As the year winds down, we at NAVIS naturally reflect on the accomplishments of the year in our industry. Despite the unprecedented way 2020 continued to unfold, the industry saw impressive sales performance.
No fewer than 32 superyachts changed hands in the brokerage market, making it the most productive August in 5 years. We also saw the emergence of client-only events and live-streamed launches in place of the rescheduled yacht shows. In a normal year, the NAVIS editorial team would have wrapped up its report of the annual Monaco Yacht Show for the October/November issue. But if there were a consistent theme to expect of 2020, it was the un-expected.
Arguably the ultimate celebration of the fine art of shipbuilding, the much-anticipated Monaco Yacht Show was not to be. The lounges, awards, displays tents, and hotel bars abuzz with meeting, greeting, dealing, and outright lusting -- facilitated by copious quantities of champagne -- were silent. The industry titans, celebrated designers, engineers, brokers, media, and yachting enthusiasts usually descending upon the principality in September to enjoy what would have been the show’s 30th Anniversary? Absent.
The NAVIS team reached out to many we’d anticipated connecting with in Monaco to provide highlights of their noteworthiest achievements in this already noteworthy year. For our news update, holiday wish list, or mood board, we recommend a flute of perfectly chilled fluid joy and invite you to imagine that Mediterranean air accompanied by a fair amount of clamor.
We checked in immediately with Lürssen, whose 111-meter Tis created quite a stir last year. With a size ranking second only to her opulence, this floating palace was the largest superyacht ever to grace the Monaco Yacht Show. Never ready to rest on its laurels, Lürssen again brings its consummate shipbuilding skills to the fore with Nord. This jaw-dropping 142 meter motor yacht was originally known as Project OPUS and initially planned at 139 meters. It ranks as one of Lürssen’s largest megayachts to date. This six-decked beauty makes history as the largest new construction project under brokerage. Exterior and interior are the work of renowned Nuvolari Lenard, with construction by the Moran Yacht & Ship team. Her 20 staterooms host 36 guests who can touch down on her two helipads to enjoy an oversized swimming pool, sports and dive center on her lower deck, and the fleet of tenders which measure up to 15 meters. Lürssen kept production humming with the 78 meter superyacht Avantage, whose exquisitely graceful lines were witnessed on her delivery in Gibraltar back in mid-summer. Other than exterior and interior design by London-based Bannenberg & Powell, not much else is known about her, but this mystery lady will be closely-watched with her immense beach club boasting fold-down sides. Also spotted in Gibraltar mid-summer: the 140-meter Scheherazade after her maiden voyage to Norway. In collaboration with famed naval architect Espen Oeino with interior design by Zuretti, she’s another outstanding project with her dual helipads, fire features, and outdoor Jacuzzis that are sure to delight 18 guests for more than a legendary one thousand-and-one nights. With these three very exceptional ladies, Lürssen has triumphed yet again, exemplifying the very best of German engineering. We can’t wait to see what 2021 holds for this distinguished brand.
Legendary builder Feadship lost no momentum in 2020 either, having turned more than a few heads last year with its yacht show entry, the 77-meter SYZYGY 818 (re-named Pi), and news of 3 projects for 2020, although we suspected they had more. In January 2020, they hosted a christening ceremony for the 75-meter aptly-named Arrow, a collaboration with Jonny Horsfield of London’s H2 Yacht Design. The first-time yacht owner could not have ordered a more impressive starter boat with its striking bow. Then the reticent Dutch also began slyly dripping scant details about their Project 705 since she emerged from her shed in February. At nearly 73 meters, the design by UK-based RWD for the triple-decked Podium, as she is now known, boasts stunning visual appeal with a resplendent deep blue hull and sparkling white aluminum superstructure. In February, Feadship also launched the incredibly impressive 99.95-meter Moonrise. With a superstructure entirely wrapped in glass and a foredeck helipad, her imposing length was more in line with the size we’d seen from the brand. Her 15.5-meter beam’s impressive volume allows the accommodation of guests in 8 exquisite staterooms and up to 32 crew in bright and airy cabins. Not merely beautiful, she’s about performance, too, and her two MTU engines allow a top speed of 19.5 knots. For all her size, Feadship was mindful of Moonrise’s footprint, and an impressive array of treatment and recovery systems, some proprietary, for exhaust gas treatment as well as generator heat recovery (to warm the jacuzzi, no less) are in place. Their environmental policies also extend to the auditory. Those aboard benefit from an advancement of the builder’s legendary standards of noise and vibration reduction.
Heesen redefined ‘industrious’ this year, coming as no surprise after last year’s press conference at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo announcing 12 construction projects. In June, they delivered the 49.80 meter Amare II, the second in their hybrid series, coinciding with the lockdown in The Netherlands. Enhanced by her lightweight and Fast Displacement Hull Form, the hybrid’s efficiency is as impressive as her versatility: four different power modes to propel her most efficiently, depending on conditions, along with reduction in noise as well as CO² emissions. Heesen shipyards saw a flurry of activity in October with its largest steel displacement yacht to date. Project Sparta, at 67 meters, features a private owner’s deck and a 6.5-meter infinity pool. We will find it difficult to wait until the 4th quarter of 2023 to see her full glory. In October, Heesen commenced construction of the 60 meter Project SkyFall at their Oss shipyard. Her owner clearly felt the need for speed, the plans for this motor yacht are designed as a sports car on the water, with a top speed of 37 knots, thanks to her super-efficient FDHF and 22,000 HP from the four MTU 20V 4000 engines which will run four Kongsberg S90 waterjets. She’s another 2023 delivery to anticipate. The second of the firm’s re-imagined 55-meter Steel series, Project Pollux, also sold in October. Pollux features an owner’s suite of 86 m² on its own deck, plus five spacious guest cabins. Again, we see the efficient FDHF design: at her 13-knot cruising speed, she’ll easily manage those transatlantic journeys her owner envisions.
Readers may wonder if this update will touch on super sailing yachts. We’re pleased to report that another Dutch builder, Royal Huisman, made monumental progress with the delivery of Sea Eagle II in June. At 81 meters, she is the brand’s largest sailing yacht and the world’s largest yacht crafted in aluminum, and required an extension be built to accommodate her. Her main mast is a towering 58 meters and capped with a crow’s nest. Her long waterline, plumb bow, and a large sail area (3,050 m²) ensures the speed and performance demanded by her owner. The development of the equally impressive APEX 850, the world’s largest aluminum schooner at 85 meters, was finally completed this year as well. Undeniably impressive, her towering rig will dominate the skyline when viewed from any angle. She’s only waiting for a personalized ‘finishing touch’ by a new owner.
Baltic Yachts, a leader in custom carbon fiber sailing yachts for long-distance cruising, kept a busy schedule in 2020. The innovative Finnish builder began construction on the 146 Custom, which is expected to be delivered in 2021. The third-largest yacht by volume ever commissioned from Baltic, her design features a lifting keel and twin rudders. Her 41.8 meter L.W.L alone ensures speedy and comfortable ocean cruising.
Baltic’s 117 custom project is also set for delivery in 2021 to an owner with global cruising passions. She’s a classic sloop with pilot cutter-type features. She employs modern tech systems, like smart cabins designed to minimize power usage when unoccupied, as well as those recycling fuel waste to heat water onboard. Also in the works, Baltic’s 68 Café Racer, a perky daysailer with a hull composed of 50% flax, which features solar panels and a twin 20kW electric engines with zero-emission. Finished to a high standard of luxury, she’s set to be delivered in 2021 as well.
From the cool technical ethos and minimalist design of the northern Europeans, we head to the passionate style sensibilities of southern European shipyards. It’s always a most wonderful time of year when “Benetti Giga Season” commences, and its Livorno shipyard operates nonstop to deliver three majestic works over 100 meters in length. A feature on Lana, 107 meters and the first launch, appeared in our October/November issue. Every bit alluring as her name, she accommodates an owner, 12 guests, and a crew of 34 to enjoy or service her winter garden, spa/hammam, heated pool, and cinema. The 107-meter Luminosity is a mansion built to house a multi-generational family in their own little world at sea and features everything from an office to a video wall. See more on her in this issue. Benetti’s largest, the FB275, at 108 meters is an exceptionally impressive vessel that accommodates 22 guests on five decks in 1,000 m² of living space. A crew of 29 keeps her running optimally, along with cranes, lifts, and fueling station to keep all those tenders and toys ready for action.
We’ve also been following Rossinavi from its pre-launch phase of the fully-custom 48.8-meter EIV to its recent delivery, an inspiring and exquisite transformation. Her profile is elegant but viewed full-on, she seems aggressive with features resembling the air vent grills of a sports coupe. Onboard, her crisp whites and creams, gleaming metals, and backlit onyx features are a pure delight in the owner’s full-beam master suite.
Her new owner from the States can now enjoy the best of American tech and mechanics happily wed to Italian artistry and style.
CRN, part of the famed Ferretti Group, certainly kept up momentum, releasing details in November of 2019 on its 62-meter CRN M/Y 138. In July this year, they announced the sale of the 52-meter pleasure yacht, Project CRN M/Y 142. Designed to be low-profile, she pairs beautifully flowing lines with sportier styling. A collaboration of Omega Architects with interiors by Massari Design, brings to life the owner’s demands for extensive outdoor areas and interior spaces with large windows. Later in July, CRN also delivered the 62 meters, CRN M/Y 137 Voice, a fully-custom steel and aluminum mega yacht with five decks, the uppermost one designated as the owner’s private domain. As impressive as she looks, she’s also the first CRN megayacht to earn IMO Tier III certification for slashing Nitrogen Oxide exhaust emissions by 70%.
Riva certainly teased us with its sportfly Folgore 88. Like the flash of lightning for which she’s named, her brooding gray and rather formidable 27 meters are super-agile with her carbon hull and 5276 hp performance. She boasts a top speed of 39 knots. Guests revel in expansive views, and crew delight in the joystick maneuvering and fully integrated operational system with smartphone-style simplicity. Yet, she’s the embodiment of classic Riva style with all her sumptuous mahogany trim. Folgore 88 is a gentle warning never to underestimate the innovation potential of a 178-year-old firm.
Tecnomar brand of The Italian Sea Group, company active in the construction and refit of megayachts and ships up to 100 meters, introduced its aptly-named Domus charter in October. Replete with exquisite Italian styling, she is a literal “villa by the sea” in her 36 meters of open-plan layout. Built for relaxation and enjoyment, her expansive sea views and wide-open living areas are enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Accommodating ten guests in 5 cabins, plus a crew of 6 in 3 cabins, Domus can reach a max speed of 21 knots, thanks to her 4 Volvo D13-1000 engines and sleek aluminum construction.
Admiral, flagship brand of The Italian Sea Group, launched Geco, the 55-meter megayacht charter, in June. Space maximization is in play across her four bridges, resulting in full beam layouts for many living areas, but her true design is for outdoor living with a “beach club” area which features high glass side walls designed to offer protection on windy days and an upper deck sun area that converts to a touch-and-go helipad. Admiral also launched the 4-decked, 46-meter Crocus in September. She’s yet another model of the brand’s La Dolce Vita ethos and maximizes efficiency with a reduction in GRT. With a captivating interior highlighted by cool dark-and light-toned contrasts, Crocus wraps her guests in luxurious comfort while maintaining that important connection to the sea.
Southern Wind has been distinguishing itself for its composite sailing yachts. This year saw two outstanding launches, both in collaboration with NAUTA design. In October, the launch of the 30-meter Morgana. An alluring moniker for a sleek and sexy lady, she’s also efficient and safe. With her lifting keel, single rudder, and liberal use of carbon, we love how she meets her owner’s specs for bluewater comfort that can also meet the competitive demands of regattas, yet nimbly make her way around the world. Southern Wind also launched Ammonite 96 at the end of August. Ordered by a repeat owner with an eye for performance, her 31.41 meters emerged from the shed fresh and crisp to replace the Ammonite 86 version said owner sold last year.
One emerging theme last year gained more momentum in 2020: the extension of the superyacht lifestyle to appeal to a younger demographic. The newer dynamic of “leisure” catapulted to the forefront this year, along with the merging of both traditional and blended families with close friends. This is evidenced by the expansion of open-plan living areas, and elimination of the spaces once delegated for specific tasks aboard yachts.
Riding that wave and touching on the ever-growing need to temper our presence on the ocean by reducing our impact, Oceanco celebrated a milestone with its massive new Zwindrecht facility. In addition to this, in mid-2020, Oceanco announced the enhancement of its outfitting facilities in Alblasserdam, which feature a solar-paneled rooftop that will deliver approximately 250,000 kWh of energy a year. The newly renovated outfitting facilities have been increased to accommodate yachts up to 120m in length. In its goal to become one of the world’s most sustainable yacht builders, Oceanco collaborated with Lateral for the engineering of an advanced propulsion system as they began outfitting a gargantuan 109-meter megayacht in June. But Oceanco didn’t stop at shipbuilding. In a groundbreaking collaboration with other industry leaders, they released details of their innovative NXT project, set to explore future strategies for reaching a goal of zero impact on the environment. And no year was more appropriate than 2020, with its challenges and requirements, or rather, demands for innovation.
Which takes us neatly back once again to Monaco Yacht Show 2019. The annual dinners NAVIS hosts are memorable and thought-provoking as we grill – and in turn are grilled by -- both clients and industry insiders on what the future holds for the superyacht industry and the many challenges that accompany progress. Monaco’s Royals are famous for their conservation efforts on land and at sea. In September, The Yacht Club of Monaco, together with Credit Suisse joined forces, under the aegis of the Foundation of HSH Prince Albert II, to monitor the impact of yacht design and usage. They developed a rating system for superyachts. The SEA-Index or Superyacht Eco Association Index is a simple, transparent, and scientifically-based rating system designed to assess the ecological impact of a superyacht. The Index’s aim runs beyond rating to inspiring innovations, collecting data, and recognizing good practices. Ultimately, the Association’s goal is to make the SEA-Index a standard across industries and nations, not just for carbon emissions and water pollution, but for energy reclamation and waste treatment.
As we close out a year that is “one for the history books,” we look to our loyal readers, and industry insiders for their ongoing inspiration, confidence, and faith in NAVIS as their trusted source for all that embodies “the good life.” We have missed seeing and interacting with so many of you this year, in Monaco, and at many events pre-empted by the pandemic. We extend a special thanks to our industry partners whose PR teams provided us with press releases and images to meet your hunger for the latest news. We raise a toast to you all with our warm and sincerest wishes from the team here at NAVIS. May 2021 bring a wealth of joy, happiness, good health, and good fortune to you, your families, and your crew. Cheers!
