The global authority in superyachting
The biggest yachting news stories of May
3 June 2021By Miranda Blazeby
From triumphant launches to extreme concepts, BOAT rounds up the most-read yachting news stories from May 2021.
1. Jeff Bezos reportedly building 127m sailing yacht at Oceanco
Taking the top spot for May was the news that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly building a 127m sailing yacht at Dutch yard Oceanco. The project, known as Y721, is understood to be a three-masted schooner that will become the world's largest sailing yacht when delivered.
Oceanco-built sailing yacht Black Pearl
2. The World: Largest private residential yacht resumes sailing
In the second spot was the announcement that the 196m private residence yacht The World will resume sailing in July. In 2020, The World stopped sailing on account of travel restrictions. Now, however, the 150 families with residences on board can return home.
3. 55m Lürssen superyacht Project 13800 hits the water
The launch of the 55m Lürssen superyacht Project 13800 designed by Bannenberg & Rowell captured our readers' attention in May. The yacht is due for delivery this summer, exactly three years since it was commissioned.
Credit: Klaus Jordan
4. 140 metre Lloyd Werft superyacht Solaris delivered
The 140m superyacht Solaris was delivered in May. One of the largest yachts to launch in 2021, Solaris was designed by Australian designer Marc Newson, was launched at German yard Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven in February.
Credit: Carl Groll/ The Yacht Photo
5. 59.1m Oceanco superyacht Helios emerges from "major refit"
The news that the 59.1m Oceanco superyacht Helios had emerged from a major refit was the fifth most read news story in May. The yacht underwent a complete exterior restoration, including a new exterior paint from top to bottom, emphasising Helios’ striking white and blue hull.
Credit: Edmiston
6. New photos: 145m superyacht Project Luminance takes shape at Lürssen
Also in May, new photos of the 145m in-build superyacht Project Luminance currently underway at Lürssen were revealed. The in-build superyacht is among the biggest superyachts currently under construction and is due to launch in 2023.
Credit: Dr Duu
7. Inside Bannenberg & Rowell's 112m superyacht concept Kappa
Bannenberg & Rowell's 112m superyacht concept Kappa caught readers' attention in May. The 112 metre superyacht design features a “powerful sense of connectivity to the water”, according to the studio. Key features include an “amphi-lounge” positioned below the waterline to be used as an underwater viewing gallery, two swimming pools, a helipad and storage for two Jet Skis.
8. Revealed: Roberto Curtò Design's 135m superyacht concept Project Sunrise
Wild superyacht concepts continue to prove popular with our audience. In May, Roberto Curtò Design revealed his new concept Project Sunrise in collaboration with SuperYachtsMonaco. The 135 metre superyacht concept is designed around an “idyllic island resort vibe”.
9. Nauta Design unveils 54m Wide superyacht concept
In ninth place was another concept; the 54m Wide project conceived by Nauta Design. Built from steel and aluminium, the yacht features accommodation for a total of 16 guests in eight ensuite cabins inside an 860GT interior.
10. Revealed: Vripack and RMK Marine's 36.5m "pocket-sized explorer" Seven Seas
Our tenth most read news story of the month was Vripack and RMK Marine's new yacht, the RMK 120. The 36.5m pocket-sized explorer “reimagined on a grand scale” is named Seven Seas. Designed for an “experienced” client with “world cruising in mind”, the expedition yacht line pairs a trawler styled exterior with a “family-focused” interior.