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Kestrel: Bassan&Benedetti’s 80-Meter Explorer Concept Unveiled at Monaco Yacht Show

Bassan&Benedetti recently unveiled an 80-meter converted explorer concept during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, known as Kestrel. This project is part of a broader initiative in collaboration with McFarlane ShipDesign, focusing on conversions. The guiding principle behind Kestrel’s exterior design is “form follows function,” which emphasizes both minimalism and cost-effectiveness while paying homage to the original hull.

The original vessel intended for conversion would possess a 1C ice-class hull, and all existing equipment and engineering would be retained. The construction of Kestrel’s “new blocks” offers various options tailored to the owner’s preferences. A spokesperson for the studio explained, “There is a growing demand for conversions due to cost and time savings compared to new builds, along with the ample availability of supply vessels on the market.”

 

Kestrel’s accommodations can host up to 14 guests and 25 crew members. Bassan&Benedetti is responsible for the general arrangement (GA) and interior design. The layout includes a raised living area on the upper deck, an entire deck exclusively dedicated to the owner, and an observation lounge. Meanwhile, the six guest cabins are located on the main deck, each featuring private terraces. The interiors adopt an industrial-contemporary style, aiming to “maintain the essence of the original vessel while preserving luxury and the use of refined materials.” Renderings of the design reveal clean lines and modern, low-profile furnishings.

Within the hull lies a 100-square-meter wellness area, fully equipped with a gym, spa, cinema, and a 125-square-meter space for storing water toys and recreational equipment.

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Setting Sail into the Future: The Unique 45-Meter Hybrid Superyacht ‘Project YN 256’ by Royal Hakvoort and Hoek Design

Royal Hakvoort, the Dutch shipyard, has secured a contract for the construction of a unique 45-meter hybrid superyacht designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects. This project, known as Project YN 256, is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The design concept called for a yacht that combines a distinctive style with wheelchair accessibility, marking the inaugural collaboration between the Dutch shipyard and the studio.

Project YN 256 has been designed for comfortable long-distance cruising, featuring a round bilge displacement hull. The design incorporates a slightly flared bow, metallic bronze accents, and a classic-style funnel that also serves as additional storage. Both the main and upper decks are almost entirely surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass with rounded corners, providing excellent views from all guest areas and welcoming an abundance of natural light. The main and bridge decks feature glass bulwarks as well.

In an unconventional move for a yacht of this size, the owner chose a three-cabin configuration. The lower deck houses two full-beam VIP cabins, while the owner’s suite is situated forward on the main deck, featuring a centerline king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom. Glass sliding doors seamlessly connect the suite to an intimate foredeck with seating and a private conversation area.

While the interior design has not yet been revealed, it is described as “contemporary, modern, and minimalist,” with an open-plan saloon and dining area. Notable features include a gym with oak parquet flooring and a saltwater pool that doubles as a garage for a five-meter tender or a venue for hosting large parties on the aft deck when the pool is covered.

The design of Project YN 256 prioritizes accessibility, with features like an elevator servicing all three decks, side decks wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and a hydraulic transformer on the swim platform for transporting wheelchair users from the dock to the main deck.

Sustainability is a significant aspect of the design, and the project will be powered by a hybrid engine with a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 11 knots and a top speed of 14 knots. It can sit at anchor in “silent mode” for up to eight hours.

This marks the third motor yacht project undertaken by Hoek Design, following the award-winning Blue II. For Project YN 256, sailing yacht design techniques have been incorporated to improve weight distribution and hydrodynamic efficiency, enhancing efficiency and performance. Another feature borrowed from sailing yacht design is the hydraulic side boarding platform, complete with a side boarding ladder amidships.

Klaas Hakvoort, owner and managing director at Royal Hakvoort Shipyard, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration with Hoek Design and their “outside the box” thinking. André Hoek, CEO of Hoek Design Naval Architects, highlighted the expertise of Royal Hakvoort in the mid-size full-custom yacht segment.

Project YN 256 is being constructed at Royal Hakvoort Shipyard’s facility in Monnickendam, Netherlands, and will adhere to Lloyd’s commercial classification standards. The MAN hybrid propulsion system comprises two 200kW shaft generators/drives and a 500kW battery bank connected to a 750VDC bus.

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The Epitome of Luxury: Introducing the World’s Most Expensive Yachts

In the world, there are a number of incredibly luxurious and expensive yachts. These vessels not only represent extravagance but also embody opulence and a lavish lifestyle. Below are the most expensive yachts in the world, known as KISMET by Lürssen, VICTORIOUS by AKYACHT, DRIZZLE by Feadship, LAUREL by Delta Marine, ATOMIC by VSY Yachts, and ICON by Icon Yachts.

KISMET by Lürssen

KISMET is considered one of the art masterpieces on the sea. With a length of 95 meters, this yacht has captured the world’s attention with its unique and high-class design. KISMET boasts luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, cinema, and even a mini basketball court.

VICTORIOUS by AKYACHT

With elegant and distinctive architecture, VICTORIOUS is one of AKYACHT’s premier yachts. With a length of 85 meters, it is an icon of sophistication and provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment. VICTORIOUS is also equipped with features such as a steam room, dry sauna, swimming pool, and mini golf course.

DRIZZLE by Feadship

DRIZZLE brings a completely new perspective to yacht design. With a powerful and unique style, this 67-meter yacht is equipped with premium amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, sunbathing area, bar, and steam room.

LAUREL by Delta Marine

LAUREL is a perfect blend of modern and classic design. With a length of 73 meters, it is one of the largest and most prestigious yachts in the world. LAUREL features luxurious interiors with spacious cabins, a grand salon, and a high-end restaurant. Guests on LAUREL can enjoy sophisticated dining experiences and relax in the outdoor swimming pool or on private balconies.

ATOMIC by VSY Yachts

ATOMIC is the epitome of luxury and performance. With a length of 80 meters, this yacht, designed by Studio Nuvolari Lenard, is renowned for its unique design and exquisite interiors. ATOMIC features a spacious infinity pool, a fitness center, a steam room, and other amenities to cater to every guest’s needs.

ICON by Icon Yachts

ICON is one of the most expensive yachts in the world with a length of 67 meters. Its interior design showcases a modern and sophisticated style. With a spacious sundeck, swimming pool, sunbathing area, and other amenities, guests on ICON can indulge in luxurious and comfortable living spaces.

All of these yachts represent luxury, prestige, and maximum comfort. They are not just symbols of wealth and success but also provide unforgettable travel experiences for those fortunate enough to step aboard and explore the world on these magnificent vessels.

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Sail into Paradise: Discover the Spectacular ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ Super-Yacht

Prepare to be amazed by the upcoming super-yacht that redefines luxury and indulgence, featuring its own fully functional volcano and floating tropical islands.

Known as the “Tropical Island Paradise,” this remarkable vessel has been meticulously designed by Yacht Island Design, a British boat builder based in Derby, Derbyshire, situated 90 miles away from the sea. Stretching an impressive 295 feet, the yacht boasts a towering volcano with a mesmerizing cascading waterfall that feeds into a stunning swimming pool.

For those seeking a playboy lifestyle, the yacht offers a helicopter landing pad and a spacious bar area nestled amidst a series of beach cabanas. Rob McPherson, the Studio Director at the Derbyshire firm, which has also created the Streets of Monaco super-yacht, explains, “The exterior was designed to create the illusion of waves breaking around a volcanic island while maintaining a contemporary yacht design. It includes a private beach cove and a waterfall cascading down from a volcano. This design concept revolves around a secluded island paradise, drawing inspiration from the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Polynesia. It is destined to make a significant impact when it enters the market.”

The luxurious yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests and reaches a top speed of 15 knots. The main deck features a secluded beach cove with cabanas surrounding a massive ocean-view swimming pool. And if the millionaire owners ever tire of the pool, they can sail away to their very own floating island, complete with deck chairs and palm trees.

McPherson adds, “We had two reasons for designing such a boat. First, it’s all about fun, and secondly, the current market is saturated with designs that look quite similar. Our mission is to create incredibly fun designs and carve out a niche for ourselves in the market—a place where other designers fear to venture.”

Inside the grand volcano structure, you’ll find a cinema, library, games room, gym, spa, and VIP suites, including an owner’s retreat spread across two decks. While the yacht is yet to be released on the market and no price has been set, its unique design is already making waves in the boat-building world.

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Admire the super yacht, inspired by the incredibly elegant and dazzling butterfly

 

Butterflies have long been admired for their ethereal beauty and intricate patterns. These creatures are a symbol of transformation and delicacy, which has served as the foundation for the design of this exceptional luxury yacht. The yacht’s exterior and interior are both inspired by the elegance of butterfly wings, with a focus on creating an atmosphere of serenity and harmony that is synonymous with nature’s own design.

The Butterfly-Inspired Luxury Yacht features a sleek and aerodynamic profile that resembles the wings of a butterfly. The hull is designed to mimic the gentle curvature of a butterfly’s wing, with a smooth and reflective surface that captures and refracts sunlight in a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. The exterior is adorned with iridescent materials that create a shimmering effect, reminiscent of the iridescent scales found on butterfly wings. The yacht’s shape and finish make it a true work of art on the water, turning heads and evoking a sense of wonder wherever it goes.

Stepping inside this masterpiece reveals a world of opulence and luxury, harmoniously blended with nature-inspired elements. The interior design incorporates soft, pastel hues, and elegant patterns that mimic the delicate features of a butterfly’s wings. Natural light floods the spacious interior through large, strategically placed windows that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape.

The yacht’s amenities are a reflection of its luxurious nature, with spacious cabins, a gourmet kitchen, and a spa that offers guests the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate while taking in the beauty of the open sea. The decor includes butterfly-themed artwork, fixtures, and furnishings, creating a serene and inviting environment.

Behind its stunning aesthetics, the Butterfly-Inspired Luxury Yacht is also a technological marvel. It features the latest advancements in eco-friendly propulsion systems, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. State-of-the-art navigation and safety systems provide a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers.

The Butterfly-Inspired Luxury Yacht is a testament to human ingenuity and a deep appreciation for the natural world. By drawing inspiration from the elegance of butterflies, this yacht seamlessly blends art, technology, and nature into a breathtaking and unique vessel. It offers passengers an unparalleled experience of luxury and comfort while reminding them of the beauty and delicacy of the natural world. As the yacht glides gracefully across the water, it serves as a floating work of art, a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and inspiration meet on the open seas.

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Explore the Incredible 394-Foot Megayacht with a Beach Club That Unfolds Like a Bird’s Tail

It’s no mystery that beach clubs have become a popular addition to luxury yachts, but the one that adorns the new megayacht Indah is unique. In actuality, it resembles an epic waterfront entertainment venue with sufficient space for you, your friends, and even your friends’ friends to appreciate.

The beach club is the focal point of the 394-foot design, which was conceived by the Opalinski Design House. The vessel has a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure, and a perpendicular bow that pierces waves. It also incorporates origami-like engineering to increase space in the rear.

The patented design features rotating transom bulkheads that expand to expose additional superstructure. These extended decks are then elevated to the same level as the swim platform to form an expansive beach club. This area has sunpads for seaside lounging, as well as a gym and sauna that are discretely concealed behind translucent glass. Seafarers will also have direct access to tenders, which will be able to dock next to the bulkheads’ apertures.

Beyond the beach club, the “beautiful one” (Indonesian: Indah) boasts a vast 5,500 GT interior and an abundance of luxurious amenities. She can accommodate 24 visitors in 12 cabins, one of which is a spacious owner’s suite with its own private aft deck balcony. She can also accommodate 32 crew members.

In addition, Indah provides a foredeck jacuzzi with loungers and a retractable sunshade, a sizeable aft pool that overlooks the beach club, and an assortment of water toys. Additionally, owners have the option to add a helicopter landing platform and hangar for additional exploration at sea.

Indah, marketed as a “true ocean-going vessel,” will be equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system for greener and more efficient ocean travel. She will be propelled by four MTU16V engines that collectively produce a maximum speed of 24 knots and a range of 7,000 nautical miles. Additionally, she will be equipped with solar-generating surface coatings and vertical wind turbines to produce renewable energy.

Although Indah is presently just a concept, the company is offering licences for the rotational transom bulkheads to select manufacturers. Consequently, there may be an increase in the number of enormous seashore clubs in the future.

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EVO 130 Hard Top: Where Nautical Precision Meets Automotive Elegance

Drawing inspiration from the world of automobiles, Tecnoмar introduces a captivating addition to its EVO lineup. The EVO 130 Hard Top, a creation by Gian Marco Caмpanino from the Italian Sea Group, seamlessly melds the dynamic elegance and nimbleness of a sports car with the essence of a boat, resulting in a sleek, aerodynamic profile.

Within its confines, the interior graciously hosts up to 12 passengers across five double cabins and the opulent owner’s suite, complemented by accommodation for a dedicated crew of seven members.

The main deck boasts a sunlit salon, while a terrace and bar extension expand from the primary living space, further enhancing the connection to the open air. Aft, a beach club featuring a tender garage adds an inviting touch.

Powering this 130-foot sport yacht are twin 1,800-horsepower V-12 engines, propelling it to a peak velocity of 19 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 17 knots. For a luxurious exploration of the ocean, this vessel stands unrivaled.

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Efficiency Meets Elegance: Discover the Sustainable Luxury of See Superyacht Concept

See, the latest superyacht concept by Gill Schmid Design in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects, is a remarkable vessel that is impossible to overlook. Measuring 213 feet in length, this hybrid yacht features a truly unique exterior characterized by large reflective glass planes.

The interior design of See deviates from the traditional formal saloon and dining room layout found in conventional superyachts. Instead, it embraces a more casual and open-plan design with convertible spaces, totaling 1,670 GT. The concept draws inspiration from Transformers, translating their adaptable nature into an architectural context.

The yacht accommodates six guest cottages, each located near a pool or jacuzzi, providing a luxurious and relaxing experience. The owner’s suite is situated on the upper deck and spans the entire 40-foot beam, offering a spacious and private retreat. Additionally, See has ample space to accommodate up to 17 crew members.

See is designed for entertaining, featuring an expansive kitchen, communal tables, and an adjacent lounge. It includes a sushi bar and an outdoor barbecue area that can double as a raw bar for aspiring chefs. Onboard, guests can enjoy the freshest produce as the yacht is equipped with hydroponic tanks for growing fruits and vegetables, a fermentation chamber, and even a mushroom laboratory.

The amenities onboard See rival those of a 5-star resort. The main terrace showcases a glass-bottom infinity pool, which serves as the centerpiece. Surrounded by sun loungers and a jacuzzi, it offers a picturesque and Instagram-worthy experience. Another section of the terrace features a shaded pool lounge and bar, perfect for enjoying happy hour. The foredeck saloon is noteworthy, featuring a retractable glass wall that can transform it from an open-air cinema to an oceanfront terrace. A leisure and wellness area with a sauna, steam room, fitness center, and another infinity pool adds to the luxurious experience. The yacht is also equipped with various toys and auxiliaries.

In terms of efficiency, See boasts a Lateral E-Hybrid propulsion system, enabling a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles. It is equipped with batteries that can power the yacht for six to eight hours at anchor and three hours of serene sailing. This ensures a balance between performance and sustainability.

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Tankoa Yachts Sells 56-Meter T560 Apache: A Custom Superyacht Tailored for First-Time Owners

Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts has recently announced the sale of a new 56-meter custom superyacht model known as the T560 Apache. Fraser played a key role in the sale, representing first-time yacht owners, a young American couple, who initiated discussions with the shipyard during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

The T560 Apache is a smaller version of the 76-meter T760 Apache, which was designed by Alberto Mancini and initially unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2021.

For these first-time buyers, a 72-meter yacht felt like too ambitious of an entry into the yachting world. Consequently, the shipyard and design team faced the challenge of compacting the T760 Apache’s amenities and profile into a smaller vessel. Claudio Corvino, the sales and business development manager at Tankoa, explained.

“The tricky part was to maximize internal space with minimal compromises, to create a beach-style, home-away-from-home retreat with expansive external spaces and without the formality that is sometimes found on yachts of this size. The result is an incredible yacht with incredible spaces.”

The T560 Apache boasts four decks, not counting the observation deck beneath the mast, with a unique layout. All guest cabins are situated on the main deck, allowing room for a gym and spa area. This design also facilitates a spacious stepped aft deck, totaling 90 square meters thanks to fold-down bulwarks, with a saltwater pool as the centerpiece at the stern. Slanted, smoked glass sliding doors provide an additional space that serves as an open-air beach club.

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From Dishwasher to Billionaire: The Extraordinary Journey of Superyacht Owner Shahid Khan

The impressive 95.2-meter Kismet superyacht, built by Lurssen in 2014, is the proud possession of Shahid Khan, a Pakistani-American billionaire and prominent business tycoon. Khan, who also owns the Fulham Football Club and the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a billionaire whose life story could easily inspire a successful film.

Khan’s journey from rags to riches began in Pakistan, his country of birth, and took a pivotal turn when he immigrated to the United States as a teenager. Forbes reports that this business magnate, now worth over $8 billion, once worked as a dishwasher while pursuing his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Years later, Khan would establish himself as the owner of the auto parts distributor Flex-N-Gate. Although he’s widely recognized today for his ownership of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and the Fulham Football Club in the United Kingdom, Khan initially gained prominence as an engineer who invented a one-piece truck bumper. He now boasts a portfolio of companies in the entertainment industry, marking a remarkable journey from his humble beginnings.

Shahid “Shad” Khan, the self-made American billionaire in the bumper-parts industry, is known for his bold and strategic business moves. This is evident in his ability to leverage his NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, for regular appearances at London’s Wembley Stadium. Furthermore, he’s currently engaged in intense negotiations to purchase Wembley Stadium from the Football Association of Great Britain, the current owner.

In 2014, the renowned German shipyard Lürssen initiated the construction of a new superyacht for Khan. Interestingly, this was the same year when Khan acquired Fulham from Mohamed Al-Fayed. The Kismet, stretching 312 feet (92 meters) in length, boasts an exquisite exterior by Espen Oeino and a luxurious interior akin to a five-star hotel, designed by Reymond Langton Design.