At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022 CL Yachts presented to the world its new flagship, CLX96 SAV. Her aggressive and angular profile recalls the purpose and agility of hardy workboats, the 29.5 meter CLX96 is the world’s first Sea Activity Vessel. “The SAV acronym represents something uniquely different to each individual owner, reflecting the way they enjoy their time aboard,” offers Earl Alfaro, the naval architect responsible for CLX96. “Some will find solitude at a leisurely pace while venturing towards their far-off destination, while others take pride in the exhilaration that accompanies a vessel in this category having the prowess to achieve higher speeds.”
Her forward-raked windscreens on the main and upper decks are designed to reduce both glare and heat while also increasing interior living space. Combined with the expansive glazing, the result is an interior that is not only light and airy but that seamlessly integrates with the outside areas and seascapes with near-uninterrupted 360-degree views.
“In early 2017, CL Yachts reached outside the industry and asked me to rethink yacht design and yachting experiences,” says Jozeph Forakis, CLX96 exterior and interior designer. “They gave me a clean slate to conceive a new vision for the yacht of today and tomorrow. With in-depth research methodologies and a focus on intelligent design, complementing my passion for sailing and ‘outsiders’ imagination and dreams, the result is a vessel that departs from convention.”
While her bold double-reverse-angle profile and iconic wing-like flybridge bulwark are visually distinctive, Forakis explains, these elements were born from a holistic, functional reconsideration of the way to live on a yacht and informed by precise structural principles. “CLX96 pushes boundaries of innovation and yachting experiences with flowing indoor and outdoor spaces,” he continues. “Unprecedented amounts of light penetrate the interiors – made possible by advanced composite structures with lightweight, thin, strong mullions allowing oversize windows throughout.”
This is reinforced on the main deck with trifold doors to starboard that open the midships area to the side deck and bulwark cutaway, creating a near-alfresco dining area in the heart of the main deck’s open plan living space. This area blends seamlessly with the comfortable aft saloon and forward country-style galley with island and Champagne Lounge – the perfect spot for cocktails or nature-watching depending on where in the world your CLX96 has taken you. What’s more, the lack of pillars thanks to the ingenious carbon construction of the superstructure means there are clear views from aft deck to bow.
The sense of space and the inside-outside feeling continue on the upper deck, with the enclosed helm and sky lounge forward offering shade and climate-controlled comfort, and the huge aft sundeck area combining everything needed for outside living – sofas and dining table, grill, fridge and icemaker. The sky lounge’s electric windows can be fully opened to create the feel of a hardtop fly, and the aft coachroof extension that provides shade to the alfresco seating and dining area offers a sunroof.
In front of the pilot house Forakis has created the ‘Terrazza Portoghese’, a generous additional deck space perfect for sun loungers, while on the foredeck there is an inviting ‘Piazza del Sole’ – a circular aperitif lounge that converts into a giant sunbed. Aft, the generous swim platform makes for a perfect beach club, with the Z-lift central transformer section not only easing tender launching but also creating an additional terrace extension on the water.
Below, CLX96’s standard configuration offers four guest cabins including a vast master suite forward complete with skylight over the king-size bed, a full-beam midships VIP cabin with virtual skylight, and two twin/double convertible guest cabins with en suites. There are crew quarters aft for up to four crew.
The materials and palette include walnut for the walls, teak and holly soles for the main and upper deck interiors, black marquina and satin snowflake marble for the bars and countertops, and a range of textures and materials in off-whites, warm grays and browns punctuated with occasional orange highlights.
The hull itself is built to RINA classification, with naval architecture focusing on cruising speed at 65-80 percent engine load with capacity for occasional prints at wide-open-throttle.
Powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines rated at 1,900hp each, CLX96 can achieve a top speed with a full load of 25 knots with a solid 22-knot cruise. Her 15,520 liter fuel tanks, meanwhile, ensure the range to explore far-flung destinations, and her 10-year standard hull warranty will give owners the peace of mind to go there. Her 1.62-meter draft also means she can sneak into shallow bays, making her the true realization of her Sea Activity Vessel rationale.
CL Yachts’ goal is to offer unparalleled experiences to the modern explorer. The luxury performance brand stands apart from its competitors thanks to its unique approach to design – driven by CL Yacht’s core value of innovation. Fusing progressive design with engineering prowess and state-of-the-art technology, every element of CL Yachts’ vessels are meticulously geared to steer luxury into uncharted territories.
Credits: CL Yachts
Royal Huisman makes waves once again with Noir, an 81-meter sailing yacht, setting a new standard in superyacht excellence. Designed by Malcolm McKeon, Noir boasts the world’s tallest sloop rig at 93 meters, embodying the epitome of luxury and performance.McKeon, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking design, envisions Noir as the ultimate vessel for the owner's pleasure and adventure with loved ones. With a contemporary profile featuring a reverse bow and a flying bridge, Noir offers ample outdoor living space and unparalleled connectivity to the sea.An experienced sailor himself, Noir's owner prioritizes speed, power, and responsive handling, ensuring an exhilarating sailing experience. The yacht is tailored for world cruising and exploration, equipped with a 14-meter tender for coastal excursions without the need for yacht repositioning.Crafted from aluminum and powered by electric drives, Noir combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Rondal supplies the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system, contributing to Noir's status as the world's tallest sloop.Noir's interior, designed by GCA Architects, promises to harmonize with the contemporary exterior, blending natural materials and textures for a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. With details kept under wraps, anticipation for the unveiling of Noir's interior design continues to grow.Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman expresses pride and gratitude for being selected to bring Noir to life, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's 140-year history. As the fourth yacht to join the ranks of the world's Top 10 largest sailing yachts, Noir solidifies Royal Huisman's reputation as a leader in bespoke yacht craftsmanship and innovation.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
April 24, 2024
Project Arwen is the latest masterpiece from Dörries Yachts, boasting an extravagant 114-meter length and an awe-inspiring 20-meter hydraulic swimming pool.This superyacht, commissioned by an American technology billionaire, epitomizes international collaboration. Designed by U.S. firm Píndaros, with contributions from French studio Champeau Wilde and British designer Andy Waugh, and naval architecture led by Dutch outfit Azure, Project Arwen is a testament to top-tier German engineering, constructed at Dörries' facilities in Bremerhaven, Germany.Project Arwen's centerpiece is undoubtedly its extraordinary infinity pool, spanning most of the aft deck. Encased in glass, the pool offers uninterrupted ocean views. Remarkably, a 13-meter section can be raised hydraulically, expanding the deck space. Dörries describes this innovation as a versatile leisure and entertainment area, redefining luxury at sea.Beyond its stunning pool, Arwen impresses with a staggering interior volume of 4,950 gross tonnes (GT). Guests are welcomed by a grand multi-level spiral staircase leading to a vast living area covering over 1,400 square meters. The main saloon, featuring lofty 6-meter ceilings and lavish seating, epitomizes opulence.Dubbed a "haven of entertainment" by Dörries, Arwen offers multiple dining areas, indoor and outdoor bars, and relaxation spaces. Its amenities include a helipad for an H135 chopper, cinema, beach club, hair and beauty salon, and a wellness area featuring a gym, spa, and sauna.Accommodation is equally luxurious, comprising five en suite cabins and a VIP suite for guests. The owner's deck boasts a sprawling 288-square-meter suite with an exquisite en suite, dressing room, and terrace, offering direct access to a foredeck lounge and dining area – a true sanctuary of sophistication and style.Credits: Dörries Yachts
April 24, 2024
Pershing's flagship, the Pershing 140, has made its grand entrance into the waters at the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona. Combining almost four decades of design expertise with a quest for performance, the fourth hull was launched on April 20th.Spanning two main decks and a spacious sun deck, the Pershing 140 boasts an exterior design characterized by sleek lines, embodying Pershing's signature sporty personality. Noteworthy features like the side wings integrated into the superstructure and innovative design elements distinguish the Pershing 140 as a sought-after model in the market.The raised main deck offers direct access to the sun deck and houses a customized helm station with light grey tones complementing the exterior aluminum color. A convenient day head aft with outdoor access adds to the deck's functionality. Inside, the lounge features a discreetly placed bar cabinet adorned with special turquoise lacquering, adding a touch of uniqueness.The owner has personalized the interior with nature-themed decorative panels in the lobby and lounge, accentuated by three-dimensional fabrics in contrasting shades. Below deck, four guest cabins await, while the master suite on the main deck boasts neutral tones and sophisticated interior decor.Designed by architect Fulvio De Simoni and crafted in collaboration with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee, Pershing 140 represents the brand's first model built at the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona. Powered by four MTU 16 V 2000 M96L engines, each generating 2,600 hp, the Pershing 140 achieves impressive performance figures, reaching a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.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
April 24, 2024
Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind
April 23, 2024
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
April 23, 2024