The superyacht Legacy V was relaunched as Emerald following an extensive rebuild at Balk Shipyard in the Netherlands. The classic Feadship superyacht was delivered in 1990 to a design by De Voogt Naval Architects. 16-month extensive refit and rebuild completed at Balk Shipyard.
“As a historic Dutch company, we have extensive knowledge of our fellow native builders. It was because of our familiarity with Feadship yachts and our long-standing relationship with the owners that we were chosen to complete this special refit,” says Peter Lassche, refit project manager at Balk Shipyard. “The hard-working team at Balk are very proud to relaunch the new Emerald after such an intensive project was completed in a short period of time.”
After arriving at Balk Shipyard in October 2021 measuring 48.6 meters in length, Emerald received a stern extension to bring her to a total LOA of 50.4 meters. The extra length has created one of the spacious aft cockpits, considering one of the most impressive in her class. She has also benefited with a restyling of the stern and an additional stairway from the aft cockpit to the swim platform, which improves both the styling and functionality of the yacht. To suit her new name, the yacht’s hull was painted in “orion green”.
To the yacht's experienced European owners it was important to bring the yacht’s existing design up to date and create a home at sea to be enjoyed by all the family and charter clients. Achieving this required a huge remodeling of the general arrangement and a new interior design with a timeless monochrome theme by UK-based design studio, Design Unlimited.
“We are at our best when we work closely with our clients and this project was no exception,” says Marcus Rayner, design lead at Design Unlimited. “The timeless feel of the interior was created using subtle differences in tone and texture then combining rich dark timber to give a sense of quality and sophistication.”
Starting with the main deck, the refreshed layout features a forward-facing master and neighboring VIP suite, while the four remaining guest suites are situated on the lower deck. The main saloon is now an open-plan design with a lounge, dining area and connecting high-spec galley.
With the original lower-deck VIP cabin relocated to the main deck, the crew mess, laundry room, cold stores and the en-suite engineer’s cabin benefit from more space across the lower deck. Also on the lower deck forward are five crew cabins, with the captain’s suite situated on the bridge deck, for a total of 12 crew.
The bridge deck features a large exterior deck where a single extendable crane can maneuver the yacht’s selection of toys in and out of the water. Once clear of equipment, this space can be used as an outdoor lounge and leisure area. Here, newly fitted automatic sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection to the skylounge. Atop the yacht lies the rebuilt sundeck, where a large hot tub forward, cozy seating area, sun beds and wet bar form the perfect meeting spot for everyone on board.
As part of the refit, the yacht’s mast and superstructure archway were both redesigned to suit the modernized superyacht and her new antennas. The technological equipment on board now includes brand-new navigation, AV/IT and communication systems, as well as two zero-speed Quantum extendable stabilization fins. In the engine room, Emerald’s recently serviced twin CAT engines can power the yacht to a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Post delivery, Emerald will join the charter market under the management of TWW Yachts and premiere at the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona from 24 April 2023.
Credits: TWW Yachts
Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts has introduced its first superyacht, the 62-meter ketch-rigged Simena. The steel-carbon composite vessel will debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show (September 24-27) after completing sea trials.Designed to RINA Charter Class C standards, Simena ranks among the world's top 25 largest sailing yachts. Taka Yacht Design developed the exterior, while Design Unlimited created the interior blending classic and contemporary elements. The yacht features teak decks, mahogany joinery, and a hybrid propulsion system enabling silent electric operation up to 6 knots or 14.5-knot top speed with diesel assistance."Simena blends classic ketch elegance with cutting-edge technology," said Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Ares Yachts Projects Director. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew, with a main-deck owner's suite and transatlantic range of 4,000 nm at 11 knots.Interior materials include walnut cabinetry, textured leathers, and marble-clad bathrooms. Northrop & Johnson holds the exclusive listing. Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
July 5, 2025
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 27, 2025