Yacht news

Northrop & Johnson has been named the exclusive sales broker by Ares Yachts for the globally anticipated sale of the shipyard’s flagship, Simena. Currently in the outfitting stage in Antalya, the 62-meter superyacht is slated for delivery in March 2025.“We are pleased to collaborate with such a reputable company,” states Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of Ares Yachts. “We trust Northrop & Johnson to introduce our remarkable flagship to the market and promote her effectively.”“Northrop & Johnson is honored to represent Ares for the sale of the magnificent 62m Simena, set for delivery in March 2025. Ares has established itself as a leading shipyard in Turkey with an exceptional track record of over 230 vessels. Simena presents a rare opportunity to acquire a yacht of exceptional quality at a competitive price,” says Patrick Coote, Europe Managing Director of Northrop & Johnson.Simena, Ares Yachts' 62-meter flagship, entered the outfitting stage in November. The completion of outfitting, including joinery work, will precede the installation of the rigging system.Kerim Kalafatoğlu and Patrick Coote“Exterior paintwork is in progress, and the superstructure and hull connection have been completed,” shares Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “Construction of the mahogany planking for the superstructure and doghouse is underway, along with the insulation, wiring, and piping from the aft crew accommodation.”Designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, Simena epitomizes classical and modern design elements. The vessel, designed to RINA Class C standards, boasts traditional teak decks and varnished Sipo Mahogany exterior joinery.Accommodating up to 12 guests and nine crew members, Simena offers luxurious onboard living. Its owner’s suite is strategically located forward on the main deck. Equipped with a sophisticated hybrid drive system, the yacht can operate silently under electric power at speeds up to 6 knots. Additionally, a 882 kW diesel engine complements her 220kW electric motors, allowing for a top speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.To maintain the yacht’s clean interior aesthetics, modern design elements have been discreetly integrated, including hidden TV lifts in the saloon and master suite. Walnut forms the basis of the interior, complemented by textured leathers, fabrics, and antiqued brass accents. Showers feature a blend of patterned tiles alongside Calacatta Oro and Patagonia White marbles, offering a blend of contemporary comfort and classic elegance.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Northrop & Johnson

Project Arwen is the latest masterpiece from Dörries Yachts, boasting an extravagant 114-meter length and an awe-inspiring 20-meter hydraulic swimming pool.This superyacht, commissioned by an American technology billionaire, epitomizes international collaboration. Designed by U.S. firm Píndaros, with contributions from French studio Champeau Wilde and British designer Andy Waugh, and naval architecture led by Dutch outfit Azure, Project Arwen is a testament to top-tier German engineering, constructed at Dörries' facilities in Bremerhaven, Germany.Project Arwen's centerpiece is undoubtedly its extraordinary infinity pool, spanning most of the aft deck. Encased in glass, the pool offers uninterrupted ocean views. Remarkably, a 13-meter section can be raised hydraulically, expanding the deck space. Dörries describes this innovation as a versatile leisure and entertainment area, redefining luxury at sea.Beyond its stunning pool, Arwen impresses with a staggering interior volume of 4,950 gross tonnes (GT). Guests are welcomed by a grand multi-level spiral staircase leading to a vast living area covering over 1,400 square meters. The main saloon, featuring lofty 6-meter ceilings and lavish seating, epitomizes opulence.Dubbed a "haven of entertainment" by Dörries, Arwen offers multiple dining areas, indoor and outdoor bars, and relaxation spaces. Its amenities include a helipad for an H135 chopper, cinema, beach club, hair and beauty salon, and a wellness area featuring a gym, spa, and sauna.Accommodation is equally luxurious, comprising five en suite cabins and a VIP suite for guests. The owner's deck boasts a sprawling 288-square-meter suite with an exquisite en suite, dressing room, and terrace, offering direct access to a foredeck lounge and dining area – a true sanctuary of sophistication and style.Credits: Dörries Yachts

Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind

Royal Huisman makes waves once again with Noir, an 81-meter sailing yacht, setting a new standard in superyacht excellence. Designed by Malcolm McKeon, Noir boasts the world’s tallest sloop rig at 93 meters, embodying the epitome of luxury and performance.McKeon, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking design, envisions Noir as the ultimate vessel for the owner's pleasure and adventure with loved ones. With a contemporary profile featuring a reverse bow and a flying bridge, Noir offers ample outdoor living space and unparalleled connectivity to the sea.An experienced sailor himself, Noir's owner prioritizes speed, power, and responsive handling, ensuring an exhilarating sailing experience. The yacht is tailored for world cruising and exploration, equipped with a 14-meter tender for coastal excursions without the need for yacht repositioning.Crafted from aluminum and powered by electric drives, Noir combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Rondal supplies the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system, contributing to Noir's status as the world's tallest sloop.Noir's interior, designed by GCA Architects, promises to harmonize with the contemporary exterior, blending natural materials and textures for a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. With details kept under wraps, anticipation for the unveiling of Noir's interior design continues to grow.Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman expresses pride and gratitude for being selected to bring Noir to life, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's 140-year history. As the fourth yacht to join the ranks of the world's Top 10 largest sailing yachts, Noir solidifies Royal Huisman's reputation as a leader in bespoke yacht craftsmanship and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman

Van der Valk embarked on a monumental endeavor with the construction of Project EVO, a bespoke 40-meter superyacht. This ambitious project, the largest ever undertaken by the yard in terms of length and volume, promises to redefine luxury at sea. The owners were inspired by an exceptionally attractive design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, Project EVO boasts a sleek exterior and meticulously detailed interior.Ordered by seasoned clients with a penchant for high-performance vessels, Project EVO symbolizes the culmination of their yachting aspirations. With a vision to craft a tailor-made masterpiece for their family, the owners turned to Van der Valk, drawn by the promise of Dutch precision and excellence. The yacht's design journey, intricately guided by the owners, involved a transformative evolution led by Cristiano Gatto Design.Cristiano Gatto reflects on the project's inception, stating, “Our collaboration began with a shared vision to infuse the interior ambiance into the exterior design, culminating in a harmonious fusion of aesthetics.” The resulting profile, a synthesis of innovative proportions and lines, reflects the collective ingenuity of the design team.Beyond aesthetics, Project EVO is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, with a round-bilged fast displacement hull and a target top speed of 24 knots. Compliant with ABS class standards and IMO Tier III emissions regulations, the yacht exemplifies Van der Valk's commitment to superior craftsmanship and environmental sustainability.<iframe title=vimeo-player src=https://player.vimeo.com/video/937794356?h=3c621b1611 width=640 height=360 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen></iframe>With accommodations tailored for ten guests across lavish staterooms and crew quarters, Project EVO promises a luxurious retreat at sea. Yoeri Bijker, head of sales at Van der Valk, affirms the yard's capability in delivering bespoke superyachts of exceptional quality, stating, “Project EVO epitomizes our dedication to excellence, offering clients the opportunity to realize their yachting dreams without compromise.” Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk