Heesen Launch 50m "Ventura"

MY Ventura

Heesen Yachts have just announced the launched of their newest megayacht, the streamlined 50m (164ft) Ventura. She has exterior lines by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects and is the third launch in the 50m class and is sister ship to the multi award winning MY Satori.

Her layout is completely different than her sister vessels. The owners chose to have two main suites: A romantic one situated aft on the bridge deck with panoramic 280 degree views and a second "passage cabin" which will be more practical when under way, traditionally located forward on the main deck.

The owners chose a custom dark metallic grey for the hull and a light metallic grey for the superstructure. This innovative colour scheme gives Ventura a very sleek and distinctive look. A total of twelve guests are accommodated in six cabins. As well as the two master suites, on the lower deck there's a full beam VIP cabin plus one twin and two double cabins.

Main Lounge

Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski created the sophisticated and tidy interior where the use of dark wood and light furniture create a harmonious balance.

Paszkowski comments: "I'm extremely proud to work with such an important and efficient shipyard I was honoured to work with a longtime ago. I’m also very happy to hand over the Italian design and the experience of our team abroad, for the excellent relationship established with the shipyard and the ideas we could share. Though we've always been keeping in touch since 1996, when we designed the first project for Heesen, the interior design of this 50m yacht looks very much like a dream I could achieve: feeling part of the Dutch group".

Ventura will be delivered to her owners after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.

MY Ventura

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2013

A great couple of days of racing was had by the owners, guests and crews of the twenty superyachts that took part in the 2013 Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. The racing took place in the beautiful waters and surroundings of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

As the owners and their superyachts took to the starting line for the last race it was all to play for across all the classes, as the battle for the penultimate 1st place was up for grabs. The race committee for the third and final race chose a long course clockwise around Virgin Gorda and outside all the Dog Islands, with the Division B yachts rounding inside Ginger Island and the Division A yachts heading outside Ginger.

Most of the yachts headed left up the first beat, but the first real test was at the northeast corner of Virgin Gorda. Here the kites were hoisted and the yachts were set for an epic gybing battle all along the south side of the island.

By the time the Division B yachts reached Round Rock, Athos was out in front with Wild Horses just three minutes behind. Sejaa was also having a good day, rounding third.

Meanwhile, the Division A yachts were also battling it out. By the time they got to the western end of Ginger Island, it was Indio that had made the best progress on the run, dropping her kite and hardening up for the reach to the Dogs a minute ahead of Salperton and Cape Arrow, who were separated by just 10 seconds. Hanuman, P2 and Rebecca were not far behind.

From the Dogs it was a final beat to the finish, and it was Indio who took the final line honours. But with so many close finishes there were some tense moments as the yachts headed back to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda marina.

Division A Final Results

•  1st: Salperton IV
• 2nd: Cape Arrow
• 3rd: Hanuman
• 4th: P2
• 5th: Indio
• 6th: Rebecca
• 7th: Freya
• 8th: Zefira
• 9th: Unfurled
• 10th: Endeavour
• 11th: Blues
• 12th: Baiurdo VI 

   Division B Final Results

• 1st: Bolero
• 2nd: Athos
• 3rd: Sarafin
• 4th: Wild Horses
• 5th: Parsifal III
• 6th: Carl Linne
• 7th: Aiyana
• 8th: Sejaa

Cantiere Delle Marche Launch New Darwin Class

In Ancona yesterday the 23rd March 2013, the Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche announced the launch of M/Y "Stella di Mare", their new 30m (98ft) expedition yacht in the Darwin Class. She is constructed in steel and aluminum and designed by Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec.

She is going to be officially presented during the next Cannes Boat Show and has been custom designed and engineered to account for all of the owner's requirements. The owner and his large family and will cruise the Mediterranean during the summer and will then eventually cross the Atlantic Ocean where they will navigate through the East Coast of the US and then onto the warmer waters of the Caribbean.

The owner loves piloting his yachts and spends a lot of time in the wheelhouse, so to share his experience and spend time with his family and friends, Cantiere delle Marche has designed a custom sky lounge,  that opens onto the wheelhouse.

She differs from the previous Darwin Class yachts that have been launched as each room is 10sqm bigger, her VIP suite is 1.50sqm longer and her main lounge has been considerable extended. Her garage has also been extended so the all the owners toys can be accommodated for those long expedition journeys.

CdM's shareholder and sales director Vasco Buonpensiere comments:"I am always very excited when I see one of our yachts touching the water for the first time after about 24 months of work, efforts and big challenges all dedicated to our Client’s satisfaction. This 30m yacht is once again the confirmation of the importance of owner and shipyard's relationship and his involvement in the process. That's why I would like to thank our client, his family and the team here at CdM that has contributed building this beautiful, luxury, tough and safe yacht. Cantiere delle Marche stands out, and always will, for its commitment in satisfying its clients at best". 

Largest Megayacht Ever To Be Built In China

Fraser Yachts have just added another spectacular megayacht to their ever growing fleet of yachts for sale. Illusion measures 88m (289ft) in length, has a super wide beam of 15.6m (51ft) which will create huge volume over her six decks and is by far the largest megayacht ever to be constructed in China.

She is currently under construction at the Raffles shipyard, in the Shandong province in China and her naval architecture was drawn up by Azure Naval, who have been the brain power behind such projects as: Seven Seas, Alfa Nero, Cakewalk and Anastasia just to name a few. Her exterior styling was produced by RSD who have produced the exterior design for a number of yachts up to 170m (558ft) in length.

Her beautiful and modern Asian styled interior was designed by the renowned designer Sander Sinot who also created the interiors of the 78m (256ft) Feadships, Musashi and Fountainhead.

A model of Illusion will be on display at the Fraser Yachts stand (E17) at the 2013 Hainan Rendez‐Vous taking place from the 30th March – 2nd April in Sanya.

The WOW Factor on 72m "Stella Maris"

VSY have confirmed that their 72m (236ft) flagship Stella Maris is one of four megayachts in the world to have a fully certified helideck, many have helidecks but few are certified. She is also one of the smallest megayachts to have obtained her certified helideck by the HCA (Helideck Certification Agency).

Landing on the helideck of a megayacht is a challenge and carries serious risks. Not many people know that the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Large Commercial Yacht code (LY2) has been modified to increase the security and standards so that security during take off and landing keeps accidents and injury to a minimum.

Her helideck is approved for a Eurocopter EC 135 that can land  and take off by day or night and also has the option of a side landing depending on weather conditions. Once the helicopter is gone, the deck can be transformed into a magnificent dining area, sun deck or a hosting area for those all important parties.

Trinity's "Mine Games" for Sale

Moran Yacht & Ship have just announced the listing of the 50m (164ft) Trinity Mine Games for sale. She is listed for a price of $19,950,000 USD and will be on display at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

She was built in 2007 and can accommodate up to 12 guests in 5 stateroom with plenty of interior and exterior space for relaxation. Her stylish interior was designed by Patrick Knowles and her exterior features a large aft deck which was customized for submarine usage.

Rossinavi Launch Param Jamuna IV

The Italian shipyard Rossinavi have successfully launched "Param Jamuna IV", their first 49m (161ft) aluminum tri-deck in their prince shark series. She is the second launch of the 2013 season for the yard and with her aggressive exterior lines designed by Enrico Gobbi she is sure to be a hit when the Mediterranean season kicks off for the summer.

She will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests in 5 double suites and 1 twin. Her two MTU 12V4000 engines will be able to power her to a speed of 23kts and at 10kts she will have a range of 3,500nm.

Param Jamuna IV will be delivered to her owner by the end of May and she will attend the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

New 42m & 49m Moonen Designs

Moonen have just revealed two new designs a 42m (138ft) and a 49m (161ft) that both come in just under the 500 GT mark. These two designs have come from the design tables of Rene van der Velden.

42m Displacement

Moonen have always produced megayachts up to 35m but their recent launch of the 42m custom yacht Sofia (with a three man submarine) and these two new designs, is proving that Moonen have the ability to go larger for their clients.  

"We opened a new (second) facility in 2008 to accommodate larger superyachts," says Moonen managing director Emile Bilterijst. "In this hall we can build up to 50m, and even longer is possible with a few adjustments. But size isn't everything… We are also very aware of the requirement among many owners to stay under the 500 gross tonnage figure. These two new designs are our response to that desire."


The 49m Moonen has an aluminium hull while the 42m design features a beamy steel hull with an aluminium superstructure of the same size. "While primarily an indication of volume and as such related to the length, there are other factors involved with GT," explains Bilterijst. "A narrow, lightweight vessel with a reduced superstructure can have the same volume as a heavy, wide boat with a larger superstructure and still have a higher speed." 

49m Fast Displacement

Fitzroy's "Ohana" Fully Powered Up

Fitzroy Yachts latest launch the 50m (164ft) Ohana took part in her first race, the NZ Millennium Cup superyacht regatta which took place between the 14th - 17th February. In a strong fleet of superyachts, Ohana with her bright yellow gennaker powered her way to a third place overall finish. "We are extremely proud of Ohana," said Rodney Martin, Managing Director of Fitzroy Yachts. "It was particularly gratifying to see her make her racing debut here on home shores."

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Ed Dubois, of Dubois Naval Architects, was one of those admiring Ohana racing during the Millennium Cup. "It is great to see her out on the water, she sails really well," he said. Ohana is the eighth Dubois designed yacht built by the Fitzroy yard, with another currently underway.

We now know where the experienced European owner got the name Ohana from, a Disney movie maybe?

Now that Ohana’s first regatta is under her belt and she has been safely delivered to her owner, it’s business as usual back at the Fitzroy yard as the team are now busy working on a Dubois designed 37.5m (123ft) performance sloop, FY17, for a European owner, which is due to launch later this year.

The Mighty Kismet

The mighty Kismet is set to take central stage at the Palm Beach International Boat Show which runs from March 21st - 24th, she will be the largest megayacht ever to be on display at the show.

She was built in 2007 by the Lurssen and measures 68m (223ft) in length. Her modern exterior lines were designed by Espen Oeino and her art deco inspired interior styling was from the creative minds of Reymond Langton Design. She can accommodate 12 guests comfortably in one master suite, one VIP suite and four guest cabins.

She is currently on sale for €79 million down from €85 million and if you are attending the show next week be sure to pay her a visit, she is quite an amazing megayacht. 

Utopia Arrives Home

Feadship have welcomed home the 71.60m (235ft) Feadship Utopia for a range of maintenance activities and technical upgrades. She was launched in 2004 and this is the second time Utopia has returned to Feadship for a refit, the first being a successful project in 2007 to personalise the yacht to her then new owner's requirements. "The main reason to come to Feadship for a refit is to retain the essence of how the boat was built and ensure she remains of the highest pedigree possible in the world today," says Utopia's captain, Kevin Paul Collins.

The project will entail the repainting the hull and superstructure, adding a new coat of underwater antifouling, installation of a new A-Sea shore power convertor, installing a new HMSA sewage treatment plant to meet the latest IMO requirements, and reconditioning the teak decks. Feadship will also carry out a range of minor maintenance jobs on the exterior, interior and machinery systems.

"We are both delighted and proud to have Utopia back for the second time since her launch," Ico Vergouwe, Refit Manager at Feadship. "This shows how both the owner and crew feel confident that Feadship offers the best service at a reasonable price, making sure that Utopia keeps her high value. It is also pleasing to note that our open approach makes it attractive enough for an owner to bring a yacht back to the Netherlands even when this means adapting his schedule to fit in a tight refit slot."

Captain Collins, who has been at the helm of Utopia since May 2011. "Although we have covered some 46,000nm over the past two years, Utopia has been exceptional. She has also been very well maintained and we could easily have waited another year for this refit. However, when he heard that a dock was available in March the owner changed his cruising plans and sent us off on our third Atlantic crossing in seven months. It is definitely worth the effort as the owners get a better product and it is a great experience for me as skipper to take a signature Feadship like this back to the yard. It gives us all a real sense of pride."

Tony Castro's New Expedition Design

Tony Castro Design have just sent Mega Yacht Global renderings of their new 49m (160ft) expedition superyacht design. She is a great example of the comfortable expedition designs that you see out there today. Owners can travel and explore the worlds oceans in comfort and style, which Tony Castro have definitely captured in this beautiful 49m design.

She has a full beam saloon with panoramic views as well as the all important upper observation deck for catching glimpses of those rare animals, the deck also houses a pool and spa. Aft on the upper deck you will find a helipad where guests can leave the yacht via helicopter to get a closer look at their surroundings.

Her interior can comfortable accommodate 12 guests in 6 staterooms. There is a private deck for the owner, a full beam VIP suite on them main deck with a fold down terrace as well as four guest cabins on the lower deck.

Specifications

• Length: 49m (160ft)
• Beam: 9m (29ft)
• Draft: 2.1m (7ft)
• Range at 11kts: 4500nm
• Range at 9kts: 6000nm

Curvelle Launch their First Quaranta

Curvelle have launch their first 33.70m (110ft) Quaranta model. On Saturday the 23rd of February at 3.30am the megayacht Quaranta was taken from her shed at the Tuzla shipyard and transported 3km down public roads to the waiting travel lift at the RMK shipyard where she would get her first taste of water.

She arrived at 6.00am on the Saturday morning where her mast and bimini top were assembled prior to her launch and at 10.45am on the Sunday morning she was christened by Susan Mackintosh and gently lowered into the water.

She is a catamaran which will give you more space, stability, performance and will be more environmentally friendly than your traditional monohull. Everything about quaranta has be carefully thought out to maximize internal volume and deck space.

She has four decks and a 9m beam which is two meters wider on deck than what would be found on a monohull of similar size. The upper sun deck is large with space for everyone to relax, be it in the forward jacuzzi that's surrounded by sun cushions, the wet bar located on the port side, the dining area located aft under the radar and bimini roof or just soaking up the sun on the sunbeds.

The next deck down is the saloon and entertaining deck. The wheelhouse is located forward and behind is the saloon with seating areas, bar, and a large dining table aft for up to 12 guests. There is also more seating areas out on the aft deck for guest to enjoy.

The main deck is where all the guest accommodation is located with over 20 different layout configurations that can be changed at a moments notice depending on the owners wishes. Curvelle have designed the cabins to be spacious with a huge windows that measures 2.75m x 0.95m. These windows let natural light enter to give a light a airy feeling, and also provide fantastic views.

She will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests in her 6 cabins that can be changed from a double bed set up to a single bed set up. The crew quarters are located on the lower decks in the two hulls. One great feature is the 6 meter platform on the aft deck that can be lowered to form a beach club and when raised it can be used for tender, large car or submarine storage.

Feadship Launch "Larisa"

This week Feadship launched their newest addition to their ever growing fleet of superyachts. Larisa measures 57.60m (189ft) and was custom built for an experienced owner who was looking to own a superyacht by one of the worlds top builders.

Her exterior lines are contemporary yet have classic influences seen in the windows, doors, the bridge and the gray styling in the superstructures decks. Bannenberg & Rowell took on the challenge of her interior design which lead them on a three year design voyage that took in influences from Greece, Italy, the Riviera and the Byzantine Empire, then they blended them perfectly within Larisa's interior.

At the launch ceremony, Feadship director Henk de Vries praised the excellent cooperation with the owner's team, Bannenberg & Rowell Design and the captain. "The designers did an incredible job in creating detail and intricacy, creating an interesting and detailed interior." He also explained that the contract for Larisa had been the first new order signed after the beginning of the financial crisis. "A Feadship is not just a luxury product - it also has to add up financially. The smart and efficient negotiating skills of Will Christie at Y.CO played an important role in bringing this project to fruition at a crucial time for the industry."

 Larisa's captain James Verity told the watching crowds that the entire project had been great fun. "It has long been an ambition of mine to be involved with a build at Feadship. Over the past three years I have seen that the real Feadship magic occurs on the shop floor – the quality of workmanship, the attention to detail and the pride that goes into the work here is unmatched, and this is why Feadship is at the very top of modern yacht building today."

Before cracking open the champagne, the owner also spoke a few words. "It's now some 400 years since Peter the Great came from Russia to the Netherlands to learn yacht building and we have been trying to perfect the art ever since. But we still can't beat Feadship, which is why I had my boat built here. As someone who has been involved in engineering various construction projects, I understand how difficult it is to create something as magnificent as Larisa on time and within budget. Everyone at Feadship has done a fantastic job."

Specifications

• Length: 57.60m (189ft)
• Beam: 10.55m (34ft)
• Draft: 3.25m (11ft)
• Max Speed: 15.5kts
• Range: Transatlantic
• Guests: 8
• Crew 12

Grand Ambition, The Story of Lady Linda

An excellent read that will encapsulate the reader and bring them on a journey through the construction of one of finest superyachts on the water today. Journalist and Author G. Bruce Knecht set out to write a book about the people involved and the construction of a superyacht, but no one could foresee what was going to happen.

The world economy over the last decade has had its ups, where people like Doug and Linda Von Allmen could afford to own one superyacht for cruising the Mediterranean and also commission a new build for cruising the Bahamas. Lady Linda was that superyacht, she measures a total length of 57m (187ft), cost $40 million USD, was designed by Evan K. Marshall and built by Trinity Yachts in Gulfport Mississippi.

But the world economy also had its downs and the economic crisis changed everything for the Von Allmens. As the crisis went into overdrive they began to question their lifestyle and if they could really afford Lady Linda? and if that wasn't enough, things got even worse when a Ponzi scheme was on the verge of destroying all of their ambitions and dreams.

G. Bruce Knecht has produced a one of a kind book not only for superyacht fanatics but for everyone who wants a gripping read. His passion for his work flows through the book and keeps you turning every page from start to finish.  

Grand Ambition: An extraordinary yacht, the people who built it, and the millionaire who can't really afford it, is on sale from today the 5th of March.

38.5m Inace Expedition Yacht "Batai" Launched

M/Y Batai

News of the new launch of the 38.5m (126ft) Inace Expedition yacht named "Batai" has just arrived into the Mega Yacht Global mail box from John DeCaro of All Ocean Yachts. She is the second yacht in their explorer series designed by de Basto Design, the first one was the 36.5m (120ft) "Far Far Away" that was launched last Year (see image below).

Batai is powered by twin cat engines, has a full displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and is built to Lloyds class and MCA. She is fully outfitted for global exploration and world travel and with a massive range of 7000nm there is no ocean to large for Batai.

M/Y Far Far Away

The Batboat Returns

Red Yacht Design from Istanbul in Turkey have produced this stealth like superyacht tender, called project "Fusion". She looks like she is straight out of the film set of a batman movie and with twin 450hp engines, she can reach speeds of up to 47-48kts, definitely not for the faint hearted.

She is a four people high speed tender especially designed for superyacht owners to get around in shore and have some fun at high speeds. There is one cabin with a bathroom and a kitchen area so she can accomodate two people onboard comfortably during a day and night stay.

Her stealth like exterior lines closely resemble the sharp angles of the Lamborghini murcielago, especially her aft section.

She will be a sandwich construction with hybrid carbon fiber, epoxy resin and high density PVC foam. The production method will be vacuum assisted infusion process. She is shortlisted for the concept up to 30m category at Design et al Yacht & Aviation awards 2013.

Specifications:

• Length: 11.4m (37ft)
• Beam: 3.35m (11ft)
•  Draft: 0.60m (2ft)
• Max Speed: 50kts

Ron Hollands Latest Design

The magician (Ron Holland) has worked his magic again in his latest design collaboration, which utilizes an existing Rayburn yachts hull. By using an existing hull it will save a potential owner time and money in today's economy. The hull is being offered for a price of $600,000 USD and the 34m (110ft) project will be managed by Freedom Marine, offering a range of designs.

"The hull was originally developed by the late Ed Hagemann for Rayburn Yachts. It was designed to be an efficient and seaworthy hull well suited for a range of uses" says Paul Rayburn. "Based on the accolades from captains and owners of the existing sister ship hulls I felt that this new design was a natural fit."

After being provided with the existing hull lines and parameters, Ron Holland agreed to move forward on the project. Holland states, "I am excited. I think this is an innovative project. The fact that we have a hull ready to go will help to move this along quickly and I believe this will excite the buyer as well."

At this stage in the project there are two primary design concepts available. The first has been designed towards an adventure/expedition style with a large aft deck with the intent of carrying a personal submarine. The second has been designed to suit your more traditional cruising market, but both designs can be tailored to incorporate a sport fishing cockpit and fly bridge.

Trinity Announces Contract for 59m (193ft)

Trinity Yachts in Gulfport Mississippi announced on the 27th of February 2013 that they have just completed the signing of a new contract for a 59m (193ft) superyacht for repeat clients.

She will be built in Trinity's New Orleans, Louisiana shipyard by the same people that built the owner's previous yachts. Trinity's entire staff and shipyard tradesmen are looking forward to starting this new project for the owners.

She will have a total of six staterooms for the owner and guests as well as a spa with a full bath on the lower deck.  Some aspects of the owner's previous yachts have been taken into account in the new 59m such as the shallow draft (2.4m, 8ft), so they can still cruise their favorite spots in the shallow waters of the Bahamas.

Her exterior lines and trademark Trinity styling has been executed by Geoff Van Aller, Trinity's in house naval architect who had significant input by the clients.

Crew comfort, accessibility and privacy were all taken into account during the design. There will be four comfortable crew cabins forward on the lower deck, two cabins aft and the captain's cabin located aft of the bridge. For owner and guest privacy there will be separate crew companionways to service all of the decks.    

Specifications

• Length: 59m (193ft)
• Beam: 10.2m (33ft)
• Draft: 2.4m (8ft)
• Max Speed: 19kts
• Range: 4000nm at 10kts
• Guests: 12
• Crew: 14
• Hull Num: T-026
• Delivery: 2015

Palmer Johnson: 64m Project "Hermes"

Moran Yacht & Ship have announced that they are now scheduling viewings for the sleek 64m (210ft) Palmer Johnson project "Hermes" that's due to be delivered at the end of the year, November 2013.

She features sleek modern exterior lines that were created by Nuvolari & Lenard design and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms. She will be powered by twin MTUs that will accelerate her to a speed of 28kts.

She is a superyacht that will surely turn heads in every port she visits.