It Must Be Spring: New Launches Flourish

Spring is here and yards all over the world are unveiling new launches and new projects. Follow us as we check in with Amels, Benetti, Codecasa, Cantiere delle Marche, and Heesen.

By Erica Cooper

April 1, 2013

Amels 180 limited Edition

Amels has launched Engelberg, an Amels 180 Limited Edition. This Tim Heywood-styled yacht includes custom features that increase interior volume, including a widebody skylounge. Other interesting features include fold-down balconies at the main-deck level, easy-access foldout stairs on the swim platform and a sundeck engineered to serve as a touch-and-go helipad. The contemporary interior—a product of Enzo Enea and Focus Yacht Design—is a tribute to nature with an array of blues, greens and earth tones. Engelberg’s 14 guests will travel in luxurious comfort attended by a staff of 16. Top speed is expected to be 15.5 knots with a 4,500nm range at 13 knots. The project is being managed by Ocean Management and the Owner is being represented by Jeroen Minnema from Ocean Independence.

For more information, visit amels-holland.com or oceanindependence.com

Benetti Ocean Paradise

After the launch of the second Benetti Crystal 140 Luna in Viareggio, Benetti Yachts celebrated the launch of the 180-foot (55-meter) Ocean Paradise (ex FB 263), this time, at its Livorno shipyard. A custom steel-hulled yacht, Ocean Paradise was designed with charter in mind. This contemporary yacht includes an oversized pool, spacious gym and a 269-square foot beach club. Large windows throughout will make sure the 10 guests never miss a moment of their surroundings. Twin Caterpillar 3512C engines give this superyacht a top speed of about 17 knots and a range of 4,000nm at 15.5 knots.

For more information, visit benettiyachts.it

Darwin’s Stella di Mare

Cantiere delle Marche’s Darwin line is evolving at lightning speed. The yard’s newest launch is the 98-foot (30-meter) steel and aluminum explorer Stella di Mare, designed by Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec. Stella di Mare was built for an owner with a large family and an even larger cruising agenda. The interior volume on this hull has been expanded with a slight deck extension. Because her owner likes to operate his boat, the layout made the wheelhouse an integral part of the skylounge, with only a privacy screen separating the two spaces when desired. Pierluigi Floris and Marco Veglia designed the yacht’s contemporary interior. Extensive cruising plans for this fuel-efficient yacht with a top speed of 13.5-knots, include the Mediterranean, followed by an Atlantic crossing and exploration of the US East Coast and the Caribbean. Stella di Mare will make her first official appearance at the Cannes boat show in September.

For more information, visit cantieredellemarche.it

Codecasa 50

Under construction at the Codecasa shipyard in Viareggio is Hull No. 1 of the new Codecasa 50. Developed in house by Domenico Gozzani and Codecasa’s tyle separtment, this new project is scheduled for a Spring 2015 delivery. Its lines and a few design elements recall the Codecasa 50 Vintage. Important changes include new curves, larger windows and a redesigned sundeck with a glass-walled gymnasium in place of the Vintage’s “solid” mast base.

For more information, visit codecasayachts.com

Heesen’s Ventura

Heesen welcomes the Frank Laupman-designed 164-foot (50-meter) Ventura to the family. This all-aluminum yacht has two owner’s suites onboard, one located on the bridge deck, and the other with the more customary ondeck arrangement. Painted in shades of gray—dark metallic for the hull and light metallic for the superstructure—Ventura welcomes 12 guests in a minimalist interior by Francesco Paszkowski. Lighting is an integral part of the design, complementing and enhancing the owner’s extensive artwork and sculpture collection. The yacht’s 753-square-foot (70-square-meter) sundeck will be a great spot for lounging or entertaining. Ventura will meet her owners after sea trials in the North Sea.