Switzerland

Monk Design

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/359702/image/large-c1c34dbbff99f62636f714d9383c98d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/359702">Spotted over the weekend cruising here in Antibes, south of France, was the 84.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>. Delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in 2023, the low-profile yacht features exterior styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> and an interior crafted in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>, with a sharp lines and tinted glazing giving her a modern look. Onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> boasts standout features such as an underwater Aqua Lounge, a beach club with sea access and an observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass.&nbsp;With a gross tonnage of 2,554 GT, the Cayman Islands-flagged yacht can accommodate up to 14 guests in seven staterooms, supported by a crew of 27. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system combining a 4.5 MWh battery bank with variable-speed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> C32 generators, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> cruises at 12 knots with a range of 5,500 nautical miles.&nbsp;If you would like to see your photo featured each day, then send your submissions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" target="_blank">news@superyachttimes.com</a>.

84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian in the South of France

The 84m superyacht Obsidian, built by Feadship in 2023, was seen cruising in Antibes, France. 

In an industry wedded to steel and aluminium construction, superyacht shipyards have been relatively slow to embrace composite materials for the manufacturing of large structures such as hardtops and biminis. But having completed more than 15,000 refit and repair projects, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> in Palma de Mallorca has proven the benefits of composites many times over.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357903/image/large-a1b69eb8e595571c2355e9769bd52a3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357903">In 2022 as part of a €35 million refit, the 73-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a> (ex-Coral Island) designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Jon Bannenberg</a> received an entirely new and enclosed sky lounge for entertaining and dining. The 140-square-metre roof structure replaced the former sat-dome area on the upper deck and comprised two large electric sliding sunroofs, as well as a new 3.8-metre navigation mast atop the roof. The whole massive structure was engineered and built out of composite foam-cored panels by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231707/image/large-671afdff72f522f8d6d98e20ccd34bff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231707">“The original idea was to do it in aluminum,” recalls Luke Hendy, technical &amp; commercial director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a>. “But we thought we could do something much better and bigger in composites, because we weren’t as constrained by the weight and stability issues of building in aluminium. What started out as a new roof turned into a major deck modification.”&nbsp;Local company 3D Tech was tasked with laser scanning the deck space to 0.2-millimetre accuracy and integrating the (often conflicting) inputs from the Gurit composite engineers and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>, who drew the lines for the new sky lounge. The resulting 3D CAD model became the primary reference throughout the project lifecycle, from the tooling and component manufacture to the final installation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357899/image/large-f46a2494bf206d75ba42512286e7a962.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357899">“Integrating all the HVAC, AV and electrics, as well as the big sliding doors and opening sunroofs, was part of quite a mammoth modelling operation,” continues Hendy. “But what we had at the end was a very accurate 3D model to start the tooling, which provides shapes that are much closer, if not identical, to the original design – much more accurate than working with aluminium, which has to be cut and welded, then faired and primed.”The roof and mast structures were manufactured off-site at the purpose-built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> facility and delivered in three main parts to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="STP Shipyard Palma (Company)">STP Shipyard Palma</a>, where they were assembled and then bonded and bolted to the top deck. Thanks to the accuracy of the CNC-machined female moulds, tooled directly from the CAD data, the composite parts required very little fairing compared to traditional aluminium construction. The use of 3D scanning at the outset further meant the huge components fitted perfectly. In fact, installing the structures took just two days with no hotworks required. The sky lounge was later described as the ‘jewel’ of the award-winning refit.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357895/image/large-ce3ecad4097bab27985889c80bb422d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357895">Weighing the cost&nbsp;Less fairing meant significant weight savings in a very stability sensitive area at the top of the yacht. Steel and aluminium usually require between six and eight millimetres of filler, which translates into eight kilos per square metre on average. That adds up very quickly in terms of weight, but also cost and time.“You also have to consider the logistics of tenting the yacht, the extraction, the disruption to other refit jobs and – critically – the time the boat is out of operation,” Hendy explains. “Instead, we built the structures off-site at our own manufacturing facility while everyone else cracked on with other works, then came back at the end of the six-month yard period and installed the new sky lounge already painted.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357898/image/large-cf3fae3ad31407605466acd9a87d953b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357898">To illustrate his point, Hendy references the recent refit of a busy charter yacht when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> were able to scan the whole upper deck overnight. This provided all the data they needed to go away and engineer, fabricate and paint a new composite structure for later installation. In the meantime, the owner could continue earning revenue from the yacht’s charter activities.&nbsp;“The raw material and basic construction costs may be marginally higher with composites, but over time it works out cheaper when you look at the wider picture,” says Hendy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183207/image/large-6c4f5ab23799f88a134a28946f0e9738.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183207">Around the same time as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a>, the 40-strong team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> was commissioned to engineer, build and install new carbon-fibre hardtop biminis for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a>, the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world. The new structures – two attached fore and aft of the existing transverse arch, and one covering the forward area of the huge flybridge – replaced the traditional steel tube and canvas bimini's with a more modern design featuring integrated AV and lighting and electrically operated sunroofs to protect the helmsman. Included in the upgrade was the manufacture of two new helm consoles and wheels to complement the new-look flybridge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183209/image/large-1f3592900ad62da0e6f4dec4df0909c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183209">“We used the same 3D scanning, CAD modelling and CAD/CAM tooling techniques to produce the hardtops offsite for later transport to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> yard in Italy, but although the yacht was also composite in many ways the engineering proved more complex than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a>,” says Hendy. “This was because we had to integrate the main bimini into the existing arch structure and visually the design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Adriana Monk</a> was very sleek, so we had to be careful to achieve the stiffness we wanted without any vibration or resonance.”&nbsp;Reducing resonance&nbsp;This last point is critical in the engineering process. All physical structures have natural frequencies at which they will tend to vibrate when subjected to external forces, including waves and pressure pulses from propellers. These frequencies are dependent on the way mass and stiffness are distributed within the structure. Resonance happens when a dynamic force excites a structure to vibrate at its natural frequency – even a small force can produce a large vibration response that may result in ‘humming’. In the case of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coral Ocean72.54m (237'12&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1994">Coral Ocean</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> referred to the yacht’s original noise and vibration studies to engineer the GRP/carbon sandwich panels to avoid these natural frequencies. Moreover, the PVC foam cores have much higher damping and thermal insulation properties compared to aluminium. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357900/image/large-d767a68c94182e7c21c2b729c69b97cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357900">One challenge that still has to be fully overcome by contractors like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> is that the class societies are more accustomed to dealing with steel and aluminium in superyacht construction. When faced with composites they usually to refer to the rules for guidance, but technology moves quickly and the existing regulations may be unsuitable. That can lead to situations where a surveyor might want to see a composite panel that has the same thickness as an aluminium one, because that is the benchmark he or she understands best.“One of the issues is that the regulations were originally written for commercial ships, so class is already playing catch up with the superyacht industry,” says Ian Heseltine, operations manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a>. “However, on each project we work closely with class to help bring the rules up to date.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357902/image/large-dbc4db1256119fe2657abf37db086cad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357902">Full potential&nbsp;Indeed, Heseltine believes it is the high-tech nature of building with advanced composites that fundamentally distinguishes it most from metal construction. After all, you can design something sleek and curvy in aluminium, but then you have to convert the design into technical drawings to build it out of flat sheets of metal. At that point, you lose the direct connection between the design intent and the physical reality. Not so with composites:<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357901/image/large-66281726fe0b3e6f510983a7fcc68c0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357901">“We bring 3D scans into our CAD software as the basis of the design, then build and test it virtually for rigidity and strength, resistance to wind loading and vibration, and so on,” explains Heseltine. “But we also use that very same CAD tech to create the tooling, which is able to reproduce a perfect impression of the original design intent. In other words, we harness the technology to its full potential from concept to completion.”Composite vs aluminumAluminium has a density of about 2.7 grams per cubic centimetre, whereas a composite foam-cored panel typically has a density of between 0.03 to 0.5 grams per cubic centimetre) with stiff outer skins of GRP, carbon fibre, or even aluminium. The core dramatically reduces weight while maintaining rigidity, making it much lighter than solid aluminium. In fact, a one-square-metre aluminium plate (5-millimetre thick) weighs approximately 13.5 kg, whereas a one-square-metre composite foam panel (with a 5mm core and 1-millimetre fibreglass skins) weighs 3-5 kg, depending on the skin materials.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357904/image/large-6c0a129e610df5867b4de2d6c439e8f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357904">Aluminium has good stiffness, but its rigidity comes from its density. Young’s Modulus (stiffness measure) for aluminium is about 70 GPa. Foam cores are not inherently stiff, but a panel’s stiffness comes from its outer skins (carbon fibre’s Young’s Modulus is up to 230 GPa) and the thickness of the sandwich structure. The foam core effectively increases the separation between the outer skins, which improves stiffness without adding much weight.Composite foam-cored panels have a much higher stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to solid aluminium plates. Indeed, for the same weight, foam-cored composite panels can be three to 10 times stiffer than aluminium, making them ideal for applications where light weight and rigidity are critical.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357897/image/large-a92bb62ebf2a7af1d3ce69ab7fbffec9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357897">20 years in business<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> was set up in 2005 by sailor, boat builder and composites specialist Mark Branagh. After assisting the Oracle America’s Cup team in Valencia, he moved his headquarters to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="STP Shipyard Palma (Company)">STP (Servicios Técnicos Portuarios) Shipyard</a> in Palma de Mallorca. Previously he had studied material science at Brunel University in London before working at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Green Marine (Company)">Green Marine</a>, where he was involved in building composite sailing yachts such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/539" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally B32.72m (107'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd1998">Wally B</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ghost37.25m (122'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Ghost</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sojana34.97m (114'9&quot;)Fast Cruising Ltd2003">Sojana</a> and Playstation. Mark and Luke Hendy met in Falmouth in the early days of Pendennis. After spells at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">Composite Works</a> in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Ciotat Shipyards (Company)">La Ciotat</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 La Ciotat</a>) and running his own business, Luke joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BMComposites (Company)">BM Composites</a> as an acting partner in 2008, a role that was only formalised in 2023. In 2018 they opened a state-of-the-art workshop facility in Son Moro in Mallorca. Today, the company employs over 40 project managers, designers and composite technicians.This article was first published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank">Issue 7 of &nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank">How to Build It</a> <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-7" target="_blank">magazine, which can be downloaded here</a>.

BM Composites and the rise of advanced materials

Justin Ratcliffe investigates  BM Composites in Palma de Mallorca, which have completed more than 15,000 refit and repair projects. 

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Refit: BM Composites and the rise of advanced materials

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314838/image/large-7f52c4e3457b03966ad33b03286168e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314838">Currently anchored in the waters of Saint-Tropez, is the 84.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>, which recently completed maintenance works in La Ciotat. Constructed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in 2023, her design is the collaborative work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> for her exterior and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a> along with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> for her interior. With a hybrid propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> operates on a 4.5 MWh battery bank, charged by custom variable speed generators based on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> C32 engines. This setup enables her to achieve a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots, with an extensive range of up to 5,500 nautical miles. Her amenities include an observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a beach club with sea access and an Aqua Lounge with underwater views. Featuring a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> can comfortably host up to 14 guests in seven staterooms, along with a crew of 27 to ensure an exceptional onboard experience.&nbsp;

84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian in Saint-Tropez

The 84m superyacht Obsidian, built by Feadship in 2023, was recently observed anchored in Saint-Tropez, France. 

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 

The largest superyacht launched in 2023

SuperYacht Times takes a look at some of the largest yachts that hit the water for the first time this year.

The largest superyacht launches of 2023

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295173/image/large-cea8b8015ff6bdf617fa01b867440603.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295173">Seen in October cruising in IJmuiden, in the Netherlands, is the 84.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>. Launched this July by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> showcases an exterior design crafted by the British design firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>, complemented by interiors designed in collaboration with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a> team. The exterior design is characterised by asymmetry, highlighted by an atrium staircase leading to a lower deck dining saloon where an entire wall opens up, revealing a terrace just above sea level. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> represents a groundbreaking advancement in the new lineup of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yachts committed to reducing carbon emissions. She is propelled by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> diesel-electric engines, allowing her to reach a top speed of 17 knots.

84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian cruising in Ijmuiden

The 84m superyacht Obsidian, built by Feadship in 2023, is seen here cruising in Ijmuiden. 

Exemplifying luxury and sophistication, three 100-metres plus superyachts graced the waters of the French Riviera, capturing the attention of onlookers in Antibes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280199/image/large-de58380d06bfbc0d1841484ce5fc5225.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280199"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seven Seas109.0m (357'7&quot;)Oceanco2022">Seven Seas</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>&nbsp;| 109mThe 109-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seven Seas109.0m (357'7&quot;)Oceanco2022">Seven Seas</a> was delivered in 2022 and features exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lateral Naval Architects (Company)">Lateral Naval Architects</a>. She can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests across seven staterooms, as well as provide accommodation for up to 35 crew members, including the captain onboard. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280192/image/large-f8e734e4a7ee62240eab449aee451c0d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280192">The 4,444 GT yacht is the first LY3-compliant yacht to feature a cutting-edge marine evacuation system, further enhancing safety and compliance standards. In terms of performance, she is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines of 4,813 horsepower each, allowing her to reach an impressive top speed of 20 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280198/image/large-badebce041e4527419276243b64b0e9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280198"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280197/image/large-a1da4038c4548df2fc49e8c733fc2da6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280197"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280193/image/large-b4ec0ee5f9ede3b26c3d001c6abc9e28.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280193"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5651" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IJE108.0m (354'4&quot;)Benetti SpA2019">IJE</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> | 108m&nbsp;The 108-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5651" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IJE108.0m (354'4&quot;)Benetti SpA2019">IJE</a> was delivered in 2019 and is the largest yacht built by the shipyard. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>, with naval architecture also by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture (Company)">PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280195/image/large-d0ce2f30749c6a2127150e198fcbf487.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280195">The 3,471 GT yacht can accomodate up to 22 guests, and she also has accommodation for 28 crew members, including the captain. On deck, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5651" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IJE108.0m (354'4&quot;)Benetti SpA2019">IJE</a> has more than 1,000 square-metres of outdoor space, which includes standout features such as a large fire pit located on her bridge deck, a private alfresco dining area on the dedicated owner’s deck and a grandiose family dining table on the main deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280196/image/large-16021de48362c7466300cd38a66ea1de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280196">Performance-wise, she is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines and can reach a top speed of 21 knots, covering a transatlantic range of 6,500 nautical miles. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272634/image/large-a8f6058fb436b024276c64743717f2be.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272634"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen&nbsp;</a>| 126mThe 126-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> International, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/249" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd (Company)">Jonathan Quinn Barnett</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a>. Up to 26 guests are accommodated onboard and she also has accommodation for 63 crew members, including the captain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280191/image/large-6fb71eb22cfb33ec9a41c00a48b08e92.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280191">An outstanding feature is a mesmerising glass-bottom pool that transforms into an exquisite on-the-water dance floor with just a simple press of a button.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272630/image/large-4522f334c6daa3819f68e14006b9c6cf.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272630">In terms of performance, She is powered by eight <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1823" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mercedes (Company)">Mercedes</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 17 knots and an impressive top speed of 29 knots.

100m+ superyachts spotted in the French Riviera

Three 100-metres plus superyachts graced the waters of the French RIviera, capturing the attention of onlookers in Antibes.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has announced the delivery of the 84.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>. Also known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;710, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> is the first of Feadship’s new generation of large yachts aimed at further reducing carbon emissions. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279657/image/large-fb94f3b7c3ded9918ebe5c100b39cc2d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features an optimised hull that takes into consideration carbon reduction through hulls optimised at cruising speed instead of top speed, weight control, advancements in electric propulsion, and the ability to run her generators on the non-fossil diesel fuel, HVO.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279647/image/large-afed60e836900ece559467485fbfbb5c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279647"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features exterior design, interior architecture and design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>, in collaboration with<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">&nbsp;Monk Design</a> and naval architecture from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>. The brief was to create a superyacht that was more energy efficient and emitted less carbon than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>’s ground-breaking hybrid yacht, Savannah. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279670/image/large-99016099025a20c32bf6b3f4565b3487.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279670"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> showcases a low and slim hull design which has been optimised for cruising speed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The louvered aft deck overhangs are all made from carbon-fibre and attached to the aluminium superstructure without the need for supports, therefore reducing her overall weight.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279660/image/large-63dacbfba6aca2c684aae55878259c92.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279660"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> worked with Bram Jongepier, Senior Designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, and used the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) for guidance on how the yacht’s components and operations contribute to its carbon profile and environmental impact. This led to a Joint Industry Project (JIP) under the flag of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a>, with twenty major partners in the yachting industry.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56401" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation unveils YETI 1.0 to evaluate environmental impact in yachting (2022-11-17 16:45:00 +0100)">Water Revolution Foundation unveils YETI 1.0 to evaluate environmental impact in yachting</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279663/image/large-959d16a392db54c58044e30444d642ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279663"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> is working towards creating carbon-neutral superyachts by 2030 and the delivery of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> marks a key milestone in this timeline. It is estimated that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> will operate with 27 percent less total environmental impact than a yacht of similar size launched only five years ago if run on fossil fuel, and 60 percent less when using HVO.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279662/image/large-4ac4fbdcdaf1cb2847590fb78c009959.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279662"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> uses <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>’s Advanced Electrical Drive (FAED) program for diesel-electric hybrid power. She has 4.5 times more electrical storage capacity than the hybrid yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savannah83.5m (273'11&quot;)Feadship2015">Savannah</a>, and she has no drive shafts and no rudders, preventing added drag caused by these appendages.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279664/image/large-93b1d07c46da8dec805163caa7ead382.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279664">In terms of propulsion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> uses a pair of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Veth Propulsion (Company)">Veth</a> contra-rotating thrusters to maximise efficiency and minimise vibration. She is powered by a 4.5 MWh battery bank that is charged by four generators and features a staggering 1,000-volt system because the yacht is fully powered by electricity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279665/image/large-1292cc79511a52ed42be52102fec659b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279665">Her thrusters are located in the best location for steering and water flow, while the generators and their exhaust systems, batteries, and electrical switchboard are located elsewhere for optimal weight distribution and crew access.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian on sea trials (2023-07-07 09:45:00 +0200)">In Pictures: 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian on sea trials</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279667/image/large-cb0cb66a0d687d8e297a6cf402d0de3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279667">As a result of this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> can comfortably cruise at 35 nautical miles at 10 knots on just her batteries alone. At anchor, the batteries will also provide silent operation for 10-15 hours.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279666/image/large-1d7d2d9bf053deae89d3e2b0d9558519.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279666">&nbsp;When analysing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> using the YETI tool, it revealed that about 60 percent of the energy consumed goes simply to powering the onboard lifestyle. Several major innovations were adapted for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> allowing the team to address these issues through peak load shaving and reducing HVAC demand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279669/image/large-79f1139ec4cfdb9d4927d8c6e6f5c198.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279669"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> uses waste heat captured from the generators, but also from the AC chillers as carbon-free energy. “There are so many points of energy savings integrated on this yacht that it is hard to count,” said Project Manager Mark Jansen.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279652/image/large-4b9324c96f157053a2c8c38430a57778.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279652"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>’s engineers introduced an innovative heat pump system to pull heat from various sources, including ambient sea water. This transports thermal energy (heat) from one place to another and according to Jongepier, it is five times more efficient than simply making heat with a regular electrical heating coil. She also features a single level engine room. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279649/image/large-953d7d0f0a26fd07904c4e5be3f622d5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279649">The interior layout of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> has been optimised, with a total of seven staterooms. She features an asymmetrical atrium staircase, which leads to a lower deck dining saloon, with an entire wall that opens to provide a terrace view that is just 75cm above sea level.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279656/image/large-3e5c07aa7a72beaa9799ab16a7ff6630.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279656">None of the interior rooms, except her staterooms, have any 90-degree angles. A hidden staircase to a study and a sunken lounge on the main deck are just two more of the unexpected interior elements.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279651/image/large-66c231a2338e039be278b584c183b986.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279651">Near her stern is an 'Aqua Lounge' with large windows below water level. The Aqua Lounge can also function as a cinema and even a classroom. In place of a mooring deck, there is a revelatory bow observation lounge with double-curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279650/image/large-d295b9d1e90a395710d6357b99addd8a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279650">Both of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>'s tenders are electric-powered and custom made by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6860" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tenderworks (Company)">Tenderworks</a>. Four fast charging stations installed by the yard will allow them to be charged in the water or in the tender garage.

Feadship delivers 84m superyacht Obsidian

Feadship has announced the delivery of the 84m yacht Obsidian, the first in a new generation of yachts aimed at further reducing carbon emissions. 

Feadship delivers 84m ‘carbon-reducing’ superyacht Obsidian

The 84.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> has completed her maiden voyage. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 710 motor yacht recently underwent day one of her extensive sea trials in the North Sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276933/image/large-bb6bb2a0cde25794fd8352b36889fbb3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276933">Construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> began in 2020 with construction of her hull subcontracted to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Casco- en Sectiebouw Rotterdam BV (CSR) (Company)">Casco &amp; Sectiebouw Rotterdam (CSR)</a>. She features exterior design, interior architecture and design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>, with naval architecture from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276935/image/large-32378d78bc4bf518f4899d702c9e166c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276935"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features a silvery hull with dark glazing from bow to stern with clean and crisp lines and an accentuated plumb bow. Her asymmetrical atrium staircase leads to a lower deck dining saloon where an entire wall opens to reveal a terrace view just above sea level.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276936/image/large-87b10545cf1266041a9cd8cf8cc7a131.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276936">Near her stern is an 'aqua lounge' with large windows below water level. In place of a mooring deck, there is a revelatory bow observation lounge with double-curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features fold-out balconies towards her stern, with a spacious beach club area that extends towards the sea to offer direct contact with the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276934/image/large-326f798b0ae446df585c0462839a7f09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276934"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> is the first in a new generation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yachts furthering carbon reduction through hulls optimised at cruising speed instead of top speed, weight control, advancements in electric propulsion, and the ability to run her generators on HVO, a second-generation biodiesel, a so-called net zero CO2 fuel.

84m Feadship yacht Obsidian on sea trials

The 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian has completed her maiden voyage on day one of her sea trials.

In Pictures: 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian on sea trials

The 84.2-metre <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> superyacht <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/obsidian-84m" target="_blank">Obsidian</a>, Hull 710, has been captured in Rotterdam, cruising in the canals to the west of the city. The yacht is expected to undergo sea trials in the coming weeks. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276531/image/large-ea07b723945e3225e8763d2a0b3b106d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276531"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276532/image/large-b035d7945eb363036b68821b6c00b07e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276532"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features exterior design from the British design firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>, with interiors assistance from 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>. Her naval architecture comes from the boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/obsidian-84m" target="_blank">Obsidian</a> is the first in a new generation of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> yachts furthering carbon reduction through hulls optimised at cruising speed instead of top speed, weight control, advancements in electric propulsion, and the ability to run her generators on HVO, a second-generation biodiesel, a so-called net zero CO2 fuel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276530/image/large-04057c6f3869cae2eba5063d52ef464c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276530">The distinctive superyacht features a silvery hull with dark glazing from bow to stern, with clean lines and an accentuated plumb bow. Asymmetry is a key feature of the yacht's exterior design, with an atrium staircase leads to a lower deck dining saloon where an entire wall opens to reveal a terrace view just above sea level.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276529/image/large-461d742be251bf1def423460928b87fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276529"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276527/image/large-d8a9f6361ae248ae6bed948007b110db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276527">Near her stern is an 'aqua lounge' with large windows below water level. In place of a mooring deck, there is a revelatory bow observation lounge with double-curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/obsidian-84m" target="_blank">Obsidian</a> features fold-out balconies towards her stern, with a spacious beach club area that extends towards the sea to offer direct contact with the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276528/image/large-bf1b5a9ec480fabec125df7023a86e32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276528"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276526/image/large-7fa9d4695ce08414dbae656d22d9b044.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276526">

84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian in Rotterdam

The 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian has been captured cruising in Rotterdam.

In pictures: New 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian in Rotterdam

The 84.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> has started preparations for her sea trials in the Netherlands. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 710 yacht has been moved from the Koninklijke De Vries facility in Alsmeer, the Netherlands to Rotterdam where she will receive her pods.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275319/image/large-7b131d008cdfa8d36a709a6af3a9576e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275319">Construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> began in 2020 with construction of her hull subcontracted to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Casco- en Sectiebouw Rotterdam BV (CSR) (Company)">Casco &amp; Sectiebouw Rotterdam (CSR)</a>. She features exterior design, interior architecture and design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a>, with naval architecture from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>.<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/rwd" target="_blank">RWD</a> are well known for their partnership with <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a>, previously collaborating with for the 96.55-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/faith" target="_blank">Faith</a>, the 78.5-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/hampshire-ii" target="_blank">Hampshire II</a> and their most recent launch, the 71.1-metre superyacht <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/juice" target="_blank">Juice</a>, launched in 2022.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Exclusive: 84m Feadship 710 superyacht launched (2023-04-20 18:00:00 +0200)">Exclusive: 84m Feadship 710 superyacht launched<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275320/image/large-48424c7286ee48cf12968dce1ae3d4a3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275320"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features clean and crisp lines with an accentuated plumb bow. Her asymmetrical atrium staircase leads to a lower deck dining saloon where an entire wall opens to reveal a terrace view just above sea level.Near her stern is an 'aqua lounge' with large windows below water level. In place of a mooring deck, there is a revelatory bow observation lounge with double-curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> features fold-out balconies towards her stern, with a spacious beach club area that extends towards the sea to offer direct contact with the water. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275317/image/large-7c1ddae88383ebf56770b52e048061c1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275317"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a> is the first in a new generation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yachts furthering carbon reduction through hulls optimised at cruising speed instead of top speed, weight control, advancements in electric propulsion, and the ability to run her generators on HVO, a second-generation biodiesel, a so-called net zero CO2 fuel.According to <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" target="_blank">SYT iQ</a>, <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> currently has three other yachts in-build with an expected 2023 delivery date. These include the 118-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> 1010, the 76.05-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> Van Lent 822 and the 67.4-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> 823.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275318/image/large-a42c432c4c00276ead3c57711322d63d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275318">

84m Feadship yacht Obsidian prepares for sea trials

The 84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian has started preparations for her sea trials in the Netherlands.

84m Feadship superyacht Obsidian prepares for sea trials

Netherlands-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has launched the 84.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship De Vries 71084.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Feadship 710</a> at the Koninklijke De Vries facility in Alsmeer, the Netherlands.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266773/image/large-7e9729bf987e48768d4ec8f0062ce31b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266773"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266783/image/large-bfa89913bb0ef952cd16bc735f3f3688.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266783">Construction began on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht in 2020 with construction of her hull subcontracted to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Casco- en Sectiebouw Rotterdam BV (CSR) (Company)">Casco &amp; Sectiebouw Rotterdam (CSR)</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266784/image/large-6ba20e086a79a72204943da61d778ce5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266784"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266777/image/large-12e90dce5457dc37d3c95ce573ee8ee6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266777"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266774/image/large-6999263b80fa058b5ba8feda028ad3fd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266774"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266770/image/large-ffab75b7a89de1445ddb3eac607ab0dd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266770">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship De Vries 71084.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Feadship 710</a> superyacht features exterior design, interior architecture and design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monk Design (Company)">Monk Design</a> and naval architecture from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> are well known for their partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, previously collaborating with for the 96.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Faith96.55m (316'9&quot;)Feadship2017">Faith</a>, the 78.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3972" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hampshire II78.5m (257'7&quot;)Feadship2012">Hampshire II</a> and their most recent launch, the 71.1-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Juice71.1m (233'3&quot;)Feadship2022">Juice</a>, launched in 2022.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266779/image/large-3f94def6f86e509415ba9622289a0cf8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266779"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266781/image/large-99ebcd930dbf6d1704428431ee98eabe.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266781">The first images show clean and crisp lines with an accentuated plumb bow. Her asymmetrical atrium staircase leads to a lower deck dining saloon where an entire wall opens to reveal a terrace view just above sea level. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266773/image/large-7e9729bf987e48768d4ec8f0062ce31b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266773">Near her stern is an 'aqua lounge' with large windows below water level. In place of a mooring deck, there is a revelatory bow observation lounge with double-curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266771/image/large-bc5aa024f674906e783002071a2d3848.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266771">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship De Vries 71084.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Feadship 710</a> superyacht appears to have fold-out balconies towards her stern, with a spacious beach club area that extends towards the sea to offer direct contact with the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266776/image/large-594f955137e13352f52c8e3df0f0cd50.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266776"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266775/image/large-86927cebe8a47400d1cae3e0e7458c8a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266775">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship De Vries 71084.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Feadship 710</a> is the first in a new generation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> yachts furthering carbon reduction through hulls optimised at cruising speed instead of top speed, weight control, advancements in electric propulsion, and the ability to run her generators on HVO, a second-generation biodiesel, a so-called net zero CO2 fuel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/266778/image/large-87fa85b39d709a894c1af5d892c6bf54.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/266778">According to <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> currently has three other yachts in-build with an expected 2023 delivery date. These include the 118-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 1010, the 76.05-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Van Lent 822 and the 67.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> 823.

84m Feadship 710 superyacht launched

Feadship has launched the 84m superyacht Feadship 710 at the Koninklijke De Vries facility in Alsmeer, the Netherlands.

Exclusive: 84m Feadship 710 superyacht launched

Lurssen's fleet of 100m+ superyachts

Lürssen has delivered 22 superyachts that exceed 100m in length. SYT runs through the list. 

Lürssen's giants: the German builder’s fleet of 100m+ superyachts

<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

<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. 