Yacht news

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

Pearl Yachts will debut its new Pearl 63 model in the UK at two May events: the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show (May 9–11, Southampton) and the British Motor Yacht Show (May 15–18, Swanwick Marina). This follows the yacht's global premiere at the 2025 Palma International Boat Show.The Pearl 63 builds on the award-winning Pearl 62 design, offering a 60-foot yacht with family-friendly features. Key specifications include:Aft Cockpit: Opening side balconies and convertible L-shaped sofa seatingSaloon: Family-sized dining table and multifunctional chaise longueFlexible Space: Tender garage (fits Williams MiniJet 280 or SeaDoo Spark) or optional crew cabinAccommodation: Four cabins for eight guests, including a full-beam master suite with private access and panoramic windowsInteriors: Four design themes by Kelly Hoppen InteriorsPerformance: Optional 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines for speeds up to 33 knotsIain Smallridge, Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “We are delighted to bring the Pearl 63 to British shores for the first time, and to do so at two events that represent the heart of UK yachting. These shows may be more intimate than their international counterparts, but they are no less important.”The Pearl 63 targets owner-operators seeking a balance of luxury and practicality. Both UK events provide opportunities for direct client engagement ahead of the model’s 2025 delivery schedule.Pearl Yachts was founded in 1998 and has now become one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards. Every Pearl motor yacht is designed and built by experienced craftsmen. Pearl’s fleet consists of the new Pearl 62, the Pearl 80 and the Pearl 95. All newly launched Pearl Yachts are covered by a unique, comprehensive five-year warranty program.Credits: Pearl Yachts

Benetti has launched FB287, a fully customized 67-meter steel yacht from its B.Now series featuring the Oasis Deck® design. The vessel represents Benetti's steel-hulled superyacht expertise, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Engage Maritime served as owner's representative throughout the project."The launch of FB287 demonstrates the capabilities of the Benetti shipyard and the possibilities for clients to realize their ultimate expression of the yachting lifestyle," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director.Key customizations include a rectangular elevator, marble guest staircase with glass balustrade, widened corridors, and multiple pool areas - an infinity pool on the Oasis Deck®, a spa pool on the observation deck, and a reflecting pool with waterfall effect on the owner's deck. The yacht features a lower-deck spa complex with sauna and steam room, a main deck saloon with grand piano, and an entire upper deck dedicated to the owner's private use.Originally conceived with light beach house interiors, FB287's owner requested a darker, richer aesthetic inspired by Gatsby-era styling. The final design incorporates woods like sycamore, ebony, and macassar, along with specialty marbles and metal detailing. Despite the dramatic style change from initial concepts, the design maintains seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces through coordinated material selections.Following launch, FB287 will undergo sea trials before scheduled delivery this summer. The project marks Benetti's successful adaptation of its B.Now platform to meet specific owner requirements while maintaining the series' signature indoor-outdoor living philosophy.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Giuliano Sargentini/Benetti