Modern Yachts Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

The 2nd annual Singapore Yacht Show´s Opening Ceremony

April 27, 2012

The 2nd annual Singapore Yacht Show officially started today, with some of the world’s most famous yacht shipyards, exhibiting their best luxury superyachts at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove. Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, officially started the three-day show with the opening ceremony. Demonstrating important signs of growth, this popular exhibition runs from April 27th-29th, with an amazing line-up of superyachts on display, along with a collection of other smaller luxury yachts, boats as well as tenders.

Singapore Yacht Show 2012 Opening Ceremony - Ribbon Cutting

Singapore Yacht Show 2012 Opening Ceremony - Ribbon Cutting

Singapore has a burgeoning superyacht industry. We are opening new marinas capable of berthing superyachts. We are also welcoming more yacht charters and agents, while marine engineering companies and shipyards are converting their services for white boat repair,” said Mr Teo. “The four local world-class marinas hosting superyachts – Raffles Marina, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, Marine@Keppel Bay and ONE°15 Marina Club – have seen an increase in the number of superyachts berthed in Singapore and are looking at expanding to meet the growing demand.”

The Singapore Yacht Show 2012 features some of the world’s largest and most luxurious power and sailing superyachts. Some of the highlights include Feadship’s brand new 45m motor yacht Helix, that is making her debut in Southeast Asia; the 45m luxury yacht Vantage from Palmer Johnson, and Sanlorenzo’s stunning 35.5m superyacht Onyx.

The Westport 130 megayacht Sea Bear, formerly owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, is also on display and is now available for Singapore charter. The 40 metre superyacht is managed by Aqua Voyage, the nautical arm of KOP Hotels & Resorts, and forms part of its fleet of luxury yachts. Other debuts also include catamaran yacht Phatsara and Singapore-built 39m superyacht Megaway 128 both presented by Northrop & Johnson; a Cranchi 64 presented by Hong Seh Marine; and celebrating Year of the Dragon is the Torpedo, by J-Craft.

SYS 2012 - Group Photo

SYS 2012 - Group Photo: (L to R) Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Group and One Degree 15 Marina and Mike Barclay Chief Executive Officer, Sentosa Development Corporation

“The presence of some of the biggest names in the global yachting industry is testament not only to Singapore’s, but also to Asia’s growing economic clout,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show. “As the ranks of billionaires and multi-millionaires in the region continue to embrace the yachting lifestyle, we want them to savour the best that the industry has to offer and we are confident the show will grow from strength to strength in the next few years.”

The show is rapidly gaining momentum as the foremost yachting industry showcase in the Asia Pacific region. Following the success of the preview edition last year, the show has more than doubled in size in every aspect, from the number of on-water yachts and dock-side exhibitors as well as luxury lifestyle partners. This year’s edition features a first class line-up of the world’s most influential yachting brands, which include Feadship, Sanlorenzo, Palmer Johnson, Westport, Heesen, Azimut, Princess, Cranchi, SportRiva, Mangusta and J–Craft, among many others.

There is also strong participation from leading yacht brokers such as Burgess, Ocean Independence, Simpson Marine and Northrop & Johnson. Other top exhibitors in the Dockside Village include Sevenstar, Gulf Craft, KOP Group, and Luxury Yachts.

A parade of supercars shares the spotlight with the stunning superyachts at this year’s event, courtesy of Eurosports Automobile Munich Automobiles with BMW M Owners Club and Lamborghini Club organising convoys to the yacht show.

Yachting World Round Antigua Race to kick off on Saturday 28 April

April 27, 2012

Besides some realy awesome sailing conditions, crew of the Yachting World Round Antigua Race will experience some magnificent views of Antigua‘s fascinating coastline, with more than 20 knots of warm trade winds forecast for this Saturday’s competing. 43 yachts will battle with the 55 nautical mile course and crews from more than 20 different countries are ready for the Caribbean thrill of a lifetime.

The Devil's Bridge, just one of the stunning vistas for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race Credit: Louay Habib/Antigua Sailing Week

The Devil's Bridge, just one of the stunning vistas for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race Credit: Louay Habib/Antigua Sailing Week

Peter Aschenbrenner’s 63-foot trimaran yacht Paradox, completed the circumnavigation in less than four hours back in January. Since then the ballistic multihull has been ripping it up at several Caribbean sailing events and the crew and yacht are fully tuned up for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race. Paradox will have America’s Cup and round the world legend Cam Lewis on board for Antigua Sailing Week and Paradox is odds-on to take line honours in the Yachting World Round Antigua Race.

“Given the current forecast, I think that Paradox is capable of going around Antigua in three hours, it is achievable but heavily dependent on sea state,” commented Cam Lewis. “The reach around the windward side will be a blast; Paradox just loves trade wind conditions and should be able to really get up and go. Most of the course is off the wind but the last few miles should be upwind, which will also be a factor in the elapsed time.”

Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 charter yacht Sojana will be hoping to secure line honours for the monohulls and also has the potential to set a new record. Sojana completed the race in 4 hours, 37 minutes and 43 seconds in 2009 at an average speed of just over 12 knots. Since then Sojana has been modified with a retractable bowsprit flying an enormous 800 square metre spinnaker with 25% more sail area than before.

“Given the current weather forecast, Sojana is capable of surfing at up to 20 knots on the windward side of Antigua – that’s a lot of inertia for a yacht of well over 100 tons,” explained Skipper Marc Fitzgerald. “On board we have an international crew from Denmark, Antigua, France, Great Britain and New Zealand including: Poul Hoj-Jensen, Karl James, Mo Gray, Luc Poupon, Jonny Malbon, Ian Budgen and Fraser Campbell. Our primary goal is to take line honours but given the forecast we could well break our own record for the course.”

Farr 115 superyacht Sojana may well be in the reckoning for the overall win on corrected time, however several other yachts may well be in the running including: German skipper Stefan Lehnert helming his Tripp 53, Passion 4C and American Jan Rupert, skipper of Tripp 75 yacht Blackbird.

The first warning signal to start the Yachting World Round Antigua Race will fire at 0800 local time on Saturday 28 April.

Horizon EP148 motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS successfully launched

April 27, 2012

The renowned Taiwan-based builder, Horizon Yachts, is proud to announce that they have recently launched and successfully sea tried the new EP148 motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS. Designed by the collaborative efforts of the Horizon R&D team, USA designer J.C. Espinosa, as well as interior design consultant Birgit Schnaase of Germany, the HORIZON POLARIS is the largest flagship constructed by Horizon and Asia´s largest BV Ice classed private yacht.

Horizon EP148 luxury motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS

Horizon EP148 luxury motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS

Measuring 148 feet in length, the luxury yacht HORIZON POLARIS is built for any cruising destination with a steel hull, aluminum superstructure and bulbous bow.

“The EP148 HORIZON POLARIS is a superyacht milestone for Horizon and one that we are extremely proud of,” said Horizon CEO John Lu.  “She is a no-compromise, ocean-going expedition yacht that embodies Horizon’s growth and success over the last 25 years.”

Long-range luxury and style is the focus of the EP148, which features a 29’ beam that allows for a spacious, ingeniously designed layout on all four levels.

EP148 superyacht HORIZON POLARIS offers comfortable accommodations with five en-suite staterooms, captain’s quarters and office in the pilothouse and large crew quarters for 8 on the lower deck.

The on-deck master stateroom utilizes the full-beam space in a functional, well-appointed layout that includes a king bed; walk-in wardrobe; owner’s pantry, sizable master bath and ample room left to spare.

Below deck, four mirrored guest staterooms – port and starboard VIP staterooms aft and port and starboard twin guest staterooms mid-ship – offer substantial and elegant living spaces that will draw no complaints from guests.

Horizon´s megayacht HORIZON POLARIS provides numerous areas for entertaining and relaxing, both inside and out – the open flybridge is an ideal spot for lounging on the sun pads, warming up in the hot tub or enjoying cocktails around the full bar, while the skylounge offers a place to unwind with the gym and a spa room, which includes a sauna and shower. When watersports are on the agenda, the tender garage and bow deck davit are available for worry-free retrieval of water toys.

Powered with twin MTU 12V4000 M60 1760HP engines, the new EP148 yacht HORIZON POLARIS reaches a top speed of 16 knots and has a range of over 4,200 nautical miles at 9.5 knots.

HORIZON POLARIS is currently preparing for a cruise through the rough seas around Taiwan in early June, and will be unveiled for the first time at the Horizon Yachts Open House on June 28th in Taiwan. Afterwards, she will showcase in Monaco Yacht Show in September and display in the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October 2012.

Your Western Mediterranean ‘Dream Come True’ Aboard Charter Yacht FOUR ACES

April 26, 2012

Cruising aboard the exceptional 55.78-metre (183′) luxury charter yacht FOUR ACES will leave you breathless and wanting to come back for more. This elegant and striking vessel featuring naval architecture by Stefano Natucci with beautiful interior design by Francois Zuretti is amongst the best superyachts to rent for an unforgettable Mediterranean charter vacation.  FOUR ACES is currently available for a rate of €240,000.00 per week plus expenses, around the popular and enchanting Western Mediterranean destinations, including Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, South of France and Corsica.

Luxury charter yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

Luxury charter yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

With a great volume and a large beam, the motor yacht Four Aces provides excellent spacious outdoor dining areas and superb sun-deck with sunbathing and a popular Jacuzzi. She was refitted and renewed in 2008 and features a stylish interior design with quality wooden trim, large aft swimming deck, zero speed stabilisers as well as a gymnasium.

Mediterranean charter yacht FOUR ACES

Mediterranean charter yacht FOUR ACES

Benetti Mega Yacht FOUR ACES accommodates her 12 charter guests in five double cabins and one twin cabin. The Master suite is full width with great views, featuring a sitting room. Well positioned forward on the main deck, it boasts a king-sized bed with a 2-person settee to starboard and a vanity to port, as well as large closets either side of the king bed.

Luxury superyacht FOUR ACES

Luxury superyacht FOUR ACES

There are 5 additional guest cabins aboard Four Aces, including a very spacious VIP cabin with a large en-suite bathroom, found on the wheelhouse deck to starboard. Lower deck accommodates 4 additional cabins, including 1 twin and 3 king staterooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

Motor Yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

Motor Yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

Yacht tenders and toys belonging to Four Aces superyacht are a 33′ Intrepid year 2000, 2×250 Yamaha outboards, 15′ Novurania w/1 x 90hp Yamaha outboard, 2 x Yamaha waverunners, 2x Windsurfers, 3x Kayaks 2 peddle type and 1 x 2 man paddle type. 2 wakeboards, 2 sets of skis, snorkel gear, towable banana and tubes, 2 long paddle boards. Fun is certainly guaranteed aboard the Benetti mega yacht Four Aces!

FOUR ACES Yacht by Benetti - Gymnasium

FOUR ACES Yacht by Benetti - Gymnasium

Western Mediterranean Yacht Charter Holidays

Western Mediterranean is known as the most visited charter destination around the world. And not surprisingly! Oozing with history, beautiful beaches, glamourous rivieras and enchanting small towns,  Italy, France and Spain boast everything one should expect from a perfect summer vacation aboard a luxury superyacht.

Antibes - France

Antibes - France

Crewed sailing yachts, motor yachts, luxury mega yachts as well as beautiful catamarans, the choices are endless! We can organise a number of magnificent itineraries along the Italian coast, including such unique and sought after charter destinations as Genoa, through to Cinque Terre and Tuscany, following down to Naples and the Amalfi coast, Reggio Calabria and Tropea, as well as the spectacular islands of Sardinia or Sicily.

Some of the most glamourous and most popular charter destination for those with an intention to visit the French Riviera, include Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St Tropez, Iles d’Hyeres and Corsica. Spanish Balearic Islands offer the historically rich Mallorca and Palma de Mallorca. Some of the favourite yacht charter location from mainland Spain include Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Southern Italy - Calabria - Tropea

Southern Italy - Calabria - Tropea

Whether you choose to sail along the Mediterranean coastlines or charter a magnificent motor yacht, our team will be able to provide you with the most suitable yacht charter itinerary depending on your desires and needs. Please, do not hesitate to contact our friendly consultants today.

Heesen Yachts to attend the Singapore Yacht Show 2012

April 26, 2012

The prestigious Dutch superyacht builder Heesen Yachts is pleased to announce that they will be present at the Singapore Yacht Show, running from April 27 to 29, 2012.

Heesen Yachts to attend the Singapore Yachts Show 2012 Photo by Dick Holthuis

Heesen Yachts to attend the Singapore Yachts Show 2012 Photo by Dick Holthuis

Asia is a growing market for the superyacht industry. The fact that an increasing number of superyachts (including our 37m semi-displacement yacht Perle Noire) are making their appearance in the region is a sign of interest in this yachting destination” says Mark Cavendish, Sales Director at Heesen Yachts.

In order to strengthen its brand recognition in this market, Heesen recently exhibited for the second time at the Hainan Rendezvous and for the third time at the Shanghai International Boat Show. Heesen’s presence in Greater China is ensured by its Chinese representative based in Shanghai.

The attendance at the second edition of the Singapore Yacht Show is a new addition to the company marketing strategy to enhance the brand presence in South Asia. In this region the Dutch shipyard is working closely with Oh Kean Shen, Heesen authorized agent for South East Asia.

The Singapore show is quickly becoming one of the premiere yacht and luxury shows in the region by doubling in size this year and showcasing the most prestigious yacht builders. As the number of wealthy individuals grows so does the number of them embracing the luxury yachting lifestyle. In order to fulfill the needs of this growing community, Heesen Yachts is proud to offer its innovative, custom-built superyachts, which are all hand-crafted in Europe.

New 38m motor yacht Nadara 38 by Admiral Tecnomar Group due to be delivered in summer 2014

April 26, 2012

Following the recent launch of its 45m charter yacht Ouranos, the well known Italian builder Admiral Tecnomar Group has now received a new order for the 38m motor yacht Nadara 38. Due to be delivered in summer 2014, the unique and exclusive Nadara 38 superyacht represents comfort, perfect stability, state-of-the-art technology, elegance as well as high performance.

38m luxury motor yacht Nadara 38 by Admiral Tecnomar Group

38m luxury motor yacht Nadara 38 by Admiral Tecnomar Group

The exterior design of the 38m luxury yacht Nadara 38 is simple and elegant, while her interior layout for up to 12 guests is spacious and functional. There are 5 to 6 beautiful cabins, with the possibility to add the sixth VIP cabin on the upper deck. Nadara 38´s 6-member professional crew sleeps in 4 crew cabins.

Nadara 38 superyacht - side view

Nadara 38 superyacht - side view

The large living and relaxing areas even at the bow and an in-depth study of space and light provide an unforgettable, comfortable and relaxing cruising experience.

Luxury yacht Nadara 38 - rear view

Luxury yacht Nadara 38 - rear view

Built in composite, the Admiral Tecnomar superyacht Nadara 38 is run by twin MTU 12V 4000 M93l 3460 HP engines, which enable her to reach a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots.

Oceania Marine employs Andy Shephard as new Marine Coatings Manager

April 26, 2012

Following an exhaustive worldwide search, Oceania Marine is delighted to announce that its new marine coatings manager has become Andy Shephard. He is leaving his base in Holland and transfering to Whangarei, New Zealand to deal with management of Oceania Marine Coatings as of May 2012 offering the company his rich experiences in the Superyacht painting industry, including his recent coatings project – the 45m sailing yacht Saudade by Wally Yachts.

45m Wally sailing yacht Saudade

Recent Coatings Project by Andy Shephard - 45m Wally sailing yacht Saudade

Managing Director, Martin Gleeson states; “Andy is the essential, final ingredient in what we are trying to set up at Oceania Marine Shipyard. We have great paint facilities, a great paint team and now we have the right guy to manage it.”

Andy has completed a series of major superyacht painting and fairing projects in recent years and has particular experience in the ‘special effects’ coating systems currently available for Superyachts.

73m motor yacht Project 423 by ADM Kiel due to be launched in 2013

April 26, 2012

A sistership to the recently revealed luxury yacht Project 422, the 73m motor yacht Project 423 is another spectacular vessel, currently in build by ADM Kiel. The Project 423 superyacht´s launch is scheduled for 2013.

Another yacht launched by ADM - 141m Yas Superyacht - Credit Dick Holthuis Photography

Another yacht launched by ADM - 141m Yas Superyacht - Credit Dick Holthuis Photography

ADM Kiel luxury yacht Project 423 boasts sophisticated exterior by Focus Yacht Design, while her beautiful interior is by H2 Yacht Design.

73m superyacht Project 423 offers luxurious and comfortable accommodation to 12 guests.

Expected to be unveiled in the next days, the full details about Project 423 are highly confidential at the moment.

30.2m Hodgdon sailing yacht WINDCREST placed third in St. Barth´s Bucket

April 26, 2012

Following 3 days of classic Caribbean competing, the 30.2m (98´) sailing yacht WINDCREST launched in 2006 by the well known US builder Hodgdon Yachts, placed 3rd in the Elegantes class as well as 3rd overall in the largest St. Barth’s Bucket fleet of 47 superyachts. The Ted Fontaine designed WINDCREST superyacht finished 22nd on day 1, 2nd on day 2 and 3rd on day 3 for a 3rd place out of 13 and an excellent 4th overall out of 47.

30.2m sailing yacht WINDCREST by Hodgdon Yachts

30.2m sailing yacht WINDCREST by Hodgdon Yachts

The 98ft superyacht WINDCREST is built of advanced cold molded wood construction and features a Hodgdon-designed and built interior. True to the characteristics of a Fontaine design, WINDCREST combines cruising comfort with impressive performance.

While Hodgdon’s new builds today are more commonly of infused carbon-kevlar composite construction, the legacy and heritage of nearly 200 years of boatbuilding goes into every new Hodgdon as it did on the luxury yacht WINDCREST.

Hodgdon congratulations to the owners and crew of WINDCREST.

Main Characteristics of the 30.2m sailing yacht WINDCREST

Designer: Ted Fontaine
Builder: Hodgdon Yachts
Launched: 2006
LOA: 98′

27.5m motor yacht SATU by Yachting Developments scheduled for launch in August 2012

April 26, 2012

The renowned Auckland-based builder Yachting Developments is proud to announce that works on its 27.5m (90ft) motor yacht Satu are well underway and this magnificent vessel is due to be launched in August 2012. Designed by Ullberg Yacht Design to permit the owner access to remote untouched international fishing waters in comfort, the Satu superyacht is a beautiful ultra elegant sports fisher styled power boat.

27.5m motor yacht SATU by Yachting Developments

27.5m motor yacht SATU by Yachting Developments

The 27.5m luxury yacht Satu is well appointed with elaborate onboard systems giving the ability to operate in a self sufficient mode for several months at a time. Hull construction is composite with a large signature tuna power, the interior is finished to Superyacht standard.

Satu superyacht Interior

Satu superyacht Interior

Yachting Developments superyacht Satu is powered by twin 2,500hp MTU 16V diesel engines giving an estimated top speed of 33+ knots. Once comissioned, Satu will be shipped to Florida where she will be displayed at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show by her owner.

Superyacht Satu Propeller

Superyacht Satu Propeller

Technical Specifications of the 27.5m luxury motor yacht SATU:

Designer Ullberg Yacht Design & Engineering
LOA 90ft     27.43m
LWL 82.1ft     25.03m
Beam 23ft     7.01m
Draft 4.11ft     1.51m
Displ (50% load) 164, 000lbs, 73,374kg
Fuel 4,500 us gal     17,055ltrs
Water 675 us gal     2,558ltrs
Propulsion 2 x MTU 16V-2000CR
2400bhp @ 2450rpm
Generators 2 x Caterpillar C4.4 58kw/67.5kva
Construction Type Composite
Design Max Speed 33+ knots
Hull Structure   VMYNZ
Interior Robinson Marine Interiors/Owner
Fit Out & Completion Yachting Developments

Luxury yacht Satu Engine

Luxury yacht Satu Engine