From triumphant launches to extreme concepts, BOAT rounds up the most-read yachting news stories from March 2021.
1) Gaddafi's abandoned superyacht to become hydrogen-powered pioneer
Taking the top spot for March was the news that Muammar Gaddafi’s old 28m Sunseeker Predator 95 Che Guevara is to be given a new lease of life as a zero-emission, hydrogen-powered yacht named Hydrogen Viking. An ambitious project spearheaded by Norwegian shipbuilder Green Yacht will see the Sunseeker turned into the world’s first zero-emission high-speed luxury yacht
2) Interior of Espen Øino-designed 293m "private residence yacht" Njord revealed
In second spot was the unveiling of the FM Architettura-penned interior design of the 293 metre Espen Øino-designed “world’s largest private residence yacht” Njord. The interior, which will feature on five decks of the vessel, as well as various luxury residences.
3) New images of 142m Lürssen superyacht Nord in the Mediterranean
New images of the underway 142 metre Lürssen superyacht Nord took the third top spot in March. The yacht, which was previously known as Opus and Project Redwood, has now been delivered.
4) New pictures: 140 metre Lloyd Werft superyacht Solaris on sea trials
New images of the 140m Lloyd Werft superyacht Solaris on sea trials took the fourth spot in March. The highly anticipated project, one of the largest yachts to launch this year, was undertaking sea trials in the North Sea.
5) Ultimate Catamarans reveals 29.5m Spaceline 100 concept
In fifth place was the news that Ultimate Catamarans has unveiled its latest concept, the 29.5 metre Spaceline 100. Available in solar, power and hybrid versions, the Spaceline 100 features a 13 metre beam, resulting in 800 square metres of living areas on board.
6) Oceanco and Pininfarina tease hybrid superyacht concept Kairos
Also in March, Oceanco and Pininfarina teased a new hybrid superyacht concept named Kairos. Featuring technical design and engineering from Lateral Naval Architects, Kairos has been designed around an E-Hybrid propulsion system, which uses batteries as the primary source of energy
7) Second Riva 50m superyacht Fifty launched
The second Riva 50m Fifty hit the water for the first time in March. The yacht was launched during a private ceremony at the builder’s Ancona based shipyard on March 8.
8) Giorgio Armani and Italian Sea Group team up on 72m superyacht project
Also in March was the news that legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani had teamed up with The Italian Sea Group on a 72 metre superyacht project. The yacht will be built beneath The Italian Sea Group’s Admiral brand and is due for delivery in early 2024.
9) Damen Yachting reveals revamped SeaXplorer 77 design
The news that Damen Yachting had revamped the SeaXplorer 77 design attracted the attention of our online readers. The design update was undertaken following a “comprehensive review” by the in-house SeaXplorer team, exterior designer Azure Yacht Design and EYOS Expeditions.
10) Baglietto sells 41m Paszkowski-designed Superfast superyacht
In tenth place was Baglietto's sale of a 41 metre Superfast superyacht designed inside and out by Francesco Paszkowski Design. Sporting a “Champagne” hull colour, the aluminium open yacht features a streamlined profile and all accommodation arranged on the lower deck.