2014: Upcoming And Exciting Yacht Premieres

Looking back to August, we witnessed the launch of a few very special and beautiful yachts. Here are a few more stats about this past year.

According to industry reports, 2013 saw about 230 superyacht launches. The average length of launched superyachts was around 37 metres. And, as we all know, 2013 also saw the launch of the longest and largest superyacht to date: the 180m Azzam (I don’t get tired of mentioning this one). Furthermore, the largest superyacht ordered in 2013 was 120m long and there were a total of about 240 yachts ordered. And then there’s also the trend for the superyacht market to grow, as Asia is becoming a bigger and more significant market.

By all accounts, this has been a successful year and I am very curious what the figures will be like in a year’s time. But for now let’s move on and have a peek at some of the upcoming yacht launches and deliveries.

107m Explorer by Kleven

You might have second thoughts when you hear about this one but to me it sounds exciting. This 107m superyacht by Kleven is supposed to launch a year from now. The yacht, which is planned as an Expedition Support Vessel, was specifically ordered at the Norwegian yard.

The reasons for this are the Norwegian design as well as Kleven’s reliability and expertise in building offshore vessels. Don’t be fooled though – the hard-working exterior will hide many luxurious extras such as a swimming pool, a tender and other toys. I’m quite curious what kind of expeditions this yacht will be going on.

Global Yacht by Lürssen

I actually wanted to say something about Quantum Blue, a 102m yacht by Lürssen which will supposedly launch in 2014. But, alas, Lürssen are not only good at building yachts but also at hiding them. As Peter Lürssen was once heard saying: “It is pretty simple. You keep it locked up!” So, while we wait for a picture of Quantum Blue to emerge, here’s Global.

The 93 metre Global was launched last year and is scheduled to be delivered sometime next year. With an exterior design by Espen Øino and interior design by Reymond Langton, Global will offer comfort to about 12 guests in her 6 cabins. While not much is yet known about her (how surprising), Moran Yacht & Ship’s website states that she will have both a helicopter landing pad and a helicopter on board. It remains to be seen what Global will be about but the initial concept and the photos from the launch look promising.

Project 120 (with design by H2 Yacht Design)

H2's website does not specifically state the builder of this yacht but other sources online claim it was launched in 1991 by a Polish shipyard. Be it as it may, the 120m vessel is currently under conversion and its interior and exterior design are being taken care of by H2. It is expected to launch in 2014 and be able to accommodate up to 54 passengers.

Tenders and a helicopter are included, it goes without saying. So are a spa, pools, a nightclub, a conference or business centre, a sushi bar and cinema. It may have been built more than 20 years ago but H2's expert vision and skills are shaking the dust off it and turning it into a jewel. Truly a successful way to ‘repurpose’ a yacht.

Troy by Esenyacht

True to its name, Esenyacht's performance sailing yacht Troy has a very dignified look. The sleek lines and sharp front give her a type of 'galley' feel. Paired with the Trojan helmet on the sail, she is ideal for competitive regatta but is also intended for luxury cruising with a 10+2 guest capacity.

Tim Saunders is working together with Esenyacht in devising the interior and exterior of Troy. Special features include a carbon mast as well as custom carbon diesel jet tenders. Other materials on the inside are marble and fine Italian leather. The release of this one in late 2014 is highly anticipated.

Azimut Grande 95RPH by Azimut Yacht

New in the Grande line is the Azimut Grande 95RPH, the first of which will come out in Spring 2014. This will be the smallest Grande in the range but the folks at Azimut have found a number of solutions so as not to affect the style. RPH stands for Raised Pilot House, one of the alterations in the yacht's construction and design.

This makes the separation between the wheelhouse and the main deck more pronounced. Furthermore, due to this design there are a total of 5 cabins on board and the whole yacht is intended to feel spacious and open. Exterior designer Stefano Righini is the one who came up with this solution, without altering the exterior so that the 95RPH perfectly fits into the family.

New in the Grande line is the Azimut Grande 95RPH, the first of which will come out in Spring 2014. This will be the smallest Grande in the range but the folks at Azimut have found a number of solutions so as not to affect the style. RPH stands for Raised Pilot House, one of the alterations in the yacht’s construction and design.

This makes the separation between the wheelhouse and the main deck more pronounced. Furthermore, due to this design there are a total of 5 cabins on board and the whole yacht is intended to feel spacious and open. Exterior designer Stefano Righini is the one who came up with this solution, without altering the exterior so that the 95RPH perfectly fits into the family.

Stay tuned!

According to further industry data, currently about 740 yachts are being constructed in the world. And while not all of them will be launched in the next year, there will be plenty for us to enjoy and marvel at. 2014 will be interesting, that’s for sure!