The German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen has delivered a new motor yacht - the 68-metre Soaring - under extraordinary conditions.
Jörg Kleymann, Senior Project Manager of the company’s Yacht department, is not going to forget this particular experience: “About two weeks before the superyacht was to be handed over, half of Europe was engulfed into a ‘lockdown’ caused by the Covid-19 pandemic”. According to Kleymann, “It was simultaneously an extremely challenging time and a bold demonstration of the efficiency and flexibility of Abeking & Rasmussen, even under the harshest of conditions”. A special crisis management team, an elaborate safety and hygiene concept, as well as a two-shift production approach, helped the shipyard to deliver the yacht on time.
Soaring was built for an experienced owner whose briefing listed, amongst other things, a separate owner’s deck with aft looking grand master suite, the biggest possible tender and a gym together with a wellness centre both with direct access to water.
Apart from the Owner’s area the yacht features 4 Double-cabins and 1 VIP Suite, as well as generous double and single crew cabins in the bow, providing accommodation for up to 18 crew members.
The design pitch was won by Focus Yacht Design. The Bremen studio, only a short car ride from the yard itself, created a truly distinctive and impressive design with the harmonious and contemporary exterior, the prominent window surface, elegant grey–white colour scheme and Soaring’s signature aesthetic feature - a striking line stretching all the way from the bow to the swim platform.
In the words of Soaring’s designer Thomas Mühe: “I have experimented with this solid line, stretching the entire length of the superyacht, for years. And it all, finally, came together in Soaring”.
Further distinctive design elements are the bow side windows that work as a unified and solid feature lending the superyacht an element of dynamics. Thomas Mühe comments on the commission and its execution: “Our goal was not to put together a selection of attractive details, but to create a coherent and harmonious whole that was to be simultaneously impressive and imposing but most of all a reflection and representation of the owner’s central life themes and requests. Early on it was clear that the owner valued originality and had no interest in a yacht that could easily be mistaken for another”.
Technology-wise, Soaring’s captain has at his disposal already proven components. The steel / aluminium construction with a volume of 1541 GT is powered by two 1492 kilowatt strong MTU engines. The smooth hotel operations are ensured through 383 kilowatt strong Caterpillar generators and the tanks with a diesel capacity of 180 tons in total ensure a cruising radius of 4500 nautical miles. In addition, the superyacht fulfils the strict regulations of the IMO Trier III concept with its waste gas purification system.
Two Schottel thrusters provide comfortable manoeuvring, Naiad Zero Speed stabilizers cater to a smooth ride even when at anchor and two Compass tenders of 7.5m and 9m length respectively offer convenient and comfortable water transfers.
Interior work was done by, yet another Lemwerder company, Klaus Rodiek GmbH to the Focus Yacht Design specifications. They worked primarily with two types of wood, Amara and Tiama, natural stone and genuine Italian leather. The supremely outfitted living space used by the owner and his guests totals 471 square metres.
LOWER DECK
Soaring’s lower deck’s absolute highlight is the beach club with direct access to the swim platform. Together with the adjoining wellness centre the area boasts 74 square metres. Teak was used for flooring and the glossy eucalyptus, intertwined with 30cm long silver strings, for wall panelling.
The large sofa is custom-made for the superyacht as well as the ceiling-high Italian light sculpture.
The gym area, equipped with a ballet barre and a refreshment bar, connects with the wellness centre through a lobby that further leads to a dayhead and a shower as well as to a hammam port side and a massage room starboard side.
The hammam, decorated in natural stone mosaics, caters for up to six people and the massage room to two. A professionally trained crew member is on hand to offer various treatments to the owner and his guests.
Further forward on the lower deck is the engine room’s upper level and, located midship, yet another one of Soaring’s remarkable features. A 25 square metre starboard stowage is packed full of water toys including kayaks, surf boards, sea bobs, bicycles and electric scooters. Diving equipment can be found in the adjoining room and all of the equipment can be loaded and unloaded through a top hinged store hatch and a 400 kg-capacity crane.
Opposite, on port side, a 20 square metre galley with direct access to the cooling rooms is manned by a professional chef and thanks to its large windows is flooded in daylight.
MAIN DECK
For those boarding Soaring from a tender, the main deck is reached from the swim platform via stairs and when docked the superyacht can be reached via a swivel gangway. The ample aft deck contains a sofa with two side tables and a centrally placed round dining table for twelve. In order to provide the owner and his guests with privacy at lunch or dinner, especially in buzzing marinas, a side board with a retractable frosted glass panel placed between the sofa and the dining table offers visual cover if needed.
The 80 square metre salon, laid out with a hand-tufted rug, is classically partitioned into a lounge area with hand-made upholstered furniture and a dining area at the front of the room. The two areas are separated by a ceiling-high room divider, with an inset TV facing the sofa and bronze tiles throughout offer dazzling light effects in the natural sunlight. Almost parallel to the room divider are the panels on port and starboard side showing specific star constellations that are of personal significance to the owner. In addition, a piece of a genuine meteorite is incorporated into the interior so that the ‘cosmic’ theme is reflected manifold in the dining area.
The principally used wood in the salon is “stained Amara” and the Italian leather is in “Lugano” shade.
A starboard door leads from the salon into the lobby, the staircase and the guest cabins, all of which are located on the main deck. The visual highlight here is the Claus Hartmann’s sculpture depicting two stylized hippos. The Weser Island Harriersand based artist is best known for his figurehead works made for prominent ships such as the Gorch Fock. Focus Yacht Design drew the inspiration for this commission from the owner’s interest and love of nature. The superyacht’s very name Soaring recalls the free flight of an eagle.
The guests on Soaring pass the bronze hippos on their way to their cabins. The four 20 square metre rooms, three with double beds and one with two single beds, all embody a particular theme - Nautilus, Ginkgo, Turtle and Bamboo. The themes are reflected in the bed heads and travertine inlays in bath, corresponding to each cabin’s theme. At the end of the passageway is a luxurious 33 square metre VIP-cabin, stretching the whole width of the superyacht, with an ensuite and a separate dressing room. Theme of the VIP cabin is waterlily.
The two tenders are also stowed on the main deck. The 7.5m Compass sport and 9m limousine tenders match Soaring down to the striking line stretching across the length of their hulls and are lowered to the waterline using a crane.
OWNER’S DECK
The upper aft deck is used almost exclusively by the owner and this was a part of the superyacht’s concept from the very beginning. The 82 square metre stately master suite at the rear of the yacht is accessed through an 11 square metre office. Minimal furnishings, including an opulent armchair and a bed, reflect the starting idea behind Soaring’s concept of open spaces and free spirit, a motif seized upon once again in the eagle bed head on master bed. Sliding doors open on to the aft deck, offering complete privacy. A genuine dressing room of 13 square metres and a bath with a tub and a separate shower complete the owner’s grand suite.
In the passageway further forward are technical rooms, as well as an additional crew cabin. All the way at the very front of the upper deck, normally reserved for the master suite in other vessels, is the library. The original and unconventional lounge is glassed-in on three sides guaranteeing amazing views. Centrally placed in the room are three white, U-formed sofas and another visual highlight is on the back wall in the form of a bookshelf made of back-lit onyx. The library can also be completely dimmed, thus converting into a private cinema.
Forward of the library, the top of the tender garage allows the owner and his guests to practice their golf swings, naturally using biodegradable and water-soluble golf balls.
BRIDGE DECK
Soaring’s bridge deck is the uppermost deck itself. Behind the Portuguese bridge deck, the captain and his officers work in the fully integrated wheelhouse using Gyro compass, Synapsis-NX-Radar and Raytheon Anschütz Nautosteer Auto Pilot. The captain inhabits a 16 square metre cabin, next to a ships office used by the officers on board.
The aft deck, equipped with a Jacuzzi three metres in diameter with an adjoining bar and a generous sun pad, is once again reserved solely for the use of the owner and his guests. By request, the crew can organize a BBQ directly on the sun pad and a sofa with table offers additional seating possibilities.
Ocean Alexander announces the successful sale and delivery of the new Ocean Alexander 35-meter Revolution, marking a significant milestone in luxury yacht craftsmanship. Unveiled for the first time at the prestigious 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it clinched the coveted Best in Show title, the OA 35R stands as a testament to exceptional design and engineering.Crafted by the esteemed Evan Marshall in collaboration with Arrabito Naval Architects, the 35R redefines luxury and performance, offering an unparalleled yachting experience. With an impressive gross tonnage just under 300 GT, this masterpiece challenges the boundaries of a traditional 116-foot yacht, providing expansive living spaces that epitomize opulence and comfort.Bruce Siler, the Ocean Alexander Brand Manager with MarineMax and the selling broker, expressed his delight, stating, "It was a pleasure working with this client. This is his first Ocean Alexander. The 35-meter Ocean Alexander offers the size and volume he loves. He will be traveling to the Bahamas, up and down the east coast of the US, and possibly the Med."Powered by upgraded twin MTU® V16 2600 HP engines, the 35R achieves a top speed of 23 knots, ensuring swift navigation through the seas. At a hull speed of 10 knots, it boasts an extended range of over 1,200 nautical miles, promising unmatched performance and reliability for extended voyages.With robust mechanical features and uncompromising build quality, the OA 35R assures a serene journey across the vast oceans.Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander
April 26, 2024
In an elegant ceremony held in Viareggio, the eighth installment of the Mangusta GranSport 33 set sail into the azure waters, marking yet another milestone for the renowned yacht series.Crafted at the intersection of avant-garde design, artisanal expertise, and cutting-edge technology, this vessel is the epitome of nautical excellence. Designed in collaboration between Alberto Mancini and Ovemarine Group's technical department, the Mangusta GranSport 33 offers a seamless blend of sophistication and performance.Measuring 33 meters in length, this yacht effortlessly combines high-speed cruising capabilities of up to 25 knots with spacious and comfortable interiors, ideal for extended voyages across diverse waters.A hallmark of this vessel is its expansive interior spaces, totaling 228 gross tons, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of the owner and their guests. The on-deck master stateroom, spanning over 40 square meters, sets a new standard of luxury in its class, complemented by two VIP cabins and two guest cabins on the lower deck, all benefiting from the innovative IPS propulsion system.With a keen focus on owner-centric design, every aspect of the Mangusta GranSport 33 reflects a harmonious fusion of functionality and elegance. From the panoramic glazed surfaces to the iconic infinity pool at the stern, every detail has been meticulously curated to enhance the onboard experience.Powered by four Volvo Penta D13 735kW engines paired with IPS pods 1350 drives, the Mangusta GranSport 33 boasts a shallow draught of only 1.9 meters, ensuring versatility in navigation without compromising on performance.Equipped with a spacious aft garage accommodating a large tender, water-skis, and an array of water toys, this vessel promises unparalleled leisure and entertainment options for its guests.Sold in collaboration with brokerage house HMY, this Mangusta GranSport 33, delivered to a U.S. owner, exemplifies the ongoing success and global appeal of the series. Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
April 26, 2024
Van der Valk embarked on a monumental endeavor with the construction of Project EVO, a bespoke 40-meter superyacht. This ambitious project, the largest ever undertaken by the yard in terms of length and volume, promises to redefine luxury at sea. The owners were inspired by an exceptionally attractive design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, Project EVO boasts a sleek exterior and meticulously detailed interior.Ordered by seasoned clients with a penchant for high-performance vessels, Project EVO symbolizes the culmination of their yachting aspirations. With a vision to craft a tailor-made masterpiece for their family, the owners turned to Van der Valk, drawn by the promise of Dutch precision and excellence. The yacht's design journey, intricately guided by the owners, involved a transformative evolution led by Cristiano Gatto Design.Cristiano Gatto reflects on the project's inception, stating, “Our collaboration began with a shared vision to infuse the interior ambiance into the exterior design, culminating in a harmonious fusion of aesthetics.” The resulting profile, a synthesis of innovative proportions and lines, reflects the collective ingenuity of the design team.Beyond aesthetics, Project EVO is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, with a round-bilged fast displacement hull and a target top speed of 24 knots. Compliant with ABS class standards and IMO Tier III emissions regulations, the yacht exemplifies Van der Valk's commitment to superior craftsmanship and environmental sustainability.<iframe title=vimeo-player src=https://player.vimeo.com/video/937794356?h=3c621b1611 width=640 height=360 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen></iframe>With accommodations tailored for ten guests across lavish staterooms and crew quarters, Project EVO promises a luxurious retreat at sea. Yoeri Bijker, head of sales at Van der Valk, affirms the yard's capability in delivering bespoke superyachts of exceptional quality, stating, “Project EVO epitomizes our dedication to excellence, offering clients the opportunity to realize their yachting dreams without compromise.” Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
April 26, 2024
Northrop & Johnson has been named the exclusive sales broker by Ares Yachts for the globally anticipated sale of the shipyard’s flagship, Simena. Currently in the outfitting stage in Antalya, the 62-meter superyacht is slated for delivery in March 2025.“We are pleased to collaborate with such a reputable company,” states Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of Ares Yachts. “We trust Northrop & Johnson to introduce our remarkable flagship to the market and promote her effectively.”“Northrop & Johnson is honored to represent Ares for the sale of the magnificent 62m Simena, set for delivery in March 2025. Ares has established itself as a leading shipyard in Turkey with an exceptional track record of over 230 vessels. Simena presents a rare opportunity to acquire a yacht of exceptional quality at a competitive price,” says Patrick Coote, Europe Managing Director of Northrop & Johnson.Simena, Ares Yachts' 62-meter flagship, entered the outfitting stage in November. The completion of outfitting, including joinery work, will precede the installation of the rigging system.Kerim Kalafatoğlu and Patrick Coote“Exterior paintwork is in progress, and the superstructure and hull connection have been completed,” shares Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “Construction of the mahogany planking for the superstructure and doghouse is underway, along with the insulation, wiring, and piping from the aft crew accommodation.”Designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, Simena epitomizes classical and modern design elements. The vessel, designed to RINA Class C standards, boasts traditional teak decks and varnished Sipo Mahogany exterior joinery.Accommodating up to 12 guests and nine crew members, Simena offers luxurious onboard living. Its owner’s suite is strategically located forward on the main deck. Equipped with a sophisticated hybrid drive system, the yacht can operate silently under electric power at speeds up to 6 knots. Additionally, a 882 kW diesel engine complements her 220kW electric motors, allowing for a top speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.To maintain the yacht’s clean interior aesthetics, modern design elements have been discreetly integrated, including hidden TV lifts in the saloon and master suite. Walnut forms the basis of the interior, complemented by textured leathers, fabrics, and antiqued brass accents. Showers feature a blend of patterned tiles alongside Calacatta Oro and Patagonia White marbles, offering a blend of contemporary comfort and classic elegance.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: Northrop & Johnson
April 25, 2024
As the Palma International Boat Show commemorates its 40th anniversary, it sets its gaze firmly on the future with two groundbreaking initiatives: an economic impact study and certification as a sustainable event. Organized by the Regional Ministry of Enterprise, Employment, and Energy, in collaboration with the Balearic Islands Institute for Business Innovation (IDI) and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA), the fair opens today at Palma’s Moll Vell.The economic impact study, conducted in partnership with the Directorate General of Economics and Statistics of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Innovation, aims to assess the fair's contribution as an economic driver for the city and the region. Simultaneously, the fair is pursuing certification as a sustainable event, committing to minimizing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible practices.With a record 295 exhibitors, including international companies, the event promises to showcase an array of quality nautical products across its 86,000-square-meter venue. Notably, the Palma Superyacht Village will feature a dedicated area for boats over 24 meters, complemented by the introduction of the Superyacht Square, emphasizing innovation and sustainability.As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Balearic Superyacht Forum, the first international superyacht forum in the Balearic Islands, will convene around 300 industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts to discuss the sector's future. Additionally, the fair will pay tribute to the companies that have contributed to its success over the years, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the event's legacy.The 40th-anniversary festivities will culminate in a series of activities on April 26th, featuring music, entertainment, and a captivating drone show. Credits: The Palma International Boat Show
April 25, 2024