Yacht news

Feadship premiered the concept yacht called Slice at the opening of the Monaco Yacht Show. A revolutionary 85-meter yacht tackles one of the biggest owner grievances in yacht design: long hallways, dark interiors and stacked living spaces. Engineered with a glass strip running entirely from bow to stern, allowing for natural light to filter in through multiple decks, Slice “turns the inside out and the outside in,” says Studio De Voogt Lead Designer Chris Bottoms and Head of Design Tanno Weeda. For this concept Feadship set out to completely reimagine a yacht from inside out. The designers sliced their CAD model right down the centreline and pushed the halves apart to make room for a strip of glass running from bow to stern. It is not glass alone, but glass overlaying a structural framework that lets natural light filter through multiple decks. It is a far more challenging plan than a series of skylights; it totally redefines the relationship between spaces throughout the interior of the yacht.The brief to the engineer and design team was to challenge the very zeitgeist of typical yacht layouts by investigating natural light and vertical spaces. More specifically, the brief asked for a linear ‘transition from the mountain to the sea’.Having a slice running down the middle opens up countless spatial and lighting possibilities. Corridors become so much more than just hallways transitioning from one space to another – they have their own purpose and become enjoyable spaces in their own right.The heart of the yacht is the 70 sq. m atrium at main deck level. Uninterrupted by a staircase, the atrium is more than a lobby but a destination in its own right for guests moving fore and aft. Its cascading circular balconies open a wide range of possibilities for lighting and art installations.A 10-meter-long pool designed using data science. Often used to determine hull efficiency, comfort at sea and at anchor calculations, the design team embraced data science to define the pool’s shape and placement of hidden dampers to conquer slosh. Similarly impressive is the use of ultra-high modulus material inspired by Formula 1’s research into high tensile carbon fiber. While F1’s high tensile carbon fiber wasn’t stiff enough for yachting needs, the De Voogt team worked with carbon fiber manufacturers to develop their own specific ultra-high modulus material. “The strips we bonded to the main girders of a wheelhouse deck are two times higher stiffness than steel but are lower in weight than aluminum.” The material is already being used in Feadship’s yards, giving the design team the confidence to integrate it into the atrium, multi-level walkways and the framework for the long glass insets on Slice’s top deck.Slice’s propulsion system will be powered by four dual-fuel generators which have been modified to run on both methanol and non-fossil diesel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil – HVO) and the generated power will be delivered to two Azimuthing pods. The HVO is to be used as pilot fuel to assist with the combustion of the methanol. Due to the lack of worldwide supply points of methanol, a larger than required HVO capacity has been accommodated to increase the range of HVO-only sailing. This allows the methanol to be used sparingly when running low until the next methanol supply point is reached and also enables global cruising. The option of replacing one of the generators with methanol fuel cells exists, which would generate power to contribute to the hotel load of the vessel. A battery array, supplied with power from both generators, and the fuel cells allows for low speed, silent cruising and for peak shaving of the generators.To conceptualize Slice’s interior, Feadship turned to Dutch designer Marco van Ham and asked him to avoid teak entirely. Instead, Van Ham and his team brought in a palette of backlit marbles and onyx, surfaces formed of liquid metals, silver leaf, shagreen, straw marquetry and even pyrite with juxtapositions of shiny and matte surfaces. Warm neutral fabrics evoke a spirit of calm relaxation. Undulating lines inform the floors and most of the furniture reflects organic shapes and is kept low to avoid obscuring views. What you won’t find on the concept for Slice’s interior are squared off doors and box-like rooms.With Slice, Feadship wanted a yacht that specifically addressed a recurring owner request: an open and private aft pool and sundecks with sea views and out of sight of passers-by and deliverymen while moored in port. Slice delivers on this with a fully engineered passerelle and watertight forward entrance so it can be moored bow-in. At the touch of a button, a full-height section of the stem at main deck level hinges open and a passerelle deploys, guests make a short walk from the quay, disappear into the privacy and security of the interior and arrive first a welcome area forward of the yacht’s tender bays.Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship

Design studio 3deluxe has unveiled its FY.01 low carbon-emission superyacht concept. A year ago the studio developed a climate-friendly VY.01 superyacht. FY.01 is a Flettner Rotor powered catamaran superyacht which showcases the benefits of this forgotten innovation. The outcome is a superyacht with incomparable open deck experiences and a strong profile. The new yacht design study illustrates the potential of the Flettner rotor as another powerful element down the path to achieving the goal of zero emissions.“The significant profile of FY.01 can become a clearly visible statement not only for the focus on sustainability and innovation by the future owner but also for an industry on the forefront changing the mindset towards a sustainable hedonistic future,” comments Björn Asmussen, 3deluxe Ocean Director. The Flettner Rotors use rotating vertical pipes to transform wind energy into a highly efficient transversal force. Very much like a topspin in tennis or a curveball in baseball change direction due to their rotation. Responsible for this effect is the so-called Magnus force. Over the recent years this forgotten technology is having a powerful revival due to the availability of new technologies and materials. Currently predominantly on utility vessels companies are starting to substantially increase fuel efficiency on large scale commercial vessels by adding Flettner Rotors.Silently powered by electricity generated by the white solar panels on the roof surfaces of the yacht, the biggest potential is in the incredible efficiency of this system. Depending on the wind conditions, the force generated by the rotor supersedes a sail of equivalent size. The lightweight, up to 40m high cylinders are constructed by sustainable NFC Natural Fiber Composite.In combination with state of the art steering and navigation systems, this allows to reduce the energy consumption and the CO2 emissions of this cruising superyacht by up to 40%. The electric hybrid drives installed in the catamaran bodies of the FY.01 can therefore be optimized in their efficiency. The capacity of the high efficiency batteries will also provide the needed energy over a longer period of time. The 100-meter yacht is a catamaran which serves to provide a steady base for the three almost 30-meter-high lightweight rotors, arranged in a triangular pattern on the superstructure. This layout of the vertical elements ensures the yacht is far from resembling customary sailing boats or motor yachts – and thus heralds the launch of a completely new type of ship.FY.01 is a 20m wide vessel, and provides highly appealing open decks, which might involve a free-floating infinity pool spanned between the hulls via a central protected atrium area midships, or the dramatic bow tips that offer a fire-pit lounge and a shallow, salt-water pool, creating highly attractive spaces in the forward section. Vertical greenhouse modules are integrated into the uppermost deck and provide fresh food for the adjacent open show kitchen. The galley is thus removed from somewhere on the lower decks, brought up topsides to the fresh air – and morphs into a key location for communal and entertaining preparation of meals, becoming the central communicative space on board.Midships are home to the living room, the owner’s space, indoor dining, a small indoor park, and the wheelhouse.3deluxe as a design office with its headquarters in Wiesbaden unites around 40 creative professionals from the areas of architecture, interior design and brand design under one roof. The multifaceted projects receive worldwide attention. The office currently realizes projects in Germany, USA, Dubai, Lithuania, Finland, and Italy.Credits: 3deluxe

The Monaco Yacht Show is the best way to see the world’s largest superyachts. The Show opened today with over a hundred superyachts exhibited. We choose the six biggest. AhpoLürssen115mThe 115m superyacht Ahpo will be the largest at the show. She was delivered by Lürssen in November 2021, and has spent her first season in the Caribbean. Ahpo has been built for a repeat client who previously owned an 86-meter Lürssen and required top-notch design and engineering as well as seagoing comfort for his family. The yacht’s unique exterior and interior design was made by Nuvolari Lenard. Phoenix IILürssen90m The Phoenix II was designed by Winch Design and built by Lürssen in 2010. With a beam of 13.8 m and a draft of 3.75 m, she has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. With her owner-inspired shimmering art deco interiors and manhattan-style glamor, were made together with Winch Design. She is powered by MTU engines giving her a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. The Phoenix II motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins. Here Comes The SunDamen Yachting89mHere Comes The Sun was delivered by Amels in 2017. In 2021 yacht left the Damen Yachting yard in the Vlissingen having undergone a complex and extensive refit to meet the needs of her new owner. The now 89-meter Amels Refit has undergone a complete transformation in both size and style thanks to a 6-meter extension, increased volume from 2827 to 2977 GT, layout modifications, additional VIP accommodation and a full respray with color change. She features a spacious beach club and spa, and the ability to land a helicopter on the sun deck and a brand new paint job.Project XGolden Yachts88m Project X will be exhibited by Greek luxury yacht builder Golden Yachts. The 88m yacht features the exterior design that belongs to Ken Freivokh, while her interior style is the work of Massari Design Studio and naval architecture by Marco Yachts. She can accommodate up to 12 guests and 28 crew members including the captain. B2Abeking & Rasmussen86mB2 was built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2008. The 85.61m yacht features the design by Reymond Langton and can accommodate 22 guests in 11 cabins. With a beam of 12.4 m and a draft of 3.2 m, she has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. She is powered by Caterpillar engines of 2000 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. B2's maximum range is estimated at 7000 nautical miles. Her interior refit that was designed by Winch Design, was completed in July.VictoriousAKYacht85m Victorious features elegant exterior styling by Michael Leach Design and naval architecture by Marco Yachts. Her interior styling was drawn up by H2 Yacht Design. Victorious can accommodate 24 guests in one of 12 staterooms. The superyacht’s twin CAT engines give her a cruising speed of 13 knots and a top speed of 15.5 knots. Credits: MYS; Yacht Harbour archive

Gulf Craft has unveiled production plans of the company’s second largest superyacht – the brand-new Majesty 160 – at the Monaco Yacht Show. “The Majesty 160 is an evolution of our Majesty 155, and follows the new design precedent of our Majesty line-up which was introduced earlier this year with the Majesty 111 at Dubai International Boat Show. The Majesty 160 will be our second largest vessel and will be a class-apart in its segment,” says Mohammed Hussein AlShaali, Gulf Craft’s Chairman at the presentation. The Majesty 160 which goes into production this year at Gulf Craft’s fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the UAE, is designed by Cristiano Gatto Design Studio in Italy whilst the naval architecture is penned by the world-renowned Van Oossanen Dutch Naval Architects. Built to the specifications outlined by the Bureau Veritas Commercial Yacht Rules for yachts under 500 gross tonnage (GT), the Majesty 160 has a gross tonnage of 498 meeting all safety requirements of a vessel of 500 GT. The brand-new superyacht interior and exterior has been carefully designed with immaculate attention to detail to create a seamless balance between the outdoor and indoor spaces. Redefining the segment through its opulent and contemporary interiors, the Majesty 160’s most notable feature is the master suite. Located at the end of the foreward main deck corridor, the suite includes a private lounge, retractable balcony, large ensuite with both bath and shower room, along with a full-beam master cabin. The smart layout has an innovative climate control system and accommodates up to 12 guests across its seven staterooms, and can also host a crew of up to nine members with five large crew cabins and private captain’s accommodation. The Majesty 160’s smart exterior design features an expansive sun deck with modular and moveable furniture suitable for all types of social occasions along with an infinity pool, perfectly set-up for incredible panoramic and elevated views. A beach club is also a stand-out feature – a customisable multi-purpose space with natural light that can be used as a lounge or bar area, a gym or health club. The swim platform provides guests unprecedented ease of access to the water while the fold-down balconies located on both portside and starboard side of the platform allows for sunbathing throughout the day. Combining the hull design and the superyachts technical prowess with twin MTU 16V 2000 M87, 2000 HP engines, the Majesty 160 is capable of achieving a top speed of 19.5 knots whilst at a cruising speed of 12 knots she has a range of 3,500 nautical miles and a further extended range of 4,300 nautical miles at 10.8 knots. “Our ongoing expansion plans, extensive global dealer network and a distinct product portfolio have seen us build a strong foothold in international markets, especially in Europe and the United States, where we have witnessed a demand for larger lightweight yachts which provide competitive fuel economy and easy access to shallow waters. We have listened to our customers and have created the Majesty 160 which reinstates our position as the world’s leader in composite hull production,” comments Mohammed Hussein AlShaali. Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world: once a builder of small fishing boats in its modest premises, which was a genuine passion for Gulf Craft, they then established their credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry. With five brands in their product portfolio ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience, such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts.Credits: Gulf Craft

The XV67, presented by Heesen and Winch Design at the Monaco Yacht Show, follows after the 57m Xventure, which was unveiled few years ago. To create XV67, the companies now revisited the concept and refreshed it with new solutions, new layouts, and new appeal. The yacht was made for a new audience, who are looking for experiential travel in a way that combines luxury lifestyle and a sense of adventure. Her clean cut exterior lines designed to roam the Galapagos islands or even the Arctic Ocean but still look elegant and utterly at home in St Tropez or Portofino. That’s why it was called a cross-over. The tenders moved to the open aft deck and freed up the garage space for larger guest cabins. Thanks to increased interior space for guests, a three-storey master stateroom, including a private deck, has appeared. Also because of that, the bigger tenders or even a personal submarine can be stored on deck.The option of hybrid propulsion is now available on all Heesen yachts, and the XV67 is no exception.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Winch Design