Spain

Juan Kouyoumdjian

The hull of the 44-metre sailing yacht Yemaya has launched from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV (Company)">Gouwerok Shipyard</a> in Aalsmeer. The yacht’s hull was under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV (Company)">Gouwerok</a> and will be completed along with her interior at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> in Urk, the Netherlands. During her transportation through Amsterdam she passed by the SuperYacht Times office.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300211/image/large-93b85bd5b01420bf18d1419cffed14e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300211">Specialising in the build of aluminium hulls and aluminium deckhouses for superyachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV (Company)">Gouwerok</a> began constructing Yemaya in 2022. The sailing yacht is set to be transported by tugboats Aegir&nbsp;and Anny&nbsp;to the shipyard in Urk for the next stage of her construction.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300209/image/large-3c0844530185ed03fccacdd653055732.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300209"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300210/image/large-e11645925615044596be83b8fd918b8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300210"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300212/image/large-22ff0cbd83a8effbf9ba50a26ec5d300.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300212"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300259/image/large-221d879bdb5f5a4bf12e8f96a2029963.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300259">The sailing yacht features naval architecture and engineering crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>, while her exterior and interior stemmed from the drawing boards of Adriana Monk of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>."Our second superyacht project Yemaya leaves its first home this morning, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV (Company)">Jachtwerf Gouwerok</a> in the Netherlands, heading to its second home for the completion of its systems and interior build. Thanks to all the yard team for always performing top quality and light aluminum builds," commented Philippe Oulhen, Project Coordinator of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300261/image/large-6f73a10f0a5929fea71286bb2a89f4b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300261"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300258/image/large-313de35eda42ab530ff527bef427796e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300258"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300262/image/large-277e66c7bdef45c544f066dfffcfe108.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300262"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300260/image/large-2e6cdc248ab0688e43a55f4144ee7d11.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300260">Showcasing both an aluminium hull and superstructure, the sailing yacht will feature twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a> engines. Yemaya currently has an expected delivery date of 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300329/image/large-40c407c8e2d3c3a3c1913165bd46e090.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300329">

44m sailing yacht Yemaya hull launched 

The hull of the 44-metre sailing yacht Yemaya has been launched. She was transported through Amsterdam and passed the SuperYacht Times office.

In pictures: Hull of 44m sailing yacht Yemaya launched 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omikron Yachts (Company)">Omikron Yachts</a> has announced a new 24-metre motor yacht, OT-80, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Boot Düsseldorf - 2024">Boot Düsseldorf</a> 2024. The new flagship motor yacht will mark a significant milestone in the shipyard's journey of innovation and excellence.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299769/image/large-dd6d8f9903e5b97dc7b4c0cafb499f43.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299769">The OT-80 yacht will expand on the already successful design of the smaller award-winning OT-60 yacht. Designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lorenzo Argento Yacht Design (Company)">Lorenzo Argento</a> and naval architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan-K</a> will collaborate again with the shipyard for her design, to go beyond the OT-60 in every dimension.“The OT-80, is not just a larger model; it's putting a magnifying glass on our vision for the sustainable future of yachting. With expectations set high by our debut model, we are working harder than ever to ensure that all our stakeholders and, most importantly, the future owners of the OT-80 will be thrilled,” explained Nikolas Dendrinos, Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2869" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olympic Marine (Company)">Olympic Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299770/image/large-a09f94a782f380c206b593bb1d943c1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299770">Details surrounding the OT-80 are still being kept tightly under wraps, with the eco-cruiser expected to be launched in 2025.The news comes following <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omikron Yachts (Company)">Omikron Yachts</a> success at the European Powerboat Awards, where the OT-60 model won the prestigious European Powerboat Award for Long Range yachts.The images used in this article are of the smaller OT-60 sistership and are used for illustrative purposes.&nbsp;

Omikron Yachts announces new flagship 24m OT-80 motor yacht

Omikron Yachts has announced a new 24-metre motor yacht, OT-80, at Boot Düsseldorf. 

The hull of the 54-metre sailing yacht Argo 54, Hull 459, has arrived in Greece after it was launched in the Netherlands last month. The aluminium hull, which was built at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV (Company)">Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV</a> shipyard in Aalsmeer, outside of Amsterdam, was transported to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omikron Yachts (Company)">Omikron Yachts</a> facility within <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olympic Marine (Company)">Olympic Marine</a> shipyard near Athens.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251646/image/large-56970e4ccdedf81b83aba4c5050522c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251646"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251647/image/large-3ba7fbd9b2d159b513dac6ca0d92ca0a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251647">The&nbsp;Argo 54 is the brainchild of racing yacht designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle Design</a> and the yacht's owner. The two studios have been working since 2020 on the design and engineering of the superyacht, which has been conceived as a high performance cruiser with impressive racing capabilities. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251651/image/large-b78ef7e7f1fdfa7f08e49686360966df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251651"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251649/image/large-eba7eedd236ed503447913c38ba3515b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251649">She is the second superyacht to have come from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan K</a> studio, the first of which was the famous ClubSwan 125, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor Swan2021">Skorpios</a> which was launched last year. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle Design</a> has extensive experience engineering superyachts and brought a wealth of expertise to the project. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251645/image/large-08bb104e50ed2b35fadaf6bc2efa6427.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251645"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251644/image/large-0d8b166128f80cc781792027ae241e38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251644">While the final exterior of the yacht is yet to be finalised, many of her technical elements have been finalised, and we will be sharing more technical details of the superyacht as the project progresses. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley Design</a> has been chosen as the interior designer for the Argo 54.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251649/image/large-eba7eedd236ed503447913c38ba3515b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251649">Now that she is in Greece, the superyacht will undergo the next stage of construction, with her superstructure engineering now underway and assembly scheduled for next summer. The yacht is due for delivery in 2024.&nbsp;

Argo 54 sailing yacht arrives in Greece

The Argo 54 sailing yacht from Juan K and Rob Doyle has arrived in Greece.

Argo 54 sailing yacht from Juan K and Rob Doyle has arrived at Omikron Yachts in Greece

The hull of the radical 54-metre sloop Argo 54, Hull 459, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan K</a> has been launched in the Netherlands at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV (Company)">Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok BV</a>, just outside of Amsterdam. The superyacht is now on route to Lavrio where she will be completed at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omikron Yachts (Company)">Omikron Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248401/image/large-c53694bfe4d1197fe0ad2b7a77a00b5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248401"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248403/image/large-8bc5e3c6c87e36c30cf8515aa93edb27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248403"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248393/image/large-1a19f62310627bc233862df5661d008a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248393">The superyacht was initially conceived by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>, who approached <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle</a> for a collaboration. Juan wanted to design a yacht with massive capabilities and needed assistance with the vessel's styling, structures, system &amp; engineering.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248413/image/large-ccda5b2d69895ac77e84ffea45ff4704.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248413"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248418/image/large-f093986d338829f54766cf4b75c75b5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248418"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248423/image/large-a62129e001141d60d78e4f6747c015b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248423">We spoke with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Doyle</a> about the superyacht in an exclusive interview earlier this year, published in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55236" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times Issue 41 has been published! (2022-05-27 16:30:00 +0200)">Issue 41 of the SYT newspaper</a>:&nbsp;Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Exclusive: Rob Doyle and the radical 53M sloop designed with Juan K (2022-06-13 14:30:00 +0200)">Exclusive: Rob Doyle and the radical 53M sloop designed with Juan K<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248410/image/large-04f7320872cb453461001d340df1290e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248410"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248407/image/large-e8667dfdd8d412a1d5a38c5d29cf70dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248407"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248396/image/large-8cd5326b26138bd2638e5ff4ae3e54ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248396"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248391/image/large-f8fddbd271f2dcf225cdc9b5be7edc73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248391"></a>The hull is now on route to Lavrio in Greece and will arrive at the shipyard in around two weeks.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Exclusive: Rob Doyle and the radical 53M sloop designed with Juan K (2022-06-13 14:30:00 +0200)"></a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230133/image/large-52e0765ddfd559d36693f2299ba7b564.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230133">

Argo 54 sailing yacht Olympic Yacht in-build

The hull of the radical 53m sloop by Juan K and Rob Doyle has been launched in Netherlands.

Hull of radical 54m sloop Argo 54 by Juan K and Rob Doyle launched in Netherlands

When it comes to racing, performance is key to securing a spot on the podium, and you certainly don’t expect a brand-new yacht, with a newbie race crew to end up on the podium in their first competitive outing. The 24.7-metre achingly sleek ClubSwan 80 yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> did just that, and gave an electrifying performance at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Swan Cup - 2022- 21st">Rolex Swan Cup</a>. She ended the week finishing third in the Maxi Class and proved to the world why she is one of the best yachts for sport cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245915/image/large-56ee2acf07d0cc16cddb480a12ac9d73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245915"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> is the first in the ClubSwan 80 class of race boats by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, and was launched in La Spezia, Italy in June this year. From the first time she hit the water, it was clear she had been designed on the values of style, speed, innovation and technology as well as competitive sailing potential.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245912/image/large-e9da3f0f7594564d0717113d3abef6f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245912">The ClubSwan 80 is the scintillating product of an international collaboration from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, the vision of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>, the expertise of strategic partner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a> and the interior style of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> is designed to deliver the ultimate experience for her owner and combines the quality, elegance, innovation, and reliability of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245905/image/large-e667d110d90b636abf4e35e7f603884d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245905">Performance is already part of the ClubSwan 80 DNA, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> was competing against some of the biggest and toughest race boats in the world during the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> and <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Swan Cup - 2022- 21st">Rolex Swan Cup</a>. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> has proved to be a racing machine! As she planed past bigger boats, the sailing world sat up and took notice. Personally, I would love to see a fleet of at least five ClubSwan 80s competing in the maxi events, and I think that is a real possibility in coming years,” said Giovanni Pomati, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nautor</a> Group CEO.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245900/image/large-9ed26f0404025b33b8002e2594ee4091.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245900">At the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> scooped first and third place on different days, with an overall placing of fifth. Her owner, the hugely experienced maxi sailor and industrialist Pier Luigi Loro Piana, commented "this boat has been a labour of love played out over three years. Not a day has gone by when I haven't intervened in the project directly. Just to step aboard this beautiful yacht now is a delight, but to make two podium finishes in our first regattas shows there is exceptional potential here.”Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55952" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Swan Cup concludes the 2022 ClubSwan Racing season (2022-09-19 12:00:00 +0200)">Rolex Swan Cup concludes the 2022 ClubSwan Racing season<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245899/image/large-4b107b8becc3839e7e562c91e40d582d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245899"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> managed to repeat this success against the seven-strong fleet at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Swan Cup - 2022- 21st">Rolex Swan Cup</a>, where she scored three second place finishes in four races. She finished third overall, narrowly missing out on second place by 33 seconds. “We’ve been astonished by the performance of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> at the latest regattas. Especially at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Swan Cup - 2022- 21st">Rolex Swan Cup</a>, where she was sailing with other Maxi Swans of the range and she looked so in line with the brand DNA” said Giovanni Pomati.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245897/image/large-0318256e40c14d1ad9e191bcb6d52a84.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245897">What makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> so special from other sport racers is her unique design, which has been developed to improve her performance. Several months were spent at the start of the project pondering different options for the hull and appendages of the boat. Foils and fixed keels were quickly discarded in favour of the canting keel and rotating canard, because it provided the best balance of performance and usability.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235627/image/large-613d60e4ff0f6ce43abed8da98ec18b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235627">The brief for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> was to create an interior that was reflective of a carbon, one-design racer, but that also had a second character as a family cruiser. As a result of this, the interior has been designed to be minimal, with a modern futuristic flare, and makes use of carbon fibre, with warm mahogany and spotlight lighting.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55659" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Step onboard My Song: The first 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht from Nautor's Swan (2022-07-28 14:45:00 +0200)">Step onboard My Song: The first 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht from Nautor's Swan<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235612/image/large-dc6c809a34b052546f92eac399cb4f2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235612"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235615/image/large-213e667445c21fc1d77ca571c7386899.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235615"></a>The interior furnishings of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> have been kept lightweight and modular so they can be removed during racing. The only element that has been built in is her bench seats in the saloon to serve as a watch berth when racing. All other interior elements, such as her carbon fibre toilets, oven and even air conditioning system are removable, so she can be converted from racing to cruising mode and back in just two days.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245898/image/large-3dbe69c2a819c6f2e16d68fbf8360e88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245898"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> acts as a testament to the new ClubSwan 80 series and solidifies their position as a clear choice for racing and cost effective builds. The ClubSwan 80 will take full advantage of this well-established, global circuit of events, developed by ClubSwan Racing. And, in addition, the ClubSwan Racing team is developing a tailormade circuit for the new Maxi yacht<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235603/image/large-a42976b619031e66e04441e200ee75d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235603">

25m Nautor Swan yacht My Song performance

The 25m Nautor Swan yacht My Song entered the race circuit this year and has already proved herself to be a ‘racing machine.’

My Song: The electrifying performance of Nautor Swan’s latest sailing yacht

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a> has released the interior images of its 24.7-metre ClubSwan 80 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a>. The impressive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht My Song launched (2022-06-24 10:30:00 +0200)">sailing yacht was launched last month</a> in La Spezia, Italy during a private ceremony and is described by the yard as a “pure racer”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235601/image/large-cd3e16207726c8780a99b4f502b4e225.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235601">The ClubSwan 80 is designed to deliver the ultimate experience for owners and combines the quality, elegance, innovation, performance, and reliability of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor's Swan</a>. My Song sees the vision of<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">&nbsp;Juan Kouyoumdjian</a> come to life with the expertise of strategic partner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a> and the interior style of Nauta Design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235628/image/large-b8fc5ee04a5e72ef77d9f6a95b3c75fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235628">The yacht is the first in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor's Swan</a>'s ClubSwan 80 class of race boats, with the option of adding comfort for sports cruising. Performance is already part of the ClubSwan 80 DNA, along with the canting keel, twin rudders, rotating canard and retractable bowsprit.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235619/image/large-417e5fea4e1e062e7d1bd5f583a52a08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235619"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235620/image/large-732fbed1011c16e738fadb3fc893701b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235620">The brief for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> was to create an interior that was reflective of a carbon, one-design racer, but that also had a second character as a family cruiser. As a result of this, the interior has been designed to be minimal, with a modern futuristic flare. She makes use of carbon fibre, with warm mahogany and spotlight lighting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235625/image/large-2f6d24d241871ac5e0a45561215aaa43.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235625">The interior furnishings of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> have been kept lightweight and modular so they can be removed during racing. The only element that has been built in is her bench seats in the saloon to serve as a watch berth when racing. All other interior elements, such as her carbon fibre toilets and oven and even air conditioning system are removable.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235616/image/large-b4a8041d9db30bfe2cb2cfa4d422923b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235616"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235615/image/large-213e667445c21fc1d77ca571c7386899.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235615">The brief for the ClubSwan 80 was to create a maxi yacht for real-time racing that is fast and fun to compete with, and relies on the owner’s abilities at the helm. Another important aspect of the brief was that the owner can benefit from controlled running costs, and a carbon hull engineered by Pure for optimum control while racing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235613/image/large-a4b95fd04b2ca02a7ce5784bb0759a41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235613"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235612/image/large-dc6c809a34b052546f92eac399cb4f2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235612">The sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> has a shallow draft and features a 4.75-metre canting keel with her own sailing team contributing to the technicalities of her side-force appendages. She is also fitted with a retractable bowsprit that can hoist a spinnaker and twin rudders.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235603/image/large-a42976b619031e66e04441e200ee75d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235603"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> is set to make her debut at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> in September at Porto Cervo.

Step onboard the first 25m ClubSwan 80 from Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan has released the interior images of its 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht My Song.

Step onboard My Song: The first 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht from Nautor's Swan

At the studio with Mark Whiteley Design

After first meeting in MYS 21 Mark Whiteley and Francesca Webster sat down once again to discuss all things sailing yacht design

Exclusive: Mark Whiteley talks sailing yacht design

The first 24.7-metre ClubSwan 80 launched and christened <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 80/00124.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> in La Spezia, Italy in a private ceremony. The ClubSwan 80 yacht demonstrates <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan's</a> ability to offer a range of yachts that are based on values of style, speed, innovation, technology and competitive sailing potential.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232033/image/large-c4b9b22ed9dd48813572f1d82f652e24.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232033">For the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 80/00124.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a> teamed up with its strategic partner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a>, based in Nembro, Italy, an international shipyard renowned worldwide for its expertise in building high performance yachts. The best technology available was used in her construction including the Coriolis robot used in the aerospace industry to laminate carbon. The construction method for the entire yacht is the same as that used for the famous carbon "arm" on the current America's Cup boats.Marcello Persico, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a> said "The launch of a new boat is always a significant moment, in the case of the ClubSwan 80 we are particularly honoured by the trust placed in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a> by the owner, a very experienced yachtsman, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a>. This boat is built to the same standards we use for America’s Cup boats and IMOCA 60s engaged in the toughest ocean races such as The Ocean Race and Vendée Globe.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232036/image/large-63e631e6632ac5ae160e134e2d8a3df7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232036">The yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 80/00124.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> joins the ClubSwan range and sits alongside the small technologically advanced ClubSwan 36, with which the ClubSwan 80 shares some ease of handling features such as the advanced hull form and sail plan, and the innovative underwater appendages. She will also join the ClubSwan 50 that marked the start of a new era in One Design; and the new Super Maxi ClubSwan 125 that proved fast and powerful, taking line honours at the Rolex Fastnet Race and Caribbean 600.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232034/image/large-d64d895626356f073c882391403f2f43.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232034">“The launch of this pure racer marks another important milestone for us. We have broadened our range to get closer to meeting every need and lifestyle choice of our customers,” said Giovanni Pomati, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor</a> Group CEO.&nbsp;The ClubSwan 80 is designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>, who designs all of the ClubSwan yacht projects. “The ClubSwan Yacht division is growing, and I am very excited about the arrival of this new member of the family, which I’m sure will make a difference in the racing landscape,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>. “She is such an impressive boat and I can’t wait to see her on international race courses competing.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232037/image/large-5105fecddfd1ec73a8b12f7fa7e42ea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232037"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 80/00124.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> is light and powerful thanks to her 4.75-metre canting heel, as well as a draft that will accommodate most Mediterranean harbours. She has twin rudders and a canted heel with side-force appendages chosen by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 80/00124.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> sailing team including a rotating canard to privilege upwind performance in light air and to provide tacking ability in tactical situations, common in the tight Maxi fleet racing. The bowsprit is retractable for safety upwind and extends to hoist a spinnaker for downwind performance.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a>, together with a team of experts chose Vittorio Volonté to manage the project, Giovanni Belgrano for the engineering, Scott Ferguson for the rig design and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a> for the interior. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232035/image/large-92850833b22542e3c6683a836144c434.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232035">“The ClubSwan80 design answers a specific brief: a fast Maxi optimised to race in the Mediterranean as well as offering accommodation to enjoy life at sea and fun shorthanded sailing,” said Mario Pedol of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>. “We were called upon to manage, from a design point of view, the ‘second life’ of this racing machine: a super-fast and fun yacht also capable of cruising in comfort with a few modular superlight components, built to the highest technology by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a>.”&nbsp;The ClubSwan 80 yacht will debut on the racecourse at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy, from 4-10 September. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 80/00124.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor's Swan2022">My Song</a> will also be attending the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, from 28 September to 1 October for her worldwide debut.

First 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht My Song launched

The first 25m ClubSwan 80 yacht launched and christened My Song from La Spezia, Italy.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle</a> reveals some of the secrets behind his latest superyacht, created in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley</a>. The 53-metre superyacht, which is due to be built in Greece, has changed the shape of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Doyle</a>’s yacht designs and looks to be one of the most radical and thoroughly researched high performance aluminium sailing yachts ever constructed.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230141/image/large-da461c37e9e18835dff60b35ce22b160.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230141">What was the genesis of this project?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)"></a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan</a> came to me and told me about this design project he was working on with a client that wanted a super sailing yacht with massive capabilities. Juan was looking for assistance with the vessel's styling, structures, system &amp; engineering, having never designed a superyacht before and offered me a 50 percent stake of the pitch. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan</a>’s initial concept was really out there which I completely embraced as I worked over the concept of the exterior styling. When we pitched the yacht, which was at that time 52 metres, the owner came back and said “this is my yacht, I don’t need to see any other designers – let's go.”&nbsp;I’ve done 36 superyachts in my career and I have never seen a project approved so quickly by the owner, it was extraordinary. With a reaction like that we really knew we were onto something special, and then the owner and project management team allowed us an entire year with which to research and develop the project and come up with the best solution for the boat – that is unheard of in this industry! What he was essentially looking for was a superfast, super light but luxurious yacht that would set a new standard for yachts of her size. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230138/image/large-b5a1c2db3e0e4129680a7cf88cc40978.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230138">An entire year for R&amp;D? Can you tell us a little bit about that?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan</a> and I really collaborated during that year, turning over every rock and learning what we needed to do to get the very most out of the yacht. We researched every rule, all the classification rules to find out which would give us the best, lightest rule for aluminium. The goal was to clarify the design down to create the strongest and stiffest rule we could get. It allowed us to explore all of the rules to their merits and eventually we settled on the BV rule.&nbsp;The entire research process allowed us to hone in on the yacht’s weight and we ended up with around 11 percent less weight than a comparative carbon hull. There are a lot of factors that contributed to that, such as the rig design with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doyle Sailmakers (Company)">Doyle Sails</a> and structured luff, as well as us being super aggressive in cutting down on unnecessary items and systems. It has allowed us to think completely differently about the structure and composition of a sailing yacht. I would confidently say that this hull has the most thorough FEA ever done for a sailing yacht.&nbsp;We looked at every nook and cranny of the vessel and questioned ‘do we really need these systems?’ ‘Does this bring value for the owner’, if the answer was no, we removed it. What we have created is a much simpler yacht, at a lower cost and a significantly lighter weight, it's a real win-win situation. Normally with yacht design it goes the other way, with yachts getting heavier and heavier as the design process progresses. Juan’s experience in the performance yacht sector was absolutely key here as well because he knows about every single piece of waste so we were challenging one another and questioning the value of different elements. That collaboration really pushed this yacht into a new sphere. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230136/image/large-be55739d33261e386f0d30fd4b02d3da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230136">Is there a risk that her lightness creates limitations to her performance?You can never have a boat that’s too light. Some weight will always creep in there but it is an old cliche that a good heavy boat is a more seaworthy one, it is just not the case. It is old, redundant thinking and we don’t need to go that way anymore. Speed is your friend. If you’re sailing in the following sea, you want to jibe the boat at maximum speed because forces are reduced putting less pressure on the rig.&nbsp;It is a different thought process now from how the older yacht designers used to think about sailing yachts. We are moving into a different generation of sailing yachts, a higher level of performance sailing yachts, it's a natural evolution.You are also collaborating with Mark Whiteley for the interiors, how did that relationship begin?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan</a> worked on the rig, the hull shape, deck hardware and foils, while I was responsible for the exterior styling and the interior layout and we worked on the systems together. While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan</a> and I were in the thick of this R&amp;D process, I approached the management team and said “look, you need an interior stylist who will take this same approach and give the interior the same amount of attention that we are giving the exterior and rigging.”&nbsp;We got them to meet <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley</a> and he and the owner clicked straight away. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark</a>’s proposal was very different and very in-keeping with what we were trying to do, yet retaining a beautiful sense of the interior spaces. When I created the interior layout with the owner, the only thing he really stipulated was that everything was on one level, he didn’t want to walk down any steps. Getting <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark</a> into the team has been critical and he really has gone down into every detail to ensure the interiors comply with all the weight reduction work <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan</a> and I had been working on. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230133/image/large-52e0765ddfd559d36693f2299ba7b564.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230133">Can you share any hints about her interiors?She is a luxurious yacht, with a massive saloon that has a near panoramic view through wrap-around glass windows, the biggest we’ve ever put in an aluminium structure. We’ve kept the mullions as small as possible and provided <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark</a> with the biggest possible canvas to work with. We’ve hidden a lot of the glass in the exterior styling so actually you don’t notice the glass expanses from the outside, but from the inside you get the full benefit with masses of light. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark</a> was able to really adapt the interior styling to that feature and we’ve pushed as much out of the vessel as possible, it’s really exciting.&nbsp;What stage is the build at now?Once we settled on the rule and the hull design, we approached the Gouwerok shipyard in Holland for the construction of her aluminium hull, while her outfitting will take place in Athens. In the coming months the hull will be launched from the shed and shipped down to Athens.&nbsp;We have finished the vast majority of our work, moving forward now it is a case of monitoring the build and ensuring that the construction matches with the work we have done on the design. We expect the yacht to be launched in 2024 at the Greek shipyard, which in itself is a fantastic facility that the owner has really invested in over the last few years. There is even talk about a second boat so things are certainly moving in the right direction.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230139/image/large-347a18c3bc6bcd65299e15d08dd47d9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230139">How has this yacht and the R&amp;D process shaped the work produced by your studio today?It has made me question everything, the entire way I have looked at design and all that research has really focused my attention on what is truly necessary for yachts. You can certainly see how this yacht has inspired some of our recent work, such as 63-metre Fury unveiled last year.&nbsp;From the sail set up with the structured luff, to the entire superstructure itself, its changed the way be approach design. It also opened my eyes to the value of aluminium over carbon fibre, not only for the weight but also for the interior volume of the yacht itself, with aluminium allowing you to achieve the maximum square meterage from the vessels interiors. She’s certainly going to continue to influence our work moving forward, it has been the most interesting project we’ve worked on and we are all very excited to see her launched in the coming years!This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-41-published" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">.</a> To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Rob Doyle and the radical Olympic Yachts 53M

Rob Doyle reveals some of the secrets behind his latest superyacht, created in collaboration with Juan Kouyoumdjian and Mark Whiteley. 

Exclusive: Rob Doyle and the radical 53M sloop designed with Juan K

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> Issue 41 has now been published! As always this latest edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> newspaper is packed full of fantastic stories and insights, and as this is our sailing and charter edition, we've taken a special look at some beautiful sailing yachts and spectacular destinations. Here we give you a sneak peak of some of the top features:<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228867/image/large-8c0eccd3f6bc19e1e9ef7c78ce278a97.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228867">P.14-15 Onboard&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>'s 49.9-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6825" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arkadia49.9m (163'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2021">Arkadia</a>As always, we take a closer look at one of the latest superyachts to join the fleet. In this edition we take a look at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6825" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arkadia49.9m (163'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2021">Arkadia</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52668" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts delivers 50m superyacht Arkadia (2021-04-06 17:15:00 +0200)">delivered last year</a>, and get unique insights from her designers about the concept behind the yacht. Featuring exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/582" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clifford Denn Design (Company)">Clifford Denn</a> and interiors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton Design</a>, read the entire article to delve into the '<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> classic'. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228872/image/large-d397e77301fcbe1fb58b4e900e73cfa8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228872">P.23-24 In Conversation with Giorgio CassettaJustin Ratcliffe took a visit to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cassetta Yacht Designers (Company)">Cassetta Yacht Designers</a> and sat down with Giorgio Cassetta to find out what is it like to design a one-of-a-kind superyacht and to gain an insight into this world-renowned studio's design process. We also created a video about the studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Designing your own yacht with Giorgio M. Cassetta (2022-05-13 14:00:00 +0200)">which you can watch here</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228868/image/large-86d187044a891555768214a09fd5a46b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228868">P.10 Charlie Birkett on redefining yachting&nbsp;Get unique industry insight from Charlie Birkett, Co-Founder and CEO of yacht brokerage firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> shares his thoughts on how the brokerage industry needs to adapt in order to service a new generation of superyacht owners. <img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/228866/image/large-67d17dccbe606985c2d97f2223ceffb2.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20220527%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20220527T142218Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=ac59b1e8efbd751c15b2b6981bdbe95fa385ad5b3dd34bfb77b2850515116245" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228866">Find all these stories and more, including a deep dive into sailing yacht innovation at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> and an exclusive release of the first 52-metre high-tech sailing yacht from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan K</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley</a> built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olympic Yachts (Company)">Olympic Yachts</a>.For all of this and much more, be sure to <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe to get the latest issue</a> – and future issues – of the SuperYacht Times newspaper right to your door.

SuperYacht Times Issue 41 published

The SuperYacht Times Issue 41 newspaper has now been published. 

SuperYacht Times Issue 41 has been published!

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan’s</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> has been blowing the sailing industry away, Francesca Webster got a look under her skin to find out how the beast was born.In June 2021 a new breed of superyacht was born, taking the form of a lightning quick sailing yacht whose black hull is emblazoned with a ferocious yellow scorpion. The first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/6636" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 12538.1m (125'0&quot;)">ClubSwan 125</a>, the fully custom and formidable <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> has been built to redefine the world of racing, a task that she duly saw to in only her first two months afloat by taking the Fastnet by storm. At 42.62-metres and with possibly the deepest draught for a non-lifting keel (7.4-metres), combined with the largest sail plan ever constructed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> has pushed the boundaries of sailing, even in a time when the international field is at an all-time fever pitch following the 2021 America’s Cup. We spoke to the brains behind the beast, as well as the man that handles her, to reveal some of the secrets hidden below her carbon fibre exterior. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218654/image/large-ee01cc2734c352f9bbd74e97062febd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218654">In 2016 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan’s</a> team, consisting of some of the finest minds in the business, opened its arms to a new designer and marked a radical move in the design of the hugely successful ClubSwan 50. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a> had already built a solid reputation in offshore racing yacht design with the likes of the IMOCA 60s and V070s and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler 88</a>, and the new model did not disappoint. When the shipyard was approached by Dmitry Rybolovlev, Russian businessman and philanthropist, to build a custom ClubSwan 50, it was to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Kouyoumdjia</a>n that the shipyard and owner naturally turned. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202867/image/large-5149f76e423703856658c4c416ae27c7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202867">Dmitry Rybolovlev was a novice to offshore racing but as a competitive and successful sportsman he was eager to learn the ropes. It wasn’t long before Dmitry Rybolovlev gained skill and enthusiasm onboard the ClubSwan 50 and his aspirations developed. In 2017 he invited Enrico Chieffi, currently Senior Advisor at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a>, to discuss his dream for a larger yacht, initially intended to be an all round cruiser-racer. Chieffi showed him several projects, including a particularly innovative design by Juan K. Giovanni Pomati, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor Group</a> CEO, recalled how the brief changed and how eventually “the yacht was conceived with the aim to beat all of the worldwide records, to quite literally be faster than the wind. Dmitry Rybolovlev was taken by the design and his ambitions changed. He put his trust in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a> and we quickly teamed up with some of the best minds in sailing to bring the project into reality.”The reality, however, of building the fastest yacht in the world is no small feat. One that demands state-of-the-art construction facilities, expert yacht builders and most of all a team that are willing to think differently, to think like no design team had before and as Pomati commented, “the right designer with an audacious vision.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199803/image/large-7da441ac7ea3deb1bc631b8218ceb641.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199803"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a>’ boat manager, Fernando Echavarri has been with the project since 2017 and can recall how the yacht evolved over time. “As the design and construction of the yacht began everything started to change, we all saw that the yacht had a very good potential and Dmitry Rybolovlev pushed the designers to make her lighter, more manoeuvrable and faster. His passion and excitement seemed to fuel the fire of innovation and the team began to look for alternative construction methods, different ways of thinking about interiors and he took on a different view about what the yacht needed.”&nbsp;With her minimalist interior design it is clear that this was a vessel made for speed. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Adriana Monk</a> who penned her radical interiors commented during Monaco Yacht Show, “imagine designing an interior that is only meant to be inhabited at a 20-30 degree angle, that was certainly a challenge. Then it was finding the materials that would enhance her design, creating comfort from only the absolute necessity, rather than for its own sake.”&nbsp;Speaking with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SYT</a>’s Justin Ratcliffe, Monk explained how she approached the yacht’s interiors like those of a spaceship, “an interior to enjoy extreme racing in a high-tech capsule”. Everything about the interior has been designed to be streamlined and intuitive, fitting together seamlessly to maximise safety and usability. The owner put absolute emphasis on the importance of various elements and professional sailors were brought in to brainstorm and then test through the design features. Juan K. enthusiastically explained how despite the minimalism of the interior, Dmitry Rybolovlev had been excited to sleep aboard the yacht, hunkering down with his fellow sailors within one of her various angled hammocks; “He is truly a member of the crew, and is so passionate about the yacht and her design, he has relished every moment aboard and never shies away from spending nights onboard.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard Skorpios: A regular racer turned state-of-the-art race boat (2021-08-31 16:45:00 +0200)">Onboard Skorpios: A regular racer turned state-of-the-art race boat&nbsp;</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219445/image/large-25de09286d00d7489885963b8649ca3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219445">When the images from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios’</a> Fastnet victory arrived in our inbox, the momentous power of the yacht truly came into being. Her black sails charging through formidable seas that made for one of the roughest Fastnet races in recent history, punctuated by the yellow scorpion that makes her truly unmistakable. Echavarri, boat manger, explained that her power is something to behold, “Every sailor who steps aboard that yacht does so with a sense of awe, and I remember the first time we had her under full sail for the sea trials, we had some of the most experienced sailors in the world onboard and every one of them was quelled by it. It is as though the yacht charges the air with an electrical current and you immediately know you have to take her seriously, treat her with respect.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 125 Skorpios takes top spot at the Rolex Fastnet 2021 (2021-08-11 14:15:00 +0200)">ClubSwan 125 Skorpios takes top spot at the Rolex Fastnet</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219443/image/large-ae2a0f0650bdf7b8ec0caf33f257af61.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219443">It was clear speaking to Juan K. that his innovations aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> are far from over. Having competed within only two months of her launch, the time for trial and testing was vastly reduced, making her success even more impressive. Dmitry Rybolovlev has even bigger ambitions for the boat, meaning that work will continue on her over the coming years. Juan K. added, “he continues to challenge us to make her lighter, faster and more dynamic.” This doesn't mean that she's returning to the Baltic however, her demanding racing schedule means she sprinted over to the Caribbean this winter and was hauled out where modifications were made in situ.&nbsp;It is clear to all that this yacht has changed the face of monohull racing and will continue to do so in the future. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor's Swan</a> has taken the challenge set by Dmitry Rybolovlev and run with it, now working on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/10731" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 8024.7m (81'0&quot;)">ClubSwan 80</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>’s signature, which like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> is set to change the maxi sailing scene. Pomati added, “The very long, retractable bowsprit, together with the very light displacement related to the 4.75-metre canting keel, makes the yacht a monster downwind, and provides an enormous amount of fun while sailing.” With the first hull due to be debuted at the Regate di Primavera of 2022 – this Spring, these ferocious yachts are going to be a spectacle to watch.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">Issue 40 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">.</a> To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Nautor’s Swan’s Skorpios

Francesca Webster takes a look under the skin of Nautor’s Swan’s Skorpios to see how the beast was born.

A beast is born: A closer look at Nautor’s Swan’s Skorpios

Pier Luigi Loro Piana is best known as a competitive sailor and the owner of four sailing yachts called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>, culminating in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 130 delivered in 2016. Three years later the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49954" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="40m regatta star My Song lost at sea during cargo transportation (2019-05-27 14:00:00 +0200)">maxi yacht was damaged beyond repair when it fell off a cargo ship en route to Genoa</a> from the Caribbean. The loss was a heavy blow to her owner, but every cloud has a silver lining and in the wake of the accident Loro Piana reappraised his priorities. The result was the refitted explorer yacht, 51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220130/image/large-1333947887ee1aa213356c23de1e2536.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220130"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220143/image/large-286e401d6537d615be398271c3257b05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220143">You always used your sailing yachts for both racing and cruising; why the switch to a motor yacht?&nbsp;After I lost <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> I decided to separate the two functions of racing and cruising, which she had fulfilled perfectly. At the time of her launch I don’t believe there was another sailing boat with the same level of speed and comfort. But she was also at the limit in terms of size for both racing and cruising, because to race at a high level in safety meant we needed around 30 crew for every regatta, and that becomes like managing a small company. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/58235/image/large-4229e3394c914f7a0f8f2dd7396268cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58235">So I decided to have a dedicated regatta boat and a motor yacht for more comfortable cruising with friends and family. Together with Mario Pedol we came up with a concept for a new 58-metre motor yacht designed for long-range cruising and a trip around the world. But any new build, sail or power, takes about three years to complete and when the Covid pandemic hit I started thinking I didn’t want to wait that long.That’s when we thought about refitting an existing yacht and with Mario acting as broker we came across the explorer Aspire, originally Etra, which was very similar in terms of size and style to the concept <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> had designed for me. I liked her powerful lines and solid construction, and she was in good condition. We realised that with some adjustments we could bring her even more in line with my original concept without losing a cruising season in the Med, and that was the spark that triggered the whole exercise. The boat went into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> shipyard in Livorno in October 2020 and she was ready for the 2021 summer season.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220139/image/large-21cf68372f67a404be474b1b416d292c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220139">The Mediterranean is not short of dedicated refit yards; why did you decide on&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>?There were three or four yards on our short list, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> has the infrastructure, professionalism and technical know-how to ensure a job well done. Of course, they also have the connection with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and can draw on a whole network of suppliers and subcontractors between Genoa and Livorno. I’m based in Milan, so Livorno was handy for visiting the yard and I had a good relationship with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut-Benetti</a> president Paolo Vitelli. I put <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> under a lot of pressure because I wanted the boat to be finished quickly and I wasn’t prepared to accept much in the way of compromises, but they responded to the challenge and did a superb job in record time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220146/image/large-02057d7af12ec790d445ece9665f6a86.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220146">Would you recommend other owners to refit or convert at a time when new build slots are in short supply?For sure. Refitting a yacht that it still relatively young – Etra was originally launched in 2007 – makes a lot of sense. We gave new life to an existing vessel and avoided the conspicuous consumption of building a new one. It’s a bit like recycling in a way. If a yacht is designed, built and maintained properly it can last for decades, and it’s no coincidence that some of the most beautiful boats around today are among the oldest. So whichever way you look at it, refitting is a smart choice. Of course, every owner has different desires and requirements and if they can’t find a suitable pre-owned yacht for refitting then they should build a new one with the latest technology and efficient propulsion systems. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220137/image/large-563f3b6493fe6b826a5ac35738cbc651.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220137">You mention efficiency: I believe the remodelled stern section of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenda</a>&nbsp;led to improved hydrodynamics and performance?The transom was restyled to provide an open platform and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2051" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NAMES by Francesco Rogantin (Company)">Francesco Rogantin</a> designed a whole new aft section. This meant a longer waterline length, which together with new propellers improved not only the hydrodynamic efficiency but also meant we gained around a knot of top speed, which was very satisfying. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> doesn’t burn a lot of fuel and she recently crossed the Atlantic averaging 150 litres of fuel per hour at just over 11 knots in stern seas and four-metre waves. Her two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> 3,508 engines only had 5,000 hours on them, but they were overhauled and we fitted a new exhaust system and more fuel-efficient Kohler generators. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220140/image/large-d5209b8a8fc8fc94b6dc2b8f1673c1ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220140">What were the most important modifications in terms of how you intend using the yacht?I wanted to free up the open aft deck as much as possible, so we did away with the old crane and installed a new heavy-duty crane with a 7-metre reach that disappears into its own compartment under the deck. We needed the crane because we carry an amphibious Iguana on board for exploring even the shallowest water, which weighs almost 5 tonnes when full of fuel. When in the Med we have a 48-foot Maxi Dolphin chase boat, which was also designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>.&nbsp;Cutting down the bulwarks meant we can also use the aft deck for heli operations – an important safety factor when you’re in remote locations and may have to evacuate someone.&nbsp;I have all the space I need on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> to live comfortably at sea for weeks at a time. There’s always a valid argument for adding an a metre or two to the length, but I don’t see the point of huge yachts of 100 metres or more. For the kind of bluewater cruising I want to do a yacht between 50-60 metres is ideal: she has enough room to comfortably accommodate a dozen guests, but much bigger and I wouldn’t be able to access the out-of-the-way places I want to visit. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220141/image/large-9a5d84c406b7b77c18f73a540f148b35.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220141">Where did you go for your first cruise in the Med last summer?We joined the yacht in Samos and &nbsp;went down to Castellorizo just off the Turkish coast, visiting other islands along the way. We were able to get into all the small bays and inlets and lay a land anchor, something we couldn’t do with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)Baltic Yachts2016">My Song</a> because, despite her lifting keel, she had a minimum draft twice that of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>. Then we went to the Lesser Cyclades and Polyaigos, which for me is one of the most beautiful islands in the eastern Med, and Kythira at the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. By September we were in Capri and the Aeolian islands, and we finished the cruise in Taormina, Sicily. By the time the boat returned to the shipyard to prepare for the Atlantic crossing, we had done most of what we had dreamt of doing when we started the refit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>, so in that sense it was brilliant. &nbsp;Does that mean you’ve now abandoned sail for power?Not at all! As I said at the beginning, I’ve just split the racing and cruising. Sailing and the sea has always been my hobby and I’m building a high-performance, 82-foot racer with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a> designed by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">&nbsp;Juan K [Kouyoumdijan]</a>. In the meantime I bought a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 36 to keep my hand in, although I think my children have raced her more than me because now I’m older and put on a bit of weight I appreciate something more in the maxi size. In fact, I also took part in the J/80 worlds and had a lot of fun, but realised I need an 80-footer rather than an 8-metre!The new boat is what I would call a perfect compromise, a word a lot of competitive yachtsmen don’t like. In performance terms she’s modern without being out on the edge, because I don’t see the point of building something that in three years’ time will be obsolete like an America’s Cup boat. To borrow an expression from the automotive world, you could call her a gran turismo as she can still be used for sporty day cruising. She’s due to launch at end of April and I’m hoping our first regatta will be the Tre Golfi Sailing Week in Sorrento in May. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220134/image/large-4a9bed7d79a6a6f93ce325809499ea4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220134">And what’s next for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>?A few days ago the boat arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands. After transiting the Panama Canal, the idea is to spend a season or two in the Pacific visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, maybe the Seychelles and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, and return via the Red Sea or by Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. We’re planning to cruise the world aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> for more or less the time it would have taken to build a new yacht! &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220144/image/large-08bdaee9b13ae1bc3a142bbb99c1892e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220144">

Loro Piana interview on the refit of Masquenada

Justin Ratcliffe sat down with Loro Piana, famed racer and yacht owner, to discuss the refit of the 51m Masquenada.

Exclusive interview: Pier Luigi Loro Piana on the refit of Masquenada 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> strikes again. The 42.62m sailing yacht by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a> has bagged yet another award as the ClubSwan 125 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> team claimed the monohull line honours in the RORC Caribbean 600.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218654/image/large-ee01cc2734c352f9bbd74e97062febd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218654">The team, skippered by Fernando Echavarri, smashed the race in 1 day, 16 hours, 39 minutes and 51 seconds – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 125 Skorpios takes top spot at the Rolex Fastnet 2021 (2021-08-11 14:15:00 +0200)">proving, once again, that the ClubSwan 125 is one of the fastest monohulls ever built</a>.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> traversed across the Atlantic from Lanzarote to Antigua – roughly 3,120 nautical miles, in 6 days 7 hours, with an average speed of 20.6 knots.“This is the first RORC Caribbean 600 for Skorpios, both for myself, and some of the crew,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skor</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">pios</a>’ skipper Fernando Echavarri. “I am super-proud of all the team that have made this possible; it has been an incredible effort just to be here. It has been a very interesting race, demanding for the crew with sail changes and very tactical.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218653/image/large-65c59a0fcd11e2a9269160a3c4aaae4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218653">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard Skorpios: A regular racer turned state-of-the-art race boat (2021-08-31 16:45:00 +0200)">Onboard Skorpios: A regular racer turned state-of-the-art race boat</a>“The speed of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> has been one of the key ingredients, but also managing the changes as we rounded the islands; especially Guadeloupe where we parked in the wind shadow, but there was enough separation for us to stay in first position,” Echavarri continued. “The RORC Caribbean 600 is an amazing course because of the beauty of the islands, as well as the technical challenges. Thank you very much to the RORC and the people that make this race possible, it is an incredible race and we hope to be here next year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199815/image/large-0c0c612d5ad2ec9de562dd28dee43d23.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199815">The 180 GT sailing yacht, launched from Finland in 2021, sports an exterior design and naval architecture drawn up by &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdjian</a>. She’s been constructed out of carbon fibre, keeping her light and nimble, and is equipped with a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6636" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marinediesel Sweden AB (Company)">Marinediesel Sweden AB</a> engine. Her modern interior styling was curated by the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54643" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times Issue 40 has landed (2022-02-23 11:30:00 +0100)">SuperYacht Times Issue 40 has landed</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202866/image/large-6ffebc569728e965905f1d819e308eb8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202866">Giovanni Pomati, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor Group</a> CEO, added: "We are very happy about the result achieved by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> Team and proud of being part of this great project, teaming up to make the boat close to perfection to face the race".The last two images were not taken during the RORC Caribbean 600 and have been included for reference purposes only.&nbsp;

Skorpios wins Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600

Skorpios by Nautor’s Swan has claimed the monohull line honours in the RORC Caribbean 600. 

Nautor’s Swan 43m Skorpios wins Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600

The newly launched super sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> has taken the top spot in the monohull division at this year's Rolex Fastnet Race off Cowes, the United Kingdom. The yacht, which was launched in July at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor's Swan</a> shipyard in Pietarsaari, Finland, is a custom ClubSwan 125, built for an experienced owner who wanted to push her to the limits at the world's toughest regattas. This week she has proven her worth. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202865/image/large-7f5562675e03708649c3933ae36a6b29.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202865"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202864/image/large-a442b8c4867243f37a7151b81e99fda8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202864">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan K</a>, with interiors from the boards of Adriana Monk, the yacht employs some of the most advanced sailing technology ever seen in the industry. Lined up against 337 competitors, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> crossed the start line, quickly revealing her beauty and elegance. Sailing through the English Channel and across the Celtic Sea to her destination of Fastnet Rock, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a>became the fastest monohull to round southwest Ireland’s most famous rock.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="43m ClubSwan 125 Skorpios touches the water (2021-07-06 11:00:00 +0200)">43m ClubSwan 125 Skorpios touches the water</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52797" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ClubSwan 125: The fastest monohull ever designed (2021-04-28 12:30:00 +0200)">ClubSwan 125: The fastest monohull ever designed</a></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202866/image/large-6ffebc569728e965905f1d819e308eb8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202866"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202862/image/large-24a7c9377f82eef364ce1e4535df0f24.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202862">In a tight race, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> fended off her rival for the victory, the Rambler 88, along with the Ultime trimaran Orma 60, Ultim’emotion 2, and the rest of the IMOCA fleet. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> skipper, Fernando Echavarri commented on the race, “The boat is very strong, we backed off on speed coming out of the Solent, but so was everyone else. We had an idea of what the boat might be able to do, but we didn’t know for sure, so we learned a lot in this race.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202867/image/large-5149f76e423703856658c4c416ae27c7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202867"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202868/image/large-c6cc387d4a1d87c9a1488a8b6abe030f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202868">CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a>, Giovanni Pomati, remarked, “In this special moment in the history of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor</a> I can’t avoid sending my thoughts and a great thank you to the international team that contributed to the building of this racing boat! A huge congratulations and thanks to all of you for changing the pages of sailing history.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202869/image/large-69aad039c504574236dccf4c2d03ec63.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202869"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202863/image/large-76c11f8327e2a8141184d4a223e8d736.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202863">

ClubSwan 125 wins Rolex Fastnet 2021

The newly launched super sailing yacht Skorpios has taken the top spot in the monohull division at this year's Rolex Fastnet Race.

ClubSwan 125 Skorpios takes top spot at the Rolex Fastnet 2021

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor’s Swan</a> have announced the completion of their flagship yacht, the ClubSwan 125 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52928" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: Technical launch for first ClubSwan 125 (2021-05-12 11:45:00 +0200)">following her technical launch in May</a>. The 42.62-metre yacht is a high-performance maxi sailing yacht, and is the first hull of the new racing series from ClubSwan. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199793/image/large-f47bb0f2d2ae30b22bcc1a2902dba5b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199793">Set to be the fastest mono-hull sailing yacht in the world, she hit the water in Pietarsaari and is set to debut at the Rolex Fastnet Race. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a>’ hull, superstructure and decks are constructed from carbon fibre prepreg with Nomex and Corecell cores, and she is fitted with a deep draught canting keel reducing weight, all of which help her to achieve her extremely light displacement.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199790/image/large-bfca400aa02ad3282449bfa0367c323e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199815/image/large-0c0c612d5ad2ec9de562dd28dee43d23.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199815">A unique rotating C-foil, with an asymmetrical profile, has been developed to give vertical lift and reduce her displacement and bring her into a skimming position. She is also equipped with twin rudders for advanced control while sailing at high speeds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199795/image/large-354cd24c4fbd57ee2caead79b5b57540.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199795"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199814/image/large-5de7d388766f0164df1f4705721546ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199814"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor's Swan's</a> Vice President, Enrico Chieffi, commented, “The brief was at first for a very fast super yacht for inshore racing, but as we were developing the project, it changed. We all realised this yacht was meant to be a record-breaking machine. And so here we are… and the boat has been developed to be successful in offshore racing and intends to beat all the monohull records around the world.” &nbsp;The naval architect behind the exciting project, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4665" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juan Kouyoumdjian (Company)">Juan Kouyoumdijan</a>, added, “Being part of this project, which is meant to write a new page in sailing history, is something very rewarding.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199798/image/large-8392c112a471ea454e71057ea0efa183.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199798"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6637" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skorpios42.62m (139'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2021">Skorpios</a> is now at sea and ready to take part in the most iconic events in the sailing calendar.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8r_rj_bT7gM?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

43m Nautor’s Swan Skorpios launched

Nautor’s Swan have completed their flagship yacht, the 43m ClubSwan 125  Skorpios from their Finnish Yard, following her technical launch in May.