In the midst of a failing yachting industry in Dubai, two yacht designers have to decided to go against the grain and create some of the most aggressive yachts in the business. Franco Gianni from SFG Yacht Design has teamed up with Josh Rodriguez, a yacht designer and naval engineer with many years of experience working with some of the most prominent shipyards in Europe. The Duos first assault on the yacht design world is a new type of full displacement, RPH, 44-meter motor yacht with aggressive styling and advanced technology throughout.
The yacht, which goes by the project name “Bandida”, is the yachtsman’s dream. Designed with sun worshipping, socializing and connectivity to the sea in mind, project Bandida boasts oversize seating throughout all decks and a large swimming pool, centrally located on the fly bridge. Franco and Josh have spent many years on board all types of different yachts in many different ways adding to long list of experiences in the industry, so when it came time to design a yacht that would make a statement as not just another concept, they designed it as if it was they’re own yacht. The thought process behind the design was to include as much comfort and style possible without sacrificing functionality. The yacht is designed and engineered to be able to go anywhere in the world in complete comfort and safety economically. The hull is a proven full displacement platform that will be powered by twin Caterpillar C 32 Acert diesels. She will have a cruising speed of 16 knots and a max of 18 knots with a max range of 5000 nautical miles. Project Bandida will displace just 370 tonnes.
From the outside, Bandida will have the illusion of a tri decker when in reality she is more of a traditional raised pilothouse design. One of the main advantages of this illusion is the amount of volume the main salon will boast. She has the feeling of a much bigger boat inside. She will feature a main deck master with a foldout balcony, four lower guest cabins, a large beach club, tender garage and a large, comfortable crew area.
The lower deck aft will house a large comfortable beach club that opens aft via a large glass transom door and two side opening balcony doors. Forward of the beach club is a dedicated tender garage that will house a custom 6.5 meter tender.
One of the main features of Bandida is the flush bow of the yacht. The entire bow is dedicated to sunbathing, relaxation and socializing. Two large aft sunpads are flush with the teak deck followed by a large social pit surrounded by more sunpads.
We want this yacht to appeal to all types of yachtsman, the family oriented type all the way to the ultimate party going type. The yacht will be a great charter yacht based on the fact that she is so versatile. “Franco Gianni”
Project Bandida is an aggressive and angular yacht with a vertical bow and simple lines that give this yacht the tough yet feminine look of a go anywhere in style type of yacht. With a length over all of 44 meters and a beam of just over 8 meters this yacht sets her self apart from the heard by providing an exterior and interior volume that is unheard of in her class, actually she is the class, because there is no other yacht in the world like her.
Entering the yacht from the starboard side of the aft deck, you are immediately welcomed by a large sunpad and gracious lounge area. Forward towards the main salon doors is a large 12-seater dining table that is a work of art in itself.
As you exit the aft deck for the fly bridge via the large, starboard side staircase, you are immediately greeted by a giant lap pool surrounded by glass and a towering arch with a waterfall and central bar that caters to all four sides of the of the fly. On the aft deck, custom designer furniture creates and inviting, relaxing area that can opt as a sun lounge or as a sitting area that provides ultimate comfort. The forward end of the fly bridge is a lounger’s paradise, with the biggest sun pads and lounges to be found on a 44-meter motor yacht. This area was designed with many little hidden secrets such as built in cool boxes; lift tables and accessories for those of us who worship the sun and sea.
Pushing the trend towards making more of foredecks, built-in seating and sun pads transform the bow into a private, intimate lounge in its own right, rather than a makeshift hideaway with a deckchair or two.
The interior of this yacht is created for 12 guests in 5 cabins, the master being on the main deck. The interior layout of the boat is unique and non traditional just as she is on the outside.
The overall synopsis of this yacht is that it was created for those of us who want to get on board our yacht and not be afraid to touch anything, to jump on a giant lounge, read a book or just lay in comfort under the sun for hours on end. This is a yacht designed and created by two designers that have actually spent their entire lives on board yachts, as crew and as guest along with being owners themselves. Style, aggressive, sharp, elegant, family, friends, fun, comfort and elegance are just some of the words that can begin to describe this new type of yacht. The objective is to go anywhere in the world in absolute comfort and style, knowing that your in the safest boat possible because the team that designed and built it actually spent the majority of their career at sea as super yacht captains and hands on designers and engineers.
The G2 60’ is the next generation of center consoles and day boats. Designed by Franco Gianni and engineered by Josh Rodriguez, the G2 redefines the day boat market by outperforming the competition and looking really good doing it. The G2 has an aggressive exterior and interior along with a pedigree hull bottom that is capable of triple digit speeds in any condition. Based off the original SFG 60’ CCV, the G2 takes the super center console to the next level. The G2 comes standard with all of the goodies usually considered options, including large, aft fold out platforms. The G2 has many different power options, from inboard diesels hooked up to surface drives to 5 Mercury Racing 400R outboards, the standard would be a quad, Seven Marine 627 outboard package that can push her to speeds in excess of 75mph.
The G2 is offered in 3 different layout arrangements and is completely customizable by her owner.
Spanish studio Daroca Design has introduced Real, an 80-metre yacht concept developed as part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection. This approach allows clients to begin with a proven platform by Lateral Naval Architects, then customise both the exterior and interior.According to designer Alejandro Crespo, Real is a “true reflection of a desire for sleek minimalism and perfect proportions,” with an exterior intended to “integrate into the natural landscape.” The design features flowing lines, curved superstructure details, and glass bulwarks. A beach club includes two pools and direct water access via a swim platform. The concept also shows generous lounging areas, a helipad at the bow, and white furnishings for a contemporary look.Crespo describes Real as “a symbol of sincerity and distinction,” designed for both calm coastlines and open waters, with the goal of reconnecting with nature, family, friends, and “the beauty of life.”The Simply Custom designs incorporate advanced technical elements such as optimised stabilisation, pod drives, electric propulsion, and onboard battery storage. Oceanco states that the platform supports renewable diesel fuels like HVO, which can reduce carbon emissions by 80 to 90 per cent compared to standard marine diesel.Real’s unveiling follows the introduction of other Simply Custom concepts, including North West Boatworks’ Aurora earlier in the month.Credit: Daroca Design
December 20, 2024
Aiata, a brand entering the boating market under the Turkish conglomerate Anadolu Group, will make its global debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The show, held from January 18 to January 26, 2025, attracts over 250,000 visitors and more than 1,900 exhibitors worldwide. Aiata will present the Wayfinder 38 in three variations: Cabin, Open, and a specialized Fishing configuration derived from the other two models.The Wayfinder 38 is a 25-foot outboard walkaround designed by Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén. Aiata states that this model “stands for flexibility, comfort and craftsmanship.” The Cabin version includes a wheelhouse layout with an L-shaped salon, integrated galley, Webasto sunroof, and air conditioning system. It offers teak furniture, a queen-size bed, an enclosed bathroom, and 2-meter ceilings. Its wheelhouse incorporates a lift-up mechanism connecting the interior and cockpit. The bow area features a U-shaped sofa with a hi-low table.The Open model is designed for a more outdoor experience, featuring a suntop and a continuous salon layout intended to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Oak furniture complements the open deck.A Fishing configuration is also available, applicable to both Cabin and Open models. It includes a spacious foredeck sunbed and is described as ergonomic and intuitive, making it suitable for day cruises, watersports, or fishing activities. The Wayfinder 38 offers outboard engine options ranging from 300 to 425 horsepower.Yutkun TokYutkun Tok, General Manager of Aiata, said: “We are honored to participate in Boot Düsseldorf, a prestigious platform that celebrates the pinnacle of the boating world. The Wayfinder 38 embodies Aiata’s mission to deliver versatile, high-performance boats backed by the Anadolu Group’s legacy of innovation and excellence. For Aiata, this is a defining moment – not only because we are showcasing the Wayfinder 38, but because it reflects the expertise and unwavering commitment to quality that define the Anadolu Group. Aiata benefits from the financial strength and engineering excellence of Anadolu Group, ensuring every vessel we produce is a symbol of reliability, innovation, and craftsmanship. We look forward to sharing our passion for boating with enthusiasts from around the globe.”Credits: Aiata
December 20, 2024
Antonini Navi, established in 2020 by the Antonini Group in collaboration with engineer Aldo Manna, has announced the successful joining of the hull and superstructure for its Seamore 34 superyacht. According to the shipyard, “The steel hull was connected to the aluminum superstructure using bimetal,” and with this phase completed, the focus will now shift to the vessel’s internal compartmentalization.Seamore 34, featuring design and development by Hot Lab, is the first model in a “semi-custom” series scheduled for launch in the second half of 2025. The yacht’s profile is described as having “a high, dominant bow” that gives it a “sleek and sporty feel,” combined with superstructure volumes that result in “an elegant, maritime look.” The concept prioritizes versatility and flexibility, as well as open spaces that “create unique settings for sharing and conviviality among guests.”The shipyard states: “One of the most interesting features of Seamore 34 is the more than 150-square-meter open-air living space on the main deck, much of which can be closed off if needed by sliding pocket windows fitted flush with the deck.”At the current stage of construction, potential buyers, captains, and brokers can arrange onboard visits. These inspections, guided by engineers from the shipyard’s technical office, provide industry professionals the opportunity to examine the yacht’s construction quality and design firsthand.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
December 20, 2024
Turkish shipyard Sarp Yachts has released the first interior renderings of the XSR 85 RPH, a 25.9-metre raised-pilothouse model set to debut in late 2025. Developed in collaboration with Red Yacht Design and Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the yacht is described as having “more expansive interior and exterior spaces” compared to previous models in the XSR series.According to the shipyard, the interior design takes cues from “the captivating beauty of ocean life,” using light tones and airy spaces to promote a connection to the seascape. The yacht accommodates five cabins, including a main deck master cabin with a private bow terrace. Al fresco dining options are available on the sundeck, and lounge areas are located on the main deck aft and swim platform.Design director of Red Yacht Design, Cana Gokhan, stated: “The XSR 85 RPH represents our commitment to pushing boundaries in yacht design. By integrating an ocean-inspired theme with modern luxury and optimising both interior and exterior spaces, we’ve created a yacht that sets a new benchmark in its category."Elkin Yildirim, general manager of Sarp Yachts, added: “The XSR 85 RPH represents a leap forward in yacht design and functionality. In this project, we push boundaries and craft a vessel that merges elegance, comfort and practicality. We are thrilled to share these remarkable interiors, which perfectly reflect our dedication to innovation and excellence."Credit: Sarp Yachts
December 19, 2024
The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race’s multihull lineup presents a departure from recent years, as a range of different vessels seek Line Honours in the MOCRA Class. Previous editions were dominated by MOD70s, but this year’s field promises greater diversity.Among the competitors is Oren Nataf’s Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert (FRA). In 2021, Rayon Vert secured overall line honours in the RORC Transatlantic Race, finishing in 9 days 2 hours 33 minutes and 19 seconds, and later took second place in MOCRA for the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race. For the 2025 edition, Rayon Vert will race double-handed with François Seruzier.Miami-based Jacopo Bracco enters with the custom 53-foot trimaran Finn (USA), designed by Renaud Banuls. Bracco has raced multihulls since childhood, and Finn’s crew includes individuals with MOD70 experience, such as project manager Sam Mabey, 5.80 Transat winner Etienne Messikommer, and record-setter Jeff Mearing. Bracco stated: “In the right conditions, Finn can easily hit 20 knots and surf at 30!” He also noted one concession: “I have found a real Italian restaurant in Lanzarote which will be preparing some great meals. I am originally Italian, so there is no way we are going to race without good food!”Clarin Mustad’s Alibi 54 trimaran Dakota returns after failing to start in 2024 due to rudder issues. Now prepared in Lanzarote, Dakota could finish in about 12 days under ideal conditions. Mustad, new to ocean racing, said: “I prefer to compete rather than cruise because it makes the journey so much more exciting.” Dakota, bearing a Grenadian sail number, will be crewed by experienced sailors including co-skipper Carles Boned Roig and Christina Menabó, plus other friends.Thierry Roger’s Newick 39 trimaran Perros-Guirec, a sistership to the 1978 Route du Rhum winner Olympus Photos, will also compete. Roger will race double-handed with longtime colleague Renan Le Penven and aims to maintain an average speed of 10 knots. Roger, who has waited years to attempt a transatlantic crossing, said: “This will be my first transatlantic, but I have looked out over that ocean all my life… Now, at 64, I work less, so I have raced the boat in many regattas, but my ultimate goal is the 2026 Route du Rhum.”These entries join others in the Multihull Class at the RORC Transatlantic Race, supported by Calero Marinas, the International Maxi Association, and the Yacht Club de France. The race is scheduled to start on January 12, 2025, from Marina Lanzarote, covering 3,000 miles to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada.Credit: RORС
December 19, 2024