Innovation in the superyacht space can sometimes seem barely incremental, until a ship is launched that changes the game. Barely cracking the first half of the world's 100 largest yachts, Aviva became the first yacht to have an indoor padel tennis court. Built for a UK billionaire, the 98-meter is also the largest yacht ever built by Abeking & Rasmussen.
Launched in January 2017, Aviva was designed by British design studio, Reymond Langton, morphing into their largest creation to date. Boasting large interior volumes throughout its hull, Aviva also manages to feature some exterior space to take in the sun. Its sheer scale required Abeking & Rasmussen to create a special system to launch the yacht with a special pontoon.
Delivered within 33 months of signing the contract, Aviva was commissioned by UK billionaire Joe Lewis, currently valued by Forbes at $5 billion. His fourth superyacht named Aviva, Lewis' former yacht was a 68-meter version of his current flagship also built by Abeking & Rasmussen. Extensively used as a floating home and office by the investment mogul, Aviva's volume would be impressive for any yacht.
The powerful looking hull is the result of new research and testing which ensures superior seakeeping abilities combined with a 20% decrease in drag. Less engine output is required, fuel consumption is reduced and the maximum speed is a full 20 knots. A very special feature is the hybrid drive system: it allows Aviva to run at up to 11 knots without the use of the main engines, using electric motors only.
Aviva's main feature, however, became an indoor, full-sized padel tennis court. Stretching across a length of 20 meters and a width of 10 meters, the court area goes up 6.65 meters high, a space that would be difficult to fit into any type of yacht. Aviva's 5,000GT of interior volume, however, allowed to blend in this space without compromises as to the size of the court.
"It is not only a lifestyle change for the owner but also for the crew as this is also the largest gym of any yacht." the yacht's designers' commented. "The crew is encouraged to play with the owner and guests and when the court is not in use for padel, the net can be removed and the crew plays football and use other exercise equipment in the space. It is after all a sports hall."
Perfectly lit through lights on the ceiling, this indoor court sits amidst the yacht's hull and stretches down to the bottom of its draft. In addition to the padel tennis court is a small lounging and viewing area up a series of stairs. Hidden away behind a net to protect the ball from flying away, the viewing area can also be used for gym equipment whilst a game is being played. "The owner is adamant that this is the best padel tennis court in the world, period!" the studio continued.
In terms of exterior relaxation areas, Aviva features a circular set of lounging pads up on her sun deck as well as small, hidden away lounging pads towards the yacht's bridge. Powered by an eco-friendly system, the 98-meter can reach a top speed of 20 knots and cruise at 11 knots by using only electric power. This is achieved, in part, thanks to her innovative hull design couple with an electric propulsion system.
Apart from her sundeck, most of the areas on the 98-meter superyacht are found inside, which gives it tremendous volume required for a live onboard owner. An exterior lounging area can, however, still be found aft of the main, upper and third decks with a series of lounging chairs and sun pads. A swimming platform also opens up onto the sea, creating a beach club area, her tenders being launched through side doors.
"Featuring a fresh and dynamic contemporary exterior design, unique, highly personalized layout for the interior and a cutting edge technical platform, Aviva is intended as a home away from home, and as a result the layout moves away from current trends to maximise the spaces that will be used the most, and create a welcome, inviting atmosphere, with a combination of spacious, open social lounges alongside more intimate and discreet areas for dining, working and relaxation." commented Andrew Langton
"The interior design features a number of avant-garde architectural elements and details, and uses a rich combination of fabric and leathers in light, warm tones."
Throughout the yacht, Aviva features a modern design with sleek shapes couple with an extensive use of glass and stainless steel. Opting for a clear colour scheme with sprinkles of vivd soft furnishings, Aviva's exterior and interior look follows that of Lewis' former 68m Aviva.
"Communication and information are critical to me." Lewis said in an interview with regards to his requirements for his floating office. "To be effective, I need reliable phones and internet, these have improved much over the past few years, but, it is too expensive, too slow and not consistently reliable. Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world."
Currently valued at $5 billion by Forbes, Joe Lewis sits as the 5th richest man in the United Kingdom. Chairman of the Tavistock Group with investments in over 200 companies, the 81 year-old started his career in the catering business in London, joining his father's company at the age of 15 in 1958.
Initially making his wealth by selling that business in 1979, Lewis moved into currency trading, switching his residence to the Bahamas. Teaming up with George Soros in 1992, the pair bet against the pound and earned exponential returns with Lewis reportedly pocketing even more than Soros.
Lewis' portfolio now includes Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur as well as Lake Nona, a fast growing development in Orlando, Florida. In December 2016, he paid $165 million to acquire the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six hotel in Fort Lauderdale through Tavistock. In addition to this, Lewis owns stakes in UK's largest pub operator, Mitchell's and Butlers as well as luxury club resort Albany.
In a deal profiled by the Guardian, Lewis was able to back a Christie's art auction for the Ganz collection, guaranteeing a minimum sales price of $168 million and, eventually, splitting the $38 million net profit with the auction house when the sale fetched $206 million weeks later. "Being a trader means that you are wrong at the very least three times out of 10, and that is very hard." Lewis once told Fortune magazine.
Prior to taking deliver of the 98-meter flagship, Lewis' largest yacht was the 68-meter Aviva delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2007. A smaller version of his current yacht, the 68-meter featured a similar focus towards interior volume and acted as Lewis' floating office with a Bloomberg terminal and several trading screens onboard.
In 1998, Lewis had taken delivery of 62-meter Feadship, Lady Aviva, which later caught fire in the Red Sea. The yacht was eventually salvaged by serial yacht owner, Dennis Washington, who transformed the yacht into Attessa III. Lewis' second Aviva became the 60-meter Oceanco built in 2004 as Alfa Four and now known as Sea Pearl.
Check our Timeline platform to get the full access to our analytics platform, that offers you a detailed report on the timeline of each superyacht, real time market view to see the yacht market developing and much more!
Azimut has unveiled its new 38.2-meter Grande Trideck superyacht, marking a design evolution for the Italian builder's flagship series. The vessel features interiors by Milan-based studio m2atelier, implementing their "Barefoot Luxury" concept focused on informal sophistication.The exterior design by Alberto Mancini retains Azimut's characteristic sleek profile while incorporating new elements like a recessed foredeck pool with integrated chaise lounge. The interior architecture emphasizes clean geometries, with straight horizontal and vertical lines creating an expanded sense of space. Diagonal elements appear selectively to establish intimate areas within the open layout.Notable interior features include a signature "Unveiling Wall" in the main salon - a motorized panel of vertical wood slats that slides open to reveal a hidden television. Floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout guest areas maintains visual connections to the seascape. The owner's suite utilizes layered glass partitions to preserve sightlines while ensuring privacy.Custom furniture pieces designed by m2atelier and manufactured by Giorgetti follow the Integral Design approach, ensuring stylistic continuity throughout all interior elements. The Sky Lounge incorporates a convertible hi-lo table that transforms the space between lounge, dining area and media room configurations."Light becomes the invisible thread that connects every environment," explained m2atelier founders Marijana Radovic and Marco Bonelli. The lighting design uses concealed LED strips and strategic window placement to accentuate material textures and spatial volumes.The Grande Trideck represents the first of three new models in Azimut's redesigned Grande series, with two additional yachts scheduled for debut at the September 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. Technical specifications including propulsion systems and performance data remain undisclosed at this stage.Azimut's Product Design Director Federico Lantero described the project as creating "an atmosphere that evolves with those who experience it" rather than focusing on traditional displays of luxury. The design separates crew circulation routes while maintaining visual openness in all guest areas.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
July 28, 2025
Ferretti Group's Pershing brand has introduced the GTX70, the smallest model in its Sport Utility Yacht series, measuring 21.76 meters (71'4") in length with a 5.42-meter (17'9") beam. The yacht made its world premiere during Pershing's 40th anniversary celebrations in Capri, Italy.Developed through collaboration between the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari, Vallicelli Design, and the Group's Engineering Department, the GTX70 was constructed at the Ferretti Group's Plug and Mould facility in Mondolfo. The yacht represents a more compact interpretation of Pershing's GTX concept, combining sporty performance with increased livability compared to similar-sized vessels.The GTX70 is powered by three Volvo Penta D13 IPS1200 engines, each producing 900 horsepower. Preliminary performance data indicates a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots. The propulsion system incorporates Volvo IPS electro-hydraulic steering and is complemented by Humphree Interceptor trim control and Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers. The yacht holds CE Class A certification, the highest safety rating for vessels under 24 meters.Exterior spaces feature a two-level stern configuration with a 23-square-meter beach area that expands to nearly 8 meters in beam when side terraces are deployed. The swim platform utilizes dual linear lift technology, functioning both as a tender launch platform and an extended lounge area. The main deck offers 10% more interior space than comparable models, while exterior areas are 30% larger.Accommodations include three cabins for six guests: a full-beam master suite amidships with walk-in wardrobe, a forward VIP cabin, and a guest cabin with crosswise bed arrangement. Crew quarters forward contain two bunk beds and a separate bathroom. Interior design emphasizes spatial perception through mirrored surfaces and LED lighting strips by Altraluce.The 16-square-meter sportbridge divides into three functional areas: a sunbathing space aft, central dining section with L-shaped sofa and extendable table, and forward helm station. The area can be shaded by either a standard awning or an optional carbon fiber bimini top.Notable features include a main deck galley with retractable glass panel connecting to the cockpit, and a helm station with pillarless windscreen for 360-degree visibility. The bow area can be configured with either sun pads or a dinette featuring a convertible table.Construction utilized Pershing's plug and mould technology, with the hull and superstructure built at the Mondolfo facility dedicated to GTX series production. The yacht's design maintains signature GTX elements including the near-vertical bow and arch-shaped profile while introducing more compact proportions.The GTX70 joins the Pershing lineup as the brand's third GTX model, following the GTX80 and GTX116. Its debut coincides with Pershing's 40th anniversary year, marking the brand's continued expansion into the sport cruiser segment.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
July 28, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the new-build 26.5-meter explorer yacht Project Mako Shark for EUR6,825,000, with Yacht Broker Deniz Kaymaz representing the sale. The steel-hulled vessel, designed by Rıza Tansu and built by Tufan and Yachting Co., features a naval-inspired design with a 7.63-meter beam and shallow 1.8-meter draft.Powered by twin Cummins X15 600hp heavy-duty diesel engines, the yacht achieves a maximum speed of 12 knots with a cruising speed of 11 knots. The propulsion system delivers an exceptional 4,500-nautical-mile range at an economical 8 knots, supported by 28,000-liter fuel tanks. Engine room insulation ensures quiet operation at 58 dB in guest areas during cruising.The interior showcases marine-grade oak paneling with matte finishes, complemented by tempered glass partitions and stainless steel accents. Guest accommodations include a full-beam main deck master suite with office area and marble-clad rain shower. Four additional cabins (two VIP doubles, one twin, and one convertible) feature en-suite bathrooms with anti-fog mirrors and teak flooring.Common areas utilize scratch-resistant synthetic leather upholstery and shock-absorbing decking materials. The galley is equipped with commercial-grade Miele appliances and corrosion-resistant fixtures.The yacht offers two layout options: a crew-operated version with upper deck helm station or an owner-operated configuration with private sky lounge. Exterior spaces include an aft deck dining area with weather-resistant furniture, a convertible foredeck lounge with sunbed padding, and an upper deck with non-slip teak surfaces.Project Mako Shark's classification includes RINA Comfort Class certification for noise and vibration levels. The vessel is currently available for purchase with delivery scheduled for Q2 2026.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
July 28, 2025
The 42.2-meter motor yacht Song of Songs has entered the market at EUR22,888,000 through Camper & Nicholsons, with Chief Commercial Officer Asia Julien Solari and Sales Broker Della Pearce representing the central agency. The vessel is also available for charter in Southeast Asia.Constructed in 2023 by Heysea Yachts as the first model on their Asteria 139 platform, Song of Songs was designed in collaboration with VYD Studio. The 431GT yacht features a semi-displacement hull powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, achieving a top speed of 19 knots with a 2,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots cruising speed.The yacht's layout accommodates twelve guests across six cabins, including an upper deck master suite with private aft terrace, a main deck secondary master, and three VIP suites plus one convertible cabin on the lower deck. Crew quarters provide for seven staff members.Notable amenities comprise a 120 square meter sun deck with hardtop-covered dining area and bar, a main deck beach club with transformer platform, and a forward lounge area featuring a hot tub. The contemporary interior design utilizes light oak joinery and marble finishes throughout the living spaces.With 26,300 liters of fuel capacity and average consumption of 320 liters per hour at cruising speed, the yacht is equipped for extended voyages. A 120KVA Kohler generator handles onboard power requirements. The vessel's design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extensive glazing and multiple al fresco entertainment areas.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
July 25, 2025
Nautor Swan will field sixteen yachts in this year's Rolex Fastnet Race, representing nearly the entire production history of the Finnish builder. The fleet includes models ranging from classic Sparkman & Stephens designs to contemporary German Frers creations.The 100th edition of the 695-nautical-mile race begins July 26 from Cowes, Isle of Wight, with a record 451 entries from 34 nations. The course passes Fastnet Rock off Ireland before finishing in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.At a pre-race reception hosted by Nautor Swan Global Service at the Royal Air Force Yacht Club in Hamble, the all-female crewed Swan 46 Anne Bonny received the Spirit of Swan Award. The yacht is sailed by Belgian team "Swanne Bonny."Notable entrants include:Coco De Mer (Swan 62RS)Truwen (Swan 38)Galiana Withsecure (Swan 55)Miri (Swan 48)The participation follows recent Swan successes including ClubSwan 125 Skorpios' 2021 line honors victory and Swan 441 Best Buddies' dual handicap win at the Aegean 600. Simultaneously, the new ClubSwan 28 makes its competitive debut at Lake Garda.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
July 25, 2025