This month saw a series of unfortunate incidents that shook the industry, with numerous superyachts suffering from fires, groundings, and alarming tilts. Feadship once again took center stage, sharing updates on two eagerly awaited projects, while Amels drew attention with the introduction of a vividly blue 60-meter yacht. In an exceptional piece of charter news, it was revealed that the presidential yacht once used by John F. Kennedy is now available for charter.
BOAT reflects on an eventful month and highlights everything you may have overlooked…
1. Major shipyard fire at Lürssen prompts employee evacuation
Credit: Andreas Jens/Superyachtblog
A fire ignited in a shed and spread to other sections of the shipyard, resulting in partial collapse of the hall’s roof and facade. Over 400 emergency responders, including two rescue helicopters, arrived at the scene. While it was reported that a superyacht under construction sustained damage, Lürssen has not officially confirmed this.
Read More/Major shipyard fire at Lürssen extinguished after 20 hours
2. 38m Sanlorenzo motor yacht Lovebug experiences damage in Chesapeake Bay
This week, the 37.8-meter yacht Lovebug foundered and listed in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay in the United States. According to local media, the Sanlorenzo vessel began taking on water and was intentionally grounded to prevent capsizing. A salvage operation is currently underway.
Read More/Watch: sunken 38m motor yacht Lovebug refloated in Chesapeake Bay
3. 47m Perini Navi sailing yacht Tamarita runs aground off Greece
The 46.5-meter sailing yacht Tamarita ran aground near Greece’s Paxos island after hitting a coral reef. BOATPro reports that the Perini Navi has been stranded since July 9.
Read More/47m Perini Navi sailing yacht Tamarita runs aground in Greece
4. Nautor Swan unveils first hybrid sailing yacht DreamCatcher
Finnish shipyard Nautor Swan delivered the 28.3-meter DreamCatcher to her owner this month. Set for her global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, this hybrid sailing yacht has been described as a “no-compromise cruiser with a racing spirit.”
Read More/Nautor Swan delivers first hybrid sailing yacht DreamCatcher
5. Pearl Yachts introduces “most compact superyacht available”
This month, British brand Pearl Yachts made headlines with the launch of the inaugural Pearl 82. This 25.3-meter model boasts two aft deck layouts and a semi-walkaround deck, complete with a forward master suite and private forepeak terrace, thus earning the title “most compact superyacht on the market,” according to managing director Iain Smallridge.
Read More/First look inside “most compact superyacht on the market”
6. Legendary 126m explorer yacht Octopus finishes nine-month refit
The 126.2-meter Lürssen explorer yacht Octopus was sighted for the first time after her nine-month refit at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany. Delivered in 2003 for the late Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates, the yacht made a notable reappearance.
Read More/Legendary 126m explorer yacht Octopus completes nine-month refit
7. Sixth Amels 60 superyacht launched in “striking” shade of blue
Damen Yachting launched the sixth Amels 60 from its Vlissingen facility in the Netherlands. While retaining the series’ signature Espen Øino-designed exterior, she features key updates including a “striking” color scheme, windbreakers, and swimming steps.
Read More/Sixth Amels 60 superyacht launched in “striking” shade of blue
8. 92m hybrid electric Feadship Drizzle delivered
This month saw the delivery of the 91.8-meter Feadship superyacht Drizzle after successful sea trials in June. With its distinctive chamfered exterior and a more traditional flared bow, it is the first Feadship to hold full Hybrid Electric Class notation.
Read More/92m hybrid electric Feadship Drizzle delivered to owner
9. Solar-powered 60m Feadship begins journey for sea trials
The solar-powered superyacht Project 713 departed Feadship’s De Vries facility earlier this month. This marks her first sighting since June’s launch, showcasing her solar panels up close. She is now recognized as B based on images of her transom.
Read More/Solar-powered 60m Feadship en route to begin sea trials
10. Presidential yacht used by John F. Kennedy is now charterable
Credit: White House Photographs, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Lastly, the iconic presidential yacht Honey Fitz has entered the charter market for the first time. Delivered in 1931, this 28.3-meter yacht has hosted five US presidents: Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and John F. Kennedy.
Read More/Presidential yacht used by John F. Kennedy now available for charter