Boat International

I write this fresh from Milan and our Superyacht Design Festival. What did I learn? That in the future, our superyachts will be made painted in graphene, powered by methanol, driven by AI, designed for each of our 30-odd senses (it turns out Aristotle was way off) and be able to hook up with an airship to reposition. This may all sound crazy, but the future is closer than you think. It was inspiring, particularly, to learn how seriously the superyacht industry is taking the process of decarbonisation. The concept of a large 100 per cent fossil-fuel-free motor yacht is still some way off, but everyone is taking steps towards that outcome and over the next few years we will finally breach the hydrogen frontier, with projects emerging in Italy…

Guillaume Plisson Guillaume’s three passions are the sea, yacht design and photography, and he has covered the world’s major sailing events and shot countless superyachts throughout his three-decade career. For this issue, Guillaume photographed our cover boat Ahpo (page 82). The best part of shooting Ahpo? I just love her design and that characteristic black stripe – and shooting her in Jamaica was an amazing experience. It felt very special to do the shoot there The most awkward situation you’ve been in to get a shot? I often find myself in awkward positions when shooting interiors where there is not enough room for both me and my camera. When shooting exteriors, I regularly hang out of the boat in a harness What would you most like to photograph one day? There are a few subjects I’d love…

Revealing the latest news, trends and tech After two years in build, the 56-metre Vitters sailing yacht Alea has rolled out of the shed in Zwartsluis in the Netherlands for the final stages of construction. The next leg will involve stepping the carbon-fibre mast, which will tower 55.32 metres above the water. The yacht is built in aluminium and features a clean, modem design conceived by Mani Frers with an interior by m2atelier. An impressive sail wardrobe will include a 682-square-metre-mainsail and a 484-square-metre blade headsail. Meanwhile, a lifting keel reduces her draught from 6.6 metres for upwind performance, to just 3.5 metres for exploring shallow bays and harbours. The unveiling comes at a busy time for the Dutch yard, with Vitters also turning the hull on 59-metre sailing yacht Project…

Jean genie emerges Dutch yard Van der Valk has sent its 33-metre fully custom all-aluminium superyacht Blue Jeans down the slipway. Key features of the Guido de Groot-designed superyacht include a circular sofa area on the sundeck with a central firepit and hidden drinks storage, as well as a foredeck chill-out lounge with sunpads tucked into the bow, a U-shaped sofa and a dining table that pops up from the deck. “Building a bespoke boat for clients who know exactly what they desire is a pleasure and a privilege, ” commented the yard. “It’s the kind of challenge we love to take on.” vandervalkshipyard.com Classic yacht under the hammer With a rich history behind her and a bright future ahead of her, the 38-metre classic yacht Sacajawea is set to be sold at…

LADY J $11,500,000 The 43-metre Palmer Johnson Lady J has been listed for sale by Northrop & Johnson. Delivered in 1997 and regularly refitted ever since, she features elegant interiors by Terence Disdale. SAFE HAVEN €12,500,000 Listed for sale with Edmiston, the 37.49-metre Admiral is now looking for a new owner. The yacht has proved a highly popular addition to the charter fleet over the past season. RAMBLE ON ROSE $37,000,000 The 60-metre CRN has been listed for sale by IYC. The family-friendly yacht features exteriors by Zuccon, while Laura Sessa was responsible for the well-appointed interiors. PRINCESS M €9,100,000 The 30.45-metre Princess M has been listed for sale by Ocean Independence. Constructed in GRP by British yard Princess Yachts, the boat was delivered in 2020. UMIKO €1,595,000 The 24.38-metre Neuter’s Swen has been listed for sale by Northrop & Johnson. The 2002-built high-performance…

Ocean Village Marina + Saxon Wharf, UK +44 (0)23 8022 9385 oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.uk oceanvillagemarina.co.uk What’s the hype? Ocean Village forms part of MDL’s 18 marinas and yards in the UK. Nestled in the heart of Southampton, Ocean Village offers all the benefits of a marina with the added bonus of a lively social scene, thanks to shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema. Neighbouring Saxon Wharf is the ideal location for big boats in need of secure, quick turnaround lift-outs, repair work or full-scale refits. The facilities Across its 326 berths, Ocean Village can take a variety of vessels up to 60 metres. Saxon Wharf boasts a 200-tonne boat hoist and heavy-duty, fully serviced pontoons. Superports is the definitive guide to the world’s best superyacht marinas. dockwalk.com/superports PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DR DUU; OCEANCO; OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA/SKYFLICKS MEDIA; TOM VAN…