Yacht news

On the 3d of November, upon the end of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019, one of the exhibited boats was arrested by local authorities. The 22.5-metre motor yacht Sunseeker is reportedly worth over $ 4 million. That way, the yacht was secured from ‘being handed over to a wrong person’.Courtesy: Kevin Turner From the exhibition area, the boat was driven to an undisclosed place, where she will be kept until the court resolution is stated. National Maritime Services, court-appointed third-party custodian, will taken responsibility guarding her.Four parties are participating in the trial related to her. So far, the failed buyer of the 22-metre is Kevin Turner. In May 2019, he filed a lawsuit against Sunseeker International, its US distributor Sunseeker USA, and Fort Lauderdale-based broker Rick Obey & Associates, one of the largest Sunseeker dealers in the United States.Turner accused the broker of refusing to ascribe to him $ 4 million, which Turner transferred on the construction of the boat. At the same time, Obey and Sunseeker are mired in another lawsuit: the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility for the catastrophic engine failure on the yacht of Obey’s customers on their first trip in May 2018.As a result, the payments that Obey transferred to Sunseeker for projects under construction or sales on spec first slowed down and then completely stopped even before Turner’s boat was delivered to the owner. According to Sunseeker’s USA spokesman Stacy Schwartz, Obey simply could not pay for the construction of Turner's boat.'In order to prevent future damage,' the contract between Sunseeker USA and Obey was terminated in March this year. In June, the broker received a court order to stop positioning itself as a partner at Sunseeker USA. Turner claimed, it took about 10 days of hard work to find out that ‘his’ boat had departed to the USA from the UK. Identification numbers in the carrier's waybill proved it was the same Sunseeker. Obey admit that Turner has become an innocent hostage to the situation, and are trying to help him get his boat.According to Alan Swimmer, head of National Maritime Services, vessel arrests are routine but rare. About 100 yachts get arrested annually around the world. In Fort Lauderdale, which is considered the yachting capital, such incidents happen 5-10 times a year. Most often, it takes place when a boat becomes the subject of a commercial dispute.

With two most important annual shows of the yachting industry in Europe and Americas already finished, the summer season of 2019 is smoothly going to its logical end. The builders have already presented some of the most stunning and ambitious yacht concepts, to work on over the next year. In the meantime, Yacht Harbour recalls the most interesting superyacht projects introduced during the Monaco Yacht Show 2019 and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019.#1. Super Sport 65 Builder: RossinaviLength: 65.5mItalian yacht builder Rossinavi has collaborated automotive design firm Pininfarinato to create a new superyacht concept Super Sport 65. The project was introduced during Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019.Inspired by high performance sports cars, Super Sport 65 represents a nod to Aurea, the first collaboration between Rossinavi and Pininfarinato introduced in 2017. Fully-aluminium Super Sport 65 has an overall length of 65.50 metres, a maximum beam of 11 metres and a shallow draft of 2.20 metres.The layout of Super Sport 65 comprises wide-open spaces and includes six cabins to host at least twelve guests in addition to the seven cabins reserved to the captain and crew members. Furthermore, there are large spaces for outdoor entertainment featuring several lounge areas. They are all bespoke and arranged over various decks but include two Jacuzzis, one at each edge of the boat.#2. Sunseeker 161Builder: SunseekerLength: 49mThe first Sunseeker 161, the brand’s new flagship, has been recently confirmed sold. Delivery will take place in September 2022. Designed predominantly in-house, the new 161 Yacht, built in aluminium, will be entirely constructed by ICON Yachts in Harlingen, Holland.The tri-deck model weighing in at <500 GT follows the iconic Sunseeker exterior lines. Her interior can be styled to each owner’s taste via ‘Bespoke’ service. The yacht comes with a plunge pool on the main deck, as well as the generous beach club.The Sunseeker 161 Yacht sees ten guests accommodated in five cabins in the standard guest configuration, with scope for up to 12 guests dependent upon the chosen general arrangement.#3. XventureBuilder: HeesenLength: 57mHeesen teamed up with British studio Winch Design have presented new 57-metre ultimate explorer yacht, conceived both in style and of high efficiency thanks to FDHF hull design. The vessel will be available in three colours to start with: white, grey or copper-black.Xventure will boast a cruising range of 5,000 miles (with even longer range as an optional extra) enabling the vessel to reach remote bays and creeks, and to remain on station longer. One of Xventure’s key design features, meanwhile, is the access that she provides to various transport modes for a variety of expeditions, such as a helicopter, large tender, jet skis or a submarine.The vessel will come fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass windows afford views out to sea from the main deck guest suites and owner’s full-beam apartment, as well as the upper deck saloon. A glass-ceilinged winter garden on the observation deck provides expansive vistas from every angle with a swimming pool forward. #4. Project JagBuilder: LürssenLength: 125mDuring the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, one of the world’s leaders in the yachting industry, the German yard Lürssen announced sale of its new custom-built project. Very little information has been revealed on the vessel so far. It is known however that the superyacht will feature exteriors by Venice-based studio Nuvolari Lenard with exquisite interior by Reymond Langton team.Project JAG will be come equipped with at least one helipad and will be ready to take on-board up to 20 guests, which will be accommodated across 11 cabins and catered by the crew of 40. The superyacht’s steel hull will measure 18.5-metres in the beam and have a draft of 4.8 metres. The amenities on-board will comprise a beauty salon, a SPA centre, a sauna, a swimming pool, two movie theatres (indoors and outdoors), a dance floor, a gym and an elevator.#5. V-Line 65Builder: BagliettoLength: 65mDuring the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, Italian shipyard Baglietto revealed the Francesco Paszkowski Design of its new 65-metre superyacht V-Line. In 2018, the company showed only a conceptual sketch that yacht inspired by the world's first superyacht (in the modern sense of the word), a 35.6-metre Adler, launched by Baglietto back in 1987.The 65-metre boasts vertical bow and an innovative stern adding her a modern and unique style. The key element on-board shall become the pool on the upper deck with a transparent floor facing a large aquarium on the main deck. Natural light is a key added value on this design, including the large central lobby area where the light comes directly from the glass skylights of the flybridge.The accommodations include a 6-cabin layout. Four of the cabins are located on the lower deck, which could be accessed through an elevator or a convenient side door in the lobby. #6. ALFA 50Builder: RossinaviLength: 50m During the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, Italian yacht builder Rossinavi has presented the brand new 50-metre superyacht concept Alfa 50. The project has been designed by Venice-based design team led by Enrico Gobbi.Inspired by iconic Italian luxury car brand Alfa Romeo, the model features sleek and sporty style. The unmistakable radiator grille of the Alfa Romeo cars, characterised by its signature front grille, is echoed in Alfa’s straight and rigorous bow, made of steel and captivatingly stretched forward. A sports boat below 500 GT, Alfa boasts a number of large, bright windows for the guests to enjoy some incredible panoramic views from the main areas, such as the upper deck, the owner’s cabin, the main deck saloon and the cabins dedicated to the guests. Meanwhile, floor-to-ceiling windows are characteristic for many projects by Enrico Gobbi.To be able to fit the considerable height of the owner’s cabin and the entire bow area, the bow has been put forward, and the great descent that goes aft and holds the upper deck and the whole stern line makes it particularly streamlined.#7. AquaDesigner: SinotLength: 112mAmsterdam-based design studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design presented another groundbreaking concept at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019. With Aqua, a 112-metre fully powered by hydrogen and fuel cell technology superyacht concept, Sinot aims to fuse groundbreaking technology with cutting-edge design.The fully operational 112-metre concept designed with a speed of 17 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles, optimises hull, energy and space efficiency while providing a maximal superyacht experience at the highest comfort level for discerning owners.Aqua is configured with a five-deck set up, utilising forward interior space through the high sheer line which subtly descends from bow to aft. The yacht has been designed to provide those on-board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features a unique and innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all Aqua passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level. #8. S702Builder: TankoaLength: 70mItalian yard Tankoa Yachts has introduced a new 70m project with bold and captivating lines and a vertical bow stem, all developed together with Francesco Paszkowski. The model would opt for three different superstructure profiles that can be integrated into the exterior styling, offering the owners the freedom to choose. Meanwhile, the exterior design will be defined by the arcs that connect and unite all the deck left in the stern, providing a sense of balance and continuity.Numerous design details such as the stern fairleads and half-moon shapes, as well as the black chine in the bow and the black V-pattern on the hard top, reflect general Tankoa’s design philosophy. The vertical bow also recalls the 50-metre projects previously launched by the yard. Furthermore, the model features the vertical forward glazing contrasts with the gentle S-shaped bend of the arcs in the stern. As to the interior layout, it features a 150-square-metre master suite with side terraces and a private gym, spread over the main deck and upper deck. It is directly connected to the foredeck and helipad via the upper deck and an internal private staircase. A skylight brings light into this passage that opens up into a large space comprising a panoramic lounge and dining area/meeting room. #9. NautilusBuilder: Turquoise YachtsLength: 62mTurkish builder Turquoise Yachts in collaboration with Miami-based studio DeBasto Design have unveiled a new 62-metre concept of an explorer yacht Project Nautilus. The yacht will bear “purposeful, masculine look”. Key features on-board will comprise a 13.4-metre tender deck at the front of the superstructure, able to house a 12-metre tender.The owner’s suite is lays on the upper deck meanwhile provided with two exterior terraces. Additionally, the vessel offers guest accommodation for up to 10 across five cabins. What is more, a full-size cinema can be converted to a seventh guest cabin, as well.The amenities aboard Project Nautilus include a forecastle deck that can double as a touch-and-go helipad, a swimming pool aft of the main deck, a lower deck beach club, gym, sauna and hot tub on the top deck.#10. Lotus / Lotus’ ShadowBuilder: Royal HuismanLength: 88m / 70mDutch shipyard Royal Huisman partnered with ThirtyC design studio and Dykstra Naval Architects have introduced a 'double' superyacht concept during the Monaco Yacht Show 2019. The design concept complements the earlier revealed 88-metre sailing superyacht Lotus with a 70-metre companion vessel Lotus’ Shadow.A 'next-generation' twin project from the British design studio ThirtyC, ‘Lotus’ bridges the gap between the experience of sailing and the adventure of the motor yacht lifestyle. Designed with the combination of dual-mast DynaRig sailing yacht and rugged Support Vessel, Lotus aims at unbridled freedom for both the journey and the destination.The lightweight, high-tech 88-metre sailing yacht represents the primary vessel in this 'private armada', offering owners speed, precision sailing and the ability to cruise the world in comfort or compete in global superyacht regattas. This versatility is due to the world’s first twin-mast DynaRig structure, meaning Lotus has the potential to become one of the most technologically advanced and fastest sailing yacht of her kind on the water.As to the 70-metre support vessel Lotus’ Shadow, she is designed to prepare for the sailing yacht’s arrival at any given destination. She will be packed to the brim with toys, tenders, cars, helicopters and other items that enhance the experience of travelling the globe.

The 69.7-metre charter superyacht Sherakhan built in 1966 as merchant navy training vessel by Dutch yard Vuyk, underwent a conversion into a superyacht in 2005. She has recently returned to Holland and has been pictured at Shipyard de Schroef in Terneuzen.Photo: Dutch YachtingBack in 1965, the classic yacht started out as Princess Margaret. Her present owner, Dutch hospitality entrepreneur Jan Verkerk, managed to breath a new life into the boat in 2005, when it was rebuilt at his yard and renamed to Sherakhan.Maintaining the vessel’s beautiful classic 1960s lines and style, Verkerk upgraded the interior with Rijntjes Interior Design and carried out a complete technical overhaul.Certified to accommodate up to 26 guests, with a dedicated crew of 20 including Michelin-starred Chef Toine Smulders, Sherakhan has undergone several more extensive refits, with the most recent one conducted at Icon Yachts in 2017.Photo: Dutch YachtingThe most noticeable upgrade of 2017 was the 70-metre hull repainted to a minimalistic white colour from its original vintage blue hue. Along with cosmetic adjustments to the yacht’s interior areas and A/V upgrades, her main generators were replaced with low emission ones.The onboard layout of Sherakhan is trademarked with double-height dining room with galleried atrium, skylight courtesy of the glass-bottomed sundeck Jacuzzi and seating for all 26 guests at a dining table. The interior colour palette is calm and neutral, with creams and tan-coloured wood allowing the natural textures and tones to harmonise. The layout comprises 13 ensuite cabins, including a full-beam master suite.Sherakhan offers a choice of guest deck areas, from the generous wicker seating on the main deck or several loungers on the large foredeck to the stellar sundeck with an 18-person Jacuzzi, wet bar and barbecue, dining tables and multiple sun loungers. The toy storage can fit a pair of 7.3-metre tenders, three Waverunner jetskis, wakeboards, surfboards, a number of inflatable towables and an 8-metre custom-made slide.What is more, Sherakhan comes with a full wellness suite including a beauty salon, massage room, gym and sauna. Sherakhan’s technical characteristics allow her to cruise to the most remote areas of the planet, accommodating up to 24 guests within her 12 staterooms.The yacht’s winter charter rate starts from $ 425,000. Sherakhan can usually be found in the Mediterranean during the summer season and the Caribbean over the winter. However, she is claimed capable of exploring more remote areas and has many circumnavigations.

Italian builder Perini Navi has announced the sale of the first 47-metre hybrid sailing yacht out of their E-volution line, where the ‘E’ stands for electric. With the yacht’s construction already begun on spec, the delivery to her European owner is scheduled for summer 2021.The hull of the 47-metre is currently in build at the yard in Tuzla, Istanbul, and will arrive into the Viareggio shipyard in spring 2020 for completion.Edoardo Tabacchi, Perini Navi Vice Chairman & Majority Shareholder, comments:The S/Y 47m E-volution is a project we believed in strongly from the very start. This is why we accepted the challenge of starting construction on spec and we are very happy that the market has proved us right.Built from aluminium with a carbon-fibre boom and rigging, this sloop features naval by the Perini Navi in-house team and a 1,275 sqm sail surface. Perini Navi has evolved its classic keel design in this new version. It offers a shallow draft to allow the yacht venture closer to the coast. A sophisticated swing system also guarantees optimal safety in case of collision.Perini Navi Style & Design Director Franco Romani penned the vessel’s exterior lines. The yacht’s interior design will be developed by Perini Navi in collaboration with Marco Costanzi Architects. Like the other vessels in the E-volution series, the S/Y 47m introduces a new concept of space, while extensive glazing draws exceptional light into the interiors. The transom has been innovated, too. It now opens to the sea through a large beach area with a sunbathing zone and a fold-down platform. The saloon on the main deck feels like an effortless extension of the cockpit and aft deck with which it creates an open-plan space of around 20 metres in length.The S/Y 47m E-volution has three guest cabins in addition to the master suite aft and a versatile cabin which can convert to an office or a gym depending on the owner’s needs. A spacious flybridge of around 90 sqm offers uniquely generous space for a craft of this type.After the S/Y 42m E-volution and the S/Y 42m E-volution GTS, the S/Y47m is the third vessel in the E-volution gallery sold by the yard in the last 15 months, and is a testament to the success of this modern and high performance new line. The yard has also recently presented new Falcon Rig Gallery.Meanwhile, Perini Navi currently has the largest number of over-40-metre sailing yachts under construction in the world. Its production plans span the building of seven yachts, five of which are sailing yacht and two motors.

At the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019, the 43-metre superyacht Majesty 140 by UAE-based shipyard Gulf Craft received a prestigious “Best in the Show” award. The vessel took delivery earlier this year, ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show.The title of the “Best in the Show” boat is annually awarded to new models at FLIBS. Independent experts, who are not directly related to the yachting industry, evaluate architecture, design, technology and technical characteristics of applicants. For instance, this year’s jury included American IndyCar racing champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, the designer and head of the Creative Workshop Studios, Jason Wenig, and the marketing director of Ulysse Nardin, Francoise Bezzola among others.The builder first introduced this model during the 2018 Dubai International Boat Show and has sold four units since then, with a fifth under negotiations. The tri-deck Majesty 140 represents a collaboration between the shipyard’s in-house Design Studio developing her exterior lines and naval architecture and Cristiano Gatto Design Team responsible for her interiors.Majesty 140 features a spacious beachfront deck with balconies on both sides aft of the main deck, a Jacuzzi on the sundeck and two large opening sunshades on the hardtop. The full-height glazing in the main and upper decks, large and expansive interior and exterior spaces meant that the guests can enjoy a limitless flow throughout the yacht.The collaboration with Cristiano Gatto Design Team comes following the successful introduction of the Cristiano Gatto designed Majesty 175, the brand’s first megayacht project due for launch end of this year. The Majesty 140 features five staterooms with the full-beam master in the forward main deck. The owner’s stateroom also features a private extendable balcony, a bathtub and walk-in wardrobe among many other amenities.Key interior materials include Italian leather, Onyx Costa Blanca marble and crystal door handles. The open-plan saloon on the main deck includes an L-shaped wrap of seating and a dining area for up to ten guests, while other key features include a superyacht beach club and a skylounge of 55 square metres.With her 398 GT of interior volume, the vessel was built in compliance to MCA LY3 Cayman Island registry. The Majesty 140 is powered by twin MTU 16V 2,600hp engines toa top speed of 20 knots. She cruises comfortably at 16 knots and can reach an extended range of 4,000 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots. This is not the first award for Majesty 140, which also received World Yachts Trophies award for “The Best Interior Design” among yachts from 30 to 50 metres, during the Cannes Yachting Festival.