Yacht news

Damen Yachting has successfully launched the first Amels 80. The vessel is the latest addition to the Amels Limited Editions range.The 80-meter superyacht boasts a gross tonnage of 2,175 GT and features a hybrid propulsion system for reduced emissions and improved cruising efficiency. The vessel can accommodate 14 guests across 7 luxurious suites, supported by a crew of 21. Notable features include a foredeck helipad, a 200-square-meter Sun Deck, a private Owner’s Deck, a 6.5-meter swimming pool, and a Beach Club with spa facilities.The exterior design is the work of renowned superyacht designer Espen Oino, while the interior was created by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in their first collaboration with Amels. Paul Costerus, Designer Interior at Sinot, commented: “The Amels 80 marks the first collaboration between Sinot and Amels. A project which provided us with the opportunity to develop something truly unique. You will feel at home from the moment you step on board.”The build of the first Amels 80 was managed by Burgess on behalf of the Owner following the yacht’s sale in 2022. Sean Bianchi, Partner and Head of Burgess Technical Services, stated: “We are delighted to see Amels 80, hull number 01 depart her construction dock and enter the commissioning and sea trials phase. This milestone marks the culmination of close collaboration between Damen Yachting, Sinot, and the Owner’s team in crafting a yacht that is truly one of a kind.”Adriaan Roose, Product Design Manager for the Amels 80 series at Damen Yachting, emphasized the balance between customisation and efficiency: “The Amels 80 offered the client many custom options whilst still benefitting from the shortened delivery time. This yacht is the ultimate balance of individuality and efficiency.”The Amels 80 has the following specifications: length overall is 80.00 meters (261 ft), beam overall is 12.50 meters (41 ft), range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, with delivery scheduled for Summer 2025.Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “With today’s launch of the first Amels 80, we have reached another landmark achievement in the history of Amels. I would like to thank our Client and the team at Burgess for entrusting us with this very special build. We are honoured and excited to see the final phase through to delivery.”Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting

Grand Soleil Yachts has introduced its first weekender model, the Grand Soleil Blue, marking a significant departure from its traditional performance and long-cruise yachts. The 32ft 9in (9.99m) vessel is designed for day sailing and weekend getaways, featuring a sustainable build and electric propulsion options.The yacht is the smallest in the Grand Soleil range and sets new standards for recyclability. According to Gigi Servidati, Cantiere del Pardo Chairman, “The GS Blue represents the beginning of a new concept within the Grand Soleil range: a line that is agile, sustainable, fun, highly liveable, and designed for more immediate and flexible use.”The vessel’s design emphasizes performance and comfort, developed by naval architect Matteo Polli and Nauta Design for exterior, interior design, and layout. Polli noted, “The striking hull shape is designed to provide stability when the boat heels, to maximize power upwind. And in light winds, or when running, the narrow waterline beam delivers lower drag and therefore higher speeds.”Sustainability is a core feature of the GS Blue. The yacht utilizes Arkema’s Elium resin in its composite lay-up, allowing for recovery and reuse at the end of its life. The PET core material in the hull’s sandwich construction is derived from post-consumer waste, and the design allows for easy disassembly of components.The yacht offers fully electric propulsion as an option, featuring a 6kW pod drive from ePropulsion powered by a 190Ah lithium battery. This setup provides a range of up to 30 nautical miles at 5 knots, with the option to double that range by adding a second battery pack. The electric system enables silent maneuvering and a top speed of 6.5 knots.Performance-wise, the GS Blue boasts a 2.2m bulb keel (with a 1.8m shallow draft option) and a generous sailplan. It can achieve upwind speeds of 6-8 knots and downwind speeds of 10-12 knots. The design prioritizes easy shorthanded or solo sailing, featuring push-button electric Harken winches.Inside, the yacht offers modern Italian-style amenities including a heads compartment with freshwater shower, an efficient galley with hob, oven, and fridge, and berths for up to four, optimized for two. The interior design focuses on light and space, as highlighted by Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta: “A key element of the interior design is the light scheme, which ensures that even with lower ceiling heights, the yacht feels spacious and welcoming for guests.”The project is co-financed by the Emilia Romagna region as part of the PR-ERDF 2021/2027 program, emphasizing its experimental research and development nature.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts

Heesen Yachts celebrates the delivery of Solemates (YN 20655), a fully customized 55-meter steel superyacht, to an experienced owner who has chosen the Dutch shipyard for the second time. This milestone underscores Heesen’s reputation for engineering excellence, build quality, and the flexibility of its speculative build program – enabling clients to personalize proven platforms without compromising on time efficiency.Built on Heesen’s successful 55m Steel design, Solemates combines the proven Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen Naval Architects with Omega Architects’ sleek exterior lines. The owner, a seasoned yachtsman, leveraged the platform’s inherent reliability to focus on tailored interior enhancements that reflect a family-oriented approach to cruising.Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group noted: "While the changes from the previous model appear subtle, the cumulative refinements across the entire platform elevate this yacht significantly. Heesen’s commitment to continuous improvement shines through."The owner’s deep yachting expertise and hands-on involvement ensured a streamlined build process. Ralf Oortman, Heesen’s Project Manager, remarked: "Their team’s insight into the client’s lifestyle was invaluable. We collaborated seamlessly to introduce standout features, such as the breathtaking atrium – a true masterpiece that sets Solemates apart."Working alongside Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture, the owner reimagined the interior with vibrant accents, a redesigned main staircase featuring gold-flaked acrylic panels, and an expanded sundeck hot tub area for social gatherings. Every detail was meticulously crafted to enhance onboard living.Following flawless sea trials in the North Sea, Solemates confirms her robust performance and efficiency. With a 760 GT volume, she offers ample space for extended cruising while maintaining the comfort and reliability expected of a Northern European build.Solemates will be available for exclusive charter through Luxury Yacht Group, with her world premiere set for the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, where she will headline Heesen’s display.Niels Vaessen, Heesen’s CEO, reflected: "Delivering Solemates to a repeat client is a testament to our craftsmanship and the trust owners place in us. This project exemplifies how we blend efficiency with bespoke luxury – creating yachts that exceed expectations."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: Heesen Yachts

Winch Design has revealed the interior of the ninth hull in the Amels 60 Limited Editions series, developed in collaboration with Dutch shipyard Amels. Launched in 2019, the Amels 60 offers semi-custom construction with full-custom flexibility, balancing reduced delivery times and personalized design. The exterior was designed by Espen Øino.Winch Design previously handled interiors for Come Together, hull three and hull six 21.12. Come Together received a World Superyacht Award and an ISS Award in 2023.The ninth hull’s interior draws inspiration from the Pacific Islands, with each deck reflecting different natural elements. Materials include wood, stone, plaster, and leather, complemented by marble accents. Carved wood flooring in the beach club reinforces a barefoot-living concept, while curved forms and a soft palette promote relaxed sophistication.The lower deck features warm, earthy tones reminiscent of sand and forests, while the main deck incorporates oceanic blues. A central staircase, inspired by Pacific rainforests, connects the decks and leads to a bridge deck designed to evoke tropical greenery.“We created a refreshing interior derived from the Pacific Islands, with a focus on vegetation, the ocean and the sky,” said Jim Dixon, Managing Partner & Creative Director at Winch Design. “We started with a neutral and natural canvas and created unique features such as a back-lit onyx wall with an internally illuminated sculptural staircase column.”Hull 6009 remains under construction, with delivery scheduled for 2026. The yacht is currently available for purchase, allowing the new owner to finalize select details.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

Outfitting activities are progressing on the 50-meter Admiral Panorama, a Lloyd’s Register-classified yacht developed by The Italian Sea Group. The vessel features clean lines and balanced proportions, combining contemporary aesthetics with functionality. The exterior design was handled by Piredda & Partners, while interiors were developed by the shipyard’s Centro Stile.The yacht spans three decks, emphasizing openness to the exterior through a design that minimizes visual barriers. Large volumes, high ceilings, and panoramic windows enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural materials, refined finishes, and strategic lighting contribute to the interior ambiance.Accommodation includes up to seven cabins, configurable to host 12 guests during navigation and up to 18 people, including crew. The main deck houses four guest suites with direct access to the salon and beach area, which includes a 2.85 x 1.8-meter pool surrounded by sunbathing spaces. The forward cabins can be merged into a full-beam suite, serving as an optional second owner’s cabin. The primary owner’s suite, located on the upper deck, features panoramic views and a private terrace with a pool.Salons on the main and upper decks are designed as multifunctional spaces, while the lower deck is dedicated to crew quarters, including cabins for 10 members, a kitchen, and a dining area. Optional layouts allow for additional cabins, a gym, or an entertainment space.A key innovation is the midship engine room ventilation system, a first for a 499 GT yacht, eliminating traditional aft ventilation trunks and improving layout efficiency. Another notable feature is the technical corridor with observation windows for monitoring machinery.The wheelhouse and captain’s cabin are positioned on the sun deck, enhancing navigation visibility while separating operational and leisure areas for greater guest privacy. The yacht is currently under construction, with further updates expected as outfitting continues.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group