YachtForums: We Know Big Boats!

Large 52.5-meter schooner "Doña Francisca" launches in Uraguay ​

The largest yacht to be launched in Latin America came to light recently. She is in the form of a classic looking pilot schooner and has an LOA of 52.5-meters. "Doña Francisca" was designed by Javier Soto Acebal, some may know him designing a few Wally builds-. The project represents one of the largest full carbon fiber endeavours to date and definitely the largest in Latin America so far.

The interior has been described classic styling and features accommodation in a full-beam master suite, two twins and one VIP-type double cabin. 'Doña Francisca is intended for deep ocean sailing,’ says Acebal. ‘Her generous displacement, high-form stability and low center of gravity will give a pleasant ride. Construction is in carbon/epoxy, improving the ballast/displacement ratio...

Benetti Delfino motoryacht "Mister Z" launched​

Benetti has launched the Delfino hull number 8 christened as "Mister Z", boasting the highest technical specification to date and built for a first time Belgian owner with considerable experience from years of extensive chartering. The spacious and contemporary five stateroom interior with accommodation for 12 guests and three crew was designed in-house by Benetti using soft grey white decaped oak and Testa di Moro tinted oak as a contrast supplemented with the Poltrona Frau furniture and exclusive bath rooms in Bronze Amani, blended with Striato Elegante marble matching the neutral color throughout the yacht.

The light interior benefits from the large windows and the customized 210cm headroom creates a spaciousness unusual for a 28-meter yacht and the excellent layout feature a master cabin on the main deck with an excellent view from the forward positioned bed...

Horizon RP105 "Agora" Christened in Japan​

On January 18th, the Horizon RP105 "Agora" was christened in Hiroshima, Japan by her new owners Mr. and Mrs. Akita; they held a traditional Japanese Shinto ceremony called "shinsuishiki" to launch and subsequently christen their new motor yacht at the Sakaigahama dock. In Japan, "shinsuishiki" formally announces the name of the vessel to the Gods and asks for prayers and blessings for the yacht on all of her voyages.

This was the second time Horizon attended a traditional Japanese naming ceremony for Mr. and Mrs. Akita -- they held a "shinsuishiki" for their first Horizon motoryacht, a 2010 E78 also named Agora. Horizon Group CEO John Lu was a special guest for the event, along with interior designer Luca Dini, Horizon Japan representative Mr. Shintani and the owners' family and friends...

Heesen Yachts sell Project Azuro, delivery in May​

Heesen Yachts has announced that YN 16650 – Project 'Azuro' has been sold, in close collaboration with Burgess, who introduced the client. Azuro’s highly distinctive flowing lines were designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects and embody the Heesen family look and feel with its iconic reverse sheer ‘pelican beak’ bow. The latest MTU engines - 16V 4000 M73L - power Azuro’s streamlined shape above and below the water resulting in a top speed of 23-knots and a range of over 3,100 nautical miles.

Azuro has the largest volume of any yacht of her length. She combines speed and space with uncompromised luxury. Acclaimed Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski created her interior design, adopting a form of natural minimalism that results in a beautifully pure concept...

SilVerYachts 77-meter superyacht "SilVer Fast"​

"SilVer Fast" combines the current and latest styles, speed and performance expected from the SilVer series of yachts that was pioneered by the former Hanseatic Marine. Another aspect is the very impressive long range high-speed cruising capabilities. A top speed is anticipated to be in the region of 30-knots and have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 18-knots. Silver Fast will reinforce the extraordinary and well proven fuel efficient credentials of the Silver Series characterised by lightweight aluminium construction.

Currently under construction the 77-meter Silver Fast expected to be ready for launching in the first quarter of 2015. Silver Fast follows on from the legacy left by her predecessors, namely 73.5-meter "SilVer", 73.5-meter "SilVer Zwei" and 77-meter "Smeralda"...

Christensen signs contract for new 50-meter Custom superyacht ​

American yacht builder Christensen already has had a successful Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show with the sale of a new 50-meter superyacht from their 164-foot line. Although the yacht is similar to what we have grown accustomed to from this segment of their portfolio offering. However, the new hull has stylistic updates. Some of them include a fold-out balcony midships on the upper-deck, styled windows in the hull and fashion-plates.

The new order adds to the already impressive backlog of yachts Christensen has under construction at the moment. To shed some light on this, they have three other 50-meter superyachts in build, two Ocean Alexander 120-footers, one, Custom 142-footer and two 160-footers. The latest 50-meter is expected to be delivered in 2016.

For more information:

Christensen Shipyards, Ltd...

SilVerYachts start construction on 83-meter 'SilverLoft'​

SilVerYachts, formerly Hanseatic Marine, announced the start of construction work on an 83-meter superyacht that they call 'SilVerLoft'. Hardly anything is known about the project to date but if more information is release, YF will be sure to keep you informed. What we do know is that the design is by Espen Oeino along with SilVerYacht's expertise on hull technology.

The long aft main deck features an expanse of deck space, enough for a large helicopter to land on the helipad. Several lounges/saloons exist and are aided by copious use of virtual floor-to-ceiling glass. Perhaps insight into why she is named SilVerLoft. The superyacht has a long foredeck and relatively straight bow. The bridge is located well forward giving perfect views across the bow. Aft of the bridge is the main open-deck deck area for guests...

Benetti launches third Benetti Classic Supreme motoryacht​

Italian builder Benetti recently launched the third hull in the Benetti Classic Supreme class from their Lusben yard. This one features a grey hull and white superstructure, easily distinguishing herself from her sisters. The Benetti Classic Supreme class is a 132-foot hull with updated styling and fetaures over the older Classic model that many were accustomed to.

The design is by noted designer Stefano Righini with an interior by Francois Zuretti. The launching of hull three was attended by the hard-working yard staff that all helped to make her a reality. Now that she is in the water, outfitting work will continue and preparations for her sea trials. Delivery is expected to follow course for April 2014.

For more information:

Azimut | Benetti S.p.A...

CRN signs Letter-of-Intent for two 44-meter motoryachts​

Two weeks after Italian yacht build CRN signed a letter of intent to start the construction of a 68-meter superyacht, the company has signed two more LOI contracts for the construction of two 44-meter yachts. The two yachts, once followed through on are expected to be destined for the Middle-Eastern and European markets respectively. The two new megayachts are expected to feature CRN trademark features like a balcony that can be enjoyed while underway, an open stern terrace overlooking the sea, and a floodable garage for the main tender, reminiscent of that introduced on board the 60-meter "J’Ade".

Lamberto Tacoli, Chairman and CEO of CRN, said: “I am happy about the signing of these two Letters of Intent for the 44-meters 'SuperConero Line'. This confirms that we have made the right choices in a very important segment of market for CRN...

Wider Yachts to build their largest yacht , Wider 165-footer​

Innovative yacht builder has hit more success at the start of this year's edition of the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show. Wider Yachts is pleased to announce the signing of contract for their largest yacht yet, the Wider 165, yes a 50-meter yacht. The order initially was calculated to be only a 150-footer but the owner wanted to be able to carry a three-person submarine and that necessitated the extra length.

Speaking of the Wider 150, the first hull in that model is well underway in construction and is expected to launch in 2015. The Wider 165 will actually start cutting at the end of this month and continue construction up until launching in 2016. She will be built in aluminium to a design by Fulvio De Simoni...

Hargrave debuts 101-foot RPH motoryacht "Sassy"​

"Sassy" might be a familiar name to many of YF's readers and that is because partly, the name has been used on the owner's yachts in the past. The latest Sassy is in the form of a Hargrave 101-foot Raised Pilot House motoryacht and she makes her debut at the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show. In fact she is the fourth yacht built by the American owner...

Sunrise Yachts sign contract for 68-meter Project 'Skyfall'​

Antalya-based yacht builder Sunrise Yachts will deliver John and Jeanette Staluppis nineteenth and largest project to date in 2017. Project 'Skyfall', designed by Vallicelli & Co., with an interior design by Focus Yacht Design and naval architecture by Mulder Design and OYD, is packed with new technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts, who have been advising the clients, will be following up on the projects construction until delivery in 2017.

"There are some yachts that become game changers, that alter the desires and aspirations of future designs simply becoming the way of the future: this is one of those yachts". stated Peter Thompson. Project Skyfall is a fast displacement, steel hull and aluminum superstructure, transatlantic luxury motor yacht designed to meet the owners particular requirements in terms of esthetics, speed and comfort...

First Canados Oceanic 140-footer sold, in build​

Good news for Canados and their new Oceanic line of yachts. After the sale of the Oceanic 90-footer they have announced the sale of the first hull in the Oceanic 140-foot model as well. The 140-footer has been under construction with work progressing well. Presently, the superstructure is being worked on and the hull lamination process has been pretty much completed.

The Oceanic 140's interior design has been put together by Michela Reverberi. The vast wheelhouse of the Oceanic 140’ is located on the main deck, ensuring the entire upper deck is reserved solely to accommodate the Owner’s private suite. Along with panoramic views from a high vantage point, this magnificent suite includes a 25 sq. meter en-suite with steam bath, a secluded terrace with Jacuzzi facing forward, plus a private aft outdoor bridge with private dining area and lounges...

Northern Marine 90-foot expedition "Blood Baron"​

"Blood Baron" is a 90-foot expedition yacht currently in the final phases of construction at Northern Marine in the U.S. As you will expect she carries the range and fuel efficiency of a long-range cruiser while having the attributes and appointments of a luxury yacht larger than she is. Blood Baron has a voluminous interior for her size and large windows to further enhance the spatial appeal...

Perini Navi signs contract for 38-meter sailing yacht​

The Perini Navi Group has closed the contract on the second yacht in their 38m Racing Line, a performance line that unites comfort with the quality that has always characterized Perini Navi yachts. Sloop C.2130 is under construction at the Perini Navi Group’s Picchiotti shipyard in La Spezia and will be delivered in the year 2015. Compared with her sister ship "P2", hull C.2130 has been designed according to a brief for fast and easy sail handling through three semiautomatic Perini Navi electric captive winches.

This sloop will mount laminated sails and will have a carbon fibre furling boom for performance and safety in all conditions. Hull and superstructure are in Sealium, a lightweight aluminium alloy that is highly corrosion resistant...

Italian yacht manufacturer MondoMarine is continuing to produce new designs and also translate them into new contracts. The same has happened with their new 40-meter semi-displacement motoryacht. The news comes after MondoMarine secured the sale of their top-of-the-line M60 model a couple months ago. The new model design rises an impressive four decks above the waterline and boasts a number of notable features throughout. Accommodation appears to be for ten guests in five rooms most of which exist on the lower deck. The master is located in a somewhat new location for onboard a 40-meter yacht. The master is forward on the upper deck, typically where you expect to find the bridge. The owner's cabin is expected to have doors on both sides of the room and open up to slim side decks but can be marginally broadened by use of fold-down bulwarks to form terraces...

Azimut is preparing to launch the third Azimut Grande 120SL motoryacht​

Italian manufacturer Azimut is in the final stages before they launch the third hull in the Azimut Grande 120SL series. The new yacht is expected to launch in April, 2014 and will showcase exterior design by Stefano Righini and interior design work by Carlo Galeazzi. Paolo Vitelli, chairman of the Azimut Benetti Group commented: “Azimut Grande represents a tangible response to the needs expressed by our boat owners: it is an appealing and distinctive line that doesn't cut corners in terms of comfort and flawless performance. Rigorous trials and tank testing have helped develop a high performance keel that can cruise with ease, even in rough seas. Adopting water jet transmissions has significantly limited vibrations and noise, maximising on board comfort for the boat owner and guests”...

SanLorenzo launches SD118 "H1" in Italy​

Italian yard SanLorenzo successfully launched the first member of the new SD118 line. She has been christened as "H1" and as usual, the owner and family were on hand to witness the momentous occasion. The yacht was built for a German owner who opted for a modern atmosphere and feel .

The new SD118 is actually closer to 120-feet long with a beam of about 25-feet and a draft of 7.38-feet. H1 has design by Francesco Paszkowski and Naval Architecture by SanLorenzo themselves. The GRP-made vessel is powered by dual MTU 16V 2000 M94s and can easily hit a 28-knot top end speed. She is expected to carry ten guests in her staterooms onboard. H1 is expected to be delivered to her owner after sea trials are satisfied...

CRN technically launches 60-meter superyacht hull 133​

Italian yacht builder CRN technically launched their first yacht of 2014, hull 133, a 60-meter superyacht. The new superyacht was rolled out the shed earlier this week but won't be fully launched into the water until the start of March. For now, the yacht is being prepared for official launching and interior work to continue. Francesco Paszkowski is responsible for the exterior design and the Naval Architecture is a collaboration with CRN's technical staff as well...

Heesen launches 40M megayacht "Galatea"​

On January 17th, during a private ceremony at the shipyard facility in Oss, YN 15640, the first 40-meter Heesen ‘sportster’, was launched and christened M/Y "Galatea". She is the true incarnation of Heesen DNA; with advanced aluminium hull technology, powerful performance, uncompromising interior design and peerless Dutch construction standards. M/Y Galatea has the optimum balance of comfort and power: she may have marble bathrooms among her luxurious interior design features, but she’s still capable of 27.5-knots...