Superyacht International

“Sustainable superyacht” sounds pretty much like an oxymoron. Whatever designed for excesses collides with environmental protection. Yet these recent years have witnessed a sharp rise of innovation in the world of superyachts, in terms of innovation and technology, along with a growing demand for this, due to the owners’ and hirers’ new sensibility. Feasible and practical solutions are rapidly evolving. Besides total electric propulsion, powered by several square metres of solar panels and therefore more easily used on catamarans for their size and shape, studies on how to use alternative fuel are also growing, star ting from methanol1. Rolls Royce Power Systems is focusing on this particular kind of alcohol as a fuel for commercial sailing, though adapted to MTU engines for lesser environmental impact. A rapid conversion of four-stroke…

After acquiring Perini Navi, Italian Sea Group have made a deal with Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Studio for a new range of sail yachts. The first result of the deal is a 56metre ketch, to be followed by a 47 to 74 metre fleet: modern yachts, that will reinterpret some of the traditional Perini stylistic features as well as the Group’s environmentally friendly philosophy. Wide open spaces are likely to be part of this new yacht, along with wide glass surfaces to lighten the interior, a carbon sail plan to guarantee comfort and high performances thanks to Perini Navi’s “Sail Handling System” to assist maneuvering from the two command stations on the fly bridge. “In recent months we have created a technical team highly specialised in the design of sailing…

Turkish yard Numarine’s range of explorer is proving very successful in all the sizes it proposes. The yard is even planning to enlarge it, by introducing a 30-metre model to be set between the renowned 26XP and 32XP: a new unit to be equipped with the new hybrid Diesel-electric propulsion system, first time ever for the Turkish yard. “The 30XP is a model that we have introduced for repeat Numarine customers who are aiming to step up in size” says Numarine founder and chairman Ömer Malaz. “Following in-depth market research, it is a sign of the huge success of our XP range that three units of the new model have already been sold to existing clients. With the diesel-electric engines and POD drivers, this is going to be a revolutionary…

Monaco yard Wally take their renovation process one step further with the new sail collection Wallywind, now welcoming Wallywind 130 and 150 after Wallywind 110’s debut. Entirely built in carbon fiber, the two boats perfectly stick to Wally’s DNA, made up of exclusive design and regatta performances. To reach this, the Ferretti Group Munich yard, led by founder and chief designer Luca Bassani, actively cooperated with design Studio Anna Maria Magnolfi and architecture study Judek + Vrolik. Wally Founder and Chief Designer Luca Bassani explains: “The wallywind150 is the natural evolution of the Wally144 Kauris IV launched in 2020. It includes some Wally iconic features, such as the cockpit protected by the high bulwarks, the Terrace-on-the-sea and the raised saloon. On the other hand, it also introduces a few more…

Sunseeker have been particularly keen on renovating the upper level of their range, a market segment the English yard is heavily betting on, as shown during the latest Munich Yacht show. The new Ocean Line models were unveiled during the exhibit. Ocean 460 stands out the largest among them. Her name, contrasting conventions, does not show the length but rather the tonnage, to underline the boat’s massive volumes. Compared with 40-metre Sunseeker 131, the Superyacht Line flagship, Ocean 40 provides 25% more internal volumes, thanks to a larger size of course, to an even more accurate study of internal proportions and, last but not least, to the prow vertical design. All ingredients are there for a successful model, including the fashionable aft, closely reminding of a balcony at sea. Both…

EXO 144 is the third, and smallest, model of the namesake series designed by Richard Liebowitz’s Design UK. “After unveiling the 187 and 208-foot we thought it was high time for a smaller product in the same explorer superyachts market”, said Richard Liebowitz, who also explained how 144 also embodies the philosophy “power for purpose”: a yacht’s design depends on her purpose, not on fashion. EXO 144 is characterized by a functional design, both externally and internally. The former shows the presence of well tested elements like the water braking prow and a traditional aft platform; the latter stems from a careful study of circulation to ensure the guests’ privacy through specifically devised paths, while allowing the crew to move equally well. The upper deck was deliberately dedicated to the…