Superyacht News

A Celebration of Maritime Heritage on the French Riviera

The timeless elegance of classic yachting is set to take center stage on the French Riviera this autumn. On Thursday, 1 October, the most beautiful centenarian yachts will officially gather in the pristine waters of the bay of Saint-Tropez. This highly anticipated maritime gathering marks the 15th edition of the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy.

Held as a specialized segment within the broader and world-renowned Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta, this unique race has steadily grown in prestige. Over the years, it has established itself as an absolutely unmissable event specifically reserved for sailing yachts that are over one hundred years old. The Centenary Trophy was originally created by the Gstaad Yacht Club and is expertly co-organised in partnership with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. For a decade and a half, the competition has successfully celebrated the refined elegance, the deep maritime heritage, and the enduring sporting spirit associated with classic sailing.

A Milestone Departure in Vlissingen

The prestigious Dutch shipbuilding sector witnessed a highly significant departure this week as Damen Yachting proudly announced the official delivery of the Amels 80 Project Zurich. Setting off from the shipyard’s state-of-the-art facilities in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, the towering 80-meter vessel has formally commenced her maiden voyage.

Unlike typical maiden itineraries that immediately chase the Mediterranean sun, Project Zurich is embarking on a more rugged and demanding initial route. The superyacht is currently making her way toward the United Kingdom. Following this preliminary leg, the vessel will continue her northern trajectory, setting course for the challenging and spectacular cruising grounds of the Baltic Sea and the deep, winding Norwegian fjords. This itinerary not only highlights the owner's adventurous cruising ambitions but also serves as a testament to the robust, ocean-going capabilities inherent in the Amels 80 platform.

A Landmark Launch in La Spezia

The Italian maritime hub of La Spezia played host to a highly significant industry milestone this weekend as Sanlorenzo officially launched Virtuosity, the highly anticipated second hull in its flagship 74Steel series. Spanning an impressive 73 meters (240 feet) in length, Virtuosity stands as a defining statement in bespoke naval architecture and ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI) customization within the sub-2,000 Gross Tonnage (GT) sector. (Gross Tonnage is a standardized measurement of a vessel's overall internal volume, which dictates the strictness of international maritime regulations and crewing requirements).

Brokered and comprehensively managed by Fraser—with Sales Broker Dennis Frederiksen successfully representing the buyer—the launch marks the culmination of an intensive four-year development and engineering phase. Fraser's dedicated Project Management team oversaw the highly intricate build process from its inception in 2022, navigating extended pre-design phases to ensure the owner's ambitious vision was fully realized. The yacht will continue under the meticulous care of Fraser's Yacht Management division upon her impending delivery later this year.

Meta Description: Tankoa Yachts launches the 51.5m custom superyacht Spirit in Genoa. Designed by Vitruvius and FM Architettura, it features hybrid propulsion and extensive wellness amenities.

The historic slipways of Genoa witnessed the birth of a highly anticipated bespoke maritime project this July, as boutique Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts officially launched the 51.5-meter custom motor yacht Spirit. Previously known within the industry under the build name Project Secret, the launch of this sophisticated vessel marks a significant achievement for both the builder and the collaborative design teams involved.

Commissioned in 2022 by a discerning Canadian owner, the launch ceremony was steeped in maritime tradition. The event featured a formal blessing and the godmother's christening, attended by an intimate audience of shipyard management, the dedicated build team, and the proud owners. However, beneath the ceremonial fanfare and the elegant lines lies a vessel of profound technical and architectural significance. Spirit is a fully custom aluminum superyacht that successfully pairs advanced hybrid propulsion with an expansive, wellness-focused layout—all while meticulously remaining under the crucial 500 Gross Tonnage (GT) regulatory threshold.

A Strategic Milestone for the Italian Shipyard

The coastal waters of Viareggio witnessed a significant maritime milestone on July 9, 2026, with the official launch of the first Azimut Grande 44M. As the new flagship of the Azimut fleet, this vessel represents more than the mere addition of a larger model; it serves as a definitive statement of the shipyard's evolving superyacht strategy. Currently, over two-thirds of Azimut’s production value stems from vessels exceeding 24 meters in length. The Grande 44M encapsulates the pinnacle of this upward trajectory, entering the water with an impressive seven units already secured by owners prior to its public debut.

Designed to redefine the contemporary superyacht segment, the Grande 44M bridges high-end architectural design with aggressive technological integration. By prioritizing structural lightening, advanced hydrodynamics, and hybrid propulsion, Azimut has delivered a vessel that promises a 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional naval architecture of similar volume. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and industry professionals alike, the 44M signals a shift toward uncompromising luxury paired with genuine environmental mindfulness.

A Maiden Voyage to the Mediterranean

Vlissingen, the Netherlands — With a great sense of pride, Damen Yachting has officially announced that the highly anticipated Amels 80 superyacht, named NETTO II, has officially departed from Vlissingen. This pivotal departure marks the official start of her maiden voyage, with the vessel setting a course straight for the cruising grounds of the Mediterranean. A maiden voyage is a vessel's first major journey after successful sea trials and final outfitting, serving as the ultimate real-world test of all onboard systems.

Specifically built for an experienced Owner who possessed a very clear vision for active use at sea, NETTO II is poised to make a significant impact on the water. Following this departure, she now officially joins the prestigious Amels Limited Editions fleet.

A New Chapter in the Swan Maxi Philosophy

Pietarsaari, Finland — Nautor Swan has officially unveiled the new Swan 80, a highly anticipated sailing yacht that marks a significant evolution in the shipyard's prestigious Maxi range. Launched during a traditional Finnish ceremony at the company's dedicated shipbuilding facility in Pietarsaari, the Swan 80 is positioned as the opening model of the Swan Maxi lineage. The vessel is strategically designed to sit just below the crucial 24-metre load line threshold.

This launch represents both a continuation of a proud maritime legacy and a forward-looking evolution. The vessel is born from a historic lineage of ocean-going Swan 80s that have successfully raced, cruised, and circumnavigated the globe over the decades. Simultaneously, this new iteration defines a modern generation of sailing yachts. It effectively translates the robust capabilities, expansive volumes, and commanding presence of a maxi yacht into a much more versatile and owner-friendly format.

A Strategic Addition to a Private Superyacht Fleet

Antalya, Turkey — In a significant development for the specialized superyacht sector, Damen Yachting has officially announced the successful delivery and departure of the 53-metre Yacht Support vessel, RAFTER. The imposing vessel has officially departed from the company’s dedicated shipbuilding facility in Antalya, Turkey, and is currently en route to support the Owner’s highly customized private yachting programme.

Built specifically for her Owner as a purposeful, strategic extension of an existing fleet, RAFTER represents a growing trend in the ultra-high-net-worth maritime market: the utilization of dedicated support vessels. In the superyacht industry, a "Yacht Support" vessel—often referred to colloquially as a shadow vessel or shadow boat—operates in tandem with a primary luxury "mother yacht." Its primary function is to carry heavy logistical burdens, additional crew, specialized equipment, and large tenders, thereby freeing up valuable premium space on the main superyacht for pure guest enjoyment.

A Milestone Delivery for the 2026 Calendar Year

Oss, the Netherlands — Heesen Yachts has officially announced the successful delivery of the 55-metre motor yacht Pa'lante, which was formally known during her build process as YN 21055. This notable delivery marks a significant operational milestone, standing as the very first delivery of the 2026 calendar year for the acclaimed Dutch shipyard.

Following a rigorous series of sea trials conducted in the notoriously demanding conditions of the North Sea, the vessel is currently departing the Netherlands. The North Sea is famously utilized by Northern European shipbuilders as an ultimate proving ground due to its challenging weather patterns and rough sea states. Successfully navigating these trials validates the structural integrity and operational limits of the vessel. She is now embarking on her shakedown cruise—a preliminary maritime voyage specifically designed to test all onboard mechanical and domestic systems while familiarizing the crew with the vessel's operational parameters in real-world cruising scenarios.

A Record-Breaking Year for the German Shipyard

Bremen, Germany — The German shipbuilding powerhouse Lürssen has marked another historic milestone with the successful delivery of the 102.4-metre motor yacht NIXIE. Previously recognized throughout the superyacht industry under her build name, Project JASSJ, the highly anticipated vessel was officially delivered and set out on her maiden voyage on June 26.

A Historic Delivery Marks a New Era in Classic Yachting

In a momentous event that bridges centuries of maritime tradition with contemporary superyacht operations, Royal Yacht International and The Italian Sea Group (TISG) have officially announced the delivery of the Picchiotti Gentleman 24M. Following a dedicated handover ceremony held at The Italian Sea Group's expansive shipyard facilities, the vessel is now preparing to embark on its highly anticipated inaugural charter season. Operations will be managed exclusively under the Central Agency of Royal Yacht International.

This delivery holds profound symbolic value for the global superyacht industry. It signifies the revitalized physical presence of a brand that has belonged to the highest echelon of Italian nautical culture for over 450 years. By launching the Gentleman 24M, TISG has successfully transitioned the historical weight of the Picchiotti name into a tangible, floating reality that appeals directly to the modern luxury charter market.

A New Era for Custom Fast Superyachts

La Spezia, Italy — Baglietto has officially launched hull number 10268, marking the highly anticipated debut of the very first unit in the new FAST50 line. Unveiled on June 3, 2026, this full-aluminium yacht comes in below the 500 GT threshold and introduces a new generation of sporty vessels to the market. The FAST50 is engineered to combine high performance and aggressive styling with the generous interior volumes typically associated with displacement yachts. This strategic launch further strengthens the Italian shipyard’s leadership position in the segment of highly customised fast superyachts.

On May 23, 2026, the German shipbuilding powerhouse Lürssen announced the delivery of the 114.2-metre superyacht NAUSICAÄ. Originally constructed under the project name COSMOS, the highly anticipated vessel represents a structural and aesthetic departure from traditional superyacht conventions.

Designed in her entirety by acclaimed Australian industrial designer Marc Newson, NAUSICAÄ stands as a singular, cohesive vision spanning exterior profiles, interior spaces, and exacting technical details. For the shipyard, the delivery marks both a technological milestone and a historical touchstone.

MAKKUM, NETHERLANDS — Feadship has officially released the first dynamic imagery of its latest gigayacht, the 101.20-metre (332-foot) Project 1014, as the vessel embarks on its critical sea trials in the North Sea. Moving beyond the confines of the shipyard, the newly released visuals offer the international superyacht industry its first comprehensive look at the yacht’s distinctive profile, characterized by highly refined detailing and an elegant, low-impact visual footprint.

With its launch marking another significant addition to the exclusive 100-metre-plus fleet, Project 1014 represents a masterclass in collaborative European yacht building. The project brings together Feadship’s renowned Dutch engineering, British exterior styling by RWD, and French interior refinement by Chahan Design, all operating upon a naval architecture platform developed by Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture.

In a milestone that further cements 2026 as a banner year for German shipbuilding, Lürssen has officially announced the delivery of the 117-meter Boardwalk. Marking the shipyard’s third delivery of the year on May 13, 2026, Boardwalk is described as a vessel unlike any that has preceded her from the North German sheds. While her silhouette pays homage to traditional maritime architecture, her scale and internal volume place her among the largest traditionally styled yachts ever constructed.

The project represents a deeply personal endeavor for her owner, who was intimately involved in every stage of the design process. From refining structural elements to optimizing spatial flow, the owner’s commitment to "the minutest detail" has resulted in a vessel that Lürssen describes as highly coordinated and deeply considered.

In the high-stakes world of Northern European shipbuilding, a new giant has emerged from the sheds. Lürssen has officially reached a critical construction milestone with the technical launch and completion of the steel architectural structure for Project ZIGGY. Measuring an impressive 101.4 meters (332' 7"), this project represents the latest evolution in the shipyard’s storied history of pushing the boundaries of megayacht engineering.

The technical launch is a pivotal moment in the life of a superyacht. It marks the transition from the heavy industrial phase—where the steel hull and superstructure are welded into a singular, seaworthy form—to the refined outfitting stage. Project ZIGGY will now move into the specialized outfitting docks in northern Germany, where the intricate systems, luxury interiors, and final finishes will be meticulously installed ahead of her scheduled 2028 delivery.

In the historic heart of Rotterdam, where the skyline meets the Maas River, Heesen Yachts has officially celebrated the christening of its latest delivery, the 55-meter M/Y Pa’lante. The ceremony, held at the iconic Hotel New York—the former headquarters of the Holland America Line—marks a pivotal moment for the shipyard and the new owners as the vessel prepares for her maiden season in the Mediterranean.

Previously known throughout her construction as YN 21055, or Project Frida, the yacht has been rebranded by her owners to reflect a philosophy of encouragement and "moving forward." This transition from a project name rooted in Nordic peace to a moniker representing forward-thinking momentum mirrors the yacht's own journey from a speculative build to a highly personalized private residence at sea.

The delivery underscores Heesen’s long-standing strategy of speculative construction. In the superyacht industry, this refers to building a vessel on the shipyard’s own capital before a buyer is secured. For connoisseurs, this approach offers the "rare combination of immediate availability" and the uncompromising quality of Northern European engineering, effectively bypassing the multi-year wait times typically associated with custom new builds.

In a significant move for the Italian shipbuilding industry, ISA Yachts, a prominent brand under the Palumbo Superyachts umbrella, has officially launched its new fleet flagship in Ancona. The M/Y Sea Raider X, a 67-meter masterpiece from the Gran Turismo (GT) line, represents a sophisticated evolution of the shipyard’s iconic sport-infused DNA.

The launch ceremony, held on May 8th, 2026, showcased the vessel’s commanding presence, characterized by a striking black-painted steel hull and a silver aluminum superstructure. This chromatic choice emphasizes the yacht's "morphological contrast," bridging the gap between organic deck flows and rigorous, diamond-shaped geometric elements at the stern and sundeck.

With a layout spanning four decks plus a dedicated bilge deck, Sea Raider X is a testament to the shipyard's commitment to balancing aggressive sportiness with high-end elegance.

The horizon of the northern Mediterranean is about to welcome a new silhouette as Damen Yachting officially announces the delivery and departure of the Amels 60 QU2. Following a private naming ceremony at the Vlissingen City yard in the Netherlands, the 60-meter superyacht has commenced her maiden voyage.

This delivery marks a significant milestone for the Amels Limited Editions series, a platform that has redefined the balance between proven naval architecture and bespoke owner customization. The QU2 is not merely a production vessel; she is a highly personalized expression of her owner’s vision, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the high-end charter market.

As she leaves the shipyard, the QU2 carries with it the expectations of a busy inaugural season, showcasing the collaborative efforts of industry titans in design and engineering.

A New Milestone in Maxi Yachts

On April 17th, the international superyacht industry witnessed another significant milestone with the successful launch of the second hull of the Swan 128 series. The vessel was launched at Nautor Swan’s Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) located in Pietarsaari, Finland[cite: 3, 6]. Appropriately named Raijin, after the Japanese god of thunder, lightning, and storms, this new sailing yacht represents a formidable addition to the global fleet.

The Swan 128 series represents the pinnacle of Nautor Swan’s production, setting a benchmark in the world of maxi yachts for both technology and design. “We consider the Swan 128 the ultimate expression of our evolution,” said Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan. He noted that the vessel combines the purity of their design lines with comfortable interiors and a wide use of advanced technologies.