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.
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025