The biggest yachting news stories of December

From triumphant launches to extreme concepts, BOAT rounds up the most read yachting news stories from December 2020.

1) Golden Dynamiq GTT 135 superyacht Stefania approaches launch

Taking the top spot for December was the news that the 41 metre all-aluminium superyacht Stefania was ready to hit the water for the first time. The first hull in Dynamiq's striking golden-hulled GTT 135 superyacht series, Stefania features exterior design penned by Dobroserdov Design and fast-displacement hull designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects.

2) Nautor's Swan reveals Maxi sailing yacht model Swan 88

In second spot was the news that Nautor's Swan had added a new 26.5 metre model to its line of Maxi Swan sailing yachts. The Swan 88, described as “an entry size to the world of Maxi”, sports “feminine exterior lines” penned by veteran Swan designer German Frers and an interior by Misa Poggi. 

3) Video: Burgess boss on Trump, Tom Cruise and the biggest boat deals in history

In third place was BOAT International's interview with Burgess boss Jonathan Beckett, who recounted stories from his 40 years in the superyachting industry. Beckett told how he first came into contact with Donald Trump, after listing 86m Nabila for sale, as well as tales of living on the breadline in Greece. 

4) Extending beach club superyacht concept Indah revealed

Opalinski Design House revealed a striking new 120 metre superyacht concept with extending beach club aft named Indah. The concept features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with “slender” exterior lines and a vertical bow. 

5) Royal Huisman to build "world's largest true sportfish yacht" Project 406

In December, Royal Huisman announced that it had been commissioned to build the world’s “largest true sportfish yacht”; a 52 metre superyacht named Project 406. Designed inside and out by Vripack, the high speed motor yacht will feature a “towering profile” and six decks. 

6) Feadship Project 816 superyacht launched in Amsterdam

Feadship's 88.38 metre superyacht Project 816 hit the headlines on December 19 after the yacht hit the water from Feadship's Amsterdam facility. While details are sparse about the yacht, it is known that Project 816 features exterior design penned by De Voogt with interiors by Nauta Design and FM Architettura.

7) Kyron Design reveals 70 metre expedition yacht concept Nzuri

Kyron Design revealed its first superyacht design in December; a 70 metre expedition yacht named Nzuri. Sporting a "futuristic" design, the yacht features a steel hull and partial fibreglass superstructure. The yacht would have an estimated maximum speed of 22 knots and range of 4,000 nautical miles if built. 

8) Ultra-green superyacht day boat Rush 39 revealed by Rush Yachts

Fledgling builder Rush Yachts has revealed its first project; an ultra-green 11.9 metre superyacht day boat named Rush 39. Designed by Rodriguez Yacht Design, the Rush 39 is described as the “most practically green superyacht tender/day boat available in the 12 metre range”.

9) Video: New renderings revealed of Royal Huisman's 58m Project Phi

Royal Huisman has revealed new renderings of the in-build 58 metre motor yacht Project Phi. The yard also confirmed the official length of 58.5 metres, making Project Phi the longest sub-500GT yacht in the world, according to today's regulations. Due to launch next year, the fast-displacement, aluminium Project Phi was designed inside and out by Cor D Rover. 

10) Baglietto reveals three new Paszkowski-designed yacht models

Baglietto revealed three new models during a virtual press conference in December, all of which have been designed by Francesco Paszkowski. The yard revealed a new 52 metre displacement superyacht model added to its existing TLine range, a 48 metre Fast yacht and a 50 metre Superfast yacht.