Yacht Harbour shared its top 10 stories of the week from the world or yachts.
1. Project Solar starts sea trials in the Netherlands
Project Solar, the 105-meter headed for the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world upon her delivery, has embarked on sea trials at the end of January near Rotterdam before returning to the shipyard. Launched in September 2016, Project Solar, also known as hull Y712, was designed by Nuvolari Lenard with naval architecture by Dykstra who had previously worked on the 88-meter Maltese Falcon. With a three rotating mast structure, similar to the Maltese Falcon, Project Solar is expected to be delivered within the first quarter of this year.
2. Gill Schmid Design introduces 90m ice-class explorer Taboo
New York based Gill Schmid Design in collaboration with Tim Dempers Studio from Cape Town, has recently presented 90m ice-class explorer. Named Taboo, she is designed for an adventure seeking owner. Taboo hosts an open double height tender bay with an A-frame lifting arrangement, and a helicopter landing pad with a retractable fully enclosed helicopter garage. Taboo’s alluring amenities include two jacuzzis, the extensive guest gym & spa area, a cocktail lounge, expansive beach club and pool area, guest lounges and an aft summer house which can operate either as another exquisite lounge space, additional VIP guest quarters, or casino. Moreover, the yacht boasts a glass pool lined either side with exotic aquariums.
3. Solandge spotted in Fort Lauderdale
As Feadship superyacht Aquarius, the 2013-built Solandge has been spotted in Fort Lauderdale, the USA. 85m yacht was launched at Lurssen to world acclaim. She is based on a modern 80m hull and engineering platform similar to Phoenix2, Ace and Quattroelle. Solandge’s exterior design is the work of Espen Oeino, who has successfully created harmonious lines and balanced proportions that encase a vast selection of versatile outdoor living, dining and entertainments areas. Her panoramic top deck plays host to a beach club area with customized dance floor, Jacuzzi and bar while the bridge deck is ideal for relaxation and casual al fresco dining with a spacious seating area. On the bridge deck there is also a fully-equipped health spa featuring massage room, sauna and gymnasium leading out onto a glass-edged plunge pool.
4. 115m explorer yacht Luna spotted in Miami
As Feadship superyacht Aquarius and Lurssen’s Solandge, explorer yacht Luna has also been spotted in the USA, but in Miami. Measuring 115m, Luna was launched as the world’s largest expedition yacht in 2010 by Lloyd Werft and Stahlbau Nord Shipyards. She has an interior styled by Donald Starkey, whilst Newcruise Design is responsible for superyacht’s exterior.
5. Exploring the poles: the story of 8 cool yachts
In recent years explorers have become a particularly popular class amongst new superyacht deliveries, reason being that they allow their owners to cruise to places that may be inaccessible otherwise, places where one would not expect to find yachts such as polar regions. Several yachts have however already been exploring those regions.
6. Chartering a yacht for the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is arguably the most publicized event of the Formula 1 season. Held this year between the 25-28th May, the Monaco GP will attract 200,000 visitors, the best way to watch the race is however of course from a yacht in Port Hercules. The track stretches through the Principality of Monaco and a large portion of the race actually takes place in the area surrounding the city’s main marina, Port Hercules. Securing a good yacht with a trackside berth in Monaco during the event isn’t easy, but it is possible to obtain a prestigious position along the Quai des Etats Unis.
7. Oceanco project Y715 returns to Alblasserdam after sea trials
Oceanco’s highly confidential 88.5m superyacht, Y715, has been lowered into the water in Keppel Veroime 2 months ago. Since then we have received the photos of the superyacht undergoing her first sea trials and returning to the Dutch yard’s facility in Alblasserdam afterwards. Launched at the end of October, she has a beam of 14.5m and a draft of 3.95m. Exterior styling and interior design are by Sam Sorgiovanni Designs.
8. Turkish shipyard HSY Yachts to build debut 56m superyacht
Newly founded yacht builder HSY Yachts to build a 56m superyacht due for launch in summer 2019. Destined for an American client, the vessel will commence in Antalya’s Free Zone next month. The superyacht features the exterior styling from Unique Yacht Design, the studio behind the two 80m projects currently in build at Bilgin Yachts. As for accommodation, 12 guests can be carried in 6 cabins including a main-deck full-beam owner’s cabin, an upper deck VIP near the captain’s cabin and 4 guest cabins on the lower deck. A crew of 11 can be accommodated in 6 cabins located on the lower deck as well.
9. Icon Yachts icebreaking explorer Legend spotted in Antarctica
Launched at Icon Yachts in Harlingen in March 2016, 77,4m yacht Legend has been spotted in Antarctica. With naval architecture and exterior styling by Diana Yacht Design, interiors by Thom Beerens and Jan Verkerk, Legend represents an explorer yacht, which was extensively refitted and renovated. Originally constructed in 1974 by the IHC Holland shipyard, the tranformation into an icebreaking passenger ship with a 1B-Swedish / Finish classification took place at Icon Yachts. Moreover, the vessel was lengthened in the stern by 3,6m, whilst her superstructure was completely redesigned and her mast rebuilt. Legend boasts a dark grey hull, which makes her stand out in the arctic regions.
10. New Canados 808 to make a splash in summer 2017
Originally introduced during the 2016 Cannes Yachting Festival as project 777 – this new yacht, which will be known as Canados 808 Maximus, is currently under construction and will be officially presented to the public in September 2017 during the autumn boat shows. The first unit has been sold and will be based in Palma de Mallorca.
