While many industries ground to a halt momentarily last year due to COVID-19, leading shipyards were busier than ever completing some of the world’s most exciting new build yachts, ready to be delivered in 2021.
Quickly adapting to the new norm of working remotely, with social distancing measures and shifted timetables introduced on site, a number of eagerly-anticipated superyacht projects were completed in shipyards during the pandemic, ready for launch this year. In fact, in the absence of any yacht shows taking place in 2020, some new build yachts were finished ahead of time. Camper and Nicholsons CEO Paolo Casani told SuperyachtNews that there were “some interesting yachts under construction that are available with short delivery times, which is likely a consequence of the pandemic.”
Design trends for new build yachts in 2021
The industry should expect to see some throwback design features highlighted in this year’s new build yachts, with high-gloss finishes, mid-century furnishings and 70’s prints making an appearance. Shipbuilders are also endeavouring to use more eco-friendly materials in their creations, with aluminium hulls being particularly popular as they can be sourced from recycled products and fully recycled when the yachts are scrapped.
Another phenomenon that Relevance Yacht is noticing in new boats built from scratch is the use of more glass, inside and out. For example, Aberking & Rasmussen ambitiously designed an open staircase out of glass panels on the 80m superyacht Excellence, whilst Benetti’s 107m Luminosity features nearly 9,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling windows spanning across four decks.
Finally, we can also anticipate seeing more space being focused around wellness on new builds this year, with health being increasingly important to owners after a year when the well-being of so many has been compromised. Laura Pomponi, chief executive of Luxury Projects, told Boat International that her company was receiving more and more “requests for a full deck packed with everything imaginable to do with wellness: a fully-equipped gym and free exercise floor, sauna, steam room, dressing rooms and showers, with a treatment space adjacent such as a barbershop, beauty salon, massage and relax lounge with detox bar and lounge seating.”
Such new styles lend themselves very well to yacht charters, which are increasingly being seen by HNWs and UHNWs as the ideal way to take a holiday safely, in controllable conditions aboard a seven-star floating hotel. Armed with every amenity possible to keep all ages and tastes of guests happy and stimulated during their holiday, including those focused around health and wellness, many new build superyachts can be marketed as the perfect way for guests to recharge their batteries and soak up vitamin D in a fully COVID-secure environment.
Relevance Yachts’ top 10 new build yachts to expect in 2021
Below are some of our favourite new build yachts expected this year, featuring some of the latest design trends.
- Nord
At 142m, this Lürssen project will become the 10th largest yacht in the world when delivered early this year. Designed by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard, Nord can comfortably accommodate 36 passengers and boasts not one but two helipads, a sports and diving centre on the lower deck and a fleet of tenders. She has a very distinct hull design and is described by Lenard as “a warship wearing a tuxedo, an explorer with the elegance of a gentleman’s yacht.”
- Altea
The brainchild of Heesen, 50m Altea will be launched in June. Currently on sale for $42,666,600, the yacht’s exterior has been designed by Omega Architects, while her interior is the work of the Cristiano Gatto Design Team. Altrea can sumptuously accommodate 12 guests and 9 crew members. Other features include floor-to-ceiling windows, an entertainment lounge and spacious beach club.
- Oceanco Y719
At 117m, Project Y719 by Oceanco is scheduled for delivery in the Spring of 2022. She is the shipyard’s largest contract to date as well as being the largest yacht currently under construction in the Netherlands. The five-deck yacht features a steel hull and aluminium
- Project Black Shark
At the other end of the spectrum, this new build by Nobiskrug has rarely been out of the press since her conception. The 77m yacht has five decks and a matte-black hull which has been designed to resemble sharkskin. Meanwhile her mast resembles a shark fin.
- 78M Amels
The largest-ever fully custom Amels superyacht is set to make waves when it is launched this year. Designed by Espen Øino, key features include a 2,850GT interior by François Zuretti and spacious outdoor relaxation areas which include a spa pool and sunbathing area on the foredeck.
- Boardwalk
Also known by her code name Project 707, this 76.5m Feadship was built for American restaurant and casino mogul Tilman Fertitta. Boardwalk has been designed by De Voogt Naval Architects and features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
- Majesty 175
This 53m superyacht based in the United Arab Emirates is the world’s largest production-built fibreglass yacht. Accommodating up to 14 guests, Majesty 175 boasts a 5-metre pool, a deck gym and an elevator servicing all four decks.
- Project Phi
Everything about this 58.5m superyacht by Royal Huisman relates to Phi, or the Golden Ratio, a mathematical concept since the time of the ancient Greeks. “The owner of Phi wanted to build a yacht with a profound underlying story,” her designer, Cor Rover, told Boat International. The intriguing superyacht with interior designs by Lawson Robb can accommodate a total of 12 guests and 11 crew.
- Project 816
Another new build yacht expected to unveil this year but about which we know very little is Project 816, by Feadship. What we do know is that the 88.38m yacht will feature a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, four decks and a beam of 13.5 metres.
- 138
Currently under construction in Ancona, the 62m superyacht by CRN has four decks and can accommodate a total of 14 guests. The superyacht has been designed by Omega Architects with interiors by Pulina Exclusive Interiors.
To learn more about yacht design trends and the yachting market, please get in touch with our experts today.