Panamax sloop Nilaya has departed from her construction hall at the builder’s Vollenhove facility in preparation for the installation of her towering rig in Amsterdam. Nilaya’s racy, low profile with its straight bow, wide transom, and twin rudders, echoes the look of her owners’ previous highly successful maxi-racer of the same name. Not surprisingly, she is from the boards of the same naval architecture and design firms, Reichel / Pugh and Nauta, both firms with impressive reputations for high-performance sailing yachts.
Exploring all the options for a luxurious performance cruiser also capable of podium finishes at superyacht regattas, the team made full design studies for the yacht in both carbon and aluminum using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize hull shape and balance. Royal Huisman’s Featherlight™ method, an evolution of nearly 60 years of aluminum yacht-building experience melded with the latest carbon technology, provides her owners the best of both materials for a no-compromise yacht.
Nauta Design’s Mario Pedol noted that the choice of primary hull material did not fundamentally change the yacht’s layout or total weight. “With Reichel / Pugh, we set the target weight. Royal Huisman really embraced the concept. It was a very good process, good collaboration.”
The Featherlight™ process makes use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a design methodology rooted in spacecraft technology. FEA modeling enabled selecting various construction materials and varied Alustar aluminum plate thicknesses and frame spacing to maximize hull stiffness while minimizing total displacement. With engineering and weight management brought in-house, the approach was comprehensive, extending to lighting, insulation, and all mechanical systems. The interior, too, benefited from careful weight analysis. All interior structural members utilize lightweight foam coring.
Capturing the carbon fiber expertise of its sister company Rondal, Royal Huisman’s engineering team used this synergy to analyze and predict which structural components would be best made of composites or aluminum. For example, the entire 17.5m / 57-foot curvaceous coachroof and guest cockpit structure are carbon composite. Likewise, the recessed tender well on the foredeck (that transforms to a seating area for cruising or a flush deck for racing) is also carbon composite as are a watertight bulkhead, crew entrance, twin rudders, the keel trunk and a cockpit bimini hardtop.
Project 405 is also the first yacht of this size range designed to take advantage of structured luff sail design pioneered by Doyle Sails, a choice that allowed the entire Rondal mast, rig, and components to be lighter — a key point considering her Panamax air draft. To take advantage of the very narrow headsail sheeting angles possible, Rondal created a radical new curved carbon fiber spreader design that is both shorter and more aerodynamic than anything previously available. Rondal also supplied new generation hybrid (carbon and aluminum) captive winches, hatches and various sail handling gear. Most deck hardware is titanium.
"The success of the innovations with Project 405 paves the way to use this bold new approach for future builds. I am proud of the investment we have made in advanced engineering and of the way teams from Royal Huisman and Rondal advanced new solutions to meet the brief from very knowledgeable clients and designers. The owners as well deserved congratulations for pushing everyone to achieve just a little bit more and for encouraging innovation at every step. Nilaya will be the world’s lightest aluminum sailing superyacht for her length: she rewrites the script for high-performance superyachts,” says Jan Timmerman, Royal Huisman CEO.
The 46.8-meter Project 405 Nilaya will be delivered to her owners in the coming months.
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: Tom van Oossanen/Royal Huisman
In the beginning of March Lürssen technically launched the 144-meter Project Cosmos in a construction site in Rendsburg. The construction started in 2020, making the 114-meter vessel one of the largest yachts currently in development. The megayacht features exterior and interior design by Australian designer Marc Newson. She spreads across four decks and has a large aft deck, a swimming pool, an observation lounge and helipad. She will be the first Lürssen yacht to feature fuel cell technology on board. Project Cosmos is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Video by OneHouseMedia/Lürssen YouTube
March 30, 2023
The Milan-based designer Enzo Manca revealed the concept, which he has drawn specifically for the Middle Eastern country. Named UAE One, the 140-meter megayacht was designed in collaboration with a Sheikh (unnamed for privacy) who wanted to create an official flagship of the nation. The vessel is convicted for international meetings, as well as multiple transfer options.“The idea of UAE One was born in 2020, during a very special meeting between me and a sultan of the United Arab Emirates on vacation in Italy,” said Manca in a statement. “The sultan was very clear and categorical, he wanted something really special and unique.”UAE One takes design cues from traditional defense ships but has a curvaceous silhouette that sets it apart from other vessels on the high seas. It also towers more than 39 meters and sports tinted windows that add to the aggressive attitude while providing extra privacy.Spanning nine decks, the vessel offers just over 2,800 sqm of space and has been outfitted to provide the best possible experience to monarchs, diplomats, and visitors. The interior is equipped with one owner’s suite, eight cabins, and 14 mini suites. There are also 35 cabins for the crew. Beyond accommodation, the yacht has three private meeting rooms for top-secret gatherings and a press area for briefings.UAE One isn’t all work and no play, though. The main deck is fitted with a striking, geometric swimming pool, while the foredeck features a huge circular sofa and a cozy fireplace. Elsewhere, guests can find a wellness center with a spa, an expansive swim platform for ocean dips, and a number of alfresco lounges for sundowners. UAE One can hold a full arsenal of vehicles for air, land, and sea. She has a “mini-internal port” for tenders and submarines, two helipads for choppers and one hangar. Manca didn’t share any details regarding propulsion, though it would require some serious horsepower to push this 140-meter vessel through the water.According to Manca the first official renderings of the interiors are expected to be ready by the end of 2023.Credits: Enzo Manca
March 30, 2023
The Genoa-based boatbuilder has sold the 80HT #007. “We’re always ready to introduce engineering and design modifications, but I can honestly say that this time we’re looking at the most extreme and advanced 80HT yet,” says Matteo Belardinelli, Otam sales and communication manager. “The client is not just an expert owner, he’s also an experienced captain and came to us with a detailed list of technical and aesthetic requests of his own.” The full Kevlar lamination of the hull and deck and the carbon fiber superstructure of the yacht are complemented by additional unidirectional carbon fiber for local reinforcements in high-load areas, resulting in an extremely robust and rigid structure that is also lightweight, delivering higher performance in terms of top speed and fuel consumption.While the twin MTU 2600hp engines coupled with Arneson drives and the hull lines by Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design & Services remain the same, almost everything else has been re-engineered according to the specific technical specifications of the owner-operator. More details will be released as the project progresses.To increase natural light and ventilation, the side windows of the yacht are larger than in previous iterations and can be opened electrically. The one-piece windscreen without pillars is also larger, and the hardtop comes with a redesigned sliding skyroof, offering the thrill of a pure Open while providing the protection of an enclosed helm station.While the interior layout is yet to be finalized, it will be fully tailored to the needs of the suite owner-operator, in line with Otam's bespoke approach.“The client came to us because he wanted to create something unique and exclusive and knew we would do what it takes to not only meet but also exceed his demands,” concludes Belardinelli. The 70HT is close to handover and the new 90GTS is currently under construction at the shipyard.The shipyard’s history started in 1954 in Liguria. Its professionalism is what made it stand out, very quickly becoming the first authorized Riva yacht Service Center for the Med Sea. In the 80’s Otam fit around 25 yachts for an American builder before starting his own production of Otam 45’ and 55’, earning significant attention. Today Otam has produced around 90 yachts, becoming an Italian specialist, and, together with its custom range, offers a limitless choice between 45’ and 130’.Credits: Otam
March 30, 2023
Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi has launched the 66m superyacht Alchemy. The yacht is a result of collaboration between the shipyard and Philippe Briand, Founder of Vitruvius Yachts, who is responsible for the exterior design of the vessel. The naval architecture was developed in-house. Alchemy is spread across three decks and commissioned by a private client who has very much been involved in every aspect of the design project. The owner also commissioned this with a brief to focus on the design of the outdoor areas and wellness aspects of the yacht. “I was very lucky to meet this owner, who guided and empowered the entire team involved in the creation of his superyacht. A real Alchemy, as the name evokes, a combination of elements, which leads to an original and refined result: a streamlined and elegant three deck vessel, 66m long, that fits perfectly with what Vitruvius Yachts represents”, says Philippe Briand. The interior was made by Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design. A striking feature of the interior design is the suspended staircase which takes center stage in the main saloon, connecting the bridge to the upper deck. This unique design element creates a connection with its suspended glass steps that are supported by two partitions of white Carrara marble. The staircase serves as both a functional and artistic element, adding to the overall elegance and sophistication of the yacht's interior.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-PaStJ3k9M title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share allowfullscreen></iframe>The other highlights are large alfresco areas, especially asked by the owner. The yacht has a hot tub and garage for two tenders. The 66-meter vessel will be delivered later this year.Rossinavi is an Italian manufacturer of custom steel and aluminium superyachts 28m in size and larger. The Rossi shipyard was founded in the 1970s and is located in Viareggio.Credits: Rossinavi
March 29, 2023
Sanlorenzo announces the acquisition of a stake in Sea Energy, a company active in the design, production and installation of electronics and electrical systems for the yachting sector. Sanlorenzo acquired 49% of the share capital of Sea Energy, for a total amount of almost €2.7 million.With this transaction Sanlorenzo continues in the path of verticalization of its key suppliers. In addition, the expertise and experience of Sea Energy will enable Sanlorenzo to benefit from an excellent and highly specialized know-how, aimed at developing projects in line with the sustainability of Sanlorenzo.Sanlorenzo was supported in the legal due diligence and contractual negotiations of its recent acquisition of a 49% stake in Sea Energy by the Law Firm Musumeci, Altara, Desana and Associates. Andersen Italia provided assistance to Sanlorenzo for the accounting and fiscal due diligence. Lawyer Luca Polidori and Mr. Gabriele Dini, on the other hand, offered support to Sea Energy.Massimo Perotti“I am glad to announce the investment of Sanlorenzo in Sea Energy, a strategic partner, which allows us to reach a further step in strengthening the supply chain. Sea Energy has made innovation technology the key of its success, now representing an excellence of the territory. Sea Energy, in the last few years, has also developed a significant experience in the field of electric and hybrid propulsion; this know-how is fully consistent with our “Road to 2030” vision to develop innovative and sustainable technologies able to revolutionize yachting. I am sure that the contribution of Sea Energy will be valuable in this path”, comments Massimo Perotti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanlorenzo. Sanlorenzo was founded in 1985 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 62 meters in length. Credits: Daniele Barraco, Sanlorenzo
March 29, 2023