2010 has been a great year for new superyacht launches, despite the economic climate. The largest 10 superyachts have certainly received much yachting news attention in yacht industry circles during 2010.  Included in the top ten motor yachts launched this year is the 134 metre motoryacht Serene, the largest yacht ever built in Italy, the 85.6m MegaYacht Cakewalk by Derecktor – The Largest in USA History, and 3 motor yachts by the superyacht builder in Lurssen including the 85.2m yacht PACIFIC, 87.2m motor yacht Phoenix 2 and 124.4m M/Y KATARA.

In total there were more than 200 yachts measuring over 24m launched by superyacht builders worldwide.

134 m Mega Yacht Serene by Fincantieri

Fincantieri announced the launch of its first mega yacht SERENE in September. After her delivery at the beginning of next year, the 134 metre motoryacht Serene, will become the largest yacht ever built in Italy, one of the ten largest yachts in the world and one of the finest in terms of sophistication and technology. The vessel is currently at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard, undergoing finishing touches before her delivery to a private foreign owner.

Fincantieri launched its first mega yacht SERENE

Designed in accordance with the maximum class of international safety regulations for passenger transport the mega yacht “Serene” has seven decks, a hangar and two helicopter landing pads. The vessel also features a large sea-water swimming pool which can accommodate service craft and a submarine with a diving depth of up to 100 metres. There are 4,500 square metres of interior space including 2,700 square metres of super-luxury designed by Pascale Reymond from Reymond Langton Design, one of the most famous designers in the industry.

Fincantieri Yachts team developed the Serene yacht project from the ground-breaking concept design of Espen Oeino, who created some of the world’s most famous yachts.

The launch of megayacht SERENE marks Fincantieri’s entrance into an exclusive market sector where the company has succeeded in demonstrating the expertise it has gained in the construction of sophisticated, highly innovative vessels combining cutting edge design and state of the art technology.

Fincantieri, which is devoting increasingly substantial resources to this market in order to offer customers even higher levels of quality, design and style, through Fincantieri Yachts has gained unique experience building the motoryacht  “Serene” and has developed specific know-how on which it will be possible to draw when designing the next yachts, starting with the new 140 metre vessel on which work has already commenced.

124.4m Superyacht KATARA by Lurssen

Superyacht Katara is a 124.4 (408’14”) metre motoryacht built by Lurssen and was launched in April 2010. She is one of the largest yachts in the world, with her beam measuring 18 metres.

Lurssen Super Yacht Katara in Gibraltar - Photo credit to Giovanni Romero

KATARA motoryacht was built at the German shipyard Lurssen, who are the largest  high quality builder of large mega yachts, such as this formerly called project Crystal. Her spectacular naval architecture was designed by the Lurssen in-house naval architects, with the exterior design by the world renowned design team Espen Oeino International based in Monaco.

Katara mega yacht features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, and she is carrying the hull number 13656.  As her name suggests, the motor yacht Katara is flying a Qatar flag.

The picture taken of the Espen Oeino designed super yacht KATARA depicts her docked in Gibraltar on 21st September 2010 and was taken by Gibeye.

96m Motor yacht Palladium by Blohm & Voss

Luxury megayacht Palladium (ex Project Orca) is a 96 metre superyacht built by  Blohm + Voss Shipyards. The state-of-the-art vessel’s ground breaking exterior and contemporary interior was designed by the well known talented Michael Leach Design.

Superyacht Palladium in Gibraltar – Photo Credit Giovanni Romero

The 96m Blohm & Voss superyacht Palladium is captured here by photographer Giovanni Romero leaving Gibraltar after an overnight stay, en route to Valencia.

Built to the highest quality standards, superyacht Palladium was first launched in March 2010 and was delivered to her owners in September. She was built from steel, alloy and composite, featuring a sportive, innovative style. Motor yacht Palladium is powered by two diesel MTU engines to a maximum power of 19 knots and can cruise at the speed of 14 knots. This striking vessel can accommodate up to 16 guests in six guest cabins, one owner’s cabin and one nanny cabin.

88m Musashi Yacht by Feadship

The 88 m Feadship XL Musashi yacht has was launched in August by Feadship Yachts at their De Vries Makkum shipyard in The Netherlands. The very impressive new flagship of Feadship, superyacht Musashi, measures in at just a touch under 88 metres in length overall, making her the largest ever and a milestone for the Dutch yacht building giant.

Yacht Musashi by Feadship

Luxury yacht Musashi was launched the De Vries Makkum facility where the first custom Feadship XL motor yacht Ocean Victory was also launched. Motor yacht Musashi is the second hull of the 88m Feadship XL large custom yacht series, with yacht Ocean Victory being the first at 75m, making her the largest yacht so far built and launched by Feadship.

The Musashi superyacht is an 87.78 m (287.99ft) full displacement steel hulled private luxury motor yacht with an aluminium superstructure. Her naval architecture and her exterior design and lines were both created by Feadship’s De Voogt Naval Architects and in addition Sinot Yacht Design have been chosen by the yacht owner to undertake the interior design of the vessel.

The hull of superyacht Musashi was actually built by Feadship’s dedicated hull-building facility in Papendrecht, Holland. After her hull was finished she was then moved to Makkum where she has been outfitted and is currently still undergoing completing and finishing.

Motor yacht Musashi is propelled by 4 propellers and shafts as driven by quadruple MTU 16V 4000 M90 marine diesel engines which are rated at 3,650 hp or 2,721 kw – giving a combined power of 14,600 Horse power or 10,887 kilowatts.

87m Lürssen motor yacht Phoenix 2

On the 8th April 2010 Lürssen launched luxury motor yacht Phoenix 2. SUPERYACHT Phoenix 2 was delivered to her owner in July, ahead of schedule. The original 60 metre superyacht Phoenix was launched at Lurssen in 2004. Due to her success it led to her owner developing a new project with the same team which includes Andrew Winch Designs, Moran Yacht & Ship and the Lürssen shipyard. The resulting yacht is the eagerly awaited and recently launched Phoenix II.

Phoenix 2 superyacht by Lurssen at her launch

Superyacht Phoenix 2 is by no means a simple sequel to the first yacht. She has been carefully designed and constructed to ensure that the essence of the the original Phoenix has been kept; but as her new name appropriately suggests, she has been “squared” in both her complexity and size making her a much bigger and far more beautiful yacht.

The exterior of luxury yacht Phoenix 2 was designed by Andrew Winch Design and incorporates both elegant and streamlined lines that are complemented by more than 100 metres of polished stainless steel handrails uniquely shaped and installed. Her sundeck offers a generous swimming pool with separate Jacuzzi and an exterior cinema. The new Phoenix’s sky lounge opens out to an inside/outside dining area complete with glass screens creating the ultimate dining experience.

The imaginative use of furnishings, fabrics and furniture on the Lürssen yacht Phoenix II is influenced by the New York 1930′s era, is incorporated into her unique general arrangement which has been carefully designed to provide the clients with exactly the style and practicality of the yacht they require. A beautiful full beam Deco Duplex apartment for the owner’s suite offers unrivalled and undisturbed views out to sea. A private staircase joins the two floors together whilst a private foredeck complete with Jacuzzi offers exterior privacy to the client.

85.6 m MegaYacht Cakewalk by Derecktor – The Largest in USA History

The Tim Heywood designed superyacht Cakewalk at 85.6 meters (281 ft) was launched in August by Derecktor Shipyards in the USA – making her the largest private yacht launched to date in America.  Motor Yacht Cakewalk is an important luxury yacht launch in many ways being a milestone achievement for Derecktor and their new flagship M/Y Cakewalk received much yachting news attention in yacht industry circles during 2010.

The Derecktor Built and Tim Heywood Designed Superacht Cakewalk launched in 2010

From Derecktor Yachts about the Launch of Yacht CAKEWALK:
Remember the date; August 8th 2010 was not just another summer Sunday for the United States yachting industry. Instead, at 10:30 a.m. a genuinely momentous event took place. For that moment marked the launch by Derecktor Shipyards of the 85.6 meter (281 ft) motor yacht Cakewalk, the largest yacht (by volume) ever built in the United States.

When the stunning six deck, 2998 gross ton vessel floated off Derecktor’s new 4000 ton dry-dock into the waters of Bridgeport harbour, it was the culmination of an effort never before seen in American yacht building. Several years and many, many thousands of skilled labour hours, along with tireless work from the owners’ team and Derecktor’s project group were needed to make the original vision a remarkable reality.

“Needless to say, as with any project of this scale and sophistication, there were some growing pains along the way, but we think the result speaks for herself” said an obviously pleased Paul Derecktor, President of the Derecktor group of shipyards.” For the first time, an American yard has shown it can equal or better the work of the best European yards. My brother Tom and I, along with everyone at Derecktor are very proud and we thank all the people who made this possible, in particular of course, the Owner and his team.”

Superyacht Cakewalk was designed by Tim Heywood Designs with Naval Architecture by Azure Naval Architecture. Interior design was by Dalton Designs, Inc. Literally dozens of subcontractors from engineering firms to security specialists participated in the project. “We certainly could not have done it without them” commented Gavin Higgins, VP of Business Development at Derecktor. “Some of the world’s most experienced and skilled specialists put their expertise into this job. You cannot successfully build a yacht of this size and complexity with having that sort of talent available.” Reactions from those involved in the project are a mix of pride, satisfaction and in some cases awe at what has been accomplished.

“She is superb” said Designer Tim Heywood. “The workmanship throughout is absolutely first-class, as good as you will find on any yacht in the world. I could not be more pleased for the owner and all involved”. Bill Zinser, Build Captain on Cakewalk yacht and leader of the owners’ team, seemed as proud (and relieved) as a new parent, “She is what we knew she could be all along. It makes all the hard work, all the long days, worth it. We have great owners and we worked with a great group at Derecktor. We can’t wait to show her off to the world.” Notably, Cakewalk was christened for the owners by Carmen Golinski, the Interior Manager on board, indicative of the closeness of the owners and crew.

85.4m Superyacht Seven Seas by Oceanco

Oceanco Shipyard launched their Oceanco Y706 yacht called SEVEN SEAS on the 27th August 2010. The 85.47m superyacht Seven Seas then left the Oceanco yard, en route to Gibraltar.

Superyacht Seven Seas when launched from the Oceanco Shipyard in August

The magnificent superyacht SEVEN SEAS has Naval Architecture by Oceanco and Azure and  interior / exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard designers. A special feature of the superyacht is her trademark Oceanco infinity swimming pool on her aft deck that can be conveniently transformed into a helipad or an entertaining area.

The 2010 Oceanco Superyacht SEVEN SEAS is one of the most impressive megayachts in the world. She boasts spacious accommodation and extensive amenities for 12 charter guests in 7 cabins including a private owner’s deck with a large master stateroom, study and private deck area with pool. There are 4 large guest staterooms and a full width of the beam VIP stateroom on the main deck and an additional secluded VIP stateroom on the terrace deck. All of the cabins have been expertly fitted and feature the latest audio visual entertainments systems. Luxury 2010 M/Y SEVEN SEAS e has a contemporary interior featuring walnut, teak and rosewood interspersed with natural materials, fabrics and colors.

Other highlights of the charter yacht SEVEN SEAS include a fully equipped Gymnasium, a Spa and Massage room and Cinema seating in the main salon. Motor yacht SEVEN SEAS has an extensive list of amenities for charter guests to enjoy including a wide array of water sport toys and tenders such as her Custom enclosed 10.5m limo tender and custom 9.2m open sport boat.

85m Motor yacht PACIFIC by Lurssen in Germany

The 85m superyacht PACIFIC was launched in July by Lurssen Yachts of Germany in Vegesack. Yacht Pacific is a 85 metre (278 ft) motor yacht which had her wonderful and unique exterior designing created by German Frers. The luxury yacht’s interior design was created by the well known Bannenberg & Rowell.

The 85m Lurssen motor yacht PACIFIC - photo as taken by the German yacht and ship photographer Martin Groothuis

The first image of the yacht seen here was taken by the German yacht and ship photographer Martin Groothuis from Bremen at the shipyard in Vegesack.

Yacht PACIFIC displays a unique styling in her exterior design. As can be seen here, her topsides have two openings on her starboard side which are likely tender and water toy garages which will also double as swimming platforms and landing areas.

German Frers which is perhaps more traditionally associated with sailing yacht design, is the experienced design office responsible for the Pacific yacht’s individual look. The Argentinean naval architect has managed a quite traditional look which is also modern and pleasing on the eye.  M/Y Pacific has a comparatively lower centre of gravity and a squarer and perhaps more expedition look than many other superyachts of her length.

Lurssen Yachts has also launched the 124.40 metre yacht Crystal, the 87.20 metre Phoenix 2 superyacht as well as the 60 metre Solemates in 2010.

78m Yacht TITAN 2010 by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany

On May 21 2010 CharterWorld News brought you information about the exciting new 78m Abeking & Rasmussen motor yacht launch called yacht TITAN.  Motor yacht Titan was then delivered officially to her owner in October. Superyacht Titan is the third installment in Abeking & Rasmussen’s 78m yacht series with naval architecture by Abeking & Rasmussen.

Ship and yacht photographer Martin Groothuis of Bremen took this first image below of the brand new luxury yacht Titan in Germany.

The 2008 yacht Eminence was the first superyacht launched in the 78 metre series, complete with a unique beige hull and the 2009 motor yacht C2, with a blue hull, was the second in Abeking & Rasmussen 78 series. All three yachts, including M/Y TITAN had their exterior styling and interior designed by Reymond Langton.

Ship and yacht photographer Martin Groothuis of Bremen took this first image below of the brand new luxury yacht Titan in Germany.

Yacht Titan has a grey hull, built from steel, with a white superstructure which was constructed in aluminium. Unlike her sister-ships luxury yacht Titan has some minor customisation in the profile look of her sundeck and radar mast areas. Titan can also be distinguished with her large doors which have been positioned on the side part of the forward full beam area. These doors are likely to be for water toy and tender side garages.

Abeking are known for designing and building very large transom hatches on their modern motor yachts as they operate two well proven tender launching systems actually developed by A&R. This allows the yacht to employ smooth launching and recovering of the ship tender even whilst under way, or when approaching a anchorage or harbour.

The specifications for the yacht TITAN 78 m Abeking & Rasmussen yacht Series:

Summary: LOA – 257 ft (78,43 m); beam 40,7 ft. (12,40 m).

Naval Architect: Abeking & Rasmussen
Designer: Reymond Langton Design
Year: 2010
Country Built: Germany
Yacht Class: Motor
Material: steel
LOA: 78.4 m (257.0′)
Draft: 3.2 m (10.5′)
Beam: 12 m (41′)
Cruise Speed: 3.2 knots
Max Speed: 16.5 knots
Engine: Caterpillar
Guests: 14
Crew: 19

73m Expedition Superyacht PEGASO by Freire Shipyard, Spain.

Luxury superyacht PEGASO is a 73.1m 2010 advanced private research expedition yacht launched in Spain last week with  naval architecture by BMT Nigel Gee and Associates, exterior Design by H2 Yacht Design (UK) and interior design work from Mark Berryman.

73.1m Expedition Superyacht PEGASO - The image of PEGASO is courtesy of Mr Miguel Tarrago.

The oceanographic luxury yacht is an expedition or explorer style yacht equipped with a submarine, a huge 10,000 nautical mile range along with many unique Superyacht features.

The 73m luxury Superyacht PEGASO was recently launched by the Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, at a private ceremony with 150 guests.

PEGASO’s massive 10,000 NM range would enable her to cruise from Spain the Australia and back without re fuelling. The modern new expedition and research vessel PEGASO being is an explorer yacht and as such will be fitted with equipment including a 9 m long submarine with the capacity for six people to dive up to 165m deep. The oceanographic research submarine was built custom at an Italian Shipyard in Trieste and is housed in a 150 m square hangar on the yacht. The sub is powered by electric propulsion and can reach a surface speed of 8kts and can submerge at a speed of 6kts.

Marine research motor yacht PEGASO has a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure and was built to comply to MCA and Lloyds Register standards. She can attain speeds of 14 knots cruising with a top speed of 18 knots. M/Y PEGASO offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 suites and in addition she can carry up to 27 crew onboard as well as oceanographic and marine biologist scientists.

The magnificent 73m expedition super yacht will have a private upper deck dedicated to the owners which covers 120 sq m. The huge 73 m vessel has a beam of 13.20m (43.31ft) and a 3.8m (12.47ft) draft providing her with a huge volume. The ships crew and scientists are accommodated in a 328 square meter area plus there are large areas designed as places dedicated for scientific equipment and a separate laboratory.

The owner of the luxury expedition vessel PEGASO is believed to be a well known Mexican Family who are extremely passionate about the sea understood to be behind ‘Grupo Pegaso’ which is a very a successful telecommunications business. The son of the yacht’s owner was also in attendance at the private launching ceremony.

This magnificent luxury Superyacht will easily stride straight into the world’s top 100 superyachts.

The image of PEGASO is courtesy of Mr Miguel Tarrago.

Contact the CharterWorld team for information regarding chartering a luxury expedition charter boat.