The New York Times has named the owner of 134-meter Serene to be Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince. Serene was previously owned by Russian billionaire, Yuri Shefler who sold the megayacht to the crown prince in the summer of 2014. According to an associate of Mr. Shefler and a Saudi close to the royal family, Prince bin Salman had first spotted the 440-foot yacht whilst vacationing in the south of France. Interested in the megayacht, he dispatched an aide to buy the ship and the deal was supposedly done within hours at a price of near €500 million with Mr Shefler moving out of the yacht on the same day according to the New York Times.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received an emergency call from 37m yacht, Masteka 2 at 5am on October 1st. According to the Maritime Herald, the vessel started getting water ingress and lost steering gear near New South Wales, Australia. Six people were on board at the time of the incident. The cruise ship Carnival Spirit, which was en route to New Caledonia, responded after the alert came in. The passenger vessel evacuated two crew members from Masteka 2 using their fast rescue boat. Engineers from the cruise ship assisted the rest of the crew in the salvage operation and stopped the water intake. The yacht was stabilized and under control, waiting for local authorities to dispatch a tug to tow it to the nearest harbor.
The Daily Mail has shared the pictures of 142m S/Y A on her sea trials. The vessel, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, was built at Nobiskrug in Kiel. At the end of August Mr Melnichenko came to the German shipyard and the two A has finally met. With masts taller than Big Ben, she is worth an estimated $450million. During the sea trials, S/Y A has built up a speed of 20 knots despite of the fact that her three sails have not yet been revealed.
On 27th October 2016 Lurssen launched 123m Project Jupiter at its facility in Bremen, Germany. She features a very sporty and aggressive look similar to the owner's first yacht. With exterior design by H2 Yacht Design and interiors by March & White the yacht is scheduled for delivery in spring 2017. For both design teams this is their first Lürssen yacht, and the collaboration between all parties, including Winterbothams technical services and Y.CO Management team, has worked extremely well. March & White have designed a contemporary interior throughout the vessel defined by timeless styling, nautical details and highly innovative bespoke finishes.
With a beam of 20m her interior atrium opens up the center of the yacht to pull natural light deep into the yacht.
As you might know, The New York Times has recently named the owner of 134-meter Serene to be Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Russian billionaire, Yuri Shefler had commissioned Serene from Italy-based Fincantieri back in 2006 according to Italian media. In 2014, Fincantieri launched its second megayacht, the 140-meter Ocean Victory which was commissioned by another Russian oligarch, Viktor Rashnikov. Prior to its launch in December 2014 however, Fincantieri was ordered to pay €20.9 million to Serena Equity Limited (the company controlled by Shefler that owned Serene) by London courts. Shefler's main claim was that Fincantieri had used Serene, on which the billionaire says he holds intellectual property, to develop Ocean Victory which he says is a near sistership.
When reading about megayachts, it is easy to forget the actual scale of these vessels, often comparable with that of military and cruise ships. Here are a few images that show just how enormous these yachts are.
If you've ever been to the MIPIM real estate show or the Cannes Lions advertising festival, you've probably seen some of the most famous brands such as MailOnline or Yahoo chartering a superyacht to act as their local headquarters. Booked up to 9 months in advance, according to Bespoke Yacht Charter Broker, Alexander Coles, event charters offer a myriad of advantages for such companies during these trade shows. Synonymous with wealth and power, the yacht itself can act as a canvas for a company's brand, significantly increasing its standing during the show through the use of banners, flags, custom carpets and lots more.
The latest edition of the Monaco Yacht Show came to a close 6 days ago after 4 action-packed days for the Principality, writing the 26th chapter of a story full of ups and downs. The Monaco Yacht Show was initially created by Maurice Cohen, head of Media Plus and creator of several other shows. The French entrepreneur however later sold the rights to the show in 1994 to IIR, a show management company that, at the time, owned a competing event, the Superyacht de Nice which has since slipped into oblivion. By 2002, the show boasted 65 yachts, half of the number of yachts in Port Hercules this year, with the 62-meter Lady Lola as a headliner. 300 onshore exhibitors had already taken up booths by this 12th edition and spanned over an area of 4,500 square meters, attracting near 15,000 visitors.
Dutch Yachting has shared the new photos of the latest Oceanco sailing yacht Y712. 106m superyacht hit the water for the first time at the Keppel Verolme shipyard in Rotterdam on September 19. She is Holland's largest yacht to date as 110m Project Jubilee is currently under construction at Oceanco. Nuvolari Lenard Design is responsible for both the exterior and interior design and Oceanco & Dykstra Naval Architects for the naval architecture. The three DynaRig masts will power the 2,700 GT full-rigged sailing yacht to more than 20 knots.
Earlier this week Chinese conglomerate, Lai Sun Group acquired 49.9% of Camper and Nicholsons International for €13 million in what became the latest deal in a series of yacht-related acquisitions led by Chinese beneficiaries. The deal turned out to be a major financial success for Camper and Nicholsons' majority stakeholder, Colosseum Services, a Swiss luxury-goods company that had acquired the brokerage firm for a mere sum of €1 million following the liquidation of Rodriguez Group in 2014. It didn't however become the first time a struggling company in yachting was saved by Chinese behemoths.
Heesen Yachts celebrates the delivery of Solemates (YN 20655), a fully customized 55-meter steel superyacht, to an experienced owner who has chosen the Dutch shipyard for the second time. This milestone underscores Heesen’s reputation for engineering excellence, build quality, and the flexibility of its speculative build program – enabling clients to personalize proven platforms without compromising on time efficiency.Built on Heesen’s successful 55m Steel design, Solemates combines the proven Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen Naval Architects with Omega Architects’ sleek exterior lines. The owner, a seasoned yachtsman, leveraged the platform’s inherent reliability to focus on tailored interior enhancements that reflect a family-oriented approach to cruising.Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group noted: "While the changes from the previous model appear subtle, the cumulative refinements across the entire platform elevate this yacht significantly. Heesen’s commitment to continuous improvement shines through."The owner’s deep yachting expertise and hands-on involvement ensured a streamlined build process. Ralf Oortman, Heesen’s Project Manager, remarked: "Their team’s insight into the client’s lifestyle was invaluable. We collaborated seamlessly to introduce standout features, such as the breathtaking atrium – a true masterpiece that sets Solemates apart."Working alongside Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture, the owner reimagined the interior with vibrant accents, a redesigned main staircase featuring gold-flaked acrylic panels, and an expanded sundeck hot tub area for social gatherings. Every detail was meticulously crafted to enhance onboard living.Following flawless sea trials in the North Sea, Solemates confirms her robust performance and efficiency. With a 760 GT volume, she offers ample space for extended cruising while maintaining the comfort and reliability expected of a Northern European build.Solemates will be available for exclusive charter through Luxury Yacht Group, with her world premiere set for the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, where she will headline Heesen’s display.Niels Vaessen, Heesen’s CEO, reflected: "Delivering Solemates to a repeat client is a testament to our craftsmanship and the trust owners place in us. This project exemplifies how we blend efficiency with bespoke luxury – creating yachts that exceed expectations."Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
May 1, 2025
Damen Yachting has successfully launched the first Amels 80. The vessel is the latest addition to the Amels Limited Editions range.The 80-meter superyacht boasts a gross tonnage of 2,175 GT and features a hybrid propulsion system for reduced emissions and improved cruising efficiency. The vessel can accommodate 14 guests across 7 luxurious suites, supported by a crew of 21. Notable features include a foredeck helipad, a 200-square-meter Sun Deck, a private Owner’s Deck, a 6.5-meter swimming pool, and a Beach Club with spa facilities.The exterior design is the work of renowned superyacht designer Espen Oino, while the interior was created by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in their first collaboration with Amels. Paul Costerus, Designer Interior at Sinot, commented: “The Amels 80 marks the first collaboration between Sinot and Amels. A project which provided us with the opportunity to develop something truly unique. You will feel at home from the moment you step on board.”The build of the first Amels 80 was managed by Burgess on behalf of the Owner following the yacht’s sale in 2022. Sean Bianchi, Partner and Head of Burgess Technical Services, stated: “We are delighted to see Amels 80, hull number 01 depart her construction dock and enter the commissioning and sea trials phase. This milestone marks the culmination of close collaboration between Damen Yachting, Sinot, and the Owner’s team in crafting a yacht that is truly one of a kind.”Adriaan Roose, Product Design Manager for the Amels 80 series at Damen Yachting, emphasized the balance between customisation and efficiency: “The Amels 80 offered the client many custom options whilst still benefitting from the shortened delivery time. This yacht is the ultimate balance of individuality and efficiency.”The Amels 80 has the following specifications: length overall is 80.00 meters (261 ft), beam overall is 12.50 meters (41 ft), range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, with delivery scheduled for Summer 2025.Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “With today’s launch of the first Amels 80, we have reached another landmark achievement in the history of Amels. I would like to thank our Client and the team at Burgess for entrusting us with this very special build. We are honoured and excited to see the final phase through to delivery.”Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting
April 30, 2025
Grand Soleil Yachts has introduced its first weekender model, the Grand Soleil Blue, marking a significant departure from its traditional performance and long-cruise yachts. The 32ft 9in (9.99m) vessel is designed for day sailing and weekend getaways, featuring a sustainable build and electric propulsion options.The yacht is the smallest in the Grand Soleil range and sets new standards for recyclability. According to Gigi Servidati, Cantiere del Pardo Chairman, “The GS Blue represents the beginning of a new concept within the Grand Soleil range: a line that is agile, sustainable, fun, highly liveable, and designed for more immediate and flexible use.”The vessel’s design emphasizes performance and comfort, developed by naval architect Matteo Polli and Nauta Design for exterior, interior design, and layout. Polli noted, “The striking hull shape is designed to provide stability when the boat heels, to maximize power upwind. And in light winds, or when running, the narrow waterline beam delivers lower drag and therefore higher speeds.”Sustainability is a core feature of the GS Blue. The yacht utilizes Arkema’s Elium resin in its composite lay-up, allowing for recovery and reuse at the end of its life. The PET core material in the hull’s sandwich construction is derived from post-consumer waste, and the design allows for easy disassembly of components.The yacht offers fully electric propulsion as an option, featuring a 6kW pod drive from ePropulsion powered by a 190Ah lithium battery. This setup provides a range of up to 30 nautical miles at 5 knots, with the option to double that range by adding a second battery pack. The electric system enables silent maneuvering and a top speed of 6.5 knots.Performance-wise, the GS Blue boasts a 2.2m bulb keel (with a 1.8m shallow draft option) and a generous sailplan. It can achieve upwind speeds of 6-8 knots and downwind speeds of 10-12 knots. The design prioritizes easy shorthanded or solo sailing, featuring push-button electric Harken winches.Inside, the yacht offers modern Italian-style amenities including a heads compartment with freshwater shower, an efficient galley with hob, oven, and fridge, and berths for up to four, optimized for two. The interior design focuses on light and space, as highlighted by Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta: “A key element of the interior design is the light scheme, which ensures that even with lower ceiling heights, the yacht feels spacious and welcoming for guests.”The project is co-financed by the Emilia Romagna region as part of the PR-ERDF 2021/2027 program, emphasizing its experimental research and development nature.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts
April 30, 2025
Feadship has successfully launched its latest superyacht, Project 827, marking another milestone in the company’s history of luxury yacht construction. The vessel was launched at the Royal Van Lent shipyard in Sneek, the Netherlands.Project 827 is a 75-meter motor yacht designed by the renowned studio Winch Design. The exterior design features clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, while the interior showcases a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and comfort. The yacht boasts a spacious main deck and a large owner’s deck, providing ample living space for its occupants.“Project 827 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Feadship CEO Henk de Vries. “We have pushed the boundaries of design and engineering to create a yacht that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our discerning clients.”The yacht’s design emphasizes functionality and comfort. It features a unique layout with a large owner’s deck, offering unobstructed panoramic views. The interior design, also by Winch Design, combines modern materials with classic craftsmanship, creating a luxurious yet livable environment.Project 827 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and engineering solutions. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines, providing efficient performance and low emissions. The vessel also incorporates advanced systems for noise and vibration control, ensuring a quiet and comfortable onboard experience.“This launch is a significant moment for Feadship,” commented Project Manager Jan van der Meer. “Project 827 represents the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between our teams and the client. We are proud to deliver a yacht that truly embodies the spirit of modern luxury.”The completion of Project 827 further strengthens Feadship’s position as a leading builder of custom superyachts. The company continues to focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design solutions to its clients.Feadship plans to complete the final outfitting and sea trials before delivering the yacht to its owner later this year. The launch of Project 827 demonstrates the shipyard’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the superyacht industry.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
April 30, 2025
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show will introduce several new features when it returns to Mayflower Park from September 19-28, 2025. Organizers British Marine confirmed a redesigned layout with specialized zones including The Powerhub for powerboats and Angler's Alley for fishing enthusiasts.New additions include: the Boating Academy offering educational sessions, waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders, expanded marina area with grouped vessel displays, on the Water stage featuring high-speed demonstrations. Visitor experiences will include the Try A Boat program with FlexiSail and accessible powerboat rides through Wetwheels. The Shipyard festival area will host live music and family activities, with a headline act to be announced.Ticket prices currently start at £24.99 for adults, with free entry for two children per adult ticket. Marina space remains in high demand among exhibitors, with increased berth capacity for 2025."The 2025 edition represents an exciting transformation," stated British Marine representatives. The event will showcase products ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, though exhibitor lists remain unconfirmed.British Marine, representing over 1,300 UK marine businesses, organizes the annual show which supports an industry employing 38,000 nationwide.Credits: Southampton International Boat Show
April 29, 2025