When it comes to insurance costs, boaters who fish offshore are learning that extra outboards feed into a stereotype.

“You’re expected to go fast and run the boat like an idiot,” says Tim Derrico, director of sales at HMY. “If you buy an upper-30- to 50-foot center-console fishing boat—especially the fishing boats, more than the cruising boats—they figure you’re going to run offshore and go fast to get where you want to go. You can get insurance, but it’s challenging.”

The difficulty with finding affordable policies has become so acute that insurers are now suggesting that some boat owners forgo windstorm coverage. The logic is that if the owner is well-off enough to pay cash for the boat, then he’s also in a position to self-insure and have a captain with a solid hurricane plan to get out of the way of storms.

“You can cut your insurance in half,” Derrico says. “They’re going to require you to have a hurricane plan, so have that plan anyhow. Just make sure you can get the boat to a safe place where you’re not going to be subject to direct wind or storm surge. Worst case, maybe you get a little dock rash or break some antennas or bend your riggers.”

Other owners are reducing insurance costs by purchasing smaller boats, especially in areas where insurers see the most risk from big storms. “In Florida, for sure,” he says. “You can sell a 60-foot boat in Florida, and the insurance would cost you five times as much as the same boat in New York or Connecticut.”

Anyone shopping for a boat, Derrico adds, should look into insurance costs before anything else: “When you’re ready to buy another boat, on top of the list, the first thing you start dealing with should be insurance.”

Safe Space: How to Be Prepared

Insurers recommend that boat owners haul out their boats, if at all possible, ahead of an incoming storm. Of course, with a major storm, this means there’s usually a crush of people trying to get haulout services at the same time. The best-prepared boat owners prepay to reserve the service, or for a space at an upriver marina or canal considered a good hurricane hole. It’s important to do what the policy requires; insurers will hold a boat owner to a written hurricane plan.

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Connoisseurs of high-end travel are always looking for the next best idea. Even at the upper extremes of luxury, there might be a way to tweak this piece or twist that part in a way that creates an even more perfect offering for an audience that wants a certain type of experience. Crewed yacht charter? It’s a fantastic option that already comes in many tantalizing flavors. But what about crewed yacht charter and… all the additional possibilities that last bit might include?

Such is the thinking behind two new initiatives that allow vacationers to experience top-brand yachts in new ways. Motoryachts built by Sunseeker in the United Kingdom and by Azimut in Italy have long been considered prime-quality options for recreation on the world’s waterways. Now they’re available for crewed charter through programs intended to appeal to clients with specific sensibilities.

Crewed charter aboard a Sunseeker 95 in Mallorca, Spain, is now an option for members of ThirdHome, a company whose members share their second and third homes, sort of like a high-net-worth Airbnb. The company has partnered with Meros Yachtsharing, which specializes in the co-ownership of Sunseeker vessels. People who have flex-share time aboard the yacht can now trade it for a stay at a ThirdHome property or vice versa.

“It’s all about the huge rise in interest in the sharing economy and the idea of sophisticated people sharing valuable assets between like-minded individuals, ultimately for the benefit of each other,” according to the ThirdHome team.

Meanwhile, fans of the Azimut brand now have a dedicated point of entry for booking crewed charters aboard Azimut-built yachts. The Azimut Charter Club, announced in January, is kicking off in the Mediterranean this year.

“The philosophy of the Charter Club is to offer a personalized service with attention to the smallest details, guaranteed by the brand’s expertise and the territorial coverage ensured by its extensive network of dealers and partners,” according to the Azimut team. Bookings are available aboard yachts up to 78 feet long, all of them launched within the previous five years.

Of course, Azimuts also remain available for charter through traditional companies whose fleets include yachts from all kinds of builders, but Azimut also aims to bring fans of the brand into contact with its dealers, who will handle check-in and checkout during the charter experience.

“Other models will soon be added, as well as new destinations,” the company says, “to ensure the perfect setting for a summer with family and friends.”

Azimut Charter Club

Yachts that are part of this initiative are as large as 78 feet length overall. Each one is a late-model launch from the previous five years. Guests can book through a portal or work with the Azimut concierge on reservations and legal paperwork. An Azimut dealer handles check-in for charters.

Prime Property

Members of ThirdHome have ­access to private residences, villas and luxury estates in addition to a fully crewed Sunseeker yacht.

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Talk about an understatement. As construction progressed on the 171-foot Project 406 at Royal Huisman in the Netherlands, the Dutch firm Vripack—which handled interior and exterior styling, as well as naval architecture—noted that “with her six towering decks, Project 406 will cut a unique profile on the water.”

Now that the yacht is launched, it’s safe to say this vessel has left even the most jaded of jaws dropping all around the world. Project 406 is billed as not only the largest, but also the most luxurious true sport-fish yacht ever constructed. Royal Huisman says the vessel belongs to “an experienced owner who is passionate about fishing. She is a unique vessel in so many respects.”

To be sure, Project 406 is not the largest yacht that Royal Huisman has turned out in recent years. In 2023, the yard delivered the 196-foot sailing yacht Sarissa, while in 2021, it delivered the 192-foot Phi. Currently under construction are the 212-foot ketch Aquarius II for repeat clients, along with Project 410, which will be a 280-foot Mani Frers design and, reportedly, the world’s largest sloop.

And of course, there are even larger motoryachts out there on the world’s waters, up to and including the 533-foot Blohm+Voss Eclipse and the 590-foot Lürssen Azzam.

Even still, the sight of such a big sport-fish yacht is staggering. Trying to imagine being up so high, looking down at the fish-fighting action, is an exercise in pure thrills. As Royal Huisman puts it: “The high tower offers outstanding views with a downward angle on the water for specialized fishing. Apart from its practical function, the tower also offers a superb viewing platform for guests, who can follow all the action below. Project 406 effortlessly blends the ultimate sport-fishing experience with genuine superyacht scale, comfort and refinement.”

The shipyard also says that more than 350 individuals contributed to the yacht’s creation. They included the owner’s representative, Pascarelli Consulting, working with Bush & Noble and Hampshire Marine.

So far, the yard is remaining mum on other details. We can report that the hull and superstructure are Alustar aluminum, and we look forward to getting a first peek at what’s going on behind all that glazing. If the interior is even half as impressive as the exterior, we’ll be picking our jaws up from the floor again.

The post World’s Largest Sport-Fish Superyacht appeared first on Yachting.

For decades, the nickname “Billionaires’ Row” has been synonymous with Port Vauban. This marina in Antibes, France, can take yachts as large as 525 feet long, which is why leases for usage rights typically belong to the wealthiest people alive.

Now this epicenter of traditional luxury has a more modern look. Atelier d’Architecture Philippe Prost, based in Paris, oversaw an update to the quay and yacht-club building. Kebony modified wood—knot-free with a silvery appearance—brings a 30-year life span with minimal maintenance while keeping the overall character of the location. It was used to rebuild not only the surfaces underfoot, but also handrails, benches and stairs.

The lead architects praised the product’s “natural character” and said it should stand the test of time, much like this famous location itself.

Take the next step: leportvauban.com

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Invictus TT420S: Outboard-Powered Elegance

The Invictus TT420S is the outboard-powered version of the builder’s TT420, packing triple Yamaha powerplants at the transom. Yes, this means boaters lose the center portion of the swim platform. However, boaters gain a stowage area for toys where the inboard-outboard engines used to be, and the boat’s tender garage remains, capable of housing a 6-foot-10-inch ride. Also still present is Christian Grande’s overall design, with Hull No. 1 of the TT420S being painted in the builder’s signature Vogue White. Both hullsides can be equipped with foldout terraces to increase relaxation space on the hook. Accommodations belowdecks are for two to four people during long-weekend getaways.

wallywhy100: 70 Feet of Style

This is the smallest of three wallywhy models from the Monaco-based builder, with the designation 100 referring to the yacht’s gross tons of volume. Standard power is a pair of 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS1200s, with the option for 1,000 hp IPS1350s. According to the builder, the optional powerplants provide a top hop of 27 knots with a cruise speed of 24 knots. The extra speed results in a slight decrease in range to 340 nautical miles. (Range is 360 nm with the standard engines.) On board, this yacht has a single “living level” from bow to stern, with a salon, dining area and helm connecting to what Wally calls the “beach deck” aft. Its sides fold out at anchor to increase the usable space for fun in the sun.

Vicem 95: Fully Custom Construction

Empire is the name of this recent launch from the Vicem Yachts shipyard in Turkey. The yacht is part of the builder’s Cruiser line and is inspired by the Vicem 107, which the yard says the owners loved but wanted customized to suit their needs. There’s seating and dining at the foredeck. Outdoor shaded dining for 10 people is on the aft deck with a nearby fridge, sink and flip-down television. Up top, the flybridge spans two-thirds of the yacht’s length with yet more dining, seating and a bar. A hot tub is to starboard, and there’s space aft to stow a nearly 20-foot tender that can be launched with a crane. Inside, the indoor dining, seating and galley are all on one level. The full-beam owner’s stateroom is belowdecks with a king-size berth.

XO Explr 44: Speeds Above 43 Knots

Finland’s XO Boats has launched its first crossover model: the Explr 44. The shipyard is billing this model as an aluminum adventure design that takes its styling inspiration from superyachts. One example is two en suite staterooms that are equal in size. The forward stateroom has a double berth, while the aft stateroom can be ordered with a double or twins. There’s also a bunk in the pilothouse. The interior is heated as well as air-conditioned for comfortable cruising in most climates. Owners also have a choice of engines: two 600 hp outboards or triple 450 hp outboards, with a reported top speed of more than 43 knots. Solar panels can be mounted on the roof, which also has racks for bicycles and other sports gear.

Omikron OT60: First Model of a New Brand

Olympic Marine in Greece has launched a new boat brand: Omikron Yachts. The first model in the Omikron lineup is the OT60, which the yard calls a response to the “universal desire for a simple, sensible vision of sustainability.” The idea is to combine the efficiency and silence of a sailing yacht with the volume and conveniences of a motoryacht. The Omikron OT60 reportedly burns less than a half-gallon of fuel per nautical mile when cruising at a speed of 8 knots, and can achieve a top hop of 15 knots when owners need some extra oomph. The shipyard’s chairman says the design is inspired by the island-hopping lifestyle that is so common in Greece, “embodying the love of the journey with elegance and comfort at sea.”

Vatoz: Limited Edition of the Enata Foiler

Enata Marine in the United Arab Emirates says it plans to build just eight of these “ultra luxury” Vatoz editions of its 32-foot-long Foiler yacht. The hull is built from carbon fiber, with tinted windows adding to the sleek nature of the design by Timur Bozca, who says the styling was inspired by the dynamics of a stingray. Each of these boats comes with Enata’s Wingman management system, which makes it easier for skippers to use the foiling feature. Enata says the vessel has a cruising range of 190 nautical miles at 20 knots, or 150 nm at a speed of 30 knots. The yard also says the boat’s propulsion system is 40 percent more efficient than a traditional boat’s setup.

The post Six New Yachts for 2024 appeared first on Yachting.

During the Miami International Boat Show last February, a bevy of builders introduced a host of new models for yachting enthusiasts of all kinds. Attendees had the opportunity to see enhanced helm stations, eco-friendly propulsion options, plush creature comforts, and more. Here, we offer a glimpse at some of the yachts that were seen and talked about, whether they’re already under construction or just now coming off the drawing boards for early orders.

CLB80: Made for Different Cruising Styles

CL Yachts is adding a fourth model to its B Series: the CLB80, which joins the CLB65, CLB72 and CLB88 flagship. Aboard the CLB80, owners can choose a forward or aft galley. With the latter, there’s a stool-height dining table that can tuck away against the galley counter, becoming a high bar or a side table for different styles of entertaining. Owners also can choose a single or double helm station, depending on how they prefer to cruise. All four guest staterooms are belowdecks, including an amidships master that spans the 22-foot-6-inch beam. The VIP stateroom is forward with a skylight for additional natural light. There are also two crew cabins with separate access, located between the engine room and beach club.

Saxdor 400 GTO: A New Flagship

Saxdor Yachts is a Finnish yard that was established in 2019. It offers three models: the 270 GTO, the 320 GTO and the recently launched 400 GTO. Note the size of the foldout balcony in the image below; there’s another one on the starboard side of the vessel, substantially increasing the outdoor space when the boat is at anchor. Guests can have snacks or lunch in that shaded section or set out a spread forward on the table beneath open skies. Belowdecks are two staterooms: one forward and one amidships. For cruising families, the shipyard offers the option of adding a kids cabin. Standard power is a pair of 300 hp Mercury Marine V-8s, though the boat is designed for a maximum of 800 hp, if owners want other outboards at the transom.

Vicem TM 37: Sport Fishing in High Style

The TM in the model name of Vicem’s TM 37 stands for “Tuna Masters.” This is a line of center-console boats that the Turkish builder launched earlier this year, with more models expected to come at different lengths overall. Hull No. 1 of the TM 37 is powered by triple 350 hp Mercury Marine outboards that reportedly give eager-to-get-there anglers a top hop of nearly 48 knots. The standard power package is a pair of the 350s, which Vicem says allows for a top speed of about 40 knots. Range is estimated at 350 nautical miles, with a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer as part of the standard-equipment package for more-comfortable time spent on board. Belowdecks are twin berths and a wet head for overnights. Electronics at the helm are by Raymarine.

Cruisers Yachts 55 Fly: Coming this Spring

The 55 Fly is the first model in the new Flybridge series from Cruisers Yachts, which also offers Cantius and GLS series. Expect the official launch of the 55 Fly this spring, with the second model in the Flybridge series on tap for next year. Luiz De Basto collaborated with the Cruisers team on interiors, using the design theme “back to nature in a tech world.” Josh Delforge, vice president of operations and engineering at Cruisers, says that one goal with the 55 Fly was best-in-class water interaction—hence the foldout side platform and sizable swim platform shown in the image below. Power will be twin 725 hp Volvo Penta IPS950s, allowing extra volume to devote to the accommodations for six guests.

Princess Y95: High Style Meets 23-Knot Speed

The Y95 is the new flagship of Princess Yachts’ four-model Y Class of open-flybridge designs in larger sizes. There are five en suite staterooms for a total of 10 guests, with the master spanning the full beam on the main deck. The flybridge is set up for driving and entertaining in comfort. There are twin adjustable helm seats, along with a forward-facing L-shaped seating area for guests. The dining table up top seats 10 people (additional dining space is on the main deck). A bar on the flybridge includes a sink, an electric barbecue, a hob and a drawer refrigerator. Power is a pair of 2,000 hp MAN V-12s that, according to Princess, allow for a top speed of 23 knots. Crew quarters are abaft the engine room, separate from the guest spaces.

The post Five Top Yachts For 2024 appeared first on Yachting.

Any yacht that’s built with a “solar skin” is bound to attract owners who have at least a few thoughts about the environment. Such is the case with Sunreef’s Power Eco series of catamarans. Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso recently took delivery of a 60 Power Eco, saying that sustainability considerations were fundamental to his vessel choice. The owner of the first 80 Power Eco, christened Sól, built the yacht entirely cruelty-free, including far more than avoiding animal-derived fabrics such as leather.

As just one example, there’s a composting machine on board Sól. It lets the chefs reduce trash by turning scraps into fertilizer for island farmers, who, in exchange, provide the yacht with locally grown microgreens. “This is definitely different,” says chef Sara Nelson. “I don’t know any other boat doing these things to the level that we’re doing them.”

The captain of Sól thinks about sustainability right down to the crew’s polishing tools for the hull. “You need woolies, but I had to go to the manufacturer to see if it was real wool or not,” Capt. Jack Gorman says. “These are synthetic wool. That’s what we’re going for. Everything down to the bottom paint is cruelty-free. Ablative bottom paints, if you put 20 gallons of that on your yacht, it sloughs off into the environment, and it’s bad for the reefs. We’re using a silicon base without biocides.”

The 80’s two rotating chefs trained in plant-based cooking with celebrity chef Matthew Kenney. Aboard Sól, they will prepare any type of food that guests prefer, but they are ready for charter clients who want all-vegan menus.

“Most people are reducers,” the 80’s owner says. “A small percentage of the world is vegan, but the majority of people have been looking for plant-based options—not necessarily three meals a day, but they will choose a plant-based dinner some percentage of their evenings.” Aboard Sól, he adds, “it’s delicious, exquisite, high-quality plant-based options.”

As their name implies, the Sunreef Power Eco yachts also have electric power. Sunreef has been adding energy-saving air-conditioning systems, along with custom battery banks that are lighter—and, therefore, can be bigger—than the types of batteries some other builders are testing.

The result is the kind of cruising and charter experience that appeals to people who are eager to make an eco-friendly turn. As Alonso puts it, “long, fume-free and quiet cruises let you enjoy the seas on a whole new level. This yacht has some amazing technology that cannot be found anywhere else.”

Take the next step: sunreef-yachts.com

The post Sunreef Power Eco Is A Think-Different Catamaran appeared first on Yachting.

Here’s a fun fact: According to a recent survey of adults 18 and older, nearly 20 percent of Americans are now planning road trips with itineraries that are fully contained within 100 miles of home. People traveling really long distances for vacations—say, 1,000 or more miles from home—make up less than 7 percent of the US population.

The takeaway is that it sometimes pays big dividends to think small when it comes to planning an escape. With a boat, it’s entirely possible to spend an afternoon or a long weekend away from the grind, often right up the coast from home.

In fact, more and more marinas are adding waterfront dining and other amenities that make them great destinations unto themselves. Some marinas are also within walking distance or a quick cab ride of vibrant downtowns with all kinds of options for an afternoon escape or a long-weekend getaway.

One good example is Marina Jack in Sarasota, Florida. It’s part of the Suntex Marinas network, and its waterfront dining room is open daily for lunch and dinner. Specialties include steaks, seafood and pasta, along with gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. The marina is also within walking distance of downtown attractions, including off-site restaurants, for yachtsmen to explore.

Up the coast from there, for cruisers in the Chesapeake Bay region, is Little Creek Marina in Norfolk, Virginia. The Cutty Sark bar and restaurant is on-site at this Morningstar Marinas property, with another fun waterfront-dining option, Longboards, just a five-minute walk away (try the crab mac ’n’ cheese or the blackened yellowfin tuna tacos).

Another option for a quick escape is Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard in Rhode Island. It has on-site dining with Belle’s Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch daily (don’t miss the lobster rolls), and the marina is within walking distance of historical downtown Newport. Visiting boaters can enjoy the views at the shipyard and then stroll over to the photography gallery owned by renowned yacht photographer Onne van der Wal at Bannister’s Wharf. Grab a keepsake souvenir that shows the city or that inspires future escapes to other boating locales.

Yet another example is Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is part of the Suntex network and great for exploring the shops along Las Olas Boulevard. It’s also near the Riverwalk arts-and-entertainment district, which has galleries, dining and concerts.

The point is this: Yachtsmen who want to stay a bit closer to home often have fantastic options for a great escape. And sometimes a little change of pace can make a world of difference.

Notable Marinas for Waterfront Dining

• Dockside Marina in Milford, Connecticut, makes build-your-own pizzas, along with specialty versions such as the Mutha Shuka, which is topped with fresh clams and bacon.
• Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina in Chesapeake City, Maryland, makes memorable sushi, along with a duet of crab and lobster ravioli.
• The Boca Raton on Florida’s East Coast is home to The Flamingo Grill for serious steaks and chops.

The post Great Dayboating Cruising Options appeared first on Yachting.

A funny thing happened to Nordhavn chief of design Jeff Leishman one day while he was standing on the docks, looking out at the boats. Before him were a Nordhavn 120 and a Nordhavn 96, docked side by side. He knows each model inside and out, but in that moment, he realized just how different in size the two vessels were, and how hard it might be for owners to move up from one to the next. “It was evident that we needed something in between,” he says.

Enter the Nordhavn 112, which the company hopes will appeal not only to buyers looking to move up to a bigger boat, but also to buyers who want to downsize from larger yachts with extensive crew into something less complex.

“I think this design would be a perfect fit for anyone who has owned a large yacht with lots of crew and is looking to simplify things,” Leishman says. “Or anyone looking to upsize from something smaller and wants a true expedition yacht. She’ll be versatile enough to be ideal for a number of different buyers.”

Leishman expects the Nordhavn 112 to come in at less than 400 gross tons, with more manageable equipment and systems that can be handled by a small crew. The full-displacement steel hull will be able to carry enough fuel for transoceanic crossings, and the superstructure could be built in either aluminum or FRP.

Accommodations will include five staterooms for 10 people: a master and four queen-berth guest spaces. There also will be quarters for six crew, along with superyacht-style amenities such as fold-out balconies, a flybridge hot tub and a gym. The deck abaft the pilothouse will be sized to carry a 26-foot tender in addition to a smaller inflatable and personal watercraft.  

The post Go-Anywhere Style: the Nordhavn 112 appeared first on Yachting.

Let’s be honest, driving a boat with a joystick seemed altogether bizarre when Hinckley Yachts introduced the JetStick a quarter-century ago. “It’s a strange sensation,” Yachting’s editor-in-chief wrote in 1998. “It is intuitive and vastly different from any other steering and control function on any production powerboat I have been on. In simple terms, the joystick handles all facets of the boat, except for the rpm. I don’t need to do the usual hand dance and alternate between grabbing the wheel, throttle and gear shift.”

The JetStick was mind-bending stuff for old salts, but it made perfect sense to the Atari and Nintendo generation, who today are boat buyers in their 50s and 60s. And, just as video game technology has been evolving this whole time, so have joystick systems for boats.

Hinckley’s JetStick 4 is the newest iteration from the Maine boatbuilder. Hinckley’s team acknowledges that JetStick driving is becoming ubiquitous but adds that their goal is to have top-performing tech among all helms.

“We’re not the only ones in the industry offering this kind of innovation,” says Scott Bryant, Hinckley’s vice president of sales and marketing, “but the integration and functionality of JetStick 4 is the best of its kind.”

JetStick 4 has many of the same features as JetStick 3, but with better underlying GPS and digital processing, which Hinckley says add to the boat’s performance and maneuverability. Dock Hold and Heading Hold features now operate with more precision, and the transition between modes is more seamless.

No, this joystick system doesn’t let a skipper play Space Invaders or Super Mario Bros. at the helm, but who knows? Engineers are surely working on version 5 as we speak.

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