Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Boat International

I have to take a moment and applaud the prose of the owner of the 6o-metre explorer Akula, reflecting on his 30-day circumnavigation of Iceland this summer: “I didn't expect to fall in love with Iceland. It was meant to be just another leg of our northern voyage, a stop between Scotland and the ice fields of Greenland. But circumnavigating this island by sea turned into something else entirely: a slow, unfolding conversation with fire and ice, wind and silence, and a landscape that has never stopped shifting beneath the clouds.” Not bad, eh? You can read more about his adventures in the high latitudes on our Members’ Logbook pages in this issue. Don't his words, though, define the spirit of exploration? That joy of discovering something unexpected and creating…

ISA SPORTIVA 66 €61,000,000 Ikonic Yachts Reduced by: €5,000,000 Currently in build in Italy, the 66.4m yacht is scheduled to be delivered in spring 2027. SILVER STAR I €29,990,000 TWW Yachts Reduced by: €1,010,000 The interior of the 55.3m Admiral is designed by Giorgio Armani. SIMON FRASER €1,900,000 IYC Reduced by: €2,000,000 With hull and superstructure completed, this 80m project is ready to be finished. OLYMPUS €19,750,000 Edmiston and Fraser Reduced by: €2,000,000 Designed by Winch Design, the 55m Feadship is very voluminous at 881GT. BELONGERS €14,900,000 Fraser Reduced by: €2,000,000 The 50m Couach has a hammam and “state-of-the-art” sundeck owner's office.…

On a seemingly inconsequential day in the late 1970s, Prince Rainier III of Monaco paid an early lunch visit to the Keusseoglou estate. The family's patriarch, Charalambos A Keusseoglou, sat at the helm of a prominent shipping and cruise line business, and the prince was eager to hear how he might garner greater cruise ship activity in Monaco. What neither party could know was that their discussion would lead to the city-state's rise as the undisputed yachting capital of the world. “Prince Rainier asked my father what he should do to increase the number of cruise ship visitors in Monaco,” recounts Aleco Keusseoglou, Charalambos’ son and the current president of Société d'Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM), from his Monaco office. “To which my father replied, ‘Monseigneur, the first thing…

It's about four nautical miles from Lymington Harbour to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and by ferry the usually serene journey takes around 40 minutes. But there is now a far more, exciting vessel that devours the distance so quickly it makes the island seem as though it's coming to you rather than you are going to it. We're talking about the Twisted Scorpion 36GT, a beautifully built aquatic rocket ship that's the result of what many regard as the sine qua non of RIB manufacturers being brought beneath the wing of one of Britain's leading automotive tuning houses. Once clear of Lymington's six-knot limit, we give free rein to the twin 400-horsepower V10 Mercury Verado outboards and positively surge up onto the plane, hitting 60 knots in what…

The first half of 2025 has been turbulent for many investors. Stocks fell 20 per cent after Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff announcement, and government bond yields surged 0.5 per cent, making borrowing costs for consumers and the government more expensive. Inflation expectations rose, pushing safe haven assets such as gold to all-time highs. While markets have since rebounded, the recent volatility has left investors seeking alternatives, and the idea of putting money into collectibles long popular with superyacht owners - is gaining renewed interest. Thanks to online platforms offering fractional ownership and retail-focused funds that provide diversified exposure, investing in collectibles is more accessible than ever before. The collectibles market has long served as a store of long-term value; while the idea of investing in niche sectors and products has…

TRITON BAY, WEST PAPUA A huge waterfall tumbling into the sea and an underwater pinnacle rich in sea life. SUMBA, EAST NUSA TENGGARA The quality of the surf is amazing for the experienced. So remote, you'll be alone 80 per cent of the time. PAPISOI BAY, WEST PAPUA Wade upriver through tropical forest to a waterfall, then float back to the beach. SORONG, WEST PAPUA Trek through thick jungle dotted with Papuan villages to a secret surf spot that offers a barrel. Very good rides. RAJA AMPAT, WEST PAPUA The underwater world here is simply amazing with its backdrop of steep tropical islets.…

At the southernmost tip of Patagonia is a stretch of the Beagle Channel nicknamed Glacier Alley. The 240-kilometre passage is serrated by fjords cut by five tidewater glaciers that flow from the huge Darwin ice field. Captain Gerhard Veldsman recalls taking Aquijo, at 85.9-metre the largest sailing ketch in the world, gingerly into them as one of the most memorable experiences of a decade of two circumnavigations. “We had the boss and his family on board for a month. We went right up to all the glaciers and the sights were amazing,” Veldsman says. He describes immense ice cliffs, an evening barbecuing on a wild, isolated beach and making a luge from iceberg ice and filling it with vodka. “It was one of those surreal moments,” he says, “with silence…

Five Oceans is a serious boat. One look at the kit that's on display on the aft deck is enough to know she was built for an owner who means business when it comes to exploring. She's not carrying the full complement when I pay her a visit in Monaco, but she's been tailored to accommodate an Icon A5 seaplane with folding wings, a three-seater 1,000-metre-certified Triton submersible with its own operational support container and two jet-black Novamarine RIBS that plough unstoppably through any sea state. The baby blue hull colour is a bit of a puzzle, however. Broker Rob Dolling admits it doesn't quite jive with her hardcore explorer character, but there's a reason for that. “We knew the boat would be going all over the planet, and we…

HEMISPHERE The 44.2-metre, with naval architecture by VPLP, launched as the largest private sailing catamaran and earned a 2012 World Superyacht Award commendation. MOATIZE (EX-ILONA) Standing out in Pendennis history as the first luxury motor yacht to be built at the yard, this 45-metre was launched in 1999. She features a design by Dubois Naval Architects and interior styling by RWD. STEEL This 55-metre ice-classed expedition yacht was the largest project by volume when she launched in 2009. She is MCA compliant with long-range capabilities. VIJONARA The 42-metre Hoek-designed Truly Classic 128 cutter-rigged sloop was optimised for sailing performance. She won the Sailing Yacht 30m to 59.9m category at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards.…

Where is it? Hedonistic San Antonio might not immediately conjure up visions of luxury - its party-hard reputation will always precede it - but hidden in the pine-covered hills above Cala Gració lies an unexpected and serene exception. With its sculptural architecture, chic bohemian decor and pool loungers dripping in Missoni fabrics, OKU Ibiza captures the effortlessly elegant spirit of the island. What's the vibe? This is classic high-end Ibiza - mornings begin with sound baths and yoga, afternoons ease into poolside lounging soundtracked by mellow DJ beats, and dinner at the Japanese-South American fusion Teyo restaurant is a must. The spa at OKU Ibiza channels the interior motifs of the hotel rooms; think natural materials, wood detailing, tactile fabrics and diffused lighting that invites instant calm. More soulful retreat…

“I WOULD REALLY RATHER FEEL BAD IN MAINE THAN FEEL GOOD ANYWHERE ELSE” E.B. WHITE…

CHARLOTTE THOMAS Formerly professional crew, Charlotte found her vocation as a yachting journalist and magazine editor in 1997 and hasn't looked back. For this issue she was able to get on board our cover yacht before it left on its maiden cruise (page 152). What impressed you the most about Amor à Vida? The fact that although she's beautifully designed and built, she doesn't try to be the star of her own ostentatious show but simply the canvas on which fun and adventure can be painted. What is your favourite superyacht? Tricky! I loved Sea Force One for her spirit, Vava II for her style and several builds from Wally and Baltic Yachts because I'm a racing sailor at heart. If you owned one of those, where would you sail…

1,439 DAYS SPENT AT THE YARD AS OF 15 JULY MASTER OF CRAFT Dutch yard Icon Yachts has celebrated a massive construction milestone in the conversion of the 70-metre Project Master. The former offshore rescue and support ship has completed her technical launch and is now one step closer to becoming one of the “world's most capable explorer yachs”. Various parts of the original platform were replaced, including a brand-new superstructure that increased her volume by 1,000GT to a total of 2,801GT. The interiors were also completely stripped to allow for an eco-conscious” redesign by British studio Winch Design. iconyachts.eu ITALIAN SHIPYARD SILENT YACHTS HAS LAUNCHED THE FIRST UNIT IN ITS FLAGSHIP SOLAR-ELECTRIC CATAMARAN SERIES, THE SY80. THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ITS MOST COMPLEX TO DATE XXL SX…

“ADVENTURE IS WORTHWHILE IN ITSELF” -AMELIA EARHART, AVIATION PIONEER…

This five-bedroom penthouse at One at Palm Jumeirah spans three floors and measures 2,306m2. The property has a doubla-height living room with floating staircase, two kitchens, bar, home cinema and terraces ovarlooking sea and marina. The roof terrace is fitted out with an outdoor kitchen, gym, spa and pool. $100,735,094, sothebysrealty.com This four-bedroom, five-bathroom duplex is at the Four Seasons Private Residences, Palm Jumeirah. The terrace has a bar and private pool with city views. Residents’ amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness centre and cinema, plus beach club access at the Four Seasons resort. $38,115,981, sothebysrealty.com A four-bedroom, five-bathroom apartment at the Dorchester Collection Dubai in the Business Bay neighbourhood. With stylish interiors and views of Dubai's marina, the development has a yoga studio, landscaped gardens and rooftop pool. $22,325,075,…

CITY FOR MEN FOR WOMEN RESORT + SPORT FOR MEN FOR WOMEN…

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED OWNERS, EMAIL ownersclub@boatinternationalmedia.com “I'M AN OPERATOR AT HEART” Converting a 50-year-old towing vessel into a charter explorer - and taking guests on original adventures THIS MONTH: Iceland's magical landscapes / teeing off around the Tyrrhenian Sea/the Owners’ Club meets at the Cyclades Cup…

…dashing from Viareggio to Corsica and Sardinia at 40-plus knots in my new AB110. My usual golf course in Tuscany, Castelfalfi, was closed one weekend, so I said to my friends, why don't we play in Sardinia and Corsica? It's 250 nautical miles each way, but we managed to play a round of golf and have dinner on each island and only travelled during the day. You just can't do that in a regular boat - this thing is a time machine. I've always been a speed junkie. Back in 2001, in my powerboat-racing days, I was at an event in Key West and the legendary Reggie Fountain came over and told me that since the race was being televised we should exchange leads, to make it more exciting. I…

In the far reaches of the Southern Ocean, between the tip of New Zealand's South Island and Antarctica, lies a place that was once alive with seabirds and huge, otherworldly megaherbs. Auckland Island, the largest of New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, is a place of profound ecological significance. Home to more than 500 species of native flora and fauna (100 of which are found nowhere else on earth), it is a living relic of a prehistoric world that a modern intrusion has ravaged. In the early 1800s, sealers began to take advantage of the island's abundant seal population and visited the island en masse. Pigs were introduced as a future food source, and soon, the island became overrun with mice and cats as well. It wasn't until 1894, when the targeted…

What's your best tip for exploring at sea? When heading off the beaten track, make friends with the local fishermen. They know all the cool spots that no one else goes to, as well as the dangerous unmarked reefs that might put a dampener on the trip. Where's the best under-the-radar place you've ever been to on a superyacht? These days, there are so few left In the world, but I recall one spot in French Polynesia. There wasn't a soul around, but a humpback whale and her calf surfaced right beside the boat. They circled the boat for a few laps and then disappeared. You know we don't like to give away the best and most secret spots! Let's call it Bourayne Bay, Huahine. If you had to take…

When the Cannes Yachting Festival opens this September, one of the standout attractions will be a compact explorer from an unlikely newcomer. Bee, built by the Beşiktaş Shipyard conglomerate and launched in August 2024, is heading to Port Canto with the backing of a commercial giant and the signatures of two of Italy's best-known yacht designers. At 35.4 metres and just under 300GT, Bee is marketed as a pocket explorer, yet her specification and style are set to draw a big crowd. A SERIOUS SHIPYARD, REIMAGINED Beşiktaş Group, a Turkish conglomerate, is better known for building commercial ships and operating Europe's biggest refit yard. It's delivered more than 135 commercial vessels and recently became the eighth-largest refit facility in the world. Bee marks the group's first foray into superyachts and…

With its fantastical landscapes and increasingly sophisticated culinary scene, Western Australia's billing as the “dream state” seems apt, however you interpret that particular dream. It is, unsurprisingly, a rising destination for superyacht owners and charter guests, with the largest ports located in Perth, Rottnest Island and Broome perfect gateways for roaming national parks strewn with ancient aboriginal art, or for enjoying a taste of Perth's burgeoning food and wine scene. Yes, Western Australia currently only captures 2.7 per cent of the superyacht fleet by visitation, but this gives it an “uncharted” charm, says Cameron Bray, managing director of brokerage house The Superyacht People. “Western Australia feels like the last frontier of the world; it's so remote and different to any other yachting location. The scenery is unlike anywhere else in…

BLACK LEGEND €23,950,000 Northrop & Johnson and Camper & Nicholsons USP: The 49.9m Mangusta can reach 35 knots and cruises at 25 knots. MAXIMUS €79,500,000 Edmiston USP: Designed by Germán Frers, the 59m ketch is the third-largest sailing yacht built by Vitters. LADY MARINA €39,950,000 Moravia Yachting and Merle Wood & Associates USP: The 64m Feadship is listed for sale for the first time since her 1999 launch. PARA BELLVM €29,500,000 Edmiston USP: An infinity pool on the aft deck of this 47m Sanlorenzo is a striking focal point of the design. Y €17,500,000 YACHT USP: Delivered in Mey, Y is the only 2025 Benetti Oasis 34M en the market and is under full shipyard warranty.…

STAR FEATURE BREAKTHROUGH The world's first fuel-cell-powered superyacht and the largest yacht ever launched in the Netherlands, this 118.8-metre Feadship is likely to be the main draw at Monaco for more than one reason. She's not just big on paper either: she is said to boast about 30 per cent more volume than 118-metre Feadship Launchpad. Also present: Neptune lounge, cinema, library, hospital facility and 8.2-metre contraflow pool, 14 balconies and seven unfolding platforms. LOA 118.8m Builder Feadshlp Naval architecture Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior design RWD Interior design RWD STAR FEATURE ANDIAMO The flagship of the SD fleet, Sanlorenzo's first SD132 is the largest composite, semi-displacement yacht built by the Italian shipyard. Key features include lateral terraces that, when open, offer guests 70 square metres of walkable surface, and…

It's no secret that most yachts still prefer to ping-pong between the Caribbean and Mediterranean - perhaps with a quick nip over to the US or UK on occasion - but some owners often push further afield. Depending on the type of experience they're after, these journeys can involve daring escapades through some of the world's harshest climates or pioneering visits to countries with a less-established yachting culture - typically either in Africa or South East Asia. Either way, these exploits can be considered off the beaten track. Traditional migration patterns have also shifted to reflect the loss of the Red Sea as a reliable pathway for global transit since 2023 (following targeted attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships). Yachts are taking longer voyages either around South Africa or…

After spending 15 years at sea, many of them in the captain's seat, I thought I had a solid grasp of what defined a great charter experience. But now I'm at the other end of the passerelle, as a charter broker, serving clients by finding them the best possible charter experience - and so my perspective has changed. I no longer judge a yacht by how easily I could dock it in a tight berth, but rather I judge it by what kind of experience it would provide the guests I have placed on it. As a broker with discerning clients looking for the trip of a lifetime, I must assess the entire journey - no detail is too small. Few yachts have impressed me and my clients more consistently…

East meets West One of Japan's most influential chefs brings his inimitable dishes to London this September with the launch of Chef Masayoshi “Masa” Takayama's Tobi Masa restaurant at The Chancery Rosewood, which also opens in the autumn. The second outpost of Masa's under this name (the first opened in New York in 2004), the restaurant is located in the former US embassy overlooking Grosvenor Square and will offer a blend of his famous sushi creations and all-new dishes developed just for London. Opening September, rosewoodhotels.com FIELD OF DREAMS Make the most of the remaining late summer evenings at The Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park property, just 40 minutes outside London in the Berkshire countryside. New this season is TIDE, an outdoor dining experience curated by executive chef Adam Smith focusing…

BORN: 1981 STUDIED: PARIS DESCARTES UNIVERSITY, UTS SYDNEY LIVES: BALI AND ON THE BOAT MARRIED: ANITA CHILDREN: LEO EMIR It's Thibaud Epstein's vivid description of wading upriver for 40 minutes to find a waterfall in West Papua that paints the best picture. That and the urgent necessity to placate a wellarmed, recently displaced gathering of villagers preparing to stand their ground on the beach. “We assured them we didn't want their land and were able to share our supplies with them. In return, they showed us the waterfall,” he says. Epstein is sketching out the many reasons why he fell in love with South East Asia and came to found a charter business on a 50-year-old towing vessel. His case is compelling: “Indonesia has a sense of hospitality that you…

 RIBEYE 6.2 - METRE TENDER Equipped with a ski pole, this custom crew/ SOLAS tender has a hinged console, but it can clear the garage doors without folding it. IC YACHT LIMO Custom designed and built by limo tender specialists IC Yacht, Amor à Vida's formal guest transfer tender features styling that recalls the mothership's lines, a top speed in the mid-30-knot range and a Bugatti interior that speaks to the owner's passion for cars.…

A seven-strong fleet of Belmond barges carve out personalised sojourns along some of France's 4,350 kilometres of canal and river. Coquelicot, a 39-metre converted Dutch cargo barge, is Les Bateaux Belmond's flagship and crucially, the only one to wind through the Grand Cru vineyards of France's effervescent Champagne region. A six-night stay aboard Coquelicot begins just outside of Reims, meandering from Châlons-en-Champagne to Jaulgonne, or vice versa, along the River Marne. Hailing from the LVMH-owned Belmond brand, which serves up signature suites at Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons and dazzles guests aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, it goes without saying that Coquelicot, with its sage green accents and Brazilian hardwood decks, is peerlessly stylish. The same goes for the young crew (including two well-trained rescue dogs Tagine and Couscous), whose onboard…

CROTIA As the sun slips behind the limestone bell towers of Split, Croatia, summer evenings are filled not just with the sound of footsteps clicking along alleyways of the old town, but also with something more haunting. Flowing through the maze-like streets, the sound of voices in mournful harmony can be heard, if you know where to listen for it. This is klapa, a traditional form of a cappella singing rooted in the ancient rhythms of Dalmatia. Derived from the Italian word clappa, meaning a group of friends, klapa is sung in tight, polyphonic layers, in gentle tones that resemble a haunting church chorus. Typically formed of four to eight men (though all-female and mixed groups are now common too), the singers wear crisp white shirts and red sashes tied…

Day One Begin your voyage in the cradle of Western civilisation. Athens is a city where antiquity meets modern elegance - where ancient ruins, lively cafés and world-class museums create a vibrant cultural mosaic. Explore the ancient Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, and visit the award-winning Acropolis Museum, where glass floors hover above buried ruins. Discover the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum, home to Greece's richest collection of classical treasures. In the afternoon, cruise to Cape Sounion. Here, the Temple of Poseidon stands sentinel on a dramatic cliff, 65 metres above the waves. Built in 444BCE, this majestic monument offers one of Greece's spellbinding sunset views - an awe-inspiring introduction to the Aegean's sacred beauty. Day Two Skyros combines mythological resonance with timeless…