Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has launched their largest superyacht to date and the world’s largest all-aluminium sailing vessel, the 81-metre schooner Sea Eagle II. The launch took place at the builder's main shed in Vollenhove, specially extended for the project. Sea Eagle II reportedly belongs to Taiwanese billionaire businessman and philanthropist Samuel Yen-Liang Yin.
The superyacht came from the drawing boards of designer Mark Whiteley, with naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects. The project was first revealed at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show as the largest Asian-owned yacht. Within a year, Royal Huisman completed the design phase, and began construction in 2017.
The exteriors of Sea Eagle II incorporate the owner’s requirements for world cruising, fast yet comfortable and iconic look. The distinguishing superstructure features a half-raised bridge for inside steering. The yacht’s flybridge offers full controls during sailing, comfortable seating for guests wishing to be close up with the yacht’s navigation, and opportunity for sunbathing. The sheltered main cockpit beneath the flybridge features a bar, sofas and a large table.
A variety of innovative features enhance the yacht’s appeal. The newly developed sliding Rondal door with individually operated moving glass panels provides a seamless transition from the cockpit into the interior, whereas the flybridge steering stations give access to the hydraulically operated crow’s nest for an exhilarating ride up the main mast with breathtaking views.
Various watersports gear such as water scooters, a large guest tender with dive equipment, kayaks and SUP boards will be stored under the aft deck, and the deck design comprises a number of clever features, such as the crew tender in front being recessed into a pocket, which can be used as a cockpit after launch. The design of the crew entrance on the foredeck ties in with the looks of the main deckhouse.
Dykstra Naval Architects have focused all their expertise on the creation of a hull with a distinguishing hard chine and schooner rig that combines good performance with sea kindliness, stability and comfort. The carbon rig by Rondal – ‘clearing Panama Bridge’ – will be supported by carbon standing rigging. Thys Nikkels of Dykstra Naval Architects explains that “the plumb bow, very long waterline, sleek hull and large sail area will give the yacht the required high speed and good performance.”
Mark Whiteley designed a modern interior in balance with the exterior living spaces. The design is based on Alpi Walnut bulkheads and comprises oak floors. The yacht can also be used as a platform for business meetings. The forward part of the superstructure has been reserved for the owner and his guests, featuring a combined saloon with comfortable seating and a large table with 16 seats for formal dining. Accommodation acapicity meanwhile allows to sleep 12 guests.
Samuel Yin is currently holding an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion (Forbes). Yin is a chairman of Taiwan's Ruentex Group, which has interests in financial services and real estate; he also has stakes in Sun Art Retail Group, a leading hypermarket operator in China. Noteworthy, he once claimed to donate 95% of his wealth to charity during his lifetime.
Samuel Yin’s previous sailing yacht Sea Eagle is nearly 37 metres shorter and has 800 GT less of interior volume compared to Sea Eagle II.
Photo: Dutch Yachting.
Royal Huisman has commenced work on Project 412, an 80-meter-plus sailing yacht for a repeat client. The full-aluminum vessel will rank among the largest sailing yachts built by the Dutch shipyard when completed.The yacht features a carbon rig supplied by Rondal, designed for performance sailing and global circumnavigation. While exterior details remain confidential, the project continues Royal Huisman's specialization in large-scale sailing superyachts.Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, stated: "We are honored to embark on this new super-sized sailing yacht project for a returning owner. Project 412 promises a true sailing experience while offering a distinctive and sustainable alternative to large powerboats."The construction reinforces Royal Huisman's position in the XXL sailing yacht segment. No delivery date or additional specifications were disclosed. The yard currently has multiple large sailing projects in progress at its Netherlands facilities.Project 412 will join Royal Huisman's portfolio of custom sailing superyachts, which includes several of the world's largest sailing vessels. The commission demonstrates continued demand for performance-oriented sailing yachts in the 80-meter-plus range.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
May 15, 2025
Sanlorenzo S.p.A. announced its Q1 2025 financial results, reporting €213.5 million in net revenues from new yacht sales, a 9.6% year-over-year increase. The company's EBITDA rose to €37.0 million (+8.5% YoY), while net profit reached €21.2 million (+8.0% YoY).The Superyacht Division grew by 10.4%, and Nautor Swan contributed €23.8 million in revenues. Geographically, the Americas saw a 40.6% increase, while Europe grew by 8.6%. The company’s backlog stands at €1.2 billion, with 89% of orders sold to final clients and deliveries scheduled through 2028.EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 17.3% (from 17.5% in Q1 2024), attributed to the Nautor Swan acquisition. Excluding this effect, profitability would have improved. EBIT increased by 4.2% to €26.8 million, maintaining a 12.6% margin.Net financial position shifted to -€28.1 million due to seasonal working capital needs ahead of the Mediterranean delivery season (May-July). The company also repurchased €3.7 million in treasury shares and acquired 60% of AF Arturo Foresti S.r.l. for €0.7 million.Order intake in Q1 2025 reached €178.1 million (+5.9% YoY), reinforcing confidence in the Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, and Nautor Swan brands. The company confirmed its 2025 guidance, citing strong demand with waiting lists extending to 2028.Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO, stated: *"Our business model – unique in the international yachting landscape – continues to deliver excellent profitability and long-term visibility. We are reinforcing leadership in the 30 to 50-metre segment, supported by a sophisticated client base and semi-custom production."*Perotti noted that only 5% of revenues come from yachts under 30 meters, minimizing exposure to potential U.S. tariff risks. The company remains optimistic about sustainable growth and value creation.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
May 15, 2025
Wally has completed sea trials for its new wallyrocket51 racing yacht, marking the Ferretti Group brand's first dedicated race boat design. The 15.5-meter (51-foot) yacht demonstrated performance capabilities during testing off Valencia ahead of its competitive debut at the ORC National Championship in Sorrento earlier this month.Developed as a one-design class optimized for both IRC and ORC racing formats, the wallyrocket51 incorporates several technical innovations. Naval architecture by Botin Partners features a 6,250kg displacement hull with 640-liter water ballast tanks and pre-preg carbon construction with Corecell and Nomex cores. The design includes a 94-square-meter square-top mainsail and 265-square-meter gennaker, delivering 360 square meters of downwind sail area."The market is splitting between owners who want to cruise and those who want to race professionally," said Wally founder Luca Bassani. "We decided to build a one-design boat at around 50 feet, which ended up at 51 feet." The strict one-design rules aim to maintain competitive parity while extending the model's racing lifespan.The yacht's development team included 28-time world champion Vasco Vascotto and Guillermo Parada, who consulted on performance characteristics. "We wanted to create a boat that could make owners and sailors happy - faster than anything else out there, with a controllable budget," Vascotto stated. Early testing showed strong upwind pointing ability and downwind speed, with Parada noting the yacht's "taller rig relative to its size" incorporates recent technological developments.Key operational features include:Convertible between electric-powered one-design and manual-powered IRC/ORC configurationsWater ballast system allowing 6-7 second side-to-side transfersReduced crew requirement of 11 sailorsRemovable hydraulic systems for rating optimizationThe wallyrocket51 dominated its first competitive outing at the ORC Central and Southern Tyrrhenian National Championship, winning three of four races. The model is scheduled to compete in the Cowes-Dinard-Saint Malo race, Admiral's Cup, and Fastnet Race this summer.Wally has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the wallyrocket51 class. The yacht represents the brand's strategic shift toward dedicated racing models alongside its cruising-oriented offerings. Santa Maria Magnolfi design studio incorporated signature Wally styling elements including an inverted sheerline and distinctive stern design while maintaining racing functionality.Pure Design & Engineering oversaw construction at a specialist racing yacht yard, with particular attention to weight management. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners noted the design's offshore capabilities, stating the yacht was "engineered since day 1 for offshore races" despite its light displacement.The wallyrocket51 will next appear at the 2025 European racing circuit, with Wally anticipating strong interest from both professional campaigns and owner-driver programs.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.Credit: Ferretti Group
May 15, 2025
German yacht builder YYachts has launched the Y6, a 20-meter sailing yacht designed for single-handed or short-handed operation. The carbon-epoxy constructed vessel combines customizable layouts with performance-focused engineering for autonomous cruising.The Y6 offers owners configuration options including three or four cabins, an office space, crew quarters, or a customized owner's suite. Interior materials include oak, walnut, and mahogany, with clients permitted to employ external designers. All sailing controls are accessible from the helm station, with an optional Y on Watch system providing remote technical support.An electric propulsion system is available alongside conventional options. The lightweight composite construction maintains performance in light winds while preventing interior odors, according to the builder."The Y6 is for those who want to sail independently, but without any compromise in design, comfort or performance," said YYachts founder Michael Schmidt.The yacht targets the 60-65 foot market segment, though pricing and delivery timelines remain undisclosed. The model joins YYachts' portfolio of minimalist sailing yachts, continuing the brand's emphasis on customizable, performance-oriented designs.No specific performance data or range estimates were provided for the new model. The Y6 represents the company's latest response to demand for owner-operated luxury sailing vessels.YYachts is a German shipyard that builds carbon sailing yachts between 70 and 100 feet in length. The portfolio consists of the Y7, Y8 and Y9 models; the Custom Division implements completely individual designs.Credits: YYachts
May 14, 2025
VisionF Yachts has unveiled interior details of its VISIONF 101, a 30.7-meter aluminum power catamaran currently under construction at the Turkish shipyard. The vessel, scheduled for launch in autumn 2025, represents the builder's largest project to date and will be the first aluminum catamaran of its size built to RINA Commercial Class standards.The VISIONF 101 features a shallow 1.45-meter draft designed for coastal cruising and access to secluded bays. Accommodation includes four guest cabins, with the owner's suite spanning 29.5 square meters across half of the starboard hull. The layout provides an 18-square-meter bedroom, 6.5-square-meter dressing room, and 5-square-meter ensuite bathroom. Three additional guest cabins continue the neutral-toned interior design scheme.Main saloonThe catamaran offers 132 square meters of flybridge space and a 103-square-meter main saloon. Crew accommodation consists of three cabins for five staff members. A 76-square-meter foredeck features an integrated cinema system, while the superstructure incorporates curved glass elements to maximize natural light.Main saloonPower comes from four Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines producing a combined 4,000 hp, enabling a top speed of 17 knots. The roof utilizes Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester construction to reduce weight.Owner cabinVisionF Yachts currently has eight models in production, including electric and aluminum catamarans ranging from 14 to 47 meters. The company has not disclosed pricing or ownership details for the VISIONF 101 project. The RINA Commercial Class certification indicates potential charter use, though operational plans remain unconfirmed.The vessel's design emphasizes maneuverability in both open water and coastal conditions, with the shipyard describing it as combining "comfort, luxury and refined aesthetics" for extended cruising. VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
May 14, 2025