world's largest sport fishing yacht

UNVEILING THE WORLD’S LARGEST TRUE SPORTFISH YACHT

…for the first time since contracts were signed at the end of last year. At 52m / 171ft this ground-breaking creation will be, by some distance, the largest, most luxurious and individual true sportfish yacht in the world.

Vripack Yacht Design is responsible for the exterior and interior design and naval architecture of this highly prestigious project, in close collaboration with Royal Huisman – considered to be the only shipyard capable of the engineering and production of this unique superyacht. The project is managed by Aqua Marine representing the Owner’s team, working closely with Bush & Noble and Hampshire Marine as technical managers in a close collaboration to deliver an exceptional project.

The yacht’s purposeful lines sweep dramatically aft from her distinctive long and sleek bow, through six towering decks to the stylish downward arc of her stern profile. Here is a unique vessel that effortlessly blends the ultimate sports fishing experience with genuine superyacht scale, comfort and refinement. Where else in superyachting might you find a sky lounge that offers the extraordinary “theatre” of spectacular fish catches by day and the relaxed ambience and stunning outlook of a boutique hotel penthouse by night?

Designed for an experienced owner who is passionate about fishing, Project 406 will be immaculately and extensively fitted out – both for high end sportfishing and for luxurious living. Her Alustar® aluminium hull and superstructure offer strength and resilience as well as the lighter weight that facilitates smooth and efficient passages from berth to fishing grounds.

Sport fishing has attracted many new owners in recent decades, with larger boats growing to around 30m / 100ft in length and a handful exceeding 40m / 131ft. Against this backdrop, Project 406’s 52m / 171ft is a serious step up, involving significant design and engineering challenges for her designers and builders at Vripack and Royal Huisman. It is, of course, a challenge that both are keen to take on.

Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman commented: “It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges – especially if they come in the shape of a unique project concept. The world’s first true sportfish superyacht is a very exciting order and we are delighted to be unveiling it as we prepare to launch another highly distinctive motor yacht – the 58.5m / 192ft sub 500GT Phi. It is good to know that our reputation as the home of the world’s finest sailing yachts is now expanding to embrace the world’s most distinctive motor yachts.”

Sportfishing success requires passion, experience, and know-how as well as sophisticated onboard facilities and equipment. It is a global pursuit, focused on the larger predatory fish of the open seas, such as swordfish and marlin, that can be found in tropical waters all around the world. Project 406 will be brilliantly equipped to explore this fascinating seascape more than any sportfish yacht before her.

“This is an exceptional brief,”  notes Vripack Co-Creative Director Bart M. Bouwhuis. “And the result is an exceptional boat. Project 406 is a sportfisher on steroids. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sportfish boat paired with the harmonious feel of a luxurious superyacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realised on a grand scale.

No further details of this exciting project are currently available, but the joint team is looking forward to providing you with updates as the project progresses.

The English press release with editor’s notes can be found via the following link: click here (opens in new tab; or alternative link for Dutch press: click here ).

THE THEATRE OF THE OCEAN

Most “yachties” will be familiar with the excitement of landing a large ocean-going fish when on passage. The ‘what have we got?’ moment when the rod tip bends and line is dragged off the reel, the intake of breath as the fish breaks the surface to reveal its type and size, the tense thrill as it is carefully manoeuvred aboard (or the anti-climax as it breaks away!) and, finally, the anticipation of the wonders the chef will create tonight with the sea’s finest fresh offering. For sportfishing enthusiasts, the emotions are similar – only much, much more passionate!

Learn more about sportfishing: boat design, a little history, popular locations and the ‘gear’ by folllowing the links on this website to NEWS  >  INHUIS STORIES & UPDATES [click here for a link]

Unique Motoryachts by Royal Huisman

Royal Huisman’s reputation has been largely built on a superlative portfolio of thirty-plus low-profile sailing superyachts. From classic to contemporary, from 30m to 90m+ / 100ft to 300ft+, every one is unique, tailor-made. Yet the legendary passion for perfection, expertise, quality, experience, flexibility and continuous innovation behind these projects is not limited to sailing yachts.

Just take a look at project 403, PHI, and our current motoryacht project 406, a unique 52m / 171ft sportfish yacht that will become the largest of its kind in the world (as presented in the main article). The individual aspirations and challenges of each of these projects were seen to be well outside the comfort zone by some yards. With the benefit of expert advice, each of these owners brought their highly distinctive individual projects to Royal Huisman, where fresh opportunities for creative problem-solving and innovation were enthusiastically welcomed. Here are two… Curious? Read more at this website: News > Inhuis stories & updates [click here for a link]

By SuperyachtNews 06 Feb 2024

World’s largest sport fisher set to debut

One of royal huisman’s most iconic and ambitious projects to date is on its way to amsterdam ahead of its final launch….

Royal Huisman’s Project 406, the eagerly awaited big sport fisher, is currently en route from the shipyard’s inland new-build facilities in Vollenhove, preparing for its much-anticipated final launch in Amsterdam.

With a hull measuring 52 metres and towering over six decks, this vessel stands out as one of the largest and most distinctive true sportfish yachts in the world.

Designed for an experienced owner passionate about fishing, the exterior and interior designs, as well as naval architecture, were crafted by Vripack Yacht Design. Blending the ultimate sports fishing experience with superyacht comfort and refinement was the main focus of the project’s design.

Featuring a long bow and high bulwarks, the yacht’s design offers a clear sheer to a spacious cockpit aft. The high tower provides exceptional views for specialised fishing and serves as a superb viewing platform for guests.

Engineered and built by a team of over 350 experts and co-makers, Project 406 is not only the largest but is set to become an iconic sportfish yacht worldwide and is poised to make a statement wherever it sails.

Images by Tom van Oossanen 

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Top 13 Luxury Sport Fishing Yachts You Need to See

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: August 8, 2024

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for sailfish and mahi-mahi off the beach in Palm Beach or campaigning a professional-level billfish crew on the high-profile (and big-money) tournament circuit from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits kicking; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch chilled; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, often north of 40 knots. Sportfish yachts are also notable for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and spacious staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Viking 82 Convertible : A new breed of sportfishermen emerges from this iconic New Jersey boatbuilder.
• Royal Huisman 171 : This superyacht sportfish is touted as the biggest sportfish yacht ever built.
• Rybovich 94 : A 41-knot, super-sized sport-fisherman from a legendary name in the boatbuilding game.
• Release Boatworks 43 Gameboat : An owner-operator-size, custom-built competitor with classic lines and modern performance. 
• Viking 38 Billfish : One of the top inboard-powered sport-fishermen under 40 feet available today.
• Jarrett Bay Boatworks 64 : Rebelette is a 43-knot fish chaser from the custom North Carolina boatbuilder.
• F&S Boatworks 82 : Special Situation is special indeed: 82 feet of custom sportfisherman, with a top speed of more than 40 knots.
• Bayliss Boatworks 60 : The first walkaround model for this noted boatbuilder, Sequentis is designed to fish the competitive South Florida tournament sailfish circuit .
• Viking 90 Convertible : The flagship of the Viking fleet, the 90C leads a new breed of mega-yacht sport-fishing boats. 
• Merritt 88 Sky Bridge : The renowned custom boatbuilder introduces an 88-foot sky-bridge model designed for global sportfishing adventures.
• Duffie 70 : This 70-footer from Maryland’s Duffie Boatworks blends craftsmanship, performance and fishability.
• Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition : Blending production efficiency with custom-boat design was a dream several years in the making, and the result is well worth the effort.
• Winter 46 : The boatbuilders at Winter Custom Yachts have optimized the walkaround concept with this MAN-diesel-powered 46-footer.

Viking Yachts 82 Convertible

Viking Yacht Company recently debuted its newest sport-fisherman: the 82 Convertible . Hull No. 1 is serving as the factory demo for the busy summer tournament season in Bermuda and along the East Coast. Thanks to many factors, including the use of computational fluid dynamics, performance is exceptional: twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines provide a reported 42-knot top hop and a 36-knot cruise speed. This 82-footer also leverages several proven systems for ease of use and efficiency, such as digital switching from Octoplex as well as the Optimus electronic power steering system. The Viking 82 is engineered for many systems that were previously custom installations and are now on the options sheet, including omnidirectional sonar, multiple water makers and crushed ice machines, tuna tube bait systems as well as the extensive use of refrigerated storage boxes. The Viking 82 is available in three models: open bridge, enclosed bridge and sky bridge.

Quick Specifications

Royal Huisman 171

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck Special One is, from Dutch builder Royal Huisman. The interior and exterior design is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack, which calls the vessel “a sport-fisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight. Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich and Sons checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat, designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels.

The owner of III Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside. Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.

Release Boatworks 43 Gameboat

Reminiscent of arguably one of the most classic sport-fishing boats of all time—the 43-foot Merritt—the 43 Gameboat from Release Boatworks takes that design to a new level of sophistication and performance. These include a hull built using blister-resistant modified epoxy resin, which is vacuum-infused using Airex foam cores with E-glass hybrid fiberglass laminates to maximize strength while minimizing weight. The stringers are built with fiberglass encapsulated foam, and the bulkheads are vacuum-infused with composite cores. The extensive use of composite materials throughout the boat creates a strong finished product and saves a great deal of weight, providing admirable performance. With standard twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, the 43 Gameboat cruises at 30 knots and tops out at 35 knots. Notable options include 600 hp Cummins QSCs or Volvo Penta D-8s, omni sonar, gyrostabilization and various tower options. The Release 43 Gameboat is also available in walkaround, flybridge walkaround or express layouts.

Viking Yachts 38 Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Billfish offers a special place in the hearts of bluewater sport-fishing enthusiasts around the world, with its combination of versatility, comfort and performance. The reasons are numerous. As an owner-operator vessel, the 38 Billfish offers simplicity and ease of maintenance, serving as a ready-to-go fishing machine that is equally adept at inshore and offshore excursions as well as for extended cruising with family and friends, thanks to its reliable inboard diesel power. It has a large cockpit as well as the speed and range to fish well offshore alongside much larger vessels, while also providing a fast, safe and comfortable ride in a variety of sea conditions.

Jarrett Bay Boatworks 64

North Carolina’s Jarrett Bay Boatworks latest build is the 64-foot beauty known as Rebelette . From its spacious tackle center to a one-of-a-kind walnut interior Hull No. 65 is a tailored fit, and it also has the latest in propulsion tech in the form of twin 2,025 hp Caterpillar C23B diesels. Taking full advantage of the Cat power, Rebelette cruises ­comfortably at 1,750 rpm while making an easy 31 knots. With 1,650 gallons of fuel, it has range to spare at this speed. Push this vessel up to 1,950 rpm to reach a fast cruising speed of 37 knots, which is impressive in any book. Wide-open throttle is 43 knots, fully loaded and ready to fish.

F&S Boatworks 82

F&S Boatworks’ stellar reputation stands tall in the world of custom sportfish builders so it’s no surprise that its latest creation, the 82-foot Special Situation , continues the tradition. One of the hallmarks of any F&S is the performance and Special Situation certainly doesn’t disappoint in that department. Powered by a pair of  2,600 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, at 2,000 rpm and 80 percent engine load, cruising speed is 36 knots, burning just south of 200 gallons per hour. Backing off to 1,650 rpm, it’s using 122 gph at 28 knots. At the other end of the spectrum, the top hop is more than 42 knots at 2,450 rpm.

Bayliss Boatworks 60

The 60-foot Sequentis was recently delivered to its new owners by the team at Bayliss Boatworks and it represents the first walkaround design for the storied North Carolina custom boatbuilder. Designed for live-bait tournament sailfishing in South Florida, Sequentis has 360-degree fishability as well as multiple livewells and pitch-bait tubes. And in a sport where having the ability to quickly relocate to a hot bite can mean the difference between finishing in first place or dead last, Sequentis is also fast. Powered by two MTU 12V2000 M96X diesel engines, it reportedly hit speeds of well over 42 knots during the initial sea trials in July 2024.

Viking Yachts 90

The flagship of the Viking fleet, the 90 Convertible , has improved elements including the builder’s latest lifting-strake design, a refined driveline and prop pockets, and advanced propulsion systems. Performance was optimized through the use of computational fluid dynamics software, allowing the Viking design team to analyze pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness, and modify the strakes and chines to increase running efficiency.

Merritt 88 Sky Bridge

Merritt’s Boat & Engine Works introduces its latest, an 88-foot sky bridge designed for global sportfishing. Featuring luxurious interiors, advanced electronics and twin 2,600 hp MTU engines, this sport-fisherman offers yacht-level comfort, high performance and functionality for long-range angling adventures. The Merritt 88’s performance is greatly enhanced due to the extensive use of carbon fiber, Corecell and advanced epoxy in its construction, making this boat not only stronger, but also lighter weight and faster than its predecessors.

The new 70-footer from Duffie Boatworks , Dem Boys exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, with notable features such as a luxurious four-stateroom layout and high-tech systems, including a proprietary closed-loop freshwater cooling system to virtually eliminate fouling. At 2,000 rpm, the Duffie 70 has a fast cruise of 36.5 knots, enough to make those long runs to the distant offshore canyons considerably quicker, while consuming less than 200 gph. At top hop, Dem Boys hit 43.5 knots.

Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition

Albemarle Boats and Spencer Yachts formed a partnership to design and build a semicustom Carolina boat, with the goal of bringing in the characteristic design elements, styling and performance from the custom world but to do it in a production setting, allowing for faster build times on the order of months rather than years. It was a dream several years in the making, and the result is the Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition .

Winter Custom Yachts

Tim Winters and his team of boatbuilders at Winter Custom Yachts in North Carolina have truly optimized the walkaround concept, taking full advantage of its inherent versatility. Anglers are no longer confined to the limited space in the cockpit and have the freedom to fight fish all the way around the boat from bow to stern. Even just taking the family on a shorthanded picnic cruise is safer and easier since everyone has full access to the bow without having to navigate a slippery deck. Its latest 46-footer , Thumper , is one of the most versatile boats in this size range on the water today.

• More: Albemarle Yachts , Bayliss Boatworks , Duffie Boatworks , F&S Boatworks , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Release Boatworks , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfish Yachts , Sportfishing Boats , Viking , Winter Custom Yachts , Yachts
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World's largest sportfisher Special One can use HVO to reduce carbon footprint

The 52-metre Royal Huisman sportfisher Special One , set to debut at this year's Monaco Yacht Show , can run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), thereby "reducing harmful CO2 emissions by over 90 per cent", according to her designer Vripack . 

"We applied our most radical naval architecture ever on this hull, resulting in dramatic lower resistance and, consequently, reduced fuel consumption," said Bart Bouwhuis, Vripack's co-creative director. "However we were also very aware that no matter what, the twin V20 MAN 4500kW drive train – which propels this yacht to over 32 knots – and her twin Zenoro 180 kW generators will always burn a substantial amount of fuel. We knew of this ‘new fuel’ and started our research." 

This announcement follows the delivery of Special One in June 2024. The yacht has been described as a "sportfisher on steroids" and was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman.

"The individual aspirations and challenges of [this project] were well outside the comfort zone of other yards," said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. " Special One showcases our ability to create custom solutions that perfectly align with our client's vision."

Speaking more broadly about the project, Timmerman said: "It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges – especially if they come in the shape of a unique project concept."

Special One is characterised by a long bow, high bulwarks and a low and uncluttered fishing cockpit aft. She has an all-aluminium Alustar superstructure with a towering profile that accommodates six decks, fitted out "for both high-end sportsfishing and luxurious living".

The yacht is fitted with all the latest gamefishing gear and the tower offers a viewing platform to the dedicated fishing area aft. At night, the yacht is illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.

Vripack is also responsible for the yacht's interior, which is yet to be revealed. 

Royal Huisman worked alongside Bush & Noble for expertise on sportfishing and Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard.

"This is an exceptional brief," added Bouwhuis. "And the result is an exceptional boat. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sportfish boat paired with the harmonious feel of a luxurious superyacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realised on a grand scale."

This follows the news that Royal Huisman is to build an 81-metre sailing yacht, codenamed Noir. She will rank among the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world once delivered.

For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, visit Stand DS103 to say hello to the BOAT International team.

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--125 combat-wounded veterans embarked on the sportfishing adventure of a lifetime as they set out from Newport Harbor to participate in the highly-anticipated seventh annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) charity sportfishing tournament. Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, the transformative three-day event takes place off the coast of Southern California, helping veterans recover from the physical and emotional wounds of combat with the creation of deep and meaningful relationships forged through the thrill of a world-class sportfishing competition.

The tournament began Saturday afternoon with an intimate welcome reception, where veterans received a hero’s welcome as they gathered with captains, crews and supporters.

Speaking on the importance of WHOW and its supporters at the event, retired Marine Corporal Larry Draughn, a multi-year participant shared, “Keep doing what you’re doing every year, because if you save one life, it’s worth it. A few weeks ago, I lost one of my best friends, and if I could have gotten him involved in something like this, it could have saved him. By doing this, we’re continuing the outreach and saving lives. We’re giving veterans a purpose, something to live for, and a new network of brothers and sisters they can talk to and rely on when they’re having a bad day. Because it only takes one bad day for someone to decide that life ain’t worth living—and that’s what happened to him. It’s all about saving that one life.”

Including this year’s event, the tournament has brought more than 500 veterans, many of whom have been honored with the nation’s highest military decorations, to Southern California to experience the renowned fishing and scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean. WHOW, which is the largest non-profit sportfishing tournament in the world, is unique for its three days of on-water fishing, which enables veterans to spend more time getting to know one another, as well as spend dedicated time learning sportfishing techniques from the vessels’ captains and crew members.

WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh and Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon picked up the mic, sharing inspiring words about our nation’s heroes while thanking supporters in front of an intimate audience.

“To think that in just seven years, we've been able to create this much momentum—it’s incredible,” said Hsieh. “I want to thank each and every one of you: our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and our amazing yacht owners and crews. It warms my heart to see you all come together like this. I feel truly honored that the community is so committed to our amazing heroes who need—and deserve—our support.”

"It’s wonderful to have your support for the most amazing veteran support event happening today,” said Kilgannon. “I can speak on behalf of everyone here when I say to our veterans: we admire you. We admire you because you made the decision to continue a family legacy of military service. We admire you because you raised your right hand and took an oath to defend and protect the Constitution. We admire you because you went toe-to-toe with the worst people in the world, and you came back to tell us about it. And we admire you especially because you're here today, reminding us how blessed we are to be Americans.”

The day’s events included a silent auction, which was brought to life by generous volunteers and donors, generating more than $330,000. This brings the total raised this year to $1.1 million and the total raised since inception to more than $7 million via charity partner Freedom Alliance, which provides year-round programs that support the rehabilitation needs of wounded service members, combat veterans, and military families.

Before sending off the veterans, WHOW Tournament Director Rod Halprin shared, “Everything we do here is for the veterans—we want you to feel the support. I’m so excited to get this tournament going and get everybody out on the water. We have a saying around WHOW: WHOW is family. Welcome to my family—all of you vets, donors, sponsors, and crew. I’m very pleased to welcome you and get this tournament started. Let’s do it!”

At the conclusion of the welcome reception, the fleet—featuring 50 of the best sportfishing yachts, crews and anglers in Southern California— lined up in formation for a patriotic boat parade through Newport Harbor before dispersing for the on-water tournament action. The Orange County Sheriff Department’s Honor Guard kicked off the parade with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. The boat parade is a cherished event for local community members, who line the banks of the harbor to show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by these special veteran heroes.

Once beyond the waters of Newport Harbor, the official tournament action began. In the following days, the sportfishing skills of each vessel’s captains and crews are put on display as they apply their knowledge of the local waters to help their veterans catch local fish species, including rockfish, calico, halibut, yellowtail and yellowfin and bluefin tuna. The competition will conclude Monday afternoon outside Avalon Harbor with a stunning flyover of vintage WWII aircraft by Tiger Squadron.

The veterans and their hosts then gather for a traditional post-tournament weigh-in on Avalon’s iconic Green Pier, which the residents of Catalina Island close off to create a special celebration in honor of the veterans, captains and crews of the competing vessels. Visitors are welcome to join, and the public can catch the weigh-in action live on the War Heroes on Water YouTube channel or Facebook page .

The tournament’s final event will be a private awards ceremony held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

About War Heroes on Water

War Heroes on Water (WHOW) is an annual sportfishing tournament of unprecedented scale that supports combat-wounded veterans’ programs. It was created in 2018 by loanDepot Founder and Chairman Anthony Hsieh, also the owner and leader of Team Bad Company, a world-class, record-holding competitive sportfishing fleet. Through Hsieh’s deep connections with the country’s sportfishing and business communities, WHOW has grown exponentially and is now the largest non-profit sportfishing tournament in the US.

Additional information, including photos and videos from past tournaments, may be found at www.warheroesonwater.com | Instagram: @warheroesonwater | Facebook: www.facebook.com/WarHeroesonWater | YouTube: @warheroesonwaterwhow5640

About Freedom Alliance

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• A Frothy Genoa International Boat Show Proves the Yachting World Is Alive and Kicking

Salone Nautico typically forecasts if the sector's heading into a slump. This year, with 30 yacht launches, perfect weather, and big, enthusiastic crowds, the show seemed to signal that boating is doing just fine.

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“The numbers suggest that the newcomers who came during Covid, who are trending younger, are not transient,” Andrea Razeto, president of I Saloni Nautici, the event organizer, told Robb Report.

But the real importance of Genoa, at least to most showgoers, were the 30 new Italian premieres, ranging from rigid-hulled inflatables to superyachts. Some were brand flagships, others new models in existing families, and even more showed innovative designs that are new to yachting.

Apreamare’s 88 Maestro flagship made its global debut, a change in direction for a shipyard known for its rounded-stern “gozzo” yachts from 35 to 48 feet, based on a traditional Italian fishing vessel.  

“This navetta style was custom made for an owner of one of our smaller boats,” Apreamare’s marketing manager, Corrado Del Fonti, told Robb Report during a tour. “The owners are a couple with no children, so they designed it for themselves so they could live aboard for months.”

The sense of open space also defined the rest of the yacht, from the upper flybridge with its outdoor kitchen, dining table, and rear seating to the lower foredeck, also with seating and a table. Fit and finish across the 88-footer was excellent, showing that Apreamare’s boatbuilding abilities with smaller vessels could transfer to a larger yacht.

Perhaps the most impressive feature was the one most boaters never see—the engine room, which measures 430 square feet and holds twin 2000 MAN diesels. The space looked massive compared to most engine rooms in this size range. “Again, the owners wanted space that will allow the engine to be easily repaired when something inevitably breaks,” said Del Fonti. “They are being very practical about it.” The price for the vessel is about $9.1 million.

Another innovative design making its Italian premiere was Azimut ’s new Seadeck 7 , with the world’s first Volvo-Penta hybrid electric-diesel propulsion. The 71-footer was designed to be a truly sustainable boat—without greenwashing—with a hull, superstructure, and engine that combines to produce 40 percent fewer emissions than another boat its size.

“It was also born to have a different style of livability on board,” says Edoardo Giudice, from Azimut’s Product Intelligence department. His team has been working on the Seadeck 7 concept for several years. “We wanted it to be gentle on the sea, with an area we call the ‘Fun Island’ that is an open, split-level design that goes down to the water.” The space includes a barbecue near the water, a custom-designed hammock that hangs over a side panel when it’s folded down, and a “transformer” step at the rear that drops into the water for easy access.

But the real eco-differentiator on this boat is the hybrid propulsion. Marine engine maker Volvo Penta has been working on a hybrid diesel-electric version for its IPS system for four years, and it began planning the Seadeck 7 concept with Azimut two years ago. “In full electric, you can get 11 knots of speed for 11 miles, and if you go down to 7 knots, the range goes to 32 nautical miles,” says Giudice. “The boat can also stay in hotel mode for up to eight hours overnight.”

Sanlorenzo ’s new SP92 is also a new style of cruiser, the smaller sistership to the SP110 , which was launched two years ago to great acclaim.

“You can see the family DNA in the exterior,” says Sanlorenzo’s Tilli Antonelli, who spearheaded both SP yachts with Zuccon International and interior designer Piero Lissoni. “But the interior is different. We created an open space to have multiple possible layouts.”

The interior, like the SP110, is a paradigm shift for yachting, with a four-level design that include the large open salon on the main deck, a forward area on the deck below with three staterooms, a rear area on another lower deck that can serve as a salon or extra bedroom, and the invisible flybridge—which has been designed to look seamless with the rest of the hull.

Ferretti Yachts also launched the Infynito 80. Like its larger sistership, the Infynito 90 , which premiered a year ago, the new 80 is about simple design and open space, putting a premium on the outdoors. The four-stateroom, 80-footer has a large open salon, cockpit, and flybridge.

But the true innovation here is the foredeck . It’s open to the wind but has a slatted frame above it for both sun protection and protection at the bow. This clever design also won a Robb Report Best of the Best Award earlier this year, with editors praising the protection it provides without being fully enclosed.

Genoa also tends to be the Italian show where ideas are discussed and politicians meet industry leaders to discuss common goals. This year’s event was no different, with panels doing deep dives into sustainability across the yachting sector and looking at how marine tourism can be a driving force for cleaning up the ocean.

The show’s infrastructure also continues to grow and modernize each year, with the completion of the new Palasport stadium, waterfront condos, and docks. The refresh of what was a dowdy waterfront area into a high-cost residential section is called the Waterfront di Levante project. It has been a boon for the show: Total space for this year’s event grew to nearly 237,000 square feet between the dock and exhibit halls, up 54,000 from 2023. “This show has always been the way we got our ‘Made in Italy’ yacht brands out into the world,” says Razeto, adding that it will continue to grow next year.

Read More On:

• Ferretti Yachts
• Genoa International Boat Show

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