Uncategorized Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Windy Boats’ new Windy 29 Coho sportsboat

December 27, 2012

Windy Boats introduce their new Windy 29 Coho sportsboat, offering great handling, cool good looks and superbly versatile cockpit. Windy 29 Coho is ready to take the market by storm, appearing for the first time at the 2013 Düsseldorf Boat Show, taking place from 19th to 27th January, 2013.

Windy 29 Coho sportsboat

Windy 29 Coho sportsboat

The new 29 Coho sportsboat reaffirms Windy’s new focus on core brand values, with a pared-down, classic profile, a rapiersharp deep-vee hull designed by Hans-Jørgen Johnsen, and a blistering top speed of over 45 knots. Replacing the popular and long-serving 28 Ghibli in the shipyard’s model range, the new 29 features an extended hull and lengthened bathing platform, with a new cockpit layout that emphasises outdoor living and relaxation. Large rhomboid windows in the topsides let in lots of light down below, where the upgraded accommodation centres on a large, luxuriously finished double berth forward, with a practical head and shower compartment, and a useful and well-equipped galley area by the companionway.

Along with the new 26 Kharma and 31 Zonda, the 29 Coho features Windy’s ingenious new canopy design, which can be easily put up by one person in just a few minutes, and is completely hidden when stowed. “It makes such a difference over conventional canopies,” says Ben Toogood, of UK Windy dealer Berthon. “We’ve even had owners of the 28 Ghibli saying that the canopy alone is enough to justify trading up to the 29.”

Like many of its stablemates this new Windy model is named in honour of a wind – in this case the cold airstream that blasts down the Columbia River valley in Oregon, which is in turn named after the legendary silver-sided Pacific salmon. The aptly-named Coho is available with single or twin, petrol or diesel sterndrive installations.

The Windy 29 Coho can be seen on the Windy Boats stand (5E20) at the 2013 Düsseldorf Boat Show (19-27 January) alongside the Windy 26 Kharma, the Windy SR26 Tender, the Windy 31 Zonda, the Windy 40 Maestro and the Windy 45 Chinook.

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012 – First half in the Maxi Paradise

September 06, 2012

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, a week of coastal ragatta in Sardinia, Italy, begun with a great start on Monday with a 29 nm course through the La Maddalena archipelago. Despite the rain predictions, the 34 yachts raced in sunshine, blue skies and south-easterly winds of 10-15 knots. Sailing Yacht Esimit Europa 2 and the crew of 18 finished the course in 2:32:01.

Sailing Yacht Esimit Europa 2 - Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012

Sailing Yacht Esimit Europa 2 - Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012

On Tuesday, after a promising morning in Porto Cervo with sunshine and moderate breeze, worst fears, forecasted by the sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2’s navigator Juan Vila, came true. Even worse, as the day went on, the race was cancelled due to thunderstorms and strong winds, blowing with almost 30 knots and occasional gusts with up to 40 knots at the open seas. After docking out, the Esimit Sailing Team was patiently waiting and hoping for the race to start at any second. A 31 nautical miles coastal course was selected, when the principal Race Officer Peter Craig postponed and finally cancelled the race.

After Tuesday’s abandonment, racing continued on Wednesday with a 38 nautical miles coastal course. Esimit Europa 2, skippered by Jochen Schümann, had a very good start at moderate breeze of 11 knots and immediately took the lead. During the race the Esimit Sailing Team kept good pace, made a perfect 90-degrees shift under the cloud and was increasing the distance to the nearest competitor all the way until the finish line. Satisfied with the performance of the yacht and the crew, Schümann highlighted excellent result with very few, but meaningful words: “Just one of those days, when performance and result match perfectly.” As a result, Esimit Europa 2 yacht has an amazing lead also in corrected time, which is, due to her extremely high rating, a truly impressive achievement.

Sailing Yacht Esimit Europa 2 - Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012

Sailing Yacht Esimit Europa 2 - Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with the International Maxi Association, continues with today’s coastal race. Three more challenging days are still awaiting the Esimit Sailing Team, which is eager to continue with this season’s excellent performances.

The Esimit Europa 2 yacht sails under the flag of the European Union, is registered in Cyprus, a member of Yacht Club de Monaco, competes for the Slovenian Sailing Federation and on board joins sailors from 7 different European countries. It is under the patronage of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and endorsed by Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament. Its main sponsor is the global energy company Gazprom, while BMW is the official partner.

Nautor’s Swan launch newly refitted Swan 90 sailing yacht Altair (ex Kora 5)

August 22, 2012

Nautor’s Swan is proud to announce the launch of the newly refitted sailing yacht Altair (ex Kora 5). The refit of the Swan 90 superyacht Altair, previously known as Kora 5, was undertaken following an unfortunate collision in Porto Cervo last September. Altair has left Pietarsaari bound for the Mediterranean and will be at the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy from 10 – 16 September 2012, joining the non-racing entries as part of the Rendezvous Fleet.

Nautor’s Swan Launches Newly Refitted Swan 90 (c) Nautor's Swan 2012
Nautor’s Swan Launches Newly Refitted Swan 90 (c) Nautor’s Swan 2012

The Nautor’s Swan facility in Pietarsaari, Finland is the location where many stunning Swans have been built over the last 45 years since the creation of the company.  The skill base of the Nautor team has been honed with the development of 96 models and production of almost 2,000 Swans.  The longevity of the models has always been an attractive characteristic of owning a Swan and in recent years, the yard has undertaken a number of significant refits including the Swan 82S sailing yacht Nazca and the Swan 57, Berge Viking.  Re-fits take place for a variety of reasons; some due to new ownership and a desire to stamp an individual identity on the yacht, some stem from a desire to bring into an older model the newer technologies now available and others due to extensive damage requiring the craftsmanship of the original builders to restore the interior and exterior to the standard desired.

None of the recent refits are perhaps as comprehensive as that of the Swan 90, Kora 5 (c) Nautor's Swan 2012

None of the recent refits are perhaps as comprehensive as that of the Swan 90, Kora 5 (c) Nautor's Swan 2012

None of the recent refits are perhaps as comprehensive as that of the Swan 90 sailing yacht Kora 5.  Following a collision on the start line at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup last September in Porto Cervo that left the Swan 90, Kora 5, with a substantial hole in her side, an extensive refit was undertaken and she has recently been re-launched from the Nautor’s Swan yard in Pietarsaari, Finland.  Re-named Altair and with a colour change from navy blue to  snow white top sides with grey lines, the Swan 90 has been transformed and returned to her former glory.

The Swan 90 has been transformed and returned to her former glory (c) Nautor's Swan 2012

The Swan 90 has been transformed and returned to her former glory (c) Nautor's Swan 2012

The Nautor’s Swan team arranged for a quick shipment of the damaged boat back to her original site of construction in order for the specialised Nautor technicians to assess the refit.  The main focus of this re-fit was above the waterline with a restoration of the aft amidships cabin on the starboard side of the saloon. This re-fit was split into distinct phases with initially the removal of all installations in the outboard area of the cabin.  This covered plumbing, electric wiring, interior furniture and deck gear in order to gain access to some of the hull laminate.  The next stage saw a section of hull area being removed; the hull was then prepared to join with a new hull piece which was laminated on site in Pietarsaari, Finland using the Nautor’s Swan lamination facilities.  The hull piece was then fitted to the hull and bonded.

This re-fit was split into distinct phases (c) Nautor's Swan 2012

This re-fit was split into distinct phases (c) Nautor's Swan 2012

During the lamination phase, in-house Nautor’s Swan joinery craftsmen were also upgrading the interior furniture of the Altair yacht, with a complete new set being created for the starboard guest cabin.  After the lamination work was finalised and post cured, the assembly staff at the yard started work on rebuilding the plumbing and electrical systems, this then followed with the interior joinery team reconfiguring the interior to the prestigious Nautor’s Swan quality mark.

The hull was then faired in and prepared for the overall paint job.  The hull was painted with AwlGrip and at the same time the mast and boom were also painted for an exact match.  The final step was to reinstall the deck fittings on the bulwark together with the new pulpit, pushpit and starboard side stanchions.  Superyacht Altair’s teak deck was then given a light sanding to ensure a consistent finish across the decks and the boat was re-launched, ready to continue with her calendar of events for the rest of 2012.

Paolo Scerni, owner of sailing yacht Altair commented, “the Nautor’s Swan team have really demonstrated their prowess in the refit field.  I was keen for Kora 5 to be taken as quickly as possible back to the Yard in Finland as I felt this was the ultimate location for the substantial works that needed to be carried out as a time effective refit project for her to be able to sail at this year’s upcoming Rolex Swan Cup.  I am delighted with the craftsmanship from Nautor’s Swan and am now looking forward to establishing a lovely new long lasting relationship with my Swan 90, Altair”.

130ft sailing yacht G130SS by Ghost Yachts

March 30, 2012

Ghost Yachts, an innovative design company based in the Netherlands, is currently applying final details to their latest design and the first sailing yacht design – the 130ft sailing sloop G130SS. Just like their motor yachts, the new superyacht G130SS is created to push the boundaries of performance and style.

Sailing Yacht G130SS by Ghost Yachts

Sailing Yacht G130SS by Ghost Yachts

Ghost 130SS superyacht

Ghost 130SS superyacht

The G130SS yacht is specifically created as a High Performance sailing yacht and boasts a naval architecture that is highly influenced by modern ocean racing yachts. Dual rudders, lifting keel, flat top mainsail and a carbon sandwich hull with high form stability are just a number of details that emphasise the yacht’s intentions to compete with the best in  superyacht racing. The concept of the G130SS merges the sailing characteristics of an ocean racer without compromising luxury and onboard amenities.

Ghost Yachts - G130SS superyacht

Ghost Yachts - G130SS superyacht

Sailing Yacht G130SS by Ghost Yachts

Sailing Yacht G130SS by Ghost Yachts

The exterior styling of the sailing yacht Ghost 130SS has been created by Stefano Carugno of the Italian design firm Gloss Design. Naval Architecture and engineering is developed by Schickler Tagliapietra who combine a vast experience in both sailing superyachts and racing yachts. The technical consultancy and project supervision is in the trusted hands of Philip Demler of Demler Marine Projects.

Ghost 130SS yacht

Ghost 130SS yacht

Main dimensions:

Hull:

LOA 40m

LWL 37.1m

Beam Max 8.9m

Draft keel down 6.2m

Draft keel up 4.1m

Displacement 115t

Ballast 44t

Rig:

Sail Area Main 567 m2

Sail Area Genoa 397 m2

Sail Area Spinnaker 1,240 m2

Experience adventurous ‘America to South Pacific’ yacht charter vacations aboard Explorer Yacht ‘SuRi’

March 09, 2012

Getting ready for her exciting new journey, motor yacht SURI is an ideal Halter Marine expedition vessel, converted in 2007, currently under refit. She is measuring 50 metres and her refit was designed by Kirilloff & Associates and Stan Antrim of YES. At the moment located at the Bayship and Yacht Co. yard in San Francisco, superyacht SURI is having an 11m extension applied to the mid-body as well as other additional features for even more space aboard and in order to accommodate even more water toys. Works on her extension have started in February this year and should be completed by the 1st of May, 2012.  SuRi is currently preparing for her maiden voyage cruising the entire coast of North and South America, after which she will move to the South Pacific.

Charter yacht SURI currently under refit

Charter yacht SuRi currently under refit

One of the highlights when stepping aboard SURI will be the ‘Windows to the Sea’. This unique feature has been installed on the superyacht for the first time ever; two large windows under the water are illuminated by high intensity lights, which attract fish right up to the vessel, providing a natural aquarium viewed from the interior of the yacht.

Thanks to her refit, motor yacht SuRi will feature new engines with more horse power, quieter running, less environmental impact, increased speed and more fuel efficiency. Her longer sun-deck will provide even more space for sun bathing and relaxation. The bridged deck and the helicopter deck will be extended 11 metres continuing from the comfortable and elegant existing lounge, which can be closed off in glass and it is completely climate controlled. It can also have the existing lounge aft doors closed, all the glass panels opened for the fresh breeze to enter, for guests’ commodity.

Luxury motor yacht SuRi - before and after

Luxury motor yacht SuRi - before and after

Superyacht SuRi will feature two additional full beam mezzanine guest cabins, outfitted to continue with the existing guest cabin style. The existing cabins will also be expanded and reconfigured. All will allow for an unparalleled, private view.

The main deck also receives the full added length of 36ft in the hangar, to accommodate even more water toys and tenders that before.

Aboard charter yacht SuRi

Aboard charter yacht SuRi - before the 2012 refit

There are two additional fully equipped areas on the starboard side of the new Hold Deck for exercise, yoga and for additional lounging and meeting area. Children can also use this area for entertainment and playing. On the port side of the hold-deck there is a relaxing and comfortable cinema room equipped with the latest television and sound system. This is also the space where the ‘Windows to the Sea’ can be found.

Motor Yacht SuRi's tenders and toys

Motor Yacht SuRi's tenders and toys

Charter guests will be comfortably accommodated in 5 luxuriously appointed cabins with 10 berths in total and well looked after by a professional and friendly crew of 10.

Charter Yacht SURI’s Maiden Voyage

Once her refit programme is completed, the new and larger SURI will set off for an amazing grand tour cruising the entire west coast of the North and South America, following which she will head down to the South Pacific for the ultimate adventure and discovery voyage.

Motor Yacht SURI's America to Pacific route

Motor Yacht SURI's America to Pacific route

Her cruise will start in the North West of America, exploring such unique and exciting places as the San Juan Islands, Seattle and Alaska before moving on to her journey south.

Discover beautiful Alaska aboard charter yacht SuRi

Discover beautiful Alaska aboard charter yacht SuRi

Quite uniquely for a charter yacht of her size, SuRi is planning on cruising down the Coast of America, stopping at places such as Mexico, Costa Rica, sailing past the Panama Canal and on to the coast of Chile. She will then go right down to Patagonia where she will offer a unique possibility for charter in Antarctica.

Breathtaking Antarctica

Breathtaking Antarctica

Plans are for SURI yacht to leave Patagonia at the beginning of 2013 to make the ultimate journey across the South Pacific to South East Asia. With the main focus on adventure and discovery, SURI’s luxury charter vacation will incorporate stop-overs at such exotic locations as the Easter Island, the Pitcairn Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Easter Islands

Easter Islands

Charter guests aboard SURI will have the possibility to experience countless new discoveries in the more remote destination of the South Pacific, all in great style and comfort, which will surely open their minds to a somewhat forgotten world. Superyacht SURI will be available the entire journey across, either for sections of the trip or the whole voyage.

Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island

To find out more about chartering SURI or any other luxury superyacht, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Cap Sante Boat Haven Marina in Anacortes renovated by Bellingham Marine

February 22, 2012

Cap Sante Boat Haven located near the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Anacortes, WA recently completed a renovation, which included replacement of the marina’s “E” and “F” Docks.  The new docks were manufactured by Bellingham Marine and installed by Culbertson Marine who completed work on the project in late January.

Cap Sante Boat Haven marina in Anacortes renovated by Bellingham Marine

Cap Sante Boat Haven marina in Anacortes renovated by Bellingham Marine

The upgraded design and amenities selected by the Port of Anacortes for “E” and “F” mimic work done by the marina in 2007 on “C” and “D” docks.   “We are slowly working to upgrade the entire facility to provide boaters with the highest standard of accommodations found anywhere else in the region” commented Dale Fowler, Harbormaster for Cap Sante Boat Haven.  The marina has replaced approximately 40% of its 850 slips.

Over 33,000 square feet of docks were replaced by the Port in their most recent work at Cap Sante – 132 new berths plus two side-ties accommodate vessels and superyachts from 40 feet to 113 feet LOA. The new docks feature Bellingham’s Unibolt® system with rounded finger ends, composite trim and polymer rub boards.  The design also includes an innovative cleat design, which allows the position of the cleats to be easily moved.  Jesse Ellenz, Bellingham Marine General Manager said, “Fixed cleat locations have long been a challenge with the bolt system but in the Company’s latest round of R&D the challenge was overcome and we were able to provide the Port with a more flexible dock system.”

Cap Sante Boat Haven is a publicly owned and operated facility managed by the Port of Anacortes.  The Port’s mission includes being a ‘steward of the public resources… and protecting quality of life as an appropriate balance among economic, social and environmental elements.’  According to a statement made by the Port, the redevelopment of Cap Sante Boat Haven offers a model for creating a waterfront attraction that generates jobs, helps businesses and improves the shoreline environment.

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat® concrete floating dock systems as well as timber and metal frame systems.  The company also produces Unistack® dry stack systems for marinas worldwide.

Mondo Marine appoints Roberto Zambrini as its Chief Executive Officer

January 30, 2012

An extraordinary meeting of Mondo Marine shareholders has ratified the nomination of Roberto Zambrini, 54, as Chief Executive Officer of Mondo Marine SpA and Mondo Marine Engineering Srl.

Mondo Marine's new CEO - Roberto Zambrini

Mondo Marine's new CEO - Roberto Zambrini

Marco Stroppiana will retain the position of Chairman of Mondo Marine SpA.

Roberto Zambrini – Profile

After a degree in Economics, he attained a Masters degree in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan in 1984.

In 1985 he started working in Saim SpA. He left the company in 2004 after reaching the position of Vice President and Managing Director. In 2005 he entered the marine sector as Managing Director of Sanlorenzo SpA. In 2008, he became Managing Director of Cantieri di Pisa.

BoatUS mourns President Nancy Michelman

October 11, 2011

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of President and Publisher Nancy Michelman, who died on Friday after a year-long battle with cancer. A selfless leader with an infectious laugh and the gift of inspiring others to get together and do their best, Nancy’s courageous fight was marked by her optimism and energy.

BoatUS mourns President Nancy Michelman

BoatUS mourns President Nancy Michelman

Michelman was a self-described “Jersey Girl” who began sailing at summer camp in Maine as a child, and grew up with a love of boating. In 1989, as a rising star with the American Automobile Association (AAA), BoatUS Founder Richard Schwartz was impressed with her energy and intelligence. He hired her immediately to run the BoatUS membership department, manage partner relationships and grow benefits and services.

Over her tenure BoatUS membership grew from 350,000 to a record-high 650,000 members. In addition to the President’s role, Nancy became Publisher of the association’s flagship publication, BoatUS Magazine, in 2008, making it more dynamic, personal, and aspirational, believing that a strong publication would keep members informed and excited about their boating, fishing, and sailing lifestyles.

“Nancy was from a cadre of professionals who built BoatUS into the organization we are so proud of today,” said BoatUS Chairman and Founder Richard Schwartz. “With her it was always about generosity, passion, engagement, and loyalty – and having the most fun while you are at it. She encouraged our staff to work on common goals, and never forgot that helping members was our number-one responsibility.”

Michelman’s relationship with members was personal. She often picked up the phone to hear a member’s point of view. This personal touch was genuine, even sharing the story of her illness in one of her editorials in BoatUS Magazine, inspiring members to live their lives and passions to the fullest. For months afterward, members shared their own stories and words of encouragement.

“As she did with colleagues, Nancy made every member feel part of something extraordinary, as though they were very special to her personally, because they were,” added BoatUS CEO Bill Oakerson. “As stellar as Nancy’s leadership and business results were, her greatest gift is that she opened her heart to others, and taught us through her own optimism that joy can be found all around us – in our work, friendships, and aboard our boats. Part of her enduring legacy and vision is that she put a top management team in place – in Government Affairs, in our Membership Division, and in our publications – that carries on her good work, her dedication to the needs of boaters, and her standard of excellence.”

Imtech acquires ETNA and opens 5 offices in France, Morocco and Spain

October 11, 2011

Imtech, a technical services provider in Europe and on the global marine market, is expanding its marine services network with five new offices in France, Morocco and Spain. This concerns offices in Le Havre, Saint-Nazaire and Marseille in France and Tangier in Morocco following the acquisition of the French marine services provider ETNA, Etudes Techniques et Nouvelles Applications SA.

With its 15 employees, ETNA realises revenue of around 2.5 million euro annually. The acquisition will be paid in cash and will directly contribute to the earnings per share. In addition, Imtech has opened a new marine services office in Algeciras in Spain.

René van der Bruggen, CEO Imtech: ‘We have a strong position in the global marine market, are active in more than 20 countries and have, as sole marine technical services provider, more than 70 offices along all the important shipping routes. In our strategic growth plan 2015 we’re committed to strengthening considerably our marine activities to a revenue level of approximately 1 billion euro (2010: more than 500 million euro), both organic as well as through acquisitions. One of the growth areas is the international expansion of the number of marine services offices. In France, Imtech already has a service office in Antibes, mainly for luxury mega yachts. With the acquisition of ETNA, three French offices and one Moroccan office are being added to our marine services network. At the same time, we are opening our own service office in Spain. This will enable us to serve our marine customers in Southern Europe and North Africa considerably better, which will lead to further growth.’

Profile ETNA

ETNA is a small but strong player in the French marine market. The company has already been operating for many years with increasing success as marine services specialist for technical maintenance and management on the dozens of ships that visit the French ports of Le Havre, Saint-Nazaire and Marseille. The close relationship between France and Morocco led to a Moroccan office also being opened a number of years ago. In addition, ETNA is structurally active on a project basis in Tunisia and occasionally in other countries in North Africa. ETNA provides a wide range of electrical solutions on also almost all types of ships. A substantial part of its revenue is based on long-term cooperation agreements with customers.

Cooperation leads to growth

Via internal cooperation ETNA will very soon have access to Imtech Marine’s complete services package, enabling it to become active over a broader technical services area. This will lead to further growth. Furthermore, ETNA, under the strong financial wings of Imtech, will become a more powerful business partner, which will also lead to further growth.

Excellent track record at the new service offices

Imtech’s past record shows that it is exceptionally able to bring rapid growth to its marine services offices, whether newly-opened or obtained through acquisitions. A combination of local specialists and exceptionally well-educated service technicians work together to service existing, mostly internationally-operating, Imtech customers on the basis of ongoing service contracts. On this basis, Imtech works on more than 5,000 ships. With its distinguished service portfolio, Imtech is also able to act quickly to find new local customers and expand the services to these step by step. The combination of knowledge and technical competences, as well as Imtech’s state of the art marine services portfolio makes further growth possible. In this way, in areas such as China, around the Panama Canal and in the Caribbean area, Imtech has brought marine services offices, either opened or obtained through acquisitions, to rapid growth.

Further internationalisation

Within the framework of its growth strategy, Imtech Marine is further internationalising its activities, with success. In China the volume of activities in recent years has grown substantially. There are more than 400 employees here now. In 2010 Imtech acquired the strong Turkish marine technical services provider Elkon, which has given Imtech a basic position in this marine growth market. Very recently, the Canadian marine technical services provider Groupe Techsol was acquired, with which Imtech obtained a high-tech production site for the marine market in Canada and North America. Further internationalisation is foreseen.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project – 360° of Innovation

September 26, 2011

The new Ferretti 690 motor yacht project is the newest motor yacht to come from Ferretti Yachts, one of the icons of Made in Italy luxury products worldwide and historic brand of the Ferretti Group. The Ferretti 690 project is yet another outstanding result of the working relationship between Studio Zuccon International Project, AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, the Group’s naval research and design centre of the Group, and the team of skilled architects and designers at Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, who continuously research aesthetic, functional and innovative solutions for luxury motor yachts.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project - 360° of Innovation - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project - 360° of Innovation - Credit Ferretti Yachts

The Ferretti 690 motor yacht will be presented during Spring 2012. The yacht is a further step forward of the Ferretti Yachts fleet, characterized by the new design of outer lines, which are now sportier, with a sleeker and more dynamic profile. The wider glazing of the Ferretti 690 makes exteriors lighter and provides an amazing quantity of natural light to interior spaces.

Studio Zuccon International Project has designed the superstructure and the interiors of the Ferretti 690 model, featuring an extremely catching yacht, a continuous glazing from stern to bow, with increased height in the central part, reaching the gunwale. Large windows lighting up the VIP fore cabin and the guest cabins have been added to the large open view glazing in the central part of the hull, where the Owner cabin is located. The sleek outer lines have been further enhanced by the flybridge, which features an elongated tail with the new small roll bar and the SAT domes recessed lodging, that accommodates the base of the SAT antennas, providing to minimize the aestethic effect of the domes on the profile.

“The Ferretti 690 is the most innovative project under 70 feet ever designed by Ferretti Yachts. This is another step forward in the renewal process of our range” – declared Alessandro Tirelli, Ferretti Yachts Brand Manager. “Ferretti 690 gets to the market as a sporty yacht, though being characterized by a deep family feeling, in line with the most recent models of the brand, which match the classic-contemporary style of Ferretti Yachts with the modern flair of interiors, featuring highly functional spaces, and an impressive external look. Ferretti 690 proudly follows in the way of 660, the evolution of Ferretti 631. These models are the symbols of Ferretti Yachts successful range of small crafts. We decided to renew the outer look of the craft and further improve the typical internal layout with an aft galley on the main deck and a full beam owner cabin underdeck, with two available interior layouts, with three or four cabins.

This choice will allow us to better match the demands of the Owners, who can now choose either the catchy three double cabin version, with large private heads, or the four cabin version, designed to cope with the needs of those customers who will appreciate the functionality of four comfortable cabins in a craft under 70 feet”.

The interiors of the Ferretti 690 Project which are approximately 21 metres long and 5.5 metres wide  are spacious and wisely organized, in order to exploit living areas at their best in both layouts. Volumes are notably enlarged by the natural light coming in from the wide windows. The interiors are furnished with a warm grey oak, which can be matched, upon request, with the parquet floor on the main deck and underdeck (carpet floor is available as standard).

The cockpit features interesting innovations, some of which had already been adopted by the latest models of the brand. As in the case of the 620, the Ferretti 690 tender davit is not integrated in the gangway. It has been lodged in a dedicated housing, behind a spacious aft bench. This relevant upgrade optimizes the use of spaces, just like the shifting of the retractable passage gangway to the left. These changes allowed adding a large teak eight/ten-seat table. The gangway itself is a further innovation, even compared to the 620. The new retractable version makes the exterior profile of the yacht far more elegant.

Ferretti 620 motor yacht

Ferretti 620 motor yacht

Ferretti 620 motor yacht aft

Ferretti 620 motor yacht aft

The Ferretti 690 yacht features another absolute innovation at the stern, which will meet the taste of those owners looking for functionality matched with more “entertaining” aspects of the life on board. It is a tilting support in the swim platform, which can be lowered to create a surface below the water. This solution will allow “standing” on the water or comfortably seating in the middle of the sea. Launching the tender will also be easier by lowering the platform. This solution also allows lodging a larger tender on board.

A sliding glass door allows entering the saloon directly from the cockpit, leaving space to the left to a comfortable bar unit, which can be equipped with an icemaker, just close to the galley, which can be accessed through a tilting hatch. This solution, which characterises Ferretti Yachts crafts under 70 feet and which has already been used in the opposite position on the Ferretti 620, makes life on board more comfortable and convivial. The crew area can be accessed from the right hand side of the cockpit, with a bunk bed cabin and a private head.

The main deck, which is almost identical in the two layouts, with the exception of the access stairway to the lower deck, features a rational distribution of spaces. The galley is located portside, just after the entrance. Its elegant lines make it incredibly wider compared to the previous Ferretti 660. A vertically sliding glass partition allows separating this area from the rest of the saloon or leaving it open, turning the main deck into a large open space. In front of the galley there is a functional cabinet, reaching the height of the sofa, which can be equipped with an optional bottle fridge.

The dining area and the sofa are located in the central part of the deck, enjoying wider spaces and featuring the utmost comfort for the guests. The sofas and the tea table are located starboard, in front of the glass table, which can host up to six/eight people. The TV set has a highly functional position, on the oblique wall of the galley, thus being perfectly visible from both the dining table and the sofa.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project interior - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project interior - Credit Ferretti Yachts

The helm station is located to the right hand side, with a direct access to the outdoor areas through a door along the starboard passage. This solution is usually featured by larger vessels. The shift of the helm station to the right, compared to the previous model, has been studied to increase the flexibility of the fore portside area, where, according to the layout chosen by the Owner, the stairs leading under deck can be located against the wall – in the three cabin model – or in a more central position – in the four cabin one – leaving space for a deck to the left.

The layout of the lower deck confirms the versatility of the Ferretti 690 Project. The two options did not change the layout of the Owner and of the VIP cabins, since they are based on a different position of the stairs leading underdeck and on a different design of the lobby, of the guest cabins, and of the heads amidships. Each cabin is equipped with wide windows with porthole, to light up the room. The interior fitting is the result of a painstaking design, leather is the protagonist of all cabin furnishings. This material has been chosen for furniture tops and doors. The heads feature identical solutions, like the suspended washbasins and the accessories by Capannoli.

The full-beam owner cabin is located amidships and is now even more functional and spacious, thanks to extensive changes in the furniture arrangement and the layout. The open view windows located on both sides feature opening portholes ensuring better air circulation and an incredible brightness. The decision to place the bathroom – with separate shower – and the large walk-in wardrobe towards the stern, behind the bed, increases the Owners’ privacy and the distance between this cabin and the engine room, which are now separated by the cabin’s head, the sailor’s cabin and the tank, a solution which also results in improved noiselessness. The cabin’s furniture is completed by a chest of drawers and a vanity unit on one side and a sofa with cabinets on the other.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht Cabin - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 motor yacht Cabin - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Moving forward, the VIP cabin is located at the extreme bow and benefits from two large side windows with portholes. In the three-cabin layout, the VIP cabin also features a bathroom with separate shower. The same solution, in this version, can be found in the guest cabin – with double bed convertible into two twin beds – which is lit by a window with two portholes. The three-cabin version features a spacious lobby with glazing and two portholes on the port side, while in the four-cabin version a central corridor with two steps leads to the aft Owner cabin and two side doors give access to the large twin guest cabins.

The flybridge of the Ferretti 690 project has been extensively renewed and bears witness to Ferretti’s great care for indoor and outdoor layout optimisation. Only the bar unit located near the access staircase has been maintained from previous models; everything else has been entirely redesigned so as to ensure all guests the utmost comfort. On the right hand side, behind the second helm station, stands a large C-shaped sofa with a tea table. The seat exploits all the space available up to the stern and allows to place a co-pilot sofa at the bow, on the left, and a really spacious sun pad beyond the helm station. This solution was achieved also by eliminating the stairs leading from the saloon to the flybridge, which are very rarely used on crafts of this size, and by adding a functional hatch. An additional large sunbathing area is located at the extreme bow.

Last-generation engines have been selected for this new project. The Ferretti 690 will be equipped with two MAN 8V, 1000 mph in the standard version, 1200 mph as an option. When fitted with the standard engines, this yacht will reach a maximum speed of 28.5 knots (with a range of 285 nautical miles) and a cruising speed of 25 knot (in this case the range increases to 300 nautical miles). When the optional engines are installed, the maximum speed will be 31.5 knots (with a range of 250 nautical miles), the cruising speed 27 knots (range – 285 nautical miles) (preliminary data). The new set of more compact engines will also allow to save space in the engine room, where a second optional genset can therefore be installed, making the Ferretti 690 yacht’s technical features comparable to those found on much larger yachts.