Each year, shipyards worldwide push the boundaries of design and engineering with even more impressive builds, and 2024 was no exception. With a growing number of superyachts surpassing the 100-metre mark, the industry continues to thrive. BOAT takes a closer look at the standout launches from each region, kicking off with The Netherlands’s impressive contribution to the global fleet…
The Netherlands
Project 821
Builder: Feadship
Length: 119m
Project 821 is the largest yacht to launch from The Netherlands this year, overtaking the 118.8-metre Launchpad. At 119-metres, this is the world’s first fuel-cell powered superyacht, able to store liquid hydrogen to generate electrical power for hotel load and coastal cruising. Designed by RWD, the yacht boasts more hull openings than the Dutch yard has ever attempted before, with 14 balconies and seven unfolding platforms. Accommodating 30 guests across 12 cabins and supported by 44 crew, the Feadship yacht features a semi-submerged Neptune lounge, 8.2-metre pool, cinema, hospital, and library. She completed sea trials this November, and Jamie Edmiston, CEO at Edmiston, has praised the flagship project as “the best yacht ever built.”
Read More/Landmark 119m fuel-cell Feadship superyacht Project 821 completes sea trialsTurkey
Nympheas
Builder: Turquoise Yachts
Length: 79m
A milestone for the Turkish shipyard Turquoise Yachts, previously dubbed Project Toro, Nympheas, began construction in 2021 and is slated for delivery next year. Marking the first collaboration between the yard and design house, Harrison Eidsgaard, various features set her apart, such as the neo-classic exteriors and her dual-tone paint job. Onboard highlights include an 8.5-metre swimming pool, a semi-submerged Neptune lounge, and a beach club with side-opening platforms.Spanning her 13.2-metre beam, she can sleep 14 guests in seven cabins.
Read More/Exclusive: 79m Turquoise yacht Project Toro spotted ahead of deliveryItaly
Platinum
Builder: Admiral
Length: 78m
Admiral’s largest superyacht to date is the 78-metre Platinum. Her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show this year was highly anticipated after much of the yacht’s details had been kept under wraps since construction began in 2019. Her soft lines and sculptural overhangs are the works of Igor Lobanov, with naval architecture from Azure Yacht Design. Exterior details include an infinity pool on the aft deck, a helipad and a sundeck bar. Meanwhile, her interiors are thanks to Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.
Read More/Secretive 78m Admiral flagship delivered and en route to TunisiaCroatia
Resposado
Builder: Tramontana Yachts
Length: 51.9m
A big splash was made from Croatia earlier this year by Tramontana's flagship 52-metre Reposado. The custom-built motor sailing yacht encompasses contemporary interiors by Natala Orlovic of NO.mad Design which are inspired by nature and let in plenty of natural light. Elsewhere, the vast sundeck is a social hub with a Jacuzzi, fire pit, TV projector, and open-air kitchen. Available for sale and charter with IYC, the yacht also benefits from six convertible cabins, an array of water toys and an optional chase boat, wheelchair-friendly access and pet-friendly spaces.
Poland
Extra Time
Builder: Conrad
Length: 44.3m
The second hull in the shipyard’s acclaimed C144S line, took the best news series award at this year’s BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards. This Conrad yacht was commissioned by a family’s first foray into yachting and designed by Reymond Langton Design, with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. The clean, contemporary and minimal interiors are thanks to M2 Atelier with personal touches such as an electric piano and a King Kong sculpture. Extra Time was delivered in spring this year, she is now available for charter with Cecil Wright and can accommodate ten guests in five cabins.
UAE
Simplicity
Builder: Gulf Craft
Length: 43.1m
Earlier this year, the 43.1-metre Simplicity emerged from the Gulf Craft's sheds, taking the lead for the UAE. She is the sixth unit in the third largest model of the Majesty 140 series. The trideck layout includes five cabins, with a highlight in the main deck owner's suite, including "one touch" drop-down balconies. Cristiano Gatto was responsible for the sleek and contemporary interiors. She also features an expansive beach club, two aft balconies, and a waterfall into the Jacuzzi on the sundeck.
Brazil
Hygge
Builder: MCP Yachts
Length: 40.7m
Hygge is a 40.7-metre full-custom explorer yacht. She represents the Brazilian shipyard’s most ambitious project - being the longest yacht that their facilities can accommodate. Designed by Vripack, the yacht challenges traditional size limitations with an innovative approach to space and volume. Boasting a 376 GT volume, she is the largest full aluminium motor yacht built in South America. Alongside alfresco dining and entertaining spaces, she hosts a lower deck beach club and spa complete with a gym and sauna. The yard claims Hygge delivers the comfort of a 50-metre yacht, showcasing the design philosophy of maximising spaces.
Australia
Reduce
Builder: Silver Yachts
Length: 36m
Silver Yacht’s has claimed the trophy for Australia’s biggest launch this year with its first SpaceCat model. Conceived by the partnership of Guido Krass and Espen Oeino, the 36-metre catamaran Reduce takes design cues from the yard’s efficient slender monohulls. She boasts an impressive 400-square-metres of interior space and a substantial 483 GT volume. Characterised by large windows and high ceilings, interior volume has been prioritised, with the yard affirming that she is "more a house than a yacht."
New Zealand
Gramac VII
Builder: Yachting Developments
Length: 34.9m
Gramac VII was designed solely by Warwick Yacht Design, and is the largest yacht to hit New Zealand waters. The 34.9-metre carbon fibre yacht has been tailored to sportfishing activities with an elevated mezzanine cockpit for viewing purposes, and additions such as a live bait tank. The open-planned interior layout can host up to 10 guests in four cabins. She boasts a cruising speed of over 20 knots, enabling guests to cover plenty of fishing grounds, while her 1.9-metre draught welcomes flexibility when anchoring.
United Kingdom
Fox
Builder: Pendennis
Length: 34.9m
The biggest project to be launched by UK-based Pendennis shipyard this year is the 34.86-metre Fox. An explorer yacht that pays homage to Robert Were Fox the Younger, the 19th-century scientist renowned for his compass designs. Penned inside and out by Q London, with Diana Yacht Design responsible for naval architecture, the yacht is bold and practical. She features a versatile configuration with a large open aft deck capable of storing two 7.5-metre tenders and other adventure equipment, including Jet Skis and quad bikes with the option of submersibles. The yacht for sale with Burgess is ready for an adventurous owner to take the reins.
Taiwan
Ocean Lily
Builder: Horizon
Length: 33m
The latest of Horizon’s FD100 models to splash is the 33-metre Ocean Lily. Building on the yard’s previous Ocean Lily model, this yacht accommodates ten guests across five cabins. Cor D. Rover's interior features a statement pumpkin centrepiece from a Japanese artist in the main saloon. The art-inspired theme continues as each cabin pays tribute to a different artist. For entertaining, the upper deck includes a 14-seat table with teppanyaki barbecue and a karaoke system in the skylounge. Meanwhile, the swim platform houses plenty of toys, a dedicated freezer room, Jet Skis and a tender, with a gym also found on the lower deck.
South Africa
Liberty
Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Length: 31.4m
From the drawing boards of Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Southern Wind's SW96 Liberty is a 31.41-metre carbon fibre cruiser yacht, and according to the yard the kind of project they love to build. The newest yacht to compete in this year's Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, she showcased her race-ready features such as the fixed bowsprit, twin rudders and lifting keel features. Commissioned by a second-time Southern Wind owner, the raised saloon configuration with a low-profile coachroof lets in plenty of natural light.
Finland
DreamCatcher
Builder: Nautor Swan
Length: 28.3m
DreamCatcher, delivered to her owner this July, marks the Finnish shipyard’s first hybrid sailing yacht. Featuring “feminine exterior lines” courtesy of Swan designer German Frers, she showcased at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024. For racing, highlights include a 4-metre draught with options for shallower and a telescopic and performance keel. Her warm, classic interiors by Misa Poggi provide accommodation for ten guests.
Finland
Spiip
Builder: Nautor Swan
Length: 28.3m
The Finnish shipyard takes a joint top spot with its second Swan 88 series yacht, Spipp, launched just after her sistership DreamCatcher. For performance, she boasts a high modulus mast, square top mainsail and winch upgrades to optimise sailing efficiency. Naval architecture is thanks to the veteran Swan designer German Frers and exterior lines from Lucio Micheletti. Meanwhile, the neutral and modern interiors are designed by Misa Poggi. A key highlight is the "sunset lounge", forward of the mast.
USA
Nikki Bella
Builder: Viking
Length: 27.4m
Inspired by the Viking 92 and Viking 80 models, Nikki Bella is the largest launch stateside this year. The sportfishing yacht has various features for the activity, such as a large cockpit with a live bait well and aft-facing seating. This 27.41-meter motor yacht is one of 15 90 models.
France
Agave
Builder: Gunboat
Length: 28.3m
Agave was launched earlier this year, joining her sistership Highland Fling XVIII on the water. Her sleek, low profile is the work of Chedal Anglay and Patrick Le Quement, with VPLP Design in charge of the engineering. The upgraded rigging and deck hardware, alongside the t-foils, which claim to reduce pitching “by around 30 percent,” add to the high-performing characteristics.