Nordhavn Owner Releases Book

You might remember, a couple of months ago we ran a four part series about owner James, his Nordhavn 62' "Pendana" and the planning of their trip to New Zealand. Unfortunately James had to cancel his trip to New Zealand due to adverse weather conditions, but we all know "never underestimate mother nature". James is now in the process of planning his next trip and hopefully mother nature will be on his side this time. But in the middle of all the planning and trips he has been working hard completing his book which is due for release at the end of March 2013. The book will be available for purchase on Amazon and also on Pendana.net.

From Family to Crew is the true account of Dr. James Ellingford and his family as they embark on a remarkable journey with Pendana, a beautiful vessel designed for open-ocean cruising that is docked in beautiful Bobbin Head, Broken Bay, approximately twenty nautical miles north of Sydney, Australia. Ellingford and his wife have owned several boats over the course of their lives, but none so impressive and capable as Pendana, a Nordhavn 62. The doctor and his family purchased the boat and decided to write about their experiences over the first year of ownership, feeling that it would have been helpful for them if such a book was available at the time that they decided to buy Pendana.

From Family to Crew shows anyone interested in voyaging with their families that it may be challenging at times yet absolutely possible for a couple with no real hands-on knowledge or experience of crossing oceans, to successfully own and operate such a sophisticated vessel. Ellingford's account of his adventurous first year holds nothing back, offering brutal honesty about the myriad of challenges he and his family worked hard to overcome. Many obvious aspects of boat ownership are thoroughly covered, along with others that one might not even think of before purchasing such a boat.

Ellingford's story is all the more compelling given the aspect of his family's role in the maintenance and use of Pendana. While there are many stories about a man alone with his vessel, the presence of a wife and children gives the book a much more interesting and unusual twist that will appeal to a wide range of readers. How will they deal with the usual pressures of family life compounded with the notoriously difficult life at sea? How will the doctor and his wife learn how to confidently operate the boat enough to justify its purchase? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this exhilarating firsthand account of life with Pendana.
 

55m "Acapulco" By Christian Grande

Acapulco

The new 55m (180ft) concept design by Christian Grande has the striking resemblance of a bullet and is ready for an owner who is longing for high speeds and a strong sporty exterior style. She will have a cruising speed of 28kts and an astonishing max speed of 32kts, not for the faint hearted. Her bullet bow seems to want to rise a leap out of the water creating that speed effect like a bullet from the barrel of a gun.

Her large panoramic window in the navigational area will give the captain a perfect view out across the flush foredeck for those all important ocean crossings. The large windows in the hull will provide the guest cabins with plenty of light creating bright spacious cabins.

The upper sun deck or "attic terrace" will include a bar, shower and space for relaxing in the sun with your favorite cocktail, also guests can venture to the bow of the yacht where they will find a large pool where they can cool down from the hot tropical sun.

Main Saloon

M/Y Yogi Sinking Official Report

M\Y Yogi

The official report on the sinking of M/Y Yogi which happened on the 17th February 2012 was released today by Bureau d'enquetes sur les evenements de mer (BEAmer). The report was released in both French and English and outlines three different scenarios that may have lead to the sinking of the 60m Yogi. BEAmer point out that the research and analysis conducted for the report was not carried out to determine criminal activity or assess individual liability.

Yogi was launched in 2011 by the Turkish shipyard Proteksan Turquoise and measure a total length of 60m (197ft). She was the third superyacht built in the yards 60m series.

The full report can be found at the following link and is available for download: http://www.beamer-france.org/BanqueDocument/pdf_345.pdf

Columbus Yachts Start Construction on 65m

Columbus Yachts have just announced the construction of a new 65m (213ft) classic superyacht, their third in the custom classic series. The keel was laid yesterday the 20th of February at the Palumbo yard in Naples during a low key and simple ceremony.

She will be the largest yacht currently under construction at the yard and the design along with the naval architecture was was orchestrated by Sergio Cutolo from Hydro Tec. She will be built in steel and aluminium and will be powered by twin engines that will bring her to a maximum speed of 16.5kts.

The accommodation will include four guest suites, a VIP suite and a rear facing owners suite on the upper deck featuring private outdoor spaces. A team of 18 crew will help keep her in tip top condition for the owners and guests.

She will have elegant and streamlined exterior lines that will combine with her spacious interior to form the perfect superyacht for her owner. Her exceptional deck space will include an oversized jacuzzi and a bridge deck which can double up as a helipad. She will also feature a spa, a cinema, a beach club and a guest elevator that will service all decks.

Her delivery is scheduled for 2015.

Heesen Yachts Sell New 55m

The Heesen yard have yet again had more success and have just put pen to paper in the selling of a new 55m (180ft) superyacht. The 55m (YN 17225) is the first ever 55m steel fast displacement superyacht by the yard.

The Heesen 55m steel fast displacement class was first introduced at "The future is now" press conference held at the Monaco Yacht Club during the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, where Heesen presented several new models: as well as the 55m (180ft) steel fast displacement, the 42m (148ft) fast displacement equipped Hull Vane, sold even before it was officially introduced on the market and the 45m (148ft) fly bridge.

These three new yachts were developed to overcome seemingly opposing specifications: to go faster but use less fuel, to increase range and speed, to increase performance but reduce environmental impact, to enable uncompromised interior design without compromising performance.

YN 17255, whose fast displacement hull form was developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, will reach the remarkable maximum speed of 16.5kts with a range of 4,500nm at a cruising speed of 13kts.

Perry van Oossanen comments: "The 55m marks the 10th Heesen for which Van Oossanen Naval Architects have provided the naval architecture package, and the 4th based on the successful Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF). We believe the 55m will set a benchmark in terms of efficiency: Propelling around 600 tons of steel and aluminum at 15 knots with only 600kW of power is quite remarkable."

She will boast extensive outdoor spaces with its 110sqm sun deck and a 70sqm owner's private terrace located forward. The tenders and toys will be stored in the garage located at the front of the yacht and launched via two gull-wings doors on each side. This creates plenty of space aft in the lazarette for a large beach club, gym and swimming platform for easy access to the ocean.

She will be able to accommodate 12 guest in: a full beam master suite forward on the main deck, a full beam VIP suite, two doubles and two twins all located on the lower deck. She is due to be delivered to her owner in the summer of 2015. As usual we will keep you posted.

Benetti Innovation, Two New Designs

These two new designs by Benetti Innovation have been produced by Eidsgaard Design. The combination of the design skills from Eidsgaard Design and the build quality from the Benetti yard is set to bring something really special to the superyacht industry as seen in the images of the 70m (230ft) and 90m (295ft) below.

70m

70m

The key to this design is the centralised service core, huge interior volume and a distinctive exterior styling. The exterior is designed to look sleek and purposeful with wing-like deck lines separating the fore and aft sections of the yacht. The upper deck is capped with what looks like your classical funnel but actually provides a sheltered dining area for up to 12 guests.

The owners stateroom is a massive 154sqm and the saloons are even greater standing at 190sqm. One unique feature is the dedicated gym and spa area with its own hull side opening. The well planned service core allows crew to pass throughout the yacht without disturbing the owner and guests.

90m

90m

The 90m takes on a similar styling to her smaller 70m counter part, with those wing-like deck lines that separate the fore and aft of the yacht. She features a magnificent 200sqm double height main saloon, a 6.5m swimming pool, cinema, spa and an owners cabin that spans across a staggering 179sqm.

Her  most unique feature is the double height main saloon that's interconnected with the grand central staircase at the heart of the yacht. As with the 70m the service core has been modified to allow crew to pass throughout the yacht without disturbing the owner and guests.

These two designs are modern and full of sleek character and at Mega Yacht Global we are looking forward to seeing their progression into the future.

Pama Design's New 60m Megayacht

Pama Design have produced a stunning 60m (197ft) design, with racy and sleek exterior lines that blend the large streamlined windows in a harmonious way with the hull and superstructure. The design oozes tranquility and relaxation and would be the perfect home away from home for a potential owner.

The vertical bow carries the helicopter landing pad and below a hidden tender garage. The area aft of the heli-pad is tailor made for guest and owners to sit back and relax. This area will feature a lounge, a panoramic pool with spectacular views around the surrounding area and a solarium. There is also another relaxation and observation area situated just above the waterline at the stern.

The interior that has been designed by Valerio Romondia and will have a classic 50s feel to it. To capture this the design incorporates American walnut and resin surfaces with brass and iron details. Guests will be able to live in a contemporary space surrounded with all the modern technology seen on megayachts of today.

 

The Mighty Zeus

The Dutch shipyard Hakvoort have just completed the signing of a contract to build their largest megayacht to date. Project "Zeus" will measure 63.33m (208ft) in length and has bold strong exterior lines that are ready to dominate the worlds oceans. Diana Yacht Design is responsible for the naval architecture and the interior will come from the design rooms of Sinot Yacht Design. The sale was arranged in close cooperation with Moran Yacht & Ship.

She is the second major new order for Hakvoort within the space of a few months and justifies the significant investments the yard has made in recent years to expand its facilities. Zeus will require a further extension of the yard, cementing Hakvoort's position in the market for the building of megayachts up to 65m (213ft) in length.

The owner of Zeus has a longstanding relationship with designer Rene van der Velden and asked him to draw a modern classic with a difference. "He was very keen that the yacht should not be a repeat of anything else that is currently afloat but something genuinely fresh and bold," explains Van der Velden. "The owner admires a type of styling called streamlining, which was especially popular in the 1930s and 40s. A streamliner is a vehicle or vessel given a specific shape that reduces air resistance: Examples include the famous ferry Kalakala and the record-breaking car Bluebird. This is the first time streamlining has been so clearly integrated into the design of a superyacht." 

A crucial part of the layout brief was the location of the tenders. "The owner has a lot of experience and knows how difficult large tenders can be to launch," Van der Velden continues. "Seeking a very practical solution we chose to place two nine-metre tenders on the main deck. As this eats into a lot of prime real estate, we have skipped the traditional saloon, dedicating the main deck to the owner's quarters, galley and captain's cabin. This has freed space on the deck above for pure socialising."

Her upper deck includes a spacious saloon forward and sky lounge aft that has sliding doors that open up to create a giant inside out area. The bridge deck includes the wheelhouse and a large area for the gym, that can also be opened up for the ultimate in al fresco fitness. She also features a beach club with lots of storage and a sauna. Twin Caterpillar 3512Cs will give her a top speed of 15kts and a cruising speed of 12.5kts.

Feadship Launch The Highly Anticipated 99m "Dream"

Feadship have had a busy two weeks as they have just launched their second superyacht, the largest Feadship to date. The 99m (325ft) masterpiece "Dream" was created by the Feadship yard in Makkum and is also the largest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands. She is sleek and quick, with a stunning blue hull and exterior detailing, she is a masterpiece that's bound to turn heads in the marinas of the world.

She was more than four years in the making and left the massive building hall today February 7th. She is an elegant and striking tribute to her owner, the talented design team of Andrew Winch and the hundreds of Feadship staff who built her.

As is usually the case with Feadship, confidentiality is a given, but is no secret that Feadship's advanced hull construction system, fine-tuned over many decades, has enabled its craftsmen to construct a slender lightweight vessel that, despite her 99m length, can reach a speed well over 24kts. She is capable of such speeds thanks to her highly efficient hull form and quadruple engines driving controllable pitch propellers swift and efficiently.

The project is also a prime example of Feadship's ability to build superyachts exactly according to the clients specifications, says marketing manager Francis Vermeer: "Because we start every project afresh and are not building from an existing platform, all things are possible for a Feadship owner. It’s all part of the experience that makes creating a Feadship such fun for our clients."

Feadship have a solid order book with superyachts under construction ranging from 44m to 101.50m, there will be many more surprises as 2013 unfolds.

Feadship Launch 45m "Blue Sky"

Blue Sky

Feadship have launched their 45m "Blue Sky" in a ceremony that combined Chinese and Dutch maritime cultures. This is the first superyacht to be built by a Western shipyard for a client in mainland China. The owner sent his personal representative to accept delivery of a fabulous Feadship that includes her own helicopter deck and dedicated karaoke and Mah-jong rooms.

The colourful launch event included a wide range of Chinese influences, including lion dancers. Blue Sky was jointly christened by the owner's representative (it is traditional for males to perform the ceremony in China) and Jeanette van Mil, wife of Operational Director Peter van Mil (maintaining the European tradition of a lady cracking the champagne bottle).

Feadship director Dick van Lent hailed this as an example of the cross-cultural symbiosis that had been the hallmark of the cooperation during the construction of Blue Sky. "We are very proud to have partnered with the owner, who is a pioneer in his country when it comes to owning the very best motoryacht that money can buy," he commented during his speech.

"It is also a great honour for Feadship to complete the order for an exclusive superyacht for the People's Republic of China. Feadship made history by being the first Western yard to deliver to South America in the 1930s. We were the first European yard to build custom yachts for the United States in the 1950s and in the Middle East a decade later. Having also led the way over recent decades in Africa and other areas of the Far East, everyone at Feadship is delighted to now do the same in China."

Blue Sky has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with an exterior styling by Feadship and Sinot Yacht Design. The interior design is by Bannenberg & Rowell Design who combined with Sinot Yacht Design. "We very much enjoyed the smooth cooperation with the owners and their representatives in China," says Dickie Bannenberg. "Blue Sky features a fresh contemporary interior with lots of lightweight loose furniture. The sky deck lounge is a dedicated karaoke space with an 85-inch television, while the Mah-jong room is found aft of the wheelhouse and includes a state-of-the-art table that shuffles the tiles and deals the dice automatically. This room can also be converted into an additional cabin with its own bathroom."

Specifications

• Length: 44.65m (146'6ft)
• Beam: 9.20m (30'2ft)
• Draft: 2.70m (8'10ft)
• Max Speed: 14.5kts
• Range: Transatlantic

The NewCruise 90m "Arrow" Design

NewCruise have come up with this fantastic but unusual new 90m (295ft) design named "Arrow". What launched NewCruise into this design phase for Arrow was the question: "How could the atmosphere of a baroque chateau's orangery be created onboard a superyacht?"

Typically an orangery provides shelter and lots of light to plants during the winter. To achieve this, the lofty spaces are usually built from cast iron trusses and glass. This has been portrayed in upper deck as it resembles an orangery with cast iron trusses and glass paneling. The orangery deck will provide the owner and guests with a vast, spacious, light and airy sheltered space, which will span over two levels.

The glass paneling filters out a large portion of the suns heat while also generating electric energy.
At the aft end of the orangery you'll find a stylish staircase leading to a raised indoor/outdor balcony, that opens up to some spectacular views.

Due to the unusual layout of a lofty two level deck it restricts the number of onboard guests to 12, but NewCruise firmly believe that this is strongly offset by the spectacular atmosphere within the orangery salon.

"Innovative, Unusual and Spacious"

 

Fisheye on the Columbus 40m Sport Hybrid

40m Sport Hybrid Fisheye

Columbus Yachts have installed high performance fisheye cameras in each of their sheds to track the progress of the yachts under construction. The fisheye cameras are equipped with an ultra wide angle lens 180 degrees that produce strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic image, which is ideal for keeping track of the entire new build setting from start to finish.

The construction progress of new 40m (130ft) sport hybrid can be seen through the fisheye image above. When finished she will sport smooth sexy lines that come together to create a master piece of innovation and style.

She will comply with the latest IMO MARPOL regulations and will be equipped with a bilge water separator even if its not requested by the class. The most environmentally friendly system is the hybrid system itself. This will allow the yacht to have a slow navigation with the main engines turned off and just two generators running. The generators have a low impact on the environment due to the fact that their engines run at a fixed rpm thus reducing the carbon emissions. The hybrid system consists of two electric engines connected to the gear box. This allows to have electrical navigation for a maximum speed of 7.5kts getting power from the two generators. The hybrid system can be useful for quiet night navigation due to the electrical engines being very silent.

The windows of the main saloon are particularly large allowing the owner and guests feel closer to the outside elements. Some of the yachts special design features are the large beach club at the stern and a spectacular flybridge with great independence and modern styling. The shipyard and the owner reached a solution to create a yacht that would remain a yacht allowing the owner and crew to feel the real sensation of the sea and it beauty.

The owner of the yacht teamed up with Italian design studio Hot Labs for the yachts interior. The yachts interior will show a combination of warm materials with soft colors to avoid any strong contrast. Marbles such as Breccia Sarda and Emperador Dark will be matched together with teak, Sicomoro wood and grey durmast. Leather, polished stainless and precious fabrics will complete the ambiance on board. She will be able to accommodate up to 8 guests in 3 guest cabins and an owners suite.

40m Sport Hybrid

Zuccon Superyacht Design Brand

The yacht designer Zuccon International Project closed the year 2012 with the November 17th launch of "J'Ade", a 60m (197ft) designed By Zuccon and built by the CRN yard, and opened the year 2013 with another new development, the January 12th launch in Ancona of "Chopi Chopi", an 80m (262ft) superyacht built in the CRN yard as well. "Chopi Chopi" and "J'Ade" introduce a new Zuccon project: the Zuccon Superyacht Design brand. The company has set up this new division to focus exclusively on the study and customisation of new superyacht projects.

Now that they are working more frequently on larger yachts, the Roman studio has decided to usher in the year 2013 with the launch of a new brand: Zuccon Superyacht Design. Zuccon International Project or ZIP already had a division concerned primarily with large yachts, but the establishment of Zuccon Superyacht Design gives a further boost to this field of work, while maintaining strong ties with the brand’s history, tradition and design heritage.  SYD has a very specific mission putting to work the experience and know-how it has accumulated over decades of work for Italian and international shipyards. The new brand, ZSYD or Zuccon Superyacht Design, has a simple structure reflecting two very important values: continuity and innovation.

They are currently working on the completion of five superyachts: in addition to the 80m Chopi Chopi and the 60m J’Ade (CRN 125), it has a 74m project (CRN 131) and two 43m semi-displacing superyachts under construction.

80m "Chopi Chopi" Launch