that have achieved exceptional results. In the 2023 edition, 10 prestigious awards were presented to 10 outstanding winners.Alychlo, the cornerstone investor of The Italian Sea Group since its IPO, has investments in over 40 public and private companies across various sectors, with a focus on high-value-added companies that contribute significantly to job creation."We are extremely honored to receive this recognition and to be selected among important and excellent companies," commented Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "We thank Mr. Marc Coucke for his constant trust in our Group since its listing on Euronext Milan. We will continue working passionately and with dedication to achieve increasingly ambitious results."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
April 22, 2024
Dynamiq has announced the appointment of Candaş Balcı from BLC Yachts as its exclusive dealer in the Republic of Türkiye. Based in Göcek, Candaş brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background in naval architecture and extensive expertise in yacht sales. His dedication ensures that clients receive top-quality service and access to exceptional yachts."We are delighted to have Candaş join us as an ambassador who truly understands the essence of Dynamiq. With our production facility located in Türkiye, we are excited to offer Turkish owners a unique experience that is both innovative and close to home," said Sergei Dobroserdov, CEO of Dynamiq.Candas Balci, BLC YachtsThe collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Dynamiq and BLC Yachts, solidifying their presence in the 35-meter to 65-meter segment. Dynamiq's flagship 50-meter yacht is currently under construction at its state-of-the-art shipyard in Antalya, with promising build slots available for delivery in 2026. This partnership underscores Dynamiq's commitment to providing exceptional yachting solutions to clients in Türkiye and beyond.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch, 39m Spring (ex-Jetsetter), at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show to wide acclaim. The following project, the GTT 115 M/Y Jaaber, was developed in conjunction with the renowned Studio F.A. Porsche design firm and successfully unveiled at the 2017 MYS. The latest addition to the Dynamiq fleet is the GTM 90 Beach Club and new Global series of long-range explorer yachts.Credits: Dynamiq
April 22, 2024