Most-read yacht reports
2023
As 2023 draws to a close, Holly Margerrison reflects on BOAT International's most-read yacht reports from the year, speaking to the writers and considering what made each boat the reader's choice...
1.
On board the 77m Feadship superyacht Boardwalk owned by Tilman Fertitta
76.5m | Feadship | 2021
What made this the reader’s choice?
Commissioned for US-based businessman Tilman Fertitta, the 77-metre Boardwalk follows in the footsteps of a long line of Westport yachts named Boardwalk; but the latest iteration marks the first Feadship. Although published in 2022, the yacht report still hooked the attention of our readers – after all, the switch from American to European yards was a fascinating decision.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“The owner really made the story. I met him on board in Miami, seated on the aft deck. His family was on board and he could not have been more hospitable. Of course, hospitality is his business and he brought a lot of that experience into the design of this yacht, which he did with his long-time yacht designer. The bars are spectacular, and I certainly was tempted to jump in the pool on the foredeck, particularly as the foredeck was hot, hot, hot (did I mention it was in Miami?).”
A sneak peek:
1.
On board the 77m Feadship superyacht Boardwalk owned by Tilman Fertitta
76.5m | Feadship | 2021
What made this the reader’s choice?
Commissioned for US-based businessman Tilman Fertitta, the 77-metre Boardwalk follows in the footsteps of a long line of Westport yachts named Boardwalk; but the latest iteration marks the first Feadship. Although published in 2022, the yacht report still hooked the attention of our readers – after all, the switch from American to European yards was a fascinating decision.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“The owner really made the story. I met him on board in Miami, seated on the aft deck. His family was on board and he could not have been more hospitable. Of course, hospitality is his business and he brought a lot of that experience into the design of this yacht, which he did with his long-time yacht designer. The bars are spectacular, and I certainly was tempted to jump in the pool on the foredeck, particularly as the foredeck was hot, hot, hot (did I mention it was in Miami?).”
A sneak peek:
2.
Inside the top-to-toe restoration of 1930s classic Marala
58.8m | Camper & Nicholsons | 1931
What made this the reader’s choice?
Two years after checking her in for her full-scale restoration, 59-metre Marala graced the cover of BOAT International to show off a remarkably well-preserved exterior that won her a coveted Neptune at the 2023 World Superyacht Awards. Our yacht report delved into all the major changes and minute details that the yard and designers pored over.
Nigel Sharp stepped on board…
“Marala has a fascinating history and that has been respected throughout this restoration. For instance, to mention just a couple of examples of this, all her cabins have been given names with historical significance, and the retention of the Ministry of Defence-issued clock and radar mast pay homage to her distinguished World War Two service.”
A sneak peek:
2.
Inside the top-to-toe restoration of 1930s classic Marala
58.8m | Camper & Nicholsons | 1931
What made this the reader’s choice?
Two years after checking her in for her full-scale restoration, 59-metre Marala graced the cover of BOAT International to show off a remarkably well-preserved exterior that won her a coveted Neptune at the 2023 World Superyacht Awards. Our yacht report delved into all the major changes and minute details that the yard and designers pored over.
Nigel Sharp stepped on board…
“Marala has a fascinating history and that has been respected throughout this restoration. For instance, to mention just a couple of examples of this, all her cabins have been given names with historical significance, and the retention of the Ministry of Defence-issued clock and radar mast pay homage to her distinguished World War Two service.”
A sneak peek:
3.
Edge: On board the 26m racing-red pocket superyacht by Sarp Yachts
26m | Sarp Yachts | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
SARP Yachts remained relatively under-the-radar since their first boat in 2016, so when a roaring-red pocket superyacht raced out of their yard in 2022, all eyes were on 26-metre Edge. The daring design, both inside and out, proved popular with our readers.
Risa Merl stepped on board…
“It wasn't hard to spot Edge among the other white-hulled yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival (in 2022). Its colourful hull grabbed my attention initially, but what really made me take notice was the ingeniously designed general arrangement, which not only maximised the yacht's volume, but included many flexible living spaces, like a lower-deck lounge that could turn into a VIP cabin.”
A sneak peek:
3.
Edge: On board the 26m racing-red pocket superyacht by Sarp Yachts
26m | Sarp Yachts | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
SARP Yachts remained relatively under-the-radar since their first boat in 2016; so when a roaring-red pocket superyacht raced out of their yard in 2022, all eyes were on 26-metre Edge. The daring design, both inside and out, proved popular with our readers.
Risa Merl stepped on board…
“It wasn't hard to spot Edge among the other white-hulled yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival (in 2022). Its colourful hull grabbed my attention initially, but what really made me take notice was the ingeniously designed general arrangement, which not only maximised the yacht's volume, but included many flexible living spaces, like a lower-deck lounge that could turn into a VIP cabin.”
A sneak peek:
4.
Sanlorenzo SP110
35.5m | Sanlorenzo | 2023
What made this the reader’s choice?
The SP110 marked Sanlorenzo’s entry into the sports yacht market and is the first in the shipyard’s ‘Smart Performance’ range. To this end, it was one of the most talked about yachts of the winter, pushing the boundaries of the design philosophy with a cavernous, double-height interior. Our report delved into the hype behind the hydro jet-powered sports yacht.
Risa Merl stepped on board…
“With the aft doors flung open, it was an immediate wow moment when I saw the SP110's multi-level layout from the dock. This yacht challenges the idea of what a typical high-performance boat should look like, and whenever a yard is bold enough to go off-piste, it always makes the writer's job more interesting.”
A sneak peek:
4.
Sanlorenzo SP110
35.5m | Sanlorenzo | 2023
What made this the reader’s choice?
The SP110 marked Sanlorenzo’s entry into the sports yacht market and is the first in the shipyard’s ‘Smart Performance’ range. To this end, it was one of the most talked about yachts of the winter, pushing the boundaries of the design philosophy with a cavernous, double-height interior. Our report delved into the hype behind the hydro jet-powered sports yacht.
Risa Merl stepped on board…
“With the aft doors flung open, it was an immediate wow moment when I saw the SP110's multi-level layout from the dock. This yacht challenges the idea of what a typical high-performance boat should look like, and whenever a yard is bold enough to go off-piste, it always makes the writer's job more interesting.”
A sneak peek:
5.
N1: On board Mangusta's 50m revolution
49.9m | Mangusta, a brand of Overmarine Group | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
The never-before-seen interiors of Overmarine's 50-metre Mangusta 165 REV were full of surprises, like the retro owner's suite and glass that extends up to the ceiling in the main saloon. Crowd-pleasing features like the foredeck pool and sporty silhouette made her an instant hit.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“This yacht really amazed me. There is absolutely no way to sense the scale of the interior by looking at the profile. The designer, Igor Lobanov, and the yard pulled a magic trick. I think it is spectacular in terms of its lines and interior space, and the efficiency has reduced considerably the fuel consumption (as much as you can on a fast 50-meter yacht).”
A sneak peek:
5.
N1: On board Mangusta's 50m revolution
49.9m | Mangusta, a brand of Overmarine Group | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
The never-before-seen interiors of Overmarine's 50-metre Mangusta 165 REV were full of surprises, like the retro owner's suite and glass that extends up to the ceiling in the main saloon. Crowd-pleasing features like the foredeck pool and sporty silhouette made her an instant hit.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“This yacht really amazed me. There is absolutely no way to sense the scale of the interior by looking at the profile. The designer, Igor Lobanov, and the yard pulled a magic trick. I think it is spectacular in terms of its lines and interior space, and the efficiency has reduced considerably the fuel consumption (as much as you can on a fast 50-meter yacht).”
A sneak peek:
6.
Athos: How an owner's vision transformed a 63m schooner for global adventure
63.3m | Holland Jachtbouw | 2010
What made this the reader’s choice?
Our June issue cover star, Athos, won the Refitted Yachts category at the World Superyacht Awards 2023. She had up to 50 people working on her at any one time and was a real labour of love for the new owner, who reshaped the schooner into the ideal yacht for his around-the-world adventure. BOAT unpacked the owner’s enduring love for the 63-metre yacht.
Kate Lardy stepped on board…
“My favourite aspect about writing this feature was I got to fly to the Bahamas to see the yacht. It was a quick trip, back and forth in a day, but the sun was shining, the water was its special shade of blue and the view from the crow’s nest was glorious.”
A sneak peek:
6.
Athos: How an owner's vision transformed a 63m schooner for global adventure
63.3m | Holland Jachtbouw | 2010
What made this the reader’s choice?
Our June issue cover star, Athos, won the Refitted Yachts category at the World Superyacht Awards 2023. She had up to 50 people working on her at any one time and was a real labour of love for the new owner, who reshaped the schooner into the ideal yacht for his around-the-world adventure. BOAT unpacked the owner’s enduring love for the 62-metre.
Kate Lardy stepped on board…
“My favourite aspect about writing this feature was I got to fly to the Bahamas to see the yacht. It was a quick trip, back and forth in a day, but the sun was shining, the water was its special shade of blue and the view from the crow’s nest was glorious.”
A sneak peek:
7.
Arrow: How a first-time owner entered yachting at 75 metres
75m | Feadship | 2002
What made this the reader’s choice?
Snapped up by a first-time owner, the 75-metre Feadship Arrow was sold after just 10 weeks on the market. She was launched in 2020 but her official reveal was delayed by Covid-19 and then by the yacht’s busy schedule of owner and charter use. With an owner who was heavily involved in her build, BOAT got the exclusive on the H2 Yacht Design vessel.
Marilyn Mower stepped on board…
“How do you breathe life into a new boat feature when the boat is no longer new? That was the challenge with Feadship Arrow as her owner, who was intricately a part of her creation, did not allow access or photography after delivery, or for the next 2 years! Lucky for me she was on my turf when he changed his mind. It is such a smart boat in terms of GA and equipment that there was plenty to say. It was the owner's first boat; I hope he does another one!”
A sneak peek:
7.
Arrow: How a first-time owner entered yachting at 75 metres
75m | Feadship | 2002
What made this the reader’s choice?
Snapped up by a first-time owner, the 75-metre Feadship Arrow was sold after just 10 weeks on the market. She was launched in 2020 but her official reveal was delayed by Covid-19 and then by the yacht’s busy schedule of owner and charter use. With an owner who was heavily involved in her build, BOAT got the exclusive on the H2 Yacht Design vessel.
Marilyn Mower stepped on board…
“How do you breathe life into a new boat feature when the boat is no longer new? That was the challenge with Feadship Arrow as her owner, who was intricately a part of her creation, did not allow access or photography after delivery, or for the next 2 years! Lucky for me she was on my turf when he changed his mind. It is such a smart boat in terms of GA and equipment that there was plenty to say. It was the owner's first boat; I hope he does another one!”
A sneak peek:
8.
How a US owner found yachting paradise in 67m Benetti Calex
67m | Benetti | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
Serial owner John Staluppi nudged the owner of 67-metre Calex into buying a Benetti and the result was a distinctly Italian yacht with some classically American touches. The custom build graced the cover for BOAT International's 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition issue.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“What made the story for me was my chat with the owner and finding out about his history with boating. He looked for a long time before deciding to build a Benetti, which while it is based on a pre-engineered platform, looks as custom as can be.”
A sneak peek:
8.
How a US owner found yachting paradise in 67m Benetti Calex
67m | Benetti | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
Serial owner John Staluppi nudged the owner of 67-metre Calex into buying a Benetti and the result was a distinctly Italian yacht with some classically American touches. The custom build graced the cover for BOAT International's 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition issue.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“What made the story for me was my chat with the owner and finding out about his history with boating. He looked for a long time before deciding to build a Benetti, which while it is based on a pre-engineered platform, looks as custom as can be.”
A sneak peek:
9.
Exclusive: Inside Bilgin's dazzling 80m Leona
80m | Bilgin | 2023
What made this the reader’s choice?
With her crimson hull, svelte profile and pointed bow, Leona has aptly been dubbed “the Red Bullet”. The drama doesn’t stop there, though, with her rich interiors that command attention – not least the beach club flanked by Greek statues with overhead lights impersonating the night sky. BOAT pulled back the curtain on the 80-metre, which featured as our cover boat for the September issue.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“I think I dropped my teeth when I walked into the beach club but then everything was amazing on this yacht – the amount and quality of materials, the sound system, the waterfall along the staircase, but beyond that, the quality of the engineering is remarkable. It won’t rate on TikTok, but that’s important. If it doesn’t work below, the trip will be a disaster.”
A sneak peek:
9.
Exclusive: Inside Bilgin's dazzling 80m Leona
80m | Bilgin | 2023
What made this the reader’s choice?
With her crimson hull, svelte profile and pointed bow, Leona has aptly been dubbed “the Red Bullet”. The drama doesn’t stop there, though, with her rich interiors that command attention – not least the beach club flanked by Greek statues with overhead lights impersonating the night sky. BOAT pulled back the curtain on the 80-metre, which featured as our cover boat for the September issue.
Cecile Gauert stepped on board…
“I think I dropped my teeth when I walked into the beach club but then everything was amazing on this yacht – the amount and quality of materials, the sound system, the waterfall along the staircase, but beyond that, the quality of the engineering is remarkable. It won’t rate on TikTok, but that’s important. If it doesn’t work below, the trip will be a disaster.”
A sneak peek:
10.
How the 88m Project X came to life over 14 years
88m | Golden Yachts | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
Spanning three continents, three shipyards, three oceans, two design firms and over a decade in the works, Project X was indeed a challenge. BOAT got the scoop on how the determined team at Golden Yachts brought its 88m project to life.
Marilyn Mower stepped on board…
“Knowing the boat began as a basket case in Chile, I was sceptical that what would emerge 10 years later would be worth my time. But there she was, a stunning new build! This I had to see — and share!”
A sneak peek:
10.
How the 88m Project X came to life over 14 years
88m | Golden Yachts | 2022
What made this the reader’s choice?
Spanning three continents, three shipyards, three oceans, two design firms and over a decade in the works, Project X was indeed a challenge. BOAT got the scoop on how the determined team at Golden Yachts brought its 88m project to life.
Marilyn Mower stepped on board…
“Knowing the boat began as a basket case in Chile, I was sceptical that what would emerge 10 years later would be worth my time. But there she was, a stunning new build! This I had to see — and share!”
A sneak peek: