Mega Yacht Featured

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Mega Yachts, More

Amels Mega Yachts
The Dutch city of Vlissengen, a center of shipbuilding since the 14th century is the home of superyacht buider Amels and its parent company, Damen Shipyards. Located on an island in the North Sea, Amels got its start in 1918 but didn’t begin to specialize in luxury yachts until 1982 with the launch of its first mega yacht, the 48-meter Katalina. Damen acquired Amels in 1991.

Amels has two extensive shipyards with direct access to the North Sea. One is in Vlissengen and the other 8 km to the east in East Vlissengen. The company operates the largest single superyacht facility in the Netherlands that includes a climate-controlled dry dock capable of handling yachts up to 204 meters and another measuring 145 meters. Amels also constructs yacht support vessels to carry tenders and toys, in partnership with its parent company, Damen. Complete mega yacht refit services are also available.

Constructed on Proven Platforms
Best known for its Limited Editions range, Amels strives to make the process of building a luxury mega yacht shorter and more enjoyable. The range got its start in 2005 with the Tim Heywood-designed 50-meter Tigre d’Or and features yachts on set hull-and-engineering platforms ranging from 55 meters to 83 meters LOA. The idea underlying the Limited Editions range is that mega yachts can be built on a proven platform that is reliable, yet continues to retain what attracts buyers to pure custom yachts, namely the ability to create interior design and exterior styling. The six Limited Editions designs range from 55 to 83 meters LOA, with each featuring exterior styling by Heywood.

Amels calls its Limited Editions line a revolution in yachting because the shipbuilder takes care of all of the technical details. Building on established platforms ensures higher quality and less technical risk. Owners can elect to sign for a project at whatever stage of a build that suits them.

Construction of fully custom mega yachts have grown out of the success of Limited Editions, allowing owners to create true one-off creations crafted by designers they choose, with more than 50 vessels delivered to date.

Notable Amels Builds
Montkaj, 1995, 78 meters
One of the most elegant mega yachts on the seas, Montkaj is the largest private vessel ever built by Amels and is reportedly owned by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd of Saudi Arabia. With interior and exterior design by Terence Disdale, Montkaj offers accommodation for 24 guests and 22 crew. This full displacement yacht has a steel hull with aluminum superstructure and a stabilization system which reduces roll.

Ilona, 2004, 73.7 meters
More than 10 years following her launch, Ilona is still one of the most technically advanced mega yachts on the seas. Redman Whitely Dixon Design used automotive software to create her elegant lines. Fully retractable doors on her aft deck provide helicopter landing and stowage without compromising her profile.

Azimut Mega Yachts
Based in Avigliana in the province of Turin, Azimut Yachts is an Italian company specializing in luxury yachts, established by Paolo Vitelli in 1969. Starting with sailing charter and gradually moved the business into a luxury yacht charter company and eventually a yacht manufacturer. Upon acquiring Benetti, another Italian luxury yacht manufacturer, Azimut established its position as one of the leading manufacturers of yachts in the world as part of the Azimut/Benetti Group.

The company’s headquarters in Avigliana has a 100,000-square-meter construction facility where it builds boats of up to 21 meters. Construction of larger yachts occurs at other facilities, including facilities in Viareggio, Italy, and Itajai, Brazil. Azimut also has a number of regional service centers around the world to help customers with refits.

Largest Luxury Yacht Builder by Volume
Specializing in luxury yachts ranging from 11.8 meters to over 36 meters LOA, Azimut has been listed by Boat International’s Media Global Order Book as the largest yacht manufacturer by volume for a number of years. The shipbuilder has maintained its market position due to its continuous innovation that has included large windows along with contemporary styling and elegant, modern interiors.

Since its merger with Atlantic Yachts in 2013, Azimut has maintained five superyacht collections named the Flybridge, S, Magellano, Atlantis and Grande. The Flybridge Collection is the most popular and feature styling by Stefano Righini with interior design by Carlo Galeazzi or Salvagni Architetti. This line is further delineated by region via the Brazlian range for the South American market and the Dragon Series for the Asian market. The S Collection focuses on sporty yachts, while the Grande Collection features raised pilothouse boats. Magellano Collection vessels have semi-displacement hulls and the Atlantis Collection is a line of sporty, high performance cruisers.

Azimut Yachts Notable Builds
Azimut 86S, 2004, 26.5 meters
Making her world debut at Boot Dusseldorf, the 86S features a composite carbon fiber and Kevlar construction. Equipped with Arneson ASD 15 drives and surface propellers, this yacht has the ability to reach speeds of up to 47 knots. Stefano Righini provided exterior styling, while Azimut’s in-house design department provided the interior in conjunction with Carlo Galeazzi.

Azimut Grande 120SL, 2012, 35.3 meters
With design by Righini, Gaeazzi and Azimut, this sleek flybridge has a number of Designed by Righini, Galeazzi and Azimut, this sleek flybridge superyacht has triple engines with a combined total of more than 7,000 horsepower and outstanding features for a luxury yacht of her size. Her bow offers additional seating ans sunning space with unobstructed forward views, while the stern features a swim platform with easy access to the water. Fitted with 2,400hp MTU engines and twin water jets, she can reach speeds approaching 40 knots.

Benetti Mega Yachts
More than a century of shipbuilding experience goes into the construction of every luxury vessel at Benetti Yachts. Established in 1873 in Viareggio, Italy, by Lorenzo Benetti, the company originally focused on construction commercial boats until the 1960s when the yard expanded into luxury mega yacht design and construction. Today, Benetti is one of the oldest and busiest shipyards is Europe building luxury yachts with more than 300,000 square meters of production facilities spread across four shipyards in Viareggio, Livorno and Fano, Italy. In 1985, Azimut Yachts acquired Benetti, which is now part of the Azimut/Benetti Group.

Innovation in Semi-Custom and Custom Yachts
Benetti has a varied portfolio that includes luxury semi-custom and custom yachts crafted to each owner’s personal needs. The company has four semi-custom ranges with models starting at 28.9 meters LOA up to 73.1 meters LOA. The idea behind the semi-customs lines is to allow customers the freedom to design mega yachts that fit their needs but can be delivered in in considerably less time.

The Class Displacement line combines historical tradition and technological innovation that offer the best in comfort and cruising. Clients can choose from classic or modern interiors. Class Fast models feature a D2 displacement to planning hull that combines sportiness and performance with quiet operation. British studio RWD is responsible for styling. Custom Now Displacement yachts provide a number of different configurations based on uniform platforms to halve construction time. Custom Now Fast yachts are built on a similar concept and targeted for buyers who require higher cruising speeds.

Benetti’s mission is to provide yachts that reach the highest quality standards. To that end, the shipbuilder rigorously applies the Benetti Quality System, with industry experts performing over 1,000 quality checks and tests on all yachts produced. The builder is also devoted to minimizing the environmental impact of new builds.

Notable Benetti Builds
Kingdom 5KR (ex-Nabila, ex-Trump Princess), 1980, 85.65 meters
At the time of her launching in 1980, this mega yacht was the largest in the world at the time. Originally built for Saudi businessman Adnan Kashoggi, Kingdom 5KR has gone through several owners, including Donald Trump. She is currently owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. Her big claim to fame is that she appeared in the James Bond movie, Never Say Never Again. Kingdom 5KR encompasses five decks, has 11 suites, a cinema and a helipad.

St. David (ex- Xanadu, ex-St. Ekaterina), 2008, 59.4 meters
One of the most distinctive yachts ever built by Benetti, St. David features a split-level master suite with panoramic views. An outdoor cinema nad nightclub, spa and massage facilities and timeless styling and sumptuous furniture throughout. Andrew Winch provided the original exterior and interior design.

Feadship Mega Yachts
Capitalizing on the long-time seafaring tradition of the Netherlands, Feadship Royal Shipbuilders is one of the world’s foremost custom manufacturers of mega yachts ranging from 30 meters to over 100 meters LOA. Feadship is an acronym that stands for First Export Association of Dutch Shipbuilders. The company got its start in 1949 when two Dutch shipyards Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw and Royal Vant Lent Shipyard formed a marketing partnership along with DeVoogt Naval Architects, with a shipbuilding heritage that dates from the mid 19th century.

Based in Haarlem, Feadship has three shipyards located in Aalsmeer, Kaag and Makkum with a fourth facility set to open in Amsterdam in 2019. These facilities give the company the ability to build ships up to 160 meters LOA, while still maintaining its commitment to production of mid-size mega yachts. Feadship boasts that it has the largest yacht engineering office in the world.

Bespoke Creations
Every mega yacht launched by Feadship is a custom, bespoke creation unlike any other vessel ever produced, incorporates superb craftsmanship and sets industry standards in design, engineering and construction. Feadship makes a point about creating mega yachts with significant input from owners. Every project starts with a blank slate, never with a platform.

Feadship’s hands-on approach goes beyond craftsmanship. The idea behind the shipyard’s customization is that every aspect of the build should completely suit and satisfy the owner. From the outset, owners are intimately involved in the design and construction process. Most owners allow Feadship’s in-house design team to perform naval architecture, however, the company is open to working with third-party designers. The interior of each bespoke creation is like no other as world-class interior designers work with craftsmen using fine fabrics, marbles, rare woods and other high-end element to bring owners’ visions to life.

Unique to the shipbuilder is the Feadship Heritage Fleet, an association for owners of Feadship yachts that are at least 30 years old. The association’s objectives are to unite loyal owners, promote the brand’s heritage and offer yacht-related services.

Notable Feadship Builds
Ecstasea, 2004, 85 meters
The launch and delivery of Ecstasea to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich marked a number of milestones for Feadship. Not only was she the initial large bespoke mega yacht built by the shipyard, she also successfully combined Feadship’s signature high bow with the hull form necessary to achieve a speed of 30 knots. Additionally, the helicopter hanger is completely hidden in the bow.

Symphony, 2015, 102 meters
The emblematic Symphony, the first Feadship to break the 100-meter mark, was also the first mega yacht constructed by the company to be fully compliant with the new Passenger Code Regulations that allow more than 12 guests to stay on board. She is the largest private yacht ever built by any Dutch company. Among her outstanding features are a six-meter contraflow, glass-bottom swimming pool with a lounge below, an ultra-high definition cinema, a wellness center and a helipad.

Ferretti Mega Yachts
Mega yacht buyers seeking builds at the smaller end of the market look to the Italian builder Ferretti. Based in Forli, Italy, the shipbuilder specializes in semi-custom composite yachts ranging from 13.7 meters to 29 meters LOA. Ferretti has its roots in the luxury auto business and expanded into luxury yachts in 1969 when brothers Norberto and Alessandro Ferretti added a boat dealership to their family’s business. The brothers initially focused on representing other manufacturers, but soon expanded into building their own craft. The Ferettis debuted their first design, a wooden sailboat, at the Genoa Boat Show in 1971. Four years later, the brothers decided to focus on producing luxury yachts.

Ferretti eventually expanded into the Ferretti Group by acquiring other brands that include Pershing, Itama, Riva, Bertram, CRN and Mochi Craft. Today, the manufacturer has extensive construction facilities throughout Italy with high-tech equipment in Forli, Cattolica, Ancona, Mondolfo, Sarnico and La Spezia. The most notable facilities are at Ancona and La Spezia. The shipyard at Ancona is a multi-brand facility, covering 80,000 square meters, 25,000 of which are indoors, and capability to construct vessels up to 90 meters LOA. The La Spezia shipyard, established in 2004, is a key site for technical, logistical and commercial support, along with environmental and social concerns. The yard covers 60,000 square meters and includes a 400 ton wheeled travel lift.

Luxury and Innovation
One of the unique aspects of the Ferretti brand is its steady relationship with Studio Zuccon International Project for design of its flybridge motor yachts that feature a playful, yet refined contrast between a variety of materials, such as woods lacquered surfaces and fabrics, as well as colors. This contemporary style has become a hallmark of the brand as it combines contemporary style with a traditional marine design. Nine models are in the range, beginning with the small 450 and going up to the 960.

Ferretti has maintained a commitment to innovation and design with high-end functionality on board. Innovative solutions have included cross-fiber technology, monitoring and control systems and anti rolling gyros that significantly reduces roll. More recent innovations have included Autotrim, which adjusts surface propellors and optimize speed, SteerCommand and JMS that replaces traditional hydraulic steering and the Floodable Garage introduced on the 960, which makes it easier to haul a tender.

Notable Ferretti Builds
Ferretti 960, 2013, 292 meters
The flagship of the Ferretti brand is the 960, initially launched in 2013. At 29.2 meters, she is the largest vessel manufactured by the Italian shipyard, yet has a hull length of only 23.98 meters, which means she may be piloted without a professional captain. Her sporty design includes five guest cabins with a main deck master suite.

SUNSEEKER
British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Sunseeker was established in 1969 when Poole Power Boats, a small shipyard founded by Robert and John Braithwaite, moved to Poole in Dorset in southwestern England. Renamed Sunseeker, the company initially imported and distributed boats from Scandinavia and the United States to European customers. Sunseeker began manufacturing motorboats because the United Kingdom had no major companies creating boats for the luxury and leisure markets at the time. The company entered the market by manufacturing sport cruisers. It wasn’t until Sunseeker’s collaboration with designer Don Shead in the late 1970s producing the brand’s signature deep-V hull, that the shipbuilder entered the luxury yacht market. Additionally, Sunseeker began collaborating with interior design Ken Freivoch, known for his attractive and innovative use of interior space, giving the company its current luxury standard.

Most production occurs in Poole spread over seven production sites and shipyards. A separate deepwater shipyard constructs Sunseeker 105 and larger yachts in the line. The company’s main facilities include its Technology Center, which allows interior designers to easily work with engineering and sales teams, while also allowing engineers access to manufacturing facilities.

A Tailored Approach
Sunseeker’s semi-custom and custom luxury yachts are built with carbon fiber and GRP composite materials. Its semi-custom range starts below mega yacht size with the 15-meter San Remo. Other semi-custom platforms include Manhattan long-distance cruisers, Predator performance yachts, sport yacht and yacht ranges with cutting-edge design and innovative build processes. The brand’s builds have set a benchmark in combining luxury yachting with outstanding performance, range and handling, allowing the manufacturer to become one of the world’s leading boatbuilders.

For yachts over 30.5 meters, Sunseeker also offers fully customized builds. This signature service starts with a clean sheet so that customers can create a bespoke yacht that fits their lifestyle. By working with some of Britain’s finest interior designers, owners can choose unique furnishings, fabrics and finishes that truly reflect their personal style.

Notable Sunseeker Builds
Blush, 2014, 47.25 meters
The brand’s flagship is the first build of the Sunseeker 155 line, commissioned by former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan and currently owned by the Jordan Family Trust. Emphasizing a connection with the sea, Blush has a beach club aft and a full-beam master suite forward on the main deck. She also features floor-to-ceiling windows in many areas to flood the interior with light.

M/Y Thumper, 2014, 40 meters
The custom tri-deck superyacht Thumper features a relaxed beach-chic vibe created by design firm HPM and has received international acclaim for her highly detailed interior. Clever lighting, expansive deck areas and a plethora of water toys are available for 10 guests in five en-suite staterooms.

Sunseeker Mega Yachts
British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Sunseeker was established in 1969 when Poole Power Boats, a small shipyard founded by Robert and John Braithwaite, moved to Poole in Dorset in southwestern England. Renamed Sunseeker, the company initially imported and distributed boats from Scandinavia and the United States to European customers. Sunseeker began manufacturing motorboats because the United Kingdom had no major companies creating boats for the luxury and leisure markets at the time. The company entered the market by manufacturing sport cruisers. It wasn’t until Sunseeker’s collaboration with designer Don Shead in the late 1970s producing the brand’s signature deep-V hull, that the shipbuilder entered the luxury yacht market. Additionally, Sunseeker began collaborating with interior design Ken Freivoch, known for his attractive and innovative use of interior space, giving the company its current luxury standard.

Most production occurs in Poole spread over seven production sites and shipyards. A separate deepwater shipyard constructs Sunseeker 105 and larger yachts in the line. The company’s main facilities include its Technology Center, which allows interior designers to easily work with engineering and sales teams, while also allowing engineers access to manufacturing facilities.

A Tailored Approach
Sunseeker’s semi-custom and custom luxury yachts are built with carbon fiber and GRP composite materials. Its semi-custom range starts below mega yacht size with the 15-meter San Remo. Other semi-custom platforms include Manhattan long-distance cruisers, Predator performance yachts, sport yacht and yacht ranges with cutting-edge design and innovative build processes. The brand’s builds have set a benchmark in combining luxury yachting with outstanding performance, range and handling, allowing the manufacturer to become one of the world’s leading boatbuilders.

For yachts over 30.5 meters, Sunseeker also offers fully customized builds. This signature service starts with a clean sheet so that customers can create a bespoke yacht that fits their lifestyle. By working with some of Britain’s finest interior designers, owners can choose unique furnishings, fabrics and finishes that truly reflect their personal style.

Notable Sunseeker Builds
Blush, 2014, 47.25 meters
The brand’s flagship is the first build of the Sunseeker 155 line, commissioned by former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan and currently owned by the Jordan Family Trust. Emphasizing a connection with the sea, Blush has a beach club aft and a full-beam master suite forward on the main deck. She also features floor-to-ceiling windows in many areas to flood the interior with light.

M/Y Thumper, 2014, 40 meters
The custom tri-deck superyacht Thumper features a relaxed beach-chic vibe created by design firm HPM and has received international acclaim for her highly detailed interior. Clever lighting, expansive deck areas and a plethora of water toys are available for 10 guests in five en-suite staterooms.

Trinity Mega Yachts
Established in 1988 in New Orleans as an outgrowth of Halter Marine, Trinity Yachts is one of the major shipyards in the United States constructing luxury mega yachts. Eight years later, the builder strengthened its commitment to construct luxury motoryachts by offering a series of cutting-edge vessels that offered innovations such as efficient sound reduction systems, powerful performance, and superior seakeeping abilities. Called the Legend Series, the line began Trinity’s tradition of combining innovation with ultra stylish interiors and exteriors and outstanding workmanship. Today, Trinity produces custom yachts at its original New Orleans facility as well as a second shipyard in Gulfport, MS, where its headquarters are now located. Trininty is a subsidiary of Gulf Coast Shipyard Group, Inc.

Custom Construction in Any Size
What sets Trinity apart from other luxury yacht builders in the United States is its commitment to building custom yachts for customs in whatever size they prefer. The shipyard constructs aluminum and steel yachts in any size up to 123 meters LOA. That means customers who want a luxury yacht at the smaller end of the range can still get a customized design to fully fit their needs.

Most new construction occurs at Trinity’s 50-acre shipyard in Gulfport that has 392,040 square feet of construction space. Its main building is 90 feet tall, giving Trinity the ability to build five-deck yachts. The original New Orleans facility is devoted primarily to refitting older yachts.

These extensive facilities allow Trinity to employ a considerable team of naval architects and marine engineers, production and program managers and many others involved in the design and production of mega yachts with European-quality amenities. The shipyard performs all naval architecture in-house and works with many well-known designers, including Evan Marshall, Patrick Knowles and Scott Carpenter.

Trinity’s Sportyacht Series offers semi-custom builds in 50 meters, 55 meters and 63 meters LOA. Each tri-deck mega yacht offers cutting edge design, expansive deck areas and outstanding performance.

Trinity Yachts Notable Builds
M/Y Magic (ex-Noble House), 1997, 47.5 meters
The first hull in the Legend Series, Magic made her debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to worldwide acclaim. Magic accommodates 10 guests over five elegant cabins designed by Dee Robinson and Victory Lane Enterprises. Paragon Design crafted her exterior.

New Horizon, 2012, 73 meters
One of the largest superyachts ever built in the United States, is a six-deck, full displacement vessel that has accommodations for 14 guests over seven staterooms designed by Evan Marshall. Features include a full-beam master suite with an office, a gym, a skylounge and a hot tub on the aft deck.