Project Solent is one of Feadship’s most exciting builds to be released this year. Hull number 830 will be an 83-metre superyacht, scheduled for delivery by summer 2027, and her technical launch took place in April 2026. Feadship is building her for a repeat owner, and British design shapes both her exterior and interior.

Project Solent: Design and Exterior

Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design took on the exterior styling. The studio created a modern low profile combined with large glazed areas. She measures 83 metres in length and 13.6 metres in the beam. Feadship builds her in the Netherlands on a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure, to Lloyd’s Register class.

The yacht is 2,050 GT. According to her designers, she will be a long-range cruiser, a design driven by natural light and clean lines rather than pure volume.

The Hull Launch and Build

A Feadship hull launch always marks a significant event. On 7 April 2026, the Alblasserdam yard proudly waved off Project Solent’s hull. After a journey through Rotterdam, she arrived at the Royal Van Lent yard in Kaag. There, she now undergoes outfitting.

From here, she enters the next stage of her build. Systems integration and fit-out follow, and work is progressing well toward a summer 2027 handover.

Interior and Design Team

This time, Mark Whiteley Design handles the interior. The studio creates a clear British design story alongside Malcolm McKeon’s exterior. In fact, the two designers worked so closely throughout the build that both elements feel undeniably unified.

Feadship still keeps the interior layout under wraps, including the number of guests she can accommodate. Even so, the brief is clear. She will embrace abundant natural light, with open, inviting spaces built to make the most of her oversized windows.

The yacht is also a repeat commission. In other words, her owner has built with Feadship before, a strong endorsement of the yard at this scale.

What Project Solent Means for Feadship

Ultimately, the 83-metre build is another reminder of Feadship’s lead in the custom market. Several other equally large new-build projects are progressing within its yards right now. Project Solent, meanwhile, is set for a summer 2027 delivery. Occam Marine represents the owner, with Cecil Wright acting as central agent.

FAQ

What is Project Solent?
She is an 83-metre Feadship superyacht (hull 830), currently in build with delivery set for summer 2027. She offers 2,050 GT and a 13.6-metre beam.

Who designed Project Solent?
Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design created the exterior, and Mark Whiteley Design leads the interior.

When was Project Solent launched?
Feadship launched her hull in April 2026, then moved her to Kaag for outfitting. Full delivery is set for summer 2027.

Who is Project Solent built for?
Feadship is building her for a repeat client. Occam Marine represents the owner, with Cecil Wright as central agent.

When will Project Solent be delivered?
She is fitting out now, with delivery scheduled for summer 2027.

The post Project Solent: Feadship’s 83m In-Build Yacht appeared first on Yacht Informer.

From Project Arwen to Project ELF

ELF’s tale began in early 2022. An American tech entrepreneur commissioned her as Project Arwen from Germany’s Dörries Yachts. However, the yard eventually placed construction on hold. For a time, her future looked completely uncertain. Then, in October 2025, German Naval Yards signed a contract to complete the 114-metre hull. As a result, she now moves forward as Project ELF, back on track for 2028. In effect, she is a flagship that nearly never happened.

Project ELF: Design and Volume

The 114.1-metre superyacht has a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. Moreover, her 15.8-metre beam gives her significant volume for her length. She measures 114.1 metres overall, with a shallow 3.85-metre draught. Lloyd’s Register classes her, and she carries an impressive 4,950 GT across her many levels.

Her design pedigree runs deep. Pindaros Champeau & Wilde designed her interior, and Andy Waugh shaped her exterior. Azure Yacht Design, meanwhile, handled the naval architecture. Notably, one feature stands out: “the Nest,” an elevated lookout deck built for spotting.

Accommodation and Layout

On board, she accommodates 18 guests across seven cabins. In addition, a large crew of 39 lives aboard in 19 cabins to run and service her. Consequently, she suits long-range, fully-staffed cruising at the highest level.

Project ELF: Performance and Propulsion

A diesel-electric hybrid system powers her. Specifically, it combines two Caterpillar 3512C engines and two C18 generators, driving twin Veth azimuth thrusters. Together, they give her a 12-knot cruise and a 15-knot top speed.

Her range matches her size, too. With 245,000 litres of fuel, she covers 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. As a result, she is equipped for genuine ocean passages rather than short hops.

What Project ELF Means for German Naval Yards

Completing a stalled 114.1-metre vessel is a real statement. It puts German Naval Yards among the elite group of yards able to deliver superyachts of this calibre. The yard also recently delivered a 100-metre-plus Abeking & Rasmussen hull. As a result, the ELF contract adds another hugely impressive large yacht to its CV. We can’t wait to see her on the water in 2028.

FAQ

What is Project ELF?
She is a 114.1-metre superyacht in build at German Naval Yards, with delivery set for 2028. Originally known as Project Arwen, she offers 4,950 GT and accommodates 18 guests.

Why was Project ELF renamed?
She started as Project Arwen at Dörries Yachts in 2022, but the build stalled. In October 2025, German Naval Yards signed a contract to complete her, and she continued as Project ELF.

Who designed her?
Azure Yacht Design handled naval architecture, Andy Waugh and Pindaros shaped the exterior, and Pindaros Champeau & Wilde created the interior.

What is her range?
She covers 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, powered by a diesel-electric system with Caterpillar engines and Veth azimuth thrusters, reaching a 15-knot top speed.

When will Project ELF be delivered?
German Naval Yards has her in build now, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

The post Project ELF: The Saved 114m German Naval Yards Yacht appeared first on Yacht Informer.

Sanlorenzo 74 Steel: Design and Volume

Sanlorenzo built her on a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure. As a result, she carries a substantial amount of volume while keeping weight high up to a minimum. She measures 74.3 metres, with a 12.5-metre beam and a 3.25-metre draught. Those five decks and that low draught give designers more latitude. Moreover, they let her reach more anchorages than comparable-sized yachts. She will also build to Lloyd’s Register classification.

Accommodation and Layout

On board, she carries a maximum of 12 guests across six cabins. In addition, a crew of 23 operates and serves the yacht. Because she spreads over five decks, guests and owners get plenty of space. Notably, she also packs a surprising 1,850 GT of volume. That figure places her closer to megayacht territory than an ordinary yacht of her size. So far, full interior details remain limited, and the yard has not named an exterior designer. Even so, she should inherit the light-filled, versatile styling the yard is known for.

Sanlorenzo 74 Steel: Performance and Propulsion

Twin MTU 16V 4000 M53 diesel-electric engines drive two pods. Together, they give her a 15-knot top speed and an 11-knot cruise.

Her range, however, is the standout figure. With 180,000 litres of fuel, she cruises 6,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. As a result, she suits trans-oceanic passages rather than merely coastal hops. In addition, the pods sharpen her low-speed manoeuvring considerably.

The 74 Steel’s tiered aft decks from above. Render: Sanlorenzo

What the 74 Steel Means for Sanlorenzo

Ultimately, she sits at the top of Sanlorenzo’s booming steel line, alongside models such as the 73Steel. Sanlorenzo owns her at the moment. Meanwhile, it offers her at an estimated €124.8 million as a speculative build. For a discerning buyer, that means near-flagship Sanlorenzo performance with less wait than a full custom. Delivery, in turn, is anticipated in 2030.

FAQ

What is the Sanlorenzo 74 Steel?
The Sanlorenzo 74 Steel is a 74.3-metre full-custom steel motor yacht in build at Sanlorenzo. She offers 1,850 GT across five decks, with delivery set for 2030.

How big is she?
She measures 74.3 metres long with a 12.5-metre beam and a 3.25-metre draught, and she has a gross tonnage of 1,850.

How many guests does the Sanlorenzo 74 Steel carry?
In total, she accommodates 12 guests across six cabins, with a crew of 23.

What is the range of the Sanlorenzo 74 Steel?
She has a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 11 knots, powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M53 diesel-electric engines driving pods, with a 15-knot top speed.

When will the Sanlorenzo 74 Steel be delivered?
Sanlorenzo has her in build now, with delivery scheduled for 2030.

The post Sanlorenzo 74 Steel: The 74m Full-Custom Steel Flagship in Build for 2030 appeared first on Yacht Informer.

Riva 96 Argo Super: Design and Exterior

Like every Riva of the last thirty years, the 96′ Argo Super brings three teams together: Officina Italiana Design, the Strategic Product Committee and Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department. As a result, she carries Riva’s signature flybridge proportions while pushing the styling forward. Clean, sleek contours define the profile. The livery sharpens them further, a refined pairing of aluminium with bright black details that underlines her contemporary character.

She measures 28.79 metres long with a 6.50-metre beam. Throughout, she keeps the balance of performance, comfort and timeless elegance that sets Riva’s flybridge yachts apart. Moreover, the biggest changes sit aft.

Redesigned Aft and Beach Areas

The aft is where the 96′ Argo Super departs most clearly from its predecessor. Riva redesigned the beach and swim areas around closer contact with the water. In particular, a generous sunpad now sits in the garage door, complete with handrail and cup holders. The door opens to reveal a Williams 435 tender and a jet ski.

The swim platform gains a lift mechanism too. It makes entering the water easier and safer, and turns the beach area into a more practical space. In addition, the cockpit adds storage, a built-in refrigerator and new adjustable backrests on the two lengthways sofas. The flybridge, meanwhile, gains a new bar unit and mahogany-topped tables.

Riva 96 Argo Super: Interior and Layout

Inside, the headline change is a new day head on the main deck. It opens the way to a more efficient layout throughout. The salon comes in two configurations. This first hull places the dining area aft and the lounge forward, a solution that boosts indoor-outdoor flow and creates a more convivial feel.

Furthermore, the full-beam master suite makes the most of expansive glazing. The furnishings amplify natural light and open up sea views, even from the bed. Moving the day head upstairs also frees space below. In standard form, that means three generous guest cabins, including a full-beam aft VIP that rivals a second master. An optional layout offers three VIP cabins plus a twin.

The interiors adopt a new language of style. Polished wengé wood plays against pale matt oak. Similarly, fine woods, mirrored surfaces and polished steel detailing create a sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere. It all suits the yacht’s elegant, sporty character.

Performance and Propulsion

Twin MTU 12V 2000 M96X engines power the first 96′ Argo Super. Each one produces 2,000 HP. The equipment list also runs deep. Specifically, she carries Seakeeper NG18 and NG10 gyroscopic stabilisers, the Watchit collision-prevention system, and Xenta’s X-AID manoeuvring aid and virtual anchor system, plus a stern thruster.

Together, these solutions boost comfort, safety and manoeuvrability. As a result, she handles more easily both underway and at the dock.

What the 96′ Argo Super Means for Riva

Riva builds the 96′ Argo Super at La Spezia. The yard opened in 2004 and covers the 76-to-130-foot range. Consequently, she sits at the heart of Riva’s contemporary flybridge line-up. She evolves one of its most successful platforms rather than replacing it.

Riva began on the shores of Lake Iseo in 1842 and joined Ferretti Group in 2000. Ever since, the brand has reinterpreted its heritage generation after generation. The 96′ Argo Super carries that legacy forward. Her official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 will give the public its first look.

FAQ

What is the Riva 96′ Argo Super?
The Riva 96′ Argo Super is a 28.79-metre flybridge yacht. Riva launched her in July 2026. She evolves the Riva 90′ Argo with a reworked layout, redesigned aft and beach areas and a new interior palette. She debuts at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.

How big is the Riva 96′ Argo Super?
She measures 28.79 metres (96 feet) long with a maximum beam of 6.50 metres.

Who designed the Riva 96′ Argo Super?
Three teams shaped her: Officina Italiana Design, Riva’s Strategic Product Committee and Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department.

What engines does the Riva 96′ Argo Super have?
Twin MTU 12V 2000 M96X engines power her, each producing 2,000 HP. She also carries Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers and Xenta manoeuvring and virtual anchor systems.

Where and when does the Riva 96′ Argo Super debut?
Riva launched her at La Spezia on 20 July 2026. She makes her official public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.

The post Riva Launches the New 96′ Argo Super at La Spezia appeared first on Yacht Informer.

The Monaco Yacht Show has published its first official fleet list. The headline number says it all: 120 yachts confirmed, and 43 of them deliver in 2026. Right now, a fresh commission at a leading yard means waiting until 2028 or beyond. As a result, that concentration of near-term tonnage in a single harbour is the show’s most concrete draw.

The showstoppers

Start at the top. Lürssen’s NIXIE (102m) sits at Quai Rainier Ier. Moreover, she is the largest 2026 delivery on the list, 102 metres of German-built statement. Overall, she is outscaled only by Oceanco’s LEVIATHAN (111m). LEVIATHAN is a 2025 delivery making her first Monaco showing, and she is the single largest yacht at the show. So if you see one hull this year, make it one of these two.

Between them sit several genuine flagships. For instance, Sanlorenzo displays the SILVER FOX (73.4m), the yard’s newest large-format thinking. Meanwhile, Damen Yachting flexes production muscle no rival matches this year. In fact, the yard delivers two, the 80m PANGEA and the 60m QU2. In addition, Isa Yachts’ SEA RAIDER X (66.4m) brings some of the most aggressive proportion on the quays.

For the wind-powered crowd, Ares Yachts’ SIMENA (62m) is the largest sailing yacht on the confirmed list. She is also a genuine head-turner under rig.

The 40–60m core: where the show does its business

The densest bracket of the fleet is also the one the 2026 class dominates. Here, semi-custom series production meets charter economics. As a result, this is where deals get done.

The emotional premiere is Riva’s new Riva 54 Metri (54.84m). With it, the storied marque steps firmly into superyacht territory. Around it sits a masterclass in the 50-metre space. Consider Benetti’s B.Now 50m, Overmarine’s Mangusta 165 REV (49.9m), Baglietto’s Fast50 (50m) and The Italian Sea Group’s 606 (50m). In addition, the bracket includes Tankoa’s SINGOLARE (45m), Mengi Yay’s GRAY WOLF(52.4m), Gulf Craft’s Majesty 145 (45.25m), Amer Yachts’ EVEN FURTHER (41.45m), GX Superyachts’ MERINOS (42.05m) and Sirena Marine’s Sirena Superyacht 42 Metre (42.23m). Notably, every one is a 2026 delivery.

Two in-service benchmarks anchor the bracket. These are Sanlorenzo’s 58Steel (58.25m, 2024) and Heesen’s PA’LANTE (55m, 2025). To understand the commercial heart of the market, walk this stretch of quay slowly.

30–40 metres: the 2026 class runs just as deep

Down a bracket, the delivery story holds. For example, AB Yachts’ AB110 (33.7m), Sirena Marine’s Sirena 118 (36m), Maiora’s M 38 (37.1m) and Moonen’s LOLLIPOP (37.4m) cluster around Appontement Jules Soccal. In addition, Palumbo Superyachts adds depth here. Specifically, it fields Columbus Yachts’ PRINCIPESSA CAPRICCIOSA (38m) and Isa Yachts’ Viper 130 (38.8m).

Italian production leads the overall hull count. This matches the Global Order Book 2026, where Italian builders account for 52 per cent of global production. Ferretti Group concentrates its line-up around mid-range models. These include the Custom Line 35 (34.5m), Pershing GTX116 (35.33m) and Riva Bellissima 130. Meanwhile, Benetti extends upward with the B.Now 67m at Quai des États-Unis. Finally, Azimut fields the debut of the Azimut 44 Metri (43.85m).

Sub-30 metres: almost entirely a 2026 story

The smallest bracket is the freshest of all. Wally’s Wallywhy200 (27m) brings unmistakable geometry in a compact package. Meanwhile, Princess Yachts stages a rare double debut with the X90 (27.11m) and Y95 (29.1m). In addition, AVA Yachts’ V (25.9m) and Arcadia’s A96 (29m) and A80 (24m) all carry 2026 dates. The A80, at 23.98m, marks the shortest hull of the entire class. Furthermore, Wight Shipyard’s Arksen 85 (27.4m) brings ocean-crossing explorer capability to the bracket. In short, this year’s deliveries span the full breadth of the fleet, not just its upper tiers.

Multihulls and sail hold their ground

The multihull format’s momentum now rides on new tonnage. Indeed, two of the four multihulls on display are 2026 deliveries, Sunreef’s IPHARRA II (29.37m) and Lagoon’s Eighty 3 (24.97m). In addition, Silveryachts showcases one of its flagships at Appontement Jules Soccal.

Under sail, four of the seven yachts are recent deliveries. Alongside the flagship SIMENA sit Cantiere del Pardo’s Grand Soleil 80 (26.2m), Nautor Swan’s RAIJIN (38.98m) and Vitters’ MAGIC (44.3m, 2025).

Monaco Yacht Show 2026: the class of 2025 and the refit fleet

Beyond this year’s launches, the 2025 class makes its first Monaco showing led by Leviathan and running through CRN’s AMOR A VIDA (67.55m), Horizon’s FD100 (31m), the Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 146 (44.33m) and Sunseeker’s trio at Quai Louis II, the 82 Ocean Enclosed (25m), 90 Ocean (27m) and 100 Yacht (29.94m).

For buyers whose priority is availability over waiting list, the refit contingent answers what the order book cannot. Oceanco’s DRAAK (91.5m, 2014, refitted 2026) berths at Quai Rainier III fresh from a refit completed this year, joined by the Feadship DOUBLE HAVEN (51m, refitted 2024) and Benetti’s GALAXY (56m, refitted 2025), three consecutive refit vintages that bring the repair-and-maintenance sector itself onto the quays.

Why the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 is the year’s key event

The scarcity story is real. BOAT International‘s Global Order Book 2026 shows the order book contracting in unit count for a second consecutive year, even as average length and tonnage under construction hit record highs and build slots at leading yards fill through 2028–2029. That makes yachts delivering in 2026 among the scarcest commodities in the market, and Monaco has 43 of them in one harbour.

Then there’s the market beyond the premieres. As of publication, 38 of the confirmed yachts arrive not with their builders but with brokerage and charter houses, an in-service fleet averaging close to 49 metres, with an average launch year of 2016 and lengths running from 27 to 78 metres. It covers every stage of the ownership lifecycle: charter, management and resale. The read for clients is simple: Monaco is not only where the next fleet is sold, but where the existing fleet changes hands.

Monaco Yacht Show 2026: the market in one harbour

With additional yachts announced weekly toward the full 120-strong fleet, the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 is shaping into one of the most delivery-rich editions on record. Forty-three new hulls, the yards that built them, the brokers who’ll trade them, and a refit fleet ready to sail now, all in a single harbour, once a year. That’s the real headline, and the reason to be at Port Hercule this September.

The Monaco Yacht Show runs 23–26 September 2026 at Port Hercule, Monaco. The complete directory is available via the MYS fleet list.

The post 120 Reasons to Attend the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 appeared first on Yacht Informer.

Design and Exterior

Sinot and Heesen’s in-house engineering team began collaborating early in the process. The goal was to develop a profile that could be realised without compromise. As a result, the yacht carries Heesen’s signature silhouette but pushes it in a softer, more organic direction. Instead, flowing lines replace the sharper geometry of previous builds. Five decks rise gradually from the waterline, with continuous glazing bands and flush decking throughout.

Moreover, the foredeck is entirely clear of visible mooring equipment. This creates an uninterrupted outdoor space that connects visually to the travertine-clad pool area amidships. A Teppanyaki-style bar sits adjacent to the main lounge, with flooring that extends seamlessly from inside to out. The effect blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor living entirely.

Wellness and Spa

The name Ananda means “inner joy”, and the onboard experience reflects that brief directly. Heesen developed the wellness programme in collaboration with its Human Health Engineering department. The result is a midship spa and beach club on the lower deck spanning nearly 100 square metres.

In particular, the spa includes a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower and a hyperbaric chamber. A massage and medical treatment room sits alongside a dedicated bar. In addition, the beach club opens directly onto the water, connecting the wellness spaces to the sea. This is not a spa tucked into a corner below decks. It occupies a central position in the yacht’s layout and anchors the entire guest experience.

Project ANANDA Heesen Superyacht: Accommodation and Layout

Project ANANDA accommodates guests across five decks connected by a central glass lift. Guests board via a midships shell opening door and docking platform rather than a conventional passerelle at the stern.

Furthermore, the layout offers two configurable owner’s deck arrangements. The first places a forward-facing master suite on the owner’s deck, complete with a private office and panoramic views ahead. Heesen describes this arrangement as apartment-like in its proportions. The second option repositions the focus aft, creating an open deck experience centred on outdoor living. Similarly, a second master suite on the bridge deck offers equal comfort and scale, making the yacht well-suited to charter operations or multi-generational families.

Furthermore, all 1,750GT of interior space will be built in-house at Heesen Interiors in Winterswijk, the Netherlands. Sinot designed every interior detail, and Heesen will execute every element under one roof.

Performance and Propulsion

Heesen built Project ANANDA on the yard’s ultra-efficient steel hull platform. Specifically, twin MTU IMO Tier III engines power the yacht to a top speed of 16 knots. Her cruising range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

The hybrid propulsion system incorporates PTI/PTO gearboxes, enabling up to four hours of silent cruising on electric power alone. This allows the yacht to sit at anchor or navigate sensitive coastal areas without noise or emissions from the main engines. Additionally, Tier III compliance ensures she meets the strictest current emissions standards.

What Project ANANDA Means for Heesen

Heesen currently has nine superyachts on order or in build. The largest in active construction is the 57-metre full-custom Project Setteesettanta, scheduled for launch this year. The yard also recently delivered its 55-metre Steel superyacht Pa’lante, formerly known as Project Frida.

Project ANANDA represents something different. The Project ANANDA Heesen superyacht is the first yacht developed under the Smart Custom platform, Heesen’s new approach that combines on-spec construction efficiency with a high degree of client personalisation. Consequently, she signals where the yard is heading under its new ownership: larger, more wellness-focused, and more flexible than anything Heesen has built before.

FAQ

What is the Project ANANDA Heesen superyacht?
Project ANANDA is a 72.3-metre hybrid motor yacht unveiled by Heesen Yachts. She is the largest Steel superyacht the Dutch yard has ever announced, with construction starting in November 2026 and delivery expected in 2030.

Who designed Project ANANDA?
Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design created both the exterior and interior design. Heesen’s in-house engineering team handled naval architecture and structural development.

What wellness features does Project ANANDA have?
Project ANANDA features a nearly 100-square-metre midship spa and beach club with a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower, hyperbaric chamber, massage room and dedicated bar.

What propulsion system does Project ANANDA use?
Project ANANDA uses a hybrid system with twin MTU IMO Tier III engines and PTI/PTO gearboxes, allowing up to four hours of silent electric cruising. Her range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

When will Project ANANDA be delivered?
Construction begins in November 2026 at Heesen’s Oss facility. Launch and delivery are anticipated for 2030.

The post Project ANANDA Heesen Superyacht: The 72m Hybrid Wellness Yacht That Signals a New Era appeared first on Yacht Informer.

Horizon II Leapher Yachts: Design and Exterior

Exterior and interior design on Horizon II come from Cor D. Rover, a Dutch studio with a strong track record in explorer and expedition-style builds. The brief was clear from the outset, a true long-range explorer, built to go places most yachts cannot reach. The result is a profile that focuses on function without sacrificing considered design. Her grey hull is angular and purposeful, with stacked superstructure levels that give her considerable volume without unnecessary visual drama. Wide side decks, a foredeck rescue boat station and a generous aft working area all reinforce the expedition brief.

Van Oossanen and O7 Designers handled naval architecture, two studios whose combined expertise in high-performance and long-range hull forms makes them a natural fit for a build of this nature. The result is a hull certified for polar-classed operation, Ice Class notation allows Horizon II to navigate high-latitude regions that remain off-limits to most private yachts.

Horizon II Leapher Yachts Superyacht: Expedition Capability

The most significant specification on Horizon II is her operational autonomy. Leapher designed her to remain at sea for 40 days without resupply, a figure that places her firmly in expedition yacht territory rather than simply an explorer-style motor yacht. That level of autonomy requires careful engineering across fuel, water, provisions and waste management systems, and it shapes every decision the team made during the design process.

Her polar-classed steel hull allows access to Antarctica, the Northwest Passage, Svalbard and other high-latitude destinations. Furthermore, her range and autonomy mean she can cross oceans without the logistical constraints that limit most private yachts to established cruising grounds.

Construction and Delivery

Leapher Yachts launched Horizon II from the Tolkamer facility in the Netherlands in March 2026. She subsequently completed a full programme of sea trials in the North Sea before Leapher delivered her to her owner. Tolkamer, situated on the Rhine near the German border, is a practical base for a yard specialising in long-range explorer builds, deep-water access and proximity to the North Sea make sea trials straightforward and efficient.

Leapher Yachts was established with a clear focus on the long-range explorer segment. Horizon II is the first hull from the NAVIX60 platform, a design developed from the outset to accommodate the demands of serious world cruising. Additionally, the yard has positioned the platform as a proven foundation for future builds rather than a one-off commission.

What Horizon II Means for the Explorer Segment

The explorer yacht segment has expanded significantly over the past decade. Owners are increasingly drawn to yachts that can do more than anchor in established Med or Caribbean anchorages, they want vessels capable of genuine expedition use, with the range and certification to back it up. Consequently, the competition among yards offering explorer-capable builds has grown accordingly.

Horizon II arrives as a credible first entry into this market. Her polar classification, 40-day autonomy and Cor D. Rover design pedigree place her alongside established explorer builds from yards with far longer histories. For Leapher Yachts, that is a strong opening statement.

FAQ

What is Horizon II?
Horizon II is the maiden superyacht from Dutch shipyard Leapher Yachts, launched in March 2026. She is the first hull from the NAVIX60 platform, measuring 61 metres and designed for long-range expedition cruising.

Who designed Horizon II?
Exterior and interior design come from Cor D. Rover. Van Oossanen and O7 Designers handled naval architecture.

What makes Horizon II an explorer yacht?
Horizon II carries a polar-classed steel hull and Leapher designed her for 40 days of autonomy at sea, allowing her to access high-latitude regions and complete ocean crossings without resupply.

Where was Horizon II built?
Leapher Yachts built Horizon II at the Tolkamer facility in Tolkamer, the Netherlands.

When was Horizon II delivered?
Horizon II completed sea trials in June 2026 and was delivered to her owner shortly after.

The post Horizon II Leapher Yachts Superyacht: The 61m Explorer That Marks a New Shipyard’s Debut appeared first on Yacht Informer.

Nixie Lürssen Superyacht: Design and Exterior

RWD holds a rare distinction on Nixie, the British studio is responsible for both exterior and interior design. That kind of creative continuity across an entire 102-metre yacht is uncommon, and it shows. Every element of the exterior flows naturally into the interior, with no jarring shift in language or materiality between the two.

Furthermore, her profile is immediately recognisable. A long, clean sheerline runs the full length of the hull. Dark glazing wraps each deck level, creating a continuous band of glass that gives her considerable visual depth. The hull itself is dark, sitting in deliberate contrast to the white superstructure above. She is not trying to look like every other yacht in her size bracket, and she doesn’t.

In particular, the most discussed feature is the semi-suspended glass swimming pool positioned aft. Lürssen has described it as an industry first at this scale. The pool appears to float above the deck, with water visible through the glass floor, a striking visual detail that required significant engineering to realise. It is the kind of feature that defines a yacht’s identity from the moment it is seen for the first time.

Nixie Lürssen Superyacht: Accommodation and Volume

Nixie accommodates up to 12 guests across six staterooms. Her gross tonnage of 3,420GT places her among the most spacious yachts in the 100 to 110-metre class. That volume is not incidental, it reflects a design brief that prioritised internal space and guest comfort over external drama. The result is a yacht that feels considerably larger inside than her length might suggest.

Guest accommodation is distributed across multiple decks, each stateroom finished to the level of personalisation that a full-custom Lürssen commission demands. Further interior details remain private, as is standard for a build of this nature.

Construction and Delivery

Construction began at Lürssen’s Rendsburg shipyard in 2021 under the project name Jassj. The five-year build reflects the complexity of the commission, at 102.4 metres, Nixie sits in a size bracket where every decision carries significant consequence, and the engineering of features like the glass pool required extended development time.

Consequently, she was delivered in June 2026 and has since entered the Mediterranean for her maiden season. Her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2026 will mark her first public appearance and the first opportunity for the wider industry to see her in person.

What Nixie Means for Lürssen and RWD

Nixie arrives alongside a remarkable run of major deliveries from Lürssen in 2026. The 109-metre O3, the 114-metre Nausicaä and the 117-metre Boardwalk have all left the yard this year. Together, they reinforce Lürssen’s position at the very top of the custom superyacht market.

Additionally, for RWD, Nixie is a significant statement. The studio has established itself as one of the most versatile design practices in the industry, working across a wide range of yards and size brackets. A full exterior and interior commission at 102 metres from Lürssen, delivered to this standard, places them firmly among the elite names in large yacht design.

FAQ

What is the Nixie Lürssen superyacht?
Nixie is a 102.4-metre custom motor yacht built by Lürssen at its Rendsburg facility in Germany, delivered in June 2026. She was previously known as Project Jassj throughout her construction.

Who designed Nixie?
British studio RWD is responsible for both the exterior and interior design of Nixie, an unusual arrangement for a yacht of this scale.

What is Nixie’s most notable feature?
Nixie features a semi-suspended glass swimming pool positioned aft, which Lürssen has described as an industry first at this scale.

How many guests does Nixie accommodate?
Nixie accommodates up to 12 guests across six staterooms, with 3,420GT of internal volume.

When will Nixie make her public debut?
Nixie is scheduled to make her global debut at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show in September.

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SAIRU Riva Superyacht: A New Model Line

SAIRU is Hull 1 of the Riva 54Metri. Officina Italiana Design developed the model entirely in-house. The studio was founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta. It has been the exclusive creative partner behind every Riva model for more than three decades. That continuity matters. SAIRU does not look like a departure. She looks like a Riva, just bigger, and more resolved than anything the yard has attempted at this scale before.

Her all-aluminium hull is finished in Moon Grey with London Grey accents. Polished black detailing runs across the profile. An aquamarine bootstripe completes the exterior palette. It is not incidental. It references the colour most associated with Riva’s Riviera heritage, running the full length of the hull as a quiet nod to where the brand came from.

Four decks are connected by a central lift. Over 370 square metres of outdoor space is distributed across the yacht. This spans cockpits fore and aft, a foredeck lounge and an upper deck with unobstructed views in every direction.

The Beach Club and Exterior Spaces

The stern beach club is SAIRU’s most distinctive feature at deck level. When the fold-out terraces are fully extended, it spans more than 60 square metres. This provides a generous platform for water access, tender launch and outdoor living. A freshwater pool sits at its centre, finished in white ceramic tiles. Importantly, it is engineered to remain filled while underway. That detail is more technically demanding than it sounds. It is the kind of specification that separates a genuinely well-built yacht from one that merely looks the part at the dock.

The beach club connects directly to the main deck interior through wide sliding doors. This creates a continuous flow between inside and outside that is central to the brief. Furthermore, the foredeck lounge offers an alternative social space at the opposite end of the yacht, quieter, more private, and well-suited to evenings at anchor.

SAIRU Riva Superyacht: Accommodation and Interior

SAIRU accommodates up to 10 guests across five staterooms. The owner’s suite occupies the full beam of the main deck. This layout gives it both volume and privacy. It also offers direct access to the deck and natural light on both sides. Guest staterooms are distributed across the lower deck. Riva finishes each to the standard of personalisation that Riva owners have come to expect.

Interior details remain largely private, as is standard for a first hull of a new model line. Nevertheless, what has been confirmed reflects Officina Italiana Design’s consistent approach: contemporary materials, warm tones and a spatial logic that prioritises comfort without becoming overly formal.

SAIRU Riva Superyacht: Performance and Specification

Twin MTU engines power SAIRU to a top speed of 18 knots. She cruises 3,600 nautical miles at 11 knots. Her all-aluminium construction keeps displacement in check relative to her volume. Riva built her at the La Spezia facility, the Ferretti Group production centre dedicated to Riva yachts from 76 to 130 feet. This is the same yard that recently delivered the 20th hull of the Riva 102 Corsaro Super to Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc.

What Comes Next

The SAIRU Riva superyacht will hold the title of Riva’s largest until 2028. At that point, the yard is scheduled to launch a 70-metre hybrid project, also by Officina Italiana Design. The hybrid powertrain on the next hull signals that Riva is not treating SAIRU as a ceiling. She is a starting point.

For a brand that spent most of its modern history between 40 and 50 feet, the move to 54 metres is significant. Moreover, SAIRU proves it can be done without losing what makes Riva recognisable. That is the harder challenge, and the more interesting one.

FAQ

What is the SAIRU Riva superyacht?
SAIRU is the first hull of the Riva 54Metri, a new model line from the Italian yard. At 54 metres, she is the largest superyacht Riva has ever built, delivered in 2026.

Who designed SAIRU?
Officina Italiana Design created SAIRU, the studio that has been Riva’s exclusive creative partner for over three decades, founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta.

How many guests does SAIRU accommodate?
SAIRU accommodates up to 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck.

What is SAIRU’s top speed?
Twin MTU engines power SAIRU to a top speed of 18 knots, with a cruising range of 3,600 nautical miles at 11 knots.

Will Riva build a larger yacht after SAIRU?
Yes. Riva has confirmed a 70-metre hybrid model is under development by Officina Italiana Design, scheduled for launch in 2028.

The post SAIRU Riva Superyacht: The 54m Flagship That Rewrites the Brand’s Limits appeared first on Yacht Informer.

Tanzanite Amels Superyacht: Scale and First Impressions

At 120 metres, Tanzanite surpasses Amels’ previous flagship, Here Comes The Sun, by 31 metres. In superyacht terms, that gap is truly extraordinary. She spans five decks and carries 6,083GT of volume. She accommodates up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms and has a crew of 44. Her beam measures 20 metres, giving her a wide, assured stance on the water.

Norwegian designer Espen Øino created the exterior. He is one of the most respected names in large yacht design. Tanzanite shows its signature discipline throughout. She has a sharp clipper bow, a clean, unbroken sheerline, and a superstructure that rises across five levels without visual clutter. A diagonal ventilation line sits midships. Amels describes it as a fusion of necessity and aesthetics, a functional element turned into a design feature. Large windows run the length of each deck, keeping the interior connected to the sea at every level.

Tanzanite Amels Superyacht: Engineering Built for Quiet

Tanzanite’s propulsion system is one of her most significant technical achievements. She runs on diesel-electric engines powering Kongsberg Elegance pods. As a result, Amels says she will operate with the lowest levels of noise and vibration ever recorded on a yacht of this size. Her top speed is 18 knots. Her cruising range is 6,000 nautical miles.

The Kongsberg pod system removes the need for conventional shaft lines and rudders. This reduces mechanical complexity and improves manoeuvrability. Furthermore, the diesel-electric arrangement allows for quieter running at anchor. It also supports lower speed passages, the kind of operation that matters most to owners who cruise extensively. Damen Yachting handled naval architecture entirely in-house. Deeside Maritime managed owner representation throughout the build.

Tanzanite Amels Superyacht:

Tanzanite’s clean sheerline and sharp clipper bow,  exterior design by Espen Øino. Damen Yachting

What Lies Inside

Tanzanite’s interior details remain confidential, as is standard for a commission of this nature. However, several features have been confirmed. A spiralling marble staircase connects the decks, with a glass elevator alongside it. Additionally, two swimming pools are on board, one of which has a glass bottom. Two helipads are also fitted, underlining her scale and operational flexibility.

The interior design focuses on warm materials and soft lighting. Additionally, the scheme incorporates grand architectural gestures. This sits in deliberate contrast to the precision of the exterior.

A Six-Year Build

The Tanzanite Amels superyacht construction story spans six years. Amels signed the contract in 2020. The hull was first built at Amels’ Galati facility in Romania. It arrived in the Netherlands in June 2023. Since then, the yacht has progressed through full outfitting at the Vlissingen City shipyard. She launched in September 2025 and completed a full programme of sea trials. She then entered final finishing ahead of delivery.

More than 1,000 craftspeople from Damen Yachting and its global supply network worked on her construction. Deeside Maritime managed the project throughout.

What Tanzanite Means for Amels and Dutch Yachting

The Netherlands has long been one of the world’s most important superyacht building nations. Feadship, Oceanco and Heesen are all based there, alongside Amels. Tanzanite reinforces that position. At 120 metres, she is not just the largest Amels ever built. She is also among the largest yachts ever completed in the country.

For Amels, this project represents a clear step beyond the semi-custom Limited Editions series. That series has defined much of the yard’s recent commercial output. Tanzanite, however, is entirely bespoke. Amels built her from scratch to a full custom brief. Her scale and specification place her firmly among the most significant superyachts of this decade.

Delivery is expected in 2026. When she arrives, Holland’s largest will be ready.

FAQ

What is Project Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a 120metre full custom superyacht built by Amels at Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands. She is the largest yacht ever built by Amels and the largest Dutch-built superyacht.

Who designed Tanzanite?
Norwegian designer Espen Øino created the exterior. Damen Yachting developed the naval architecture in-house. Interior details remain confidential.

When will Tanzanite be delivered?
Delivery is scheduled for 2026 following the completion of sea trials in late 2025.

What propulsion system does Tanzanite use?
Tanzanite uses diesel-electric engines powering Kongsberg Elegance pods, designed to deliver the lowest levels of noise and vibration ever recorded on a yacht of this size.

Who commissioned Tanzanite?
The owner remains undisclosed. Deeside Maritime managed the build throughout as owner’s representative.

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