OceanX, ocean exploration initiative founded by billionaire philanthropist Ray Dalio, has launched a vote for the name of their newest explorer superyacht, the 85.3-metre Alucia 2. The explorer previously known as Volstad Surveyor and built in 2010 by Freire Shipyard is currently being rebuilt in Rotterdam.
The superyacht will operate as a marine research vessel platform and continue the revolutionary work currently being done by Alucia, her older and smaller predecessor. Equipped with two manned subs that can take researchers 1,000 metres deep, a fleet of support ships, an on-board helicopter, and fully equipped science labs, Alucia can bring back fantastic discoveries.
Meanwhile, Alucia2 has been commissioned by Ray Dalio who together with OceanX aims to further explore the secrets of the ocean together with director James Cameron and BBC’s Blue Planet. The design concept was created by Gresham Yacht Design.
Steve Gresham, founder and principal designer at Gresham Yacht Design, said earlier:
We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting and unique project. These types of projects are rare to come by and we are honoured to have been commissioned by the owner to deliver a design that is extremely functional and robust, it is a true explorer vessel.
Built by Freire as a deep-sea survey vessel in 2010, Alucia2 is undergoing transformation into a high-tech scientific research vessel, with significant improvements made to enable the OceanX team explore further than ever before.
To take on global expeditions, Alucia2 will be fitted with state-of-the-art marine research labs, cutting-edge media equipment, manned and autonomous deep-sea submersibles, helicopters and drones.
OceanX will use Alucia2 as a next generation platform to discover 70 per cent of the planet that remains mostly unexplored and share this secret world through carefully executed media centre developed in consultation with filmmaker and ocean explorer James Cameron.
The vessel features a 40-ton A-frame at the stern designed specifically to deploy the two submersibles that can dive to depths beyond 3,000 feet for up to eight hours. Underwater discoveries will be analysed in the state-of-the-art dry and wet labs on board, while Alucia 2’s media studio will be able to document and broadcast the ground-breaking discoveries in ultra high-definition around the world.
James Cameron stated:
With OceanX and Alucia2, we will reignite global passion for and curiosity about the ocean in our global, digitally-connected age.
Once delivered, Alucia2 will replace the 55.7-metre Alucia, which is currently for sale through Fraser for $19,750,000. In the meantime, American residents are invited to select from a list of six names and vote for the explorer’s name. The list comprises the names Oceanus, Neptune, OceanXplorer, Audacious etc.
The vote is set to be a part of promotional campaign ahead of the release of a new six-part ocean documentary series. The series will premiere in the USA on September 2, bringing together an all-star team including National Geographic, BBC Studios and James Cameron along with Dalio Philanthropies’ OceanX.
y begun a major refit with a delivery expected in early 2019. Once delivered, it will replace the owner’s existing vessel 55.7-metre Alucia, which is currently for sale through Fraser for $19,750,000 and owned by Ray Dalio.
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
The Azimut|Benetti Group has named Andrea Antichi as General Manager of its Azimut division, effective May 12, 2025. Antichi, who reports directly to CEO Marco Valle, will oversee strategic direction and operational objectives, including ongoing enhancements to the division's production facilities.A mechanical engineer, Antichi previously served as Chief Manufacturing Officer at Ferrari, where he worked for 19 years. His earlier experience includes technical roles at Piaggio and research in computational biomechanics at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institutes.Andrea AntichiMarco Valle stated: "Andrea's appointment is an important part of the current phase of evolution of the Azimut division, which commits to building the foundation of an ambitious vision for the coming years: accelerating industrial development with an increasingly structured approach, while continuing to innovate constantly."Antichi succeeds Daniele Romiti, who led the division since 2022. During his tenure, Romiti advanced sustainability initiatives, including energy self-generation systems and circular economy practices at Azimut’s production sites.Antichi remarked: "After nineteen years at Ferrari, a symbol of Italian automotive excellence in the world, I have chosen to come aboard the excellence of the yachting sector."The appointment reflects Azimut’s strategy of integrating nautical expertise with cross-industry leadership. The Avigliana facility, now capable of producing yachts up to 26 meters, remains central to the division’s industrial development. No further operational changes were announced.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
May 14, 2025
Dynamiq has released new exterior images of its 52-meter GTT 170 superyacht, currently under construction at its Antalya shipyard in Turkey. The aluminum-hulled vessel, designed for shallow-water cruising with a 2-meter draft, targets owners in the U.S. and Middle East markets, with delivery scheduled for the 2027 Mediterranean season.The GTT 170 features naval architecture by Vripack, combining a top speed of 19 knots with IMO Tier III-compliant MAN V12 1,066 kW engines and an integrated battery pack. The stabilization system includes four electric fins and a Hull Vane aft foil to reduce pitch motion.Accommodation comprises five guest staterooms and an owner's suite, with a two-level beach club featuring a pool, bar, and spa with fold-out terraces. The sun deck includes an outdoor cinema and lounge areas.Dobroserdov Design developed the exterior, while Claudio Pironi & Partners created minimalist interiors using teak and natural marble. The yacht is being built at Dynamiq's Antalya facility with European subcontractors and Turkish craftsmen.Hull #2 is available for €29 million. The GTT 170's shallow draft enables access to Caribbean destinations like the Exumas and St. Barths, with 500 GT volume optimized for sub-50-meter length. No hybrid propulsion option was specified for this hull.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Dynamiq
May 13, 2025
Denison Yachting has entered an exclusive global partnership with French shipyard JFA Yachts to represent its Long Island brand of sail and power catamarans. The agreement focuses initially on models ranging from 70 to 100 feet.JFA's aluminum-hulled Long Island catamarans are designed for transoceanic cruising, with engineering by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group and interiors by Darnet Design. The yachts emphasize lightweight construction, customizable layouts, and systems optimized for long-range performance. A Long Island 85 has recently sold, with a new Long Island 87 model scheduled for delivery later this year.Long Island 87David Johnson, Denison broker and U.S. brand representative, stated: "Alongside my colleague Simon in Europe, I'm proud to promote a shipyard that leads the world in building aluminum-hulled sailing and power catamarans—vessels purpose-built for owners seeking to explore the most remote parts of the world in total comfort."Simon Turner, overseeing European and global sales, added: "These exceptional, round-the-world-capable catamarans deliver an unmatched level of performance, luxury, and safety that is unparalleled anywhere else."Long Island 86 PowerJFA Yachts CEO Frédéric Jaouen noted: "We pride ourselves on attentively listening to our clients’ needs, exercising discretion, and developing trusted relationships. The savoir-faire of our team has earned JFA Yachts a reputation as one of the most respected shipyards in the world."The partnership expands Denison's portfolio of specialized cruising catamarans while providing JFA with global distribution channels. No specific sales targets or production figures were disclosed.Long Island 87 SailWith a rich family history dating back to 1948, Denison Yachting is a leader in the industry, providing comprehensive yachting services worldwide. With over 20 waterfront offices and a team of 90+ licensed brokers, Denison offers superyacht sales, yacht charter, crew placement, and new construction services. Their extensive experience and passion for yachting ensure a long-term perspective and commitment to excellence.French shipbuilder JFA Yachts was founded in 1993 by Frédéric Jaouen. JFA Yachts builds mono- and multihull power and sailing superyachts from 24 to 50 meters in length. Credits: Denison Yachting
May 13, 2025