Lurssen Launch 104m "Quantum Blue"

Lurssen announced last week the successful launching and unveiling of the beautiful project "Quantum Blue" on 25th July 2014 after she had been rolled out the day before. She measures 104m (336ft) and her delivery is planned for the end of this year.

Tim Heywood has given Quantum Blue elegant and graceful exterior lines and has ensured that despite her massive volume she maintains her graceful looks. He confirms: "Quantum Blue has emerged from the Lurssen shipyard and will take her place, confidently, amongst the most beautiful yachts afloat. My gratitude to the owners for allowing Tim Heywood Designs to help create this wonderful floating work of art, which we are extremely proud of. Once again, I have had the great pleasure of working with the Lurssen team to create a truly wonderful yacht with many new and unique features. I am so pleased with the elegant proportions, the demanding details achieved by the yard and the superb finish to her hull and superstructure."

Her interior design was created at the Alberto Pinto Design office and can be expected to be spectacular. A unique mix of rare and striking materials will give her an exceptional look and luxury feel.

Heesen Christen "My Sky"

Heesen announced the christening of YN 16551 that's now known as "My Sky". She is a 51m (167ft) full displacement long range megayacht of 600GT with a range of 5,400nm at 10kts. Her bold but sleek exterior is from the design board of Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Her flush mounted tinted windows were thermo bonded to the superstructure create a continuous wall of glass that gives this vessel a very distinctive sleek look.

World renowned architect Erick van Egeraat designed the ultra-contemporary, sharp and sophisticated interior. There is a strong contrast between dark and light throughout the yacht and a luxurious atmosphere is created; combining crisp white leather with dark high-gloss Makassar wood.

My Sky accommodates 12 guests in five cabins. The spacious full beam master suite is located on the main deck forward and has a large bathroom including a full natural stone clad steam shower and a spacious walk-in closet. The four guest cabins are located on the lower deck.

The main saloon aft, with its large circular dining, lounge and bar area with a 6m2 LED screen, connects to the main deck aft, which organizes built-in settees and seats around two low coffee tables. The upper deck lounge, with its 270 degrees view and circular seating area, opens onto the aft terrace, accommodating a large dining table ideal for al fresco dining, even under way. Finally, the Sundeck's large Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun-pads to aft, is perfect for total relaxation.

The touch and go helicopter pad at the bridge also turns into a large sun terrace providing secluded lounging even when the boat is docked stern into the marinas.

She is due for delivery to her new owners in November 2014 after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.

Blohm + Voss Deliver "Graceful"

The eagerly anticipated megayacht "Graceful" left the dock in Hamburg on Friday, April 18th after Blohm+Voss successfully delivered her to her new owner after completion of her sea trials and a 23 month build programme. She joins some of the most iconic megayachts in the world and currently ranks as the 67th largest megayacht ever to be launched measuring in at 82m (269ft).

The combination and cooperation of the team that was made up of Blohm+Voss, the owner's representatives and Capt. Alexander Mozhayskiy led to a very fast build time overall for a yacht of this size, quality and level of complexity. Her design comes from the pencils at the award winning H2 Design Studio in London, widely recognised as one of the most technically competent design teams in the yacht world.

One of the many reasons why the owner decided to have the yacht completed by Blohm+Voss was the unique and complex equipment and design characteristics, one of which is a 15 x 3m indoor pool, which can be converted to a dance floor by raising the pool floor. The owner's suite spreads over two floors with a beach door terrace for direct access to the sea, there will also be two VIP and three guest suites for a further 10 guests. The accommodation is equipped with the most modern audio and video equipment. She also has a helicopter landing area enabling a comfortable arrival and departure for the owner and guests.

Currently she is in the port of Valletta on the island of Malta, so keep a look out in the Med this summer for her graceful appearance. 

Blohm+Voss Launch 82m "Graceful"

Blohm+Voss have been very busy over the last couple of weeks with the launch of their new concept designs, which were in collaboration with renowned designer Zaha Hadid and now the launch of their newest megayacht, the 82m (269ft) project "Graceful". On the 25th of October she left her building dock and will now be prepared for sea trials which will start in December. The new owner will be receiving the perfect Christmas present as she is scheduled to be delivered at the end of December.

On May 18, 2012, she was towed by tugs to Blohm+Voss and docked in Dock 6 at the Hamburg based shipyard to be completed and fitted out. Over the last 18 months, project Graceful designed by H2 Yacht Design has been fitted out both inside and out by Blohm+Voss in close cooperation with both the owner and Dorries Maritime Services.

The owner decided to have the yacht completed by Blohm+Voss due to the unique and complex equipment and design features, one of which is a 15 x 3m indoor pool which can be converted to a dance floor by raising the pool floor. She also incorporates a separate owner's area with a duplex suite and direct access to the sea via a folding balcony, two VIP and three guest suites for a further 10 guests.

Blohm+Voss & Zaha Hadid

Something big has been stirring over the last week throughout worldwide media. Some may say its weird, not realistic, ugly, crazy and not even know what it is from the top down view. We say its revolutionary, innovative, sexy and inspiring, that's the new design concept that has been designed by the renowned designer Zaha Hadid in collaboration with Blohm+Voss. 

The design concept which was launched at the latest exhibition of Zaha Hadid's work at the David Gill Gallery in London, is based around a master prototype for a 128m (420ft) megayacht. In addition, the Unique Circle Yachts by Zaha Hadid Architects for Blohm+Voss is a family of five individual 90m (295ft) megayachts.

The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness. Her exoskeleton takes on a similar structural system usually found in natural marine formations such a coral. This exoskeleton connects the various levels and decks in a seamlessly way. Traditional yacht designs keep to a strict horizontal order, Zaha Hadid has turned this order on its head and created an intense connectivity between the various decks. The design of the master prototype has been applied in different variations to the Unique Circle Yachts 90m (295ft) concepts.

The first of these concepts is the 90m (295ft) JAZZ which is equally as amazing as the master prototype seen above. Each of the concepts will be designed to fulfill the different requirements and individual requests of their destined owners.

"As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture – which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality and safety." explained Zaha Hadid.

 
Dr. Herbert Aly, CEO and Managing Partner of Blohm+Voss says: "On an aesthetic level a superyacht is a great design task as everything is customised down to the last detail. A superyacht is by definition an exercise in total design, where every detail is looked at with attention and refinement. In the past, in the era of steam liners, there has been an attempt of utilising ship building elements in architecture. Zaha Hadid and her team have taken this ethos and created a bold new vision and a new benchmark in the design of superyachts."

He also adds: "The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes, offering a range of possible solutions based on an cognate platform. As a result Zaha Hadid's design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer which lies at the heart of Blohm+Voss' approach to yacht design. The strength of the design lies not just in its functionality and form, but also its effortless adaptability." 

The Arrival of Hull C.2227

Project C.2227, the first in the new generation Perini Navi 70m (230ft) series has arrived in the Perini yard in La Spezia. SY C.2227 is the second largest superyacht in the Perini Navi fleet after the famous 88m (288ft) clipper, The Maltese Falcon.

Her aluminium hull and superstructure were constructed at Perini's Yildiz facility in Tuzla, Turkey. The fitting and furnishing will be done at the Group's Picchiotti shipyard in La Spezia where the she will also be delivered in 2015. She has been designed in house by the Perini Navi Technical and Design office with naval architecture consultation from Philippe Briand so you already know she's sure to have plenty of power and speed.

Her hull and superstructure will have a displacement of 912 tons and a gross tonnage of 850GT. The lifting keel is centralised and has a new shape that will give her speed and stability through the water. Her draft ranges from 4.54m (15ft) to 11.7m (38ft). She will have an innovative Perini Navi sail control system and her carbon fibre masts will measure 72m (236ft) and 62m (203ft).

Her interior will include a large open main saloon/gallery with living and dining areas. The lower deck will include four en suite guest cabins and a full beam owner's suite with his and hers bathrooms, an office and living areas as well as a VIP suite.

"The joy of seeing our new yachts is constantly increasing" says Franco Romani, Director of the Perini Navi Group's Technical and Design Office. "The lines of the new 70m are the result of working in synergy with the owner who has allowed us to preserve unmistakeable Perini Navi style while adding a modern twist. The owner's cultural background and his love for art have given the yacht an innovative touch. Briand's consultation on naval architecture and the sail plan have also contributed to assure performance."

Benetti's New Fast Displacement is Born

Benetti took central stage at the Cannes Boat Show yesterday when they announced the new addition the F-125 model in their new fast displacement line to round out their Class Range. The new fast displacement line of composite yachts built by Benetti in the Viareggio boatyard already includes the F-140 which was introduced last year. With this new line Benetti intended to tap into the strong yet relitivly unexplored semicustom megayacht market.

Benetti CEO Vincenzo Poerio says, "Many of our clients have requested faster, more versatile, and efficient boats, while maintaining the same level of comfort and customisation found in our existing yachts. The new fast displacement line is designed precisely in response to these requests, and it rounds out our current offering in the Class Range. We haven't just created a new series; we have invested time and resources - combining the Benetti's 140 years of experience in super yachts with the technological know how of Azimut Benetti Group - to create a new way of heading out to sea."

The two Fast Displacement models were developed by Benetti in collaboration with the Azimut Benetti Group Research Centre, which has designed an extremely innovative hull geometry exclusively for the new range. The Fast Displacement yachts are equipped with a revolutionary new "D2P" Displacement to Planing hull. The new D2P hull has been equipped with a wave piercer bulbous at bow, which allows for an increased cruising efficiency (less resistance to forward motion) of up to 30% compared to a conventional megayacht hull.

The F-125 just like her older sister the F-140 has had her sporty exterior designed by Stefano Righini and her interior designed by British design studio Redman Whitely Dixon. Although the interior is full customisable for the owners, Redman Whitely Dixon have provided three different layout options: Sea, Land and Air. Sea will be modern and light filled bringing the outside in. Land will be more classic with the use of darker warm woods and Air will be the most contemporary with creative open spaces. She will be able to accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins and will be able to reach a maximum speed of 22kts without putting any strain on the engine.

Setzer Designs New Megayachts

Setzer Yacht Design last week released the first images of their stunning new series of megayachts called "New American Motoryachts". The modern and sleek designs originated from a set of freehand sketches developed by Ward Setzer while on a design sabbatical from their Antigua design studio. The series has a range of megayachts from 28 to 48 meters which is part of a broader collection of 18 new designs which will be released throughout the remainder of 2013.

The goal for the series, says Setzer, "is to freshly redefine several long-standing yacht categories that have strong American roots, but are clearly looking tired. We want to breathe new life into them".

Setzer points to tri-decks, raised-pilothouses, flush decks, and commuters as examples of yacht genres and comments on the need for revitalization due to the next generation of megayacht owners: "We've been incredibly fortunate to have launched over forty designs in these categories in the last twenty years. But we also know that to resonate with the next generation of American owners, many of which are young entrepreneurs, we need to give these yachts a new personality".

The beautiful uninterrupted exterior lines along with the two toned colour scheme is sure to be a major hit on the megayacht scene, especially with the new generation of young entrepreneurial owners. Setzer also points out another valid observation, that the internal volume of the modern megayacht has drastically increased as owners now want dedicated workspaces: "It used to be that owners and guests went yachting to escape the office, but today they'd prefer to have a state-of-the-art, fully-mobile workplace on-board, so they can do their most inspired thinking at sea".

Codecasa Launch Framura 3

Codecasa Yachts in Italy have been very busy over the last few weeks as they launch a second megayacht. Framura 3 which measures 50m (164ft) in length was launched on the 22nd of June at 11.00am at the new Codecasa production facility in the Darsena dei Navicelli in Pisa. Framura 3 has become the flagship of the sport series that already includes the Codecasa 35s, 41s and 45s.

Framura 3's interior was designed by the owner's personal interior designer in with influences from Anna Maria and Franco Della Role over the last two years. Her exterior lines and layout blend sporty aesthetic lines with a long main and aft deck typically found on your traditional looking megayachts. This styling works surprisingly well, producing a sleek and sexy megayacht.

She will be able to accommodate up to 12 in one owner's cabin and 5 guest cabins that consist of light oak and and dark wenge fixtures. Framura 3 will be delivered to her owner later this month so expect to see her around the Mediterranean over the next couple of months. 

Benetti 55m "Ocean Paradise"

Benetti just released pictures of their recently launched 55m (180ft) "Ocean Paradise". She will make her anticipated debut at the Monaco Yacht Show 2013 that runs from the 25th - 28th of September. She is built in aluminium and steel on a tried and tested Benetti platform, yet she oozes innovation especially in the interior design and partitioning.

The owner, a dynamic young businessman from Singapore was always closely involved throughout the design and build phases. Minamilist, but never cold, and always connected to the sea were some of the guidelines given by the owner for the development of Ocean Paradise. The guidelines were followed with innovative features such as the combination of transparent and opaque materials to bring the outside in or create a contemporary look and feel inside.

There are four guest cabins that are all located on the lower deck, with access from a central hall that's connected to the main deck foyer. Each cabin has its own spacious bathroom and views of the sea are guaranteed by the large portholes. The owners master suite is located in the traditional place forward on the main deck and stretches across from port to starboard. It includes an expansive bathroom and side balcony areas seen in the picture below.

Light was also of primary importance when designing and constructing Ocean Paradise, as special attention was spent on gaining natural light by incorporating ample windows and a crystal skylight. Artificial light was added using temperature controlled colour lighting to match the natural light. With the importance of natural light you get a some what Zen like feeling and this is only increased as you will find a number of Zen gardens throughout her decks. This addition will create a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for the owner and guests as they enjoy their home away from home.

Some other features include the oversize swimming pool with waterfalls on the upper deck, a gym, a mini bar with DJ set up. She is one to look out for at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

SuperSub Migaloo

Is this the superyacht of the future? Migaloo is a 115m (377ft) six deck supersub that has been recently developed by the Austrian desgin studio Motion Code Blue.

After intense research and based on excellent knowledge of the current yacht market, the studio came up with this extraordinary concept design to satisfy the ever raising demands for individualization. The studios intention was to offer a stunning concept especially for owners, who are willing to expand the borders of imagination.

Managing directors Christopher Gloning's and Christian Gumpold's idea was to transform the well known and tested shape of current submarine designs into a private yacht which offers the same luxury experience of similar sized superyachts while having the all important benefit in being able to submerge to the depths below.

Migaloo's aft deck which has a helipad can be changed into an enormous social and relaxing area for the guests while she is above the water. Guests can enjoy the sun loungers, bar and a 8 by 3 meter pool. When Migaloo is submerged, all furniture is stored in large storage areas underneath the granite decking and the pools bottom raises up flush to the main aft decks level.

The foredeck is fully dedicated to the owners privacy that includes a full-beam private lounge, a private bar and a private access to the 2 level owners suite directly underneath, while the guest accommodation that includes 8 VIP suites is spread over sub decks 2 and 3.

Migaloo is an extremely interesting and innovative concept and it will be interesting to see if any other designers start to look beneath the ocean surface for inspiration. No one knows what the future will hold.

Vripack Design A Classic

Vripack have designed what can only be described as a beautiful modern classic with the distintive exterior characteristics of those gentleman yachts of the 1920s and 1940s. The B52 which measures 45.5m (150ft) is to become a real family orientated megayacht that will be most at home exploring coastal waters and being used as a mother ship during classic sailing yacht regattas , hence the B in her name.

She will have a tailor-made layout that results in spacious and functional areas which was specified by the young owner to be. On the spacious main deck you will find the master cabin, two twin cabins for the owners children, a nanny cabin, an office and a pantry. The complete lower deck as seen in the above image is above the waterline and is especially designed for the crew, including a galley, crew mess, crew cabins and their own private relaxation area on the foredeck.

"To create maximum privacy for the owner and guests, we paid special attention to the routing of this yacht, making it possible for the crew to be able to do their jobs properly whilst only encountering the guest's deck or internal spaces as little as possible," says Vripack designer Bart Bouwhuis.

The aft part of the main deck has enough space to be able to house two 7.5m (24ft) tenders that can be launched via a deck crane, also there is a large extendible swim platform that's integrated into her classic stern. There are two canopy covered outside areas one forward on the foredeck which includes a relaxing lounge and bar, the other is situated aft of the wheelhouse and includes an additional seating area and a jacuzzi. We are really looking forward to seeing how the B52 project progresses.

85m Solandge Update

Last week we covered the hot news that Lurssen announced the launch of the 85m (279ft) Solandge (ex project Niki) and now Megayacht Global can bring you some more information on this spectacular superyacht. Solandge will take the ranking as the 62nd largest superyacht on the water today and is lurssen's second launch of 2013 after the momentous task of launching Azzam, who is currently undergoing sea trails.

Her exterior was designed by the renowned yacht designer Espen Oeino, with her interior designed by Aileen Rodriguez who has worked with Lurssen in the past with the beautiful interior on the 63m (208ft) Polar Star.


Lurssen commented: "We are happy that we have met the high-end expectations from the Owner in terms of product quality and being able to stay within budget and on time. We are looking forward for Solandge to be delivered as scheduled and finding her place amongst her peers as being a remarkable statement in large yacht construction, based on an excellent design and excellent engineering skills".

Aileen Rodriguez explains Solandge's luxurious style: "The interior has classical touches with a contemporary back drop, making it a transitional interior. The unique mix of rare and striking materials gives the yacht its ultimate look and luxurious style".

Solandge will be available for charter and is sure to take the charter scene by storm when she starts her first season later this year in the tropical Caribbean waters. 

ShowBoats Design Awards 2013

Yesterday evening at the Monaco Opera House the winners of the ShowBoats Design Awards 2013 were announced in front of an audience that included superyacht owners, renowned interior and exterior designers and most of the industries iconic figures.

The awards are presented to the designers and the creative teams that have produced some of the most innovative and beautiful superyachts of 2012. The annual event celebrates the skills of these talented teams and individuals from interior design, exterior design, naval architects and interior layout. The 42m Adastra designed by John Shuttleworth and built by McConaghy Boats stole the show taking home the golden neptune for naval architecture, newcomer of the year award and was commended in exterior design and styling. An impressive night had by the team.

The category winners for Interior Design:

• Sailing Yachts: Wetzels Brown Partners, Better Place, 50m Wally
• Semi Displacement Motor Yachts: Guido de Groot, Diamond, 35m AB Yachts
• Displacement Motor Yachts <60m: Remi Tessier, Aslec 4, 45m Rossinavi
• Displacement Motor Yachts 60m+: Vain Interiors, Smeralda, 77m Hanseatic Marine

Better Place Interior

The category winners for Exterior Design and Styling:

• Sailing Yachts: Dykstra Naval Architects, Kamaxitha, 40m Royal Huisman
• Semi Displacement Motor Yachts: Dubois Naval Architects, Loretta Anne, 47m Alloy Yachts
• Displacement Motor Yachts <60m: Studio Sapdollni, Aslec 4, 45m Rossinavi
• Displacement Motor Yachts 60m+: Sam Sorgiovanni Designs, Nirvana, 88m Oceanco

Nirvana

 The category winners for Interior Design:

• Sailing Yachts: Redman Whiteley Dixon, Quintessential, 30m Yachting Developments
• Motor Yachts: H2 Yacht Design, Vicky, 72m Proteksan-Turquoise

The category winners for Naval Architecture:

• Sailing Yachts: Dykstra Naval Architects, Rainbow, 40m Holland Jachtbouw
• Motor Yachts: John Shuttleworth Yacht Design, Adastra, 42m McConaghy Boats

Adastra

The Young Designer of the Year Award that was sponsored by Oceanco and this year went to the highly talented Stefano Inglese for his spectacular modern design Granturismo. The judges considered that his design fitted the parameters detailed in the set task and reflected the hypothetical owner's love of "masculine and stylishly edgy" design.

Stefano Inglese - Granturismo

For more information on the awards and other category winners visit ShowBoats Design Awards 2013.  

Lurssen Launch 85m "Solandge"

Just this week the iconic German yacht builders Lurssen launched the 85m (279ft) superyacht Solandge, previously called project Niki. Solandge will take the ranking as the 62nd largest superyacht on the water today and is lurssen's second launch of 2013 after the momentous task of launching Azzam, who is currently undergoing sea trails.

Her exterior was designed by the renowned yacht designer Espen Oeino, with her interior designed by Aileen Rodriguez who has worked with Lurssen in the past with the beautiful interior on the 63m (208ft) Polar Star. She has a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure and is expected to accommodate up to 12 guests with a dedicated owners suite. Not much is known about Solandge at the moment but Megayacht Global will bring you more information next week as we hear more from Lurssen.

ISA Yachts Sells Hybrid 140

Yesterday ISA Yachts in Ancona Italy announced the sale of their first ever hybrid megayacht. She will measure just over 43m (140ft) in length and will combine very high performance with low consumption, which is what nearly every megayacht owner wants to achieve.

She will have a unique propulsion system that consists of your two traditional diesel marine engines, that will power two Rolls-Royce Kamewa waterjets which will bring her to a top speed of 32kts and a cruising speed of 26kts but is also equipped with a hybrid system by Siemens. The hybrid system will allow her to navigate at a low speed of 8kts with her two main diesel engines off and the waterjets being powered by the two electrical engines. This would be great for those long delivery passages as consumption goes from 55liters/nm a max speed to 11liters/nm with the electric motors running the waterjets.

The 140 series is the largest semi-custom megayacht that ISA construct using a composite construction method called FRP (fibre reinforced plastic). Her sporty exterior lines have been designed by Andrea Vallicelli who has created a stylish flowing line from the sun deck right down to the beach club at the stern. Her interior that's designed by Nuvolari & Lenard Design will consist of 5 cabins to accommodate up to 10 guests, a spacious main lounge and an elegant beach club area aft.

Her delivery is scheduled for the summer of 2014, so not to far away.

Pendennis Complete "Fair Lady" Refit

The beautiful classic 42m (138ft) Fair Lady, built in 1928 by Camper & Nicholsons shipyard in the UK has just been launched back into the Mediterranean water at the STP shipyard in Palma. Pendennis were contracted once again to work with Fair Lady on this short but extensive six month refit. She has been a regular visitor to Pendennis over the past 16 years, with her initial visit in 1996 involving a complete renovation bringing her classical lines to the viewing world again.

Her six month refit included a 5 year MCA LY1 survey which involves substantial engineering work, a full re-paint, an overhaul of all the standing rigging and the topside joinery was refurbished.

Specifications

• Length: 42m (138ft)
• Beam: 6.4m (21ft)
• Draft: 2.75m (9ft)
• Guest Cabins: 8
• Crew Cabins: 7
• Build: Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard

Gearing Up For Delivery

Nordhavn's flagship the N120 is gearing up for her long delivery voyage from the P.A.E yard on the south coast of China to her new home in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is the first hull in the 120 series and is currently undergoing her final sea trials in preparation for her maiden voyage which is scheduled for the end of this month.

The delivery crew will include P.A.E vice president Jim Leishman, naval architect Jeff Leishman, the excited new owner and some the factory staff. She will only stop off once in Hong Kong throughout her whole 5,000nm voyage but if this was my maiden voyage I think a pit-stop in the South Pacific island maybe "Bora Bora" would have to be incorporated into the planning, wouldn't you agree?

For everyone wondering where she is at anytime of the day there will be a special website section set up on nordhavn.com which will include daily onboard commentary, statistics, photos, tracking and even a questions & answers section with the crew. We will keep you posted on our Facebook and twitter pages as to when the N120 site is up and running.