Yacht news

The Italian Sea Group announces that 75-meter megayacht Admiral Kenshō has been proclaimed “Motor-yacht of the year” and has won in the “Displacement Motor-Yachts 1,500GT and Above” category at the renown 2023 World Superyacht Awards by Boat International, the “international yachting Oscars”.The 18th edition of this award ceremony was held on Saturday, May 20th in Istanbul at the historical Çırağan Palace Kempinski, in front of an international jury of industry experts.“I am extremely proud of these two additional, prestigious awards and of all the success that Kenshō has gathered this year, confirming that our ability to synergically work with international professionals always leads us to achieve the highest objectives. I want to congratulate the team of professionals who have worked together in a cohesive and enthusiastic way for the construction of this marvellous yacht, so rich in details. It was a wonderful experience, and we all dedicate these awards to our dear friend and Vice President Giuseppe Taranto, who left us too soon,” says Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The innovative M/Y Kenshō, delivered in 2022, comes from the dialogue between the owner, who personally curated the project, French design studio Jouin Manku, which designed the interiors, and Azure Yacht Design which, together with archineers.berlin, developed the exteriors.Admiral Kenshō is equipped with an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system, with permanent magnet electrical engines which grant high efficiency and power. The propulsion system has five variable speed generators, all with diesel particulate filters (DPF) to optimize consumption at all speeds and drastically reduce emissions.The design has been developed paying particular attention to the environment, in compliance with the voluntary “ECO” notation of the Class Entity; even the hull has been crafted with the intention of minimizing resistance, through the use of azimuthal propulsion and retractable stabilizers.Admiral, the benchmark brand of The Italian Sea Group, a company active in the design and construction of megayachts, is renowned and esteemed for its elegance, classic style and prestige. Founded in 1966 and acquired by The Italian Sea Group in 2011, Admiral has launched 148 yachts over its history.Credits: Giuliano Sargentini; YCO; Christopher/The Italian Sea Group

Fraser announced the sale of 75-meter Arrow. She has been sold after just 10 weeks on the market. The seller was represented by Fraser's Andrew Bond and the buyer by Kitson Yachts Michael Tabor and Brandon Kummer.Arrow was delivered by Feadship in 2020, she features a hybrid technology, which makes her an energy efficient superyacht with a low impact.London-based studio H2 Yacht Design and Feadship de Voogt have collaborated to create the exquisite design of M/Y Arrow. The main deck is highlighted by a large-screen cinema, alongside elegant saloon and formal dining spaces. Accommodating up to 12 guests in six cabins, the yacht boasts a spacious owner's stateroom with an office, his and hers dressing rooms, a main deck VIP suite, and four cabins on the lower deck. A glass lift seamlessly connects the lower, main, and bridge decks. The crew can be comfortably accommodated with quarters for up to 19 members.Indoor-outdoor living is flawlessly integrated on Arrow, with glass bulwarks providing breathtaking sea views. The bridge deck features a skylounge with a bar that opens to an informal dining area, perfect for al fresco meals with seating for 12 guests. The sundeck offers a pizza oven, barbecue, professionally-equipped gymnasium, and a hot tub. On the lower deck, two fold-down balconies transform into a spacious beach club. Here, guests can enjoy a large full-service bar, a dive store, and a dedicated massage and sauna area. “ In our sector of the market, every yacht is unique. But it must be said that some are more unique than others. Arrow offers an outstanding array of craftsmanship, intelligent, stylish but functional design, advanced engineering and technology that doesn’t just set her apart today, but will do so for years to come,” says Andrew Bond. Arrow’s last known asking price was EUR139,900,000.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive

The highly anticipated launch of the third unit of the Riva 50Metri series took place over the weekend at the Riva Superyachts Division in Ancona. Collaboratively designed by Officina Italiana Design, the renowned firm founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, and guided by the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, along with the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the Riva 50Metri boasts a steel displacement hull and an aluminum superstructure. Spanning across five decks with a maximum beam of nine meters, the yacht offers accommodation for 10 guests and a crew of nine. Its profile features three horizontal bands running from stern to bow, accentuated by a metallic silver livery, resulting in a truly dynamic and distinctive appearance. The clever combination of materials, including steel, glass, and mahogany, seamlessly blends Riva's iconic heritage with a modern design vision.Every aspect of the Riva 50Metri is meticulously designed to provide the owner and their guests with the utmost comfort and enjoyment of the surroundings and outdoor areas. The indoor-outdoor integration creates spacious and inviting spaces for relaxation and entertainment. For instance, the main lounge opens up completely, forming an open space with the cockpit, which leads to the forward lounge and a wide corridor to starboard. The expansive 120 sqm sundeck, with 90 sqm sheltered by the hard top, offers a variety of options for relaxation, including a sunbathing area, a dining table with a barbecue, a relaxation area with sofas and a pop-up TV, and a hydromassage pool. The launch event at the Riva Superyachts Division in Ancona was attended by the owner, based in the EMEA region, who is an ardent fan of the brand and already owns another Riva yacht. In addition to the Riva 50Metri, the Riva Superyachts Division is also busy constructing the Riva 54 Metri, the brand's largest and most recent project, set for delivery in 2025.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group

J. David Weiss of Designova has unveiled a superyacht concept named Soar. With a sleek and curvaceous exterior resembling a bird's beak, and an interior that mimics the intricate structure of avian skeletons, this concept pushes the boundaries of superyacht design by taking cues from nature's own creativity.Weiss, known for his innovative approach to design, found inspiration in the elegance of large birds soaring through the sky. The concept's shiny-black steel hull, developed in collaboration with racing and sailing yacht experts, emulates the pointed structure of a bird's skull. Soar showcases additional nods to nature with its concave upper freeboard, flaring at the top to offer panoramic views of the sea. This design choice maximizes the real estate on the upper main decks while maintaining a narrow waterline beam. Soar's interior design offers flexible layouts tailored to future owners' preferences. The twin pool configuration includes a family-friendly pool deck at the aft and a private owner's pool on the foredeck, designed in a figure-eight shape with a contra-flow system. The open-plan interior features a central looping staircase adorned with natural materials and fabrics. Large entertainment-focused living areas, gallery-like spaces for art displays, and elevated platforms for showcasing collectibles contribute to the yacht's unique and playful ambiance.Soar's innovative features extend beyond its avian-inspired design. The concept is envisioned as a fast cruiser powered by hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion and a hybrid electric cruising system for low-speed navigation. With a projected top speed of 30 knots using a large-scale GE marine turbine, the yacht promises thrilling performance.Weiss's attention to sustainability extends to the onboard tenders and toys, which are all electric. From the custom Voltari performance runabout to the T3mp3st jet skis, every aspect has been carefully considered for eco-conscious cruising. The concept also offers two helipads and the option for a personal electric quadcopter, housed in a custom hangar at the bow.Credits: J. David Weiss

On May 25, 2023, in Antalya, Turkey, the owner of the first 53-meter Yacht Support (YS 5301) witnessed his brand-new yacht hit the water for the first time. The new yacht was designed entirely by Damen Yachting and constructed at the builder's facility in Turkey.The 53-meter YS 5301 was sold to Anthony Hsieh in May 2022. The new yacht will replace the Owner’s current 46-meter YS 4508 Yacht Support, named Bad Company Support, built by Damen Yachting in 2019 and sold to Anthony Hsieh in 2021.Joining the growing group of innovative Yacht Support owners, the owner will use YS 5301 as a mothership to his well-established fleet, named Bad Company. The Bad Company fleet is well-known for its modern sports fishing missions and can currently be found on a world tour. In supporting sports fishing, the Owner is involved in several marine conservation projects in remote locations across the planet such as those initiated by the Coastal Conservation Association of California.“What we are planning to do with the YS 5301 no one has ever done before, and I think this will set a whole new tier of adventure for future yachts people,” says Anthony Hsieh. YS 5301 features a huge 15-tonne deck crane and is fully IMO Tier III compliant to reduce harmful emissions by 70% for full-range operations. Her two main engines can deliver speeds of up to 19 knots.Once delivered, YS 5301 will tour the Mediterranean for a shakedown trip, and then move into the Atlantic Ocean in her first year, followed by the Indian Ocean and Pacific the following year. The new mothership will be equipped with a 43ft Release Game boat and a 32ft Blackfin – a boat which carries significant sentiment for the owner. Recently repurchased and refurbished for this adventure, the Blackfin was the Owner’s first Game fishing boat purchased more than 30 years ago. The helicopter on board will provide the owner with easy airport transfers to and from the mothership.“This is one of the most exciting projects we have worked on. Not only is this the first of our new YS 53 range but this is also the first Yacht Support we have built that will be used exclusively as part of a sport fishing fleet and programme. Hsieh’s unique vision and mission are very inspiring,” says Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting’s Commercial Executive North America. The yachts will be delivered in Summer 2023 under the name Bad Company Support.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting