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The biggest yachting news stories of April 2026

30 April 2026 • Written by Emily Dawkins

In April, a plethora of new launches and first looks stole the spotlight in BOAT's yachting news. Taking the top spot during the month was a first look inside Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts' 62-metre flagship, ahead of her attendance at the 2026 Palma International Boat Show as the largest yacht on display.

Other breaking yacht news that caught the eye of BOAT's readers in April included five superyacht launches, two of which were 80-metre-plus new builds from Dutch yard Feadship. Elsewhere, a highly secretive 87.9-metre conversion project was spotted in Germany, while British shipyard Pendennis welcomed a classic 41.7-metre motor yacht to its facilities in Falmouth, Cornwall, for a "complete transformation".

BOAT crunches the numbers and brings you the stories that generated the most clicks in April 2026...

1. First look inside 62m Ares flagship sailing yacht Simena

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Brokerage firm Northrop & Johnson shared a first look inside the 62-metre Ares Yachts flagship sailing yacht Simena, almost a year on from her July 2025 launch.

Images revealed the new build's contemporary Design Unlimited interior, which showcases a "clean, relaxed geometry" with a walnut and neutral colour palette. Mark Tucker, the studio's creative director, described her interior as "a relaxed and refined sanctuary, fit for escapism and the entertaining of family and friends when required."

2. 101m Feadship superyacht Project 1014 launched

The 101.2-metre Feadship superyacht Project 1014 was launched from the shipyard's facilities in Makkum, the Netherlands.

The shipyard unveiled British studio RWD as the exterior and interior designer behind this highly secretive project, the latter of which was also drawn in collaboration with Chahan Interior Design. Other details remain private for now.

3. Classic 42m Feadship yacht Gin-Tonic arrives at Pendennis for "complete transformation"

Classic 42m Feadship motor yacht Gin-Tonic arrives at Pendennis for "complete transformation"

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British shipyard Pendennis announced the arrival of the classic 41.7-metre Feadship motor yacht Gin-Tonic to its facilities in Falmouth, Cornwall.

The superyacht has begun a significant refit programme, which the yard noted will be a "complete transformation", with works set to include a series of substantial structural modifications, including stern and bridge deck extensions. The initial refit phase is expected to continue into early 2027.

4. 134m Lürssen superyacht Deep Blue departs sheds for delivery in the UK

134m Lürssen superyacht Deep Blue departs sheds for UK

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Credit: DrDuu

The 134.2-metre Lürssen superyacht Deep Blue (previously known as Project Deep Blue) departed the yard's facilities in Bremen, Germany, for delivery to her owner.

The highly secretive giant was launched in June 2025, revealing her sloping mast, unconventional lower-deck glasswork and six decks of amenities, including two onboard pools. However, additional details remain under wraps.

The brilliantly blue build made her first stop in Poole, the UK, in the days following her departure.

5. Majesty Yachts launches first 45m Majesty 145 yacht model Suzie Q

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Majesty Yachts, a brand of Gulf Craft, announced the launch of the first hull from its 45.3-metre Majesty 145 yacht model, Suzie Q.

A mid-range entry in the yard's superyacht series, the Majesty 145 was first presented at the 2025 Dubai International Boat Show, with the sale of the first unit announced shortly after. Italian studio Cristiano Gatto Design collaborated with the yard on the design, reuniting after their collaboration on the yard's flagship, Serenity MRF.

6. First 31m Lazzara "ultra-high-volume" UHV 100 superyacht hits the water

First 31m "ultra high volume" superyacht from Lazzara launched

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US-headquartered yard Lazzara Yachts launched the first superyacht from its UHV 100 series in Antalya, Turkey.

The 30.5-metre model follows in the footsteps of the UHV 87, which debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022. Both models focus on high-volume layouts with a distinctive trompe l'oeil exterior that gives the illusion of an additional deck. The yacht is for sale with Fraser and Northrop & Johnson.

7. 80m Feadship superyacht Project 826 launched

The second Feadship launch of the month was its 80-metre superyacht Project 826, also known as Project Thalassa, which hit the water at the yard's facilities in Kaag, the Netherlands.

Malcolm McKeon penned the yacht's exterior design, taking cues from high-performance sailing yachts, while Milanese studio M2Atelier is responsible for the yacht's contemporary interiors. The shipyard drew particular attention to her beach club, as its largest ever created, spanning 165 square metres over two levels.

8. Secretive 88m conversion project unveiled for first time

Highly secretive 88m offshore vessel conversion project unveiled for first time

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Credit: Martin Tolle

A highly secretive 87.9-metre conversion project was sighted for the first time on transport leaving the Stahlbau Nord shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. The shipyard is owned by the Roenner Group, which also owns Lloyd Werft.

The project was once an offshore supply vessel named ASL Symphony, and is believed to have been purchased by a private owner in Q1 of 2023 who sought to transform her into a capable explorer yacht. Official details and timelines remain undisclosed, but she is now expected to undergo further works in Bremen.

9. Bow of flagship 140m Feadship superyacht project seen for first time

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Credit: Ruben Griffioen

Another first sighting was the bow of Feadship's 140-metre in-build flagship superyacht, which was seen being rolled out of the shed at the NMC facilities in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands.

Details of the project (known only as hull 831) remain highly private, though BOATPro estimates an interior volume of 11,025GT and a delivery date of 2029.

10. Second 39m Nautor Swan 128 yacht model Raijin launched

Finnish yard Nautor Swan launched the second unit from its 39-metre Swan 128 maxi yacht model, Raijin.

The sailing yacht follows the first from the series BeCool, which was launched last year, but introduces notable differences, including interior customisations and adaptations to her energy management and propulsion system via Nautor Swan's Dual Energy Technology.