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.
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025