New deliveries and launches understandably benefit from significant exposure across the yachting world, yet, refits of historical yachts are sometimes even more significant events for the sector as these five yachts show.
Length: 39m (128 ft)
Original yard: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (1913)
Refit: Royal Huisman (underway)
The famed financier and avid yachtsman Harold S. Vanderbilt, heir of the vast railway empire, ordered from Herreshoff Manufacturing two schooners, both named Vagrant. The first of them, launched in 1910 and measuring 32 meters, was refitted in 1984 by Peter de Savary and is reportedly still afloat in Japan under the name of Vagrant of Burnham. Meanwhile, the largest of the two, the 39-meter Vagrant is now under reconstruction at Royal Huisman facilities in Vollenhove.
«Thanks to her owner's vision and respect for her legacy Vagrant will not become a piece of forgotten history, but instead will remain a living legend – sailing and enjoyed by many for decades to come», claims the Dutch yard, assuring that the yacht's owner directed to refit the boat inside and out with the utmost respect for her historic value.
Royal Huisman took the challenge and embarked on the project in 2017. The rebuilt began with the sandblasting and preservation of the yacht's 33-meter over-a-hundred-years-old steel hull. At the same time, the iconic boat has to be re-engineered with modern quality materials and board systems. Dykstra Naval Architects is in charge of re-rigging her schooner-rigged sail plan, while Rondal provides bespoke components, including aluminum masts for the inside furling of the fisherman and mainsail.
Guest accommodation will be refurbished and new crew quarters will be designed in-house. All the machinery, including generators, air conditioning, and heating, will be wisely concealed behind wooden panels and cabinetry.
The rebuilt classic yacht is due for re-launch in 2019.
#2. Kentra
Length: 25.6m (84 ft)
Original yard: Fife & Son (1923)
Refit: Fairlie Yachts (1993/2015)
Built for Scottish industrialist, Kenneth MacKenzie-Clark in 1923, the 25.6-meter Kentra has a long racing and round-the-world cruising history, along which she kept changing owners. In the early 50s, the luxury yacht was turned into a venue for glamorous parties, with Christina of Spain, actors Brigitte Bardot and Errol Flynn among the yacht's celebrity guests. She eventually returned to Britain, where she was lying dormant for many years until bought at auctions in 1992 by her current owner, who commissioned Fairlie Yachts for rebuilding the boat that took 18 months to complete.
The full structural restoration required the re-coppering of the yacht's hull. Her copper-bottomed hull, introduced in the 18th century by the British Royal Navy to ensure ultimate resistance over the traditional wooden hulls, makes Kentra a rarity nowadays.
Furthermore, yacht's keel was removed from the aft end in order to balance the weight of the modern machinery. New rigs were constructed from Fife's original drawings. Fortunately, the old deck structures were in good condition and could be reused. Designers had to create new interiors, utilizing the original doors and frames.
After her first refit, Kentra received a new lease of life and even took her owner for an around-the-world voyage between 1999 and 2004. During the second refit, carried out in 2015, the boat's hull had a provisional update with copper cladding meant to protect the hull for another two decades. During winter the historic yacht leads a quiet life very close to her birthplace, although sometimes her adventurous owner braves the contrary weather to cruise western isles.
#3. Williamsburg
Yard: Bath Iron Works Corp (1931)
Refits: 1941,1995
Referred to for good reason as The Floating White House, the 74-meter steel motor boat started out her life in 1931 as Aras, but in 1941 the private yacht was acquired by the US Navy and, refitted into a gunboat, entering service under the name of USS Williamsburg. During the Second World War, the vessel was mainly used for escorting military convoys in the North Sea. One of the boat's most memorable adventures was the secret transfer of 28 treasure chests full of gold bars in 1942.
During the post-war years, under the presidency of Harry Truman, the boat hosted world leaders, including Winston Churchill, and other important politicians, such as George Marshall and Clement Attlee, cruising to Florida, Cuba and the Virgin Islands. In 1953, Williamsburg was replaced as a presidential yacht by the new head of state, Eisenhower, and, thus, was consigned to oblivion.
There were a number of attempts to restore the yacht. In the mid-90s she was transferred to Genoa to be converted into a luxury cruise ship under a different name, something that never happened. An urgent appeal of the Italian government saved her for this time being. The US Williamsburg Preservation Society was formed with the goal of reincorporating the former presidential yacht into the American Navy. However, the raise fund campaign failed to collect the necessary $40 million. The legendary yacht eventually sank at her moorings in La Spezia harbor in 2015.
#4. Endeavour
Length: 40m (131 ft)
Original yard: Camper & Nicholsons (1934)
Refit: Royal Huisman (1989), Yachting Developments (2012)
The 40-meter sailing yacht Endeavour was launched in 1934 by Camper & Nicholsons for Sir Thomas Sopwith, English aviation pioneer and yachtsman. Determined to compete for the America's Cup in 1934, he was keen to ensure that the yacht featured the most advanced design possible. For instance, he insisted on applying the aviation technology to the boat's rig and winches.
Over half a century, the award-winning superyacht bounced through a number of owners, her fate often hanging by a thread. She was even sold to a scrap merchant in 1947 only to be saved by another buyer hours before her demolition was due to begin. In the 70s she was about to sink in the Medina River of the Isle of Wight, when two carpenters bought her for £10 and somehow got her afloat, patching the holes in her hull with plastic bags.
In 1984 American yachtswoman Elizabeth Meyer laid her eyes on the wreckage of the iconic yacht and commissioned Royal Huisman to have her completely rebuilt. In five years' time Endeavour left the Dutch shipyard turned into a modern masterpiece, with all-new decks, mast, boom and rigging, an installed generator and mechanical systems and recreated interior. Between 1989 and 1999 the yacht cruised extensively and successfully competed in numerous races.
In 2011/2012 Endeavour underwent a major refit at the New Zealand-based shipyard Yachting Developments, with Dykstra Naval Architects, John Barrett Associates, and Adam Lay design studio involved in the project. The 18-months work required over 100.000 men hours and in excess of 40 tons of material removed and then replaced on the boat, including the whole weather deck being rebuilt with deck equipment reinstalled. 3D modeling was used to design the interior layout, saving but the underfloor engine room and service areas.
The effort paid off, as the yacht won best-refitted sailing yacht at the 2013 World Superyachts Awards. Endeavour is now for sale, asking €17.500.000.
#5. Malahne
Length: 50m (164 ft)
Original yard: Camper & Nicholsons (1937)
Refit: 1960, 1983, Pendennis (2015)
The 50-meter Malahne was the jewel in her original owner’s crown. A British businessman, founder member of F. W. Woolworth & Co., William Lawrence Stephenson commissioned from Camper & Nicholsons a motor yacht for racing and ocean cruising. However, with the outbreak of the Second World War, the boat was enrolled in the army as patrol cruiser. As such, she saw action in the evacuation at Dunkirk and later participated in torpedo target practice in Scotland.
After the war, Malahne passed through many hands, being first refitted and re-classed to Lloyd's in 1960 by order of the famous Hollywood producer Sam Spiegel. Over the two further decades, the classic yacht acted as his production office and luxury hotel for movie stars.
In 1983 Saudi Sheikh, Adel Al Mojil purchased the yacht and had her completely refitted with little respect for the original concept, with a different bow, stern and renewed superstructure. In 2012 Malahne was sold to a reputable client introduced by Edmiston and Burger at an asking price of €550,000. The new owner's brief was to «make Malahne look as if she had been in continuous ownership since she was built».
The «artistic director» of the ambitious restoration project was the classic yachts expert, William Collier of G.L. Watson & Co., who prepared the drawings partially based on the older photos of the yacht. All operations, including the finishing touches, were carried out on site, at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, making it an essentially British project.
The refit was developed in several stages. After the deconstruction was completed, it took six months only to examine Malahne's construction frame by frame in order to decide what could be saved and what had to be refabricated to meet modern standards.
«The new Malahne had to function with contemporary requirements for air conditioning and technology, all of which had to be contained in an original envelope», explained Guy Oliver, who was in charge of the yacht's interior design.
When rebuilding the vessel, modern materials were used, such as aluminum for the superstructure and composite for the funnel, although updating the steel hull presented a no lesser challenge.
As for the yacht's interiors, those were inspired by the Art-Deco styling of Eltham Palace in Greenwich. In the new layout, the obsolete engine room on the main deck was replaced by a spacious dining, while the crew quarters were substantially altered. Among many features reminding of the yacht's original period is a pair of rotary-dial wall phones coming from the 50s.
“The challenge of recreating many of the yacht’s features while achieving a faithful restoration of the hull shape has been very rewarding. Together we have brought a historically important yacht back to life,” concluded William Coller in 2015, when the 30 months' project was finally completed.
In 2016 Malahne won Refitted/Rebuilt/Converted Yachts at World Superyacht Awards. She is available for charted from €135.000 per week through Edmiston.
Italian yacht builder Apreamare will make its first appearance at the Venice Boat Show from May 29 to June 2, 2025, alongside exclusive Northern Italy dealer Pedetti Yacht Sales. The event, held at Venice's historic Arsenale, will feature 270 exhibitors and 300 boats, with Apreamare showcasing its new Gozzo 38 Cabin model.The Gozzo 38 Cabin, designed by Cataldo Aprea and Marco Casali in collaboration with engineer Umberto Tagliavini, expands on the open Gozzo 35 with enhanced interior space and weather protection. The 11.45-meter yacht features a deckhouse for improved habitability, a 4-panel glass door connecting the cockpit to the dinette, and a layout with two cabins and a 2-meter headroom bathroom. The guest cabin includes a 140-centimeter-wide bed, exceeding standard dimensions for its class.Exterior amenities include a convertible cockpit table, L-shaped seating for six, and an extended beach platform. Propulsion options comprise twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI or D4-320 DPI sterndrives, or a traditional Volvo Penta D4-320 shaft configuration.The participation highlights Apreamare's focus on Northern Italy's market, where demand for its Sorrentine Gozzo designs continues to grow. The Venice Boat Show marks the first public exhibition of the Gozzo 38 Cabin, positioned between the Gozzo 35 and flagship Gozzo 45 in Apreamare's lineup.The history of the shipyard starts in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started to handbuild rowing and sailing boats used for fishing in Sorrento, basing his craft on the shape and form of the traditional “gozzo sorrentino”. Now the shipyard range includes the Apreamare and Maestro yachts.Credits: Apreamar
May 12, 2025
GX Superyachts has unveiled interior details of its debut 42-meter model, the GX42 Raised Pilot House, designed for family-focused ownership with delivery scheduled for 2026. The yacht features an organic-inspired interior by Marco Casali and hybrid propulsion for efficient operation.The Raised Pilot House configuration allocates the main deck to a full-beam owner’s suite with private foredeck terrace, walk-in wardrobe, and office space. The lower deck accommodates a VIP suite with fold-down balcony and three flexible guest cabins, including a children’s cabin with Pullman berth. Social areas include a 10-person dining space on the main deck and an upper deck with hot tub, bar, and lounging areas.Owner Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "The debut GX42 shows what is possible, while remaining true to the principles of Responsible Yachting. For a boat with a slim, efficient hull, the volume is phenomenal."Casali’s design employs walnut wood paneling, white leather, and Italian fabrics, with curved edges throughout to enhance a relaxed ambiance. Lighting by Ultra Luce and artwork from the owner’s collection complete the aesthetic."This is no showboat for flexing the muscles," said Casali. "We worked closely with the owners to realise their priorities for a family friendly design that favours extended periods on board."The GX42 represents the first released details of GX Superyachts’ new line, emphasizing sustainable materials and long-range cruising capabilities.Credits: GX Superyachts
May 12, 2025
Feadship has unveiled Project 824, a 100-meter fully custom superyacht that represents the latest advancement in technical refinement and architectural design. The vessel, designed by Jamsen with naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects, features a diesel-electric propulsion system with ABB pod drives for efficient and low-vibration operation.As the second-largest yacht constructed at Feadship's Kaag facility – following the 101.50-meter Symphony delivered in 2015 – Project 824 combines scale with innovative engineering. The yacht's steel hull and aluminum superstructure measure 100.00 meters in length, with a 13.60-meter beam and a loaded draught of 4.10 meters.Liagre is responsible for the interior design, though specific details remain undisclosed. The project underscores Feadship's continued focus on large-scale, custom superyacht construction. No delivery date or owner details have been released."Project 824 stands out through a combination of scale, innovation, and detail," Feadship stated in the announcement. The yacht is currently undergoing final outfitting at the Kaag shipyard.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
May 12, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has launched the 72-meter Admiral Armani megayacht, marking the first vessel designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani. The ceremony took place at the company's Marina di Carrara facility, attended by representatives from the Armani Group, local authorities, and project team members.This yacht represents the first of two projects fully designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring distinctive exterior styling and interior design by Armani/Casa. The collaboration with The Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile combines minimalist aesthetics with advanced naval engineering.Key design elements include geometric volumes with curved surfaces, satin aluminum and steel detailing, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper decks incorporate open-air lounges and a helicopter landing area. Interior materials feature Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut, complemented by custom lighting and fabrics."This yacht represents the confluence of Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The Admiral Armani 72m will make its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel measures 72 meters in length and represents a new direction in luxury yacht design through the Armani collaboration. Technical specifications and performance details were not disclosed in the announcement.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: Giuliano Sargentini/The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2025
Silent Yachts has announced its 24-meter flagship solar-electric catamaran, the SY80, is approaching completion. The Italian builder recently launched two SY62 3-Deck Open models and one SY62 3-Deck Closed variant from its Fano shipyard as part of its plan to deliver 10 yachts in 2025.The SY80 will be available in three customizable configurations: 2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, and 3-Deck Closed. The model retains the sustainable features of Silent Yachts' smaller vessels while offering increased volume, accommodating up to 12 guests. Key features include an open layout, spacious staterooms, and ample storage for water toys."We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations, making the yacht of your dreams into a lived reality," said Silent Yachts CEO Fabrizio Iarrera. Owners can opt for an on-deck master suite or an open-plan salon with the master cabin below deck.Performance specifications include a top speed of 12 knots, cruising speeds of 7-8 knots, and battery capacities of 522 kWh or 696 kWh. The solar array peaks at 22.4 kWp, supporting near-zero-emission operation.The SY80 2-Deck variant will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), with sea trials expected in the coming weeks.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 7, 2025