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The biggest yachting news stories of January 2026

2 February 2026 • Written by Emily Dawkins

In January, it was new superyachts that caught the eye of BOAT's readers, with sales and launches stealing the headlines as 2026 began. At the top of the list was the sale of a new Sunreef catamaran for an international footballer, closely followed by the news that Sunseeker had sold the first unit from its new 40.5-metre model.

Other breaking yacht news that spent time in the spotlight during the month included the first sighting of Lürssen's latest mammoth project, while three new vessels hit the water from shipyards around the world. January's yacht news closed nicely with the announcement of another new build - this time the sale of a 100-metre-plus Abeking & Rasmussen.

BOAT crunches the numbers and brings you the stories that generated the most clicks in the first month of 2026...

1. International footballer Robert Lewandowski places order for 24m Sunreef catamaran

International footballer Robert Lewandowski places order of 24m 80 Sunreef Power NEXT catamaran

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Polish yard Sunreef Yachts announced that international footballer Robert Lewandowski placed an order for a new 23.8-metre catamaran from its 80 Sunreef Power NEXT yacht series.

The yacht is completely customised to the owner's requests and will provide an "unparalleled mix of space, style and innovation", according to the shipyard. Features on board include a generous jet ski garage, ample al fresco lounge and dining spaces and an "Ocean Lounge" - a large walk-around beach club designed for watersports and sunbathing.

2. Sunseeker announces sale of first 41m 134 yacht model at boot Düsseldorf 2026

Sunseeker announces sale of first 134 yacht model at boot Düsseldorf 2026

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British builder Sunseeker took the opportunity of boot Düsseldorf 2026 to announce the sale of the first unit from its new Sunseeker 134 yacht model.

The Sunseeker 134 is the first from the shipyard's renewed Superyacht Range and was first unveiled at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. The 40.5-metre unit has been sold to an American owner and has a scheduled launch date of 2027.

3. 110m Lürssen superyacht O3 spotted en route to sea trials

109m Lürssen superyacht O3 spotted on sea trials

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Credit: Dietmar Hasenpusch for BOAT International

The 110-metre Lürssen superyacht Project Shackleton (previously known as Icecap) was spotted leaving Germany en route to sea trials in Denmark, with images unveiling her official name to now be O3.

The project, which has been under construction since 2018, has remained highly secretive throughout its build. Delivery is expected in Q1 of 2026, according to BOATPro, following almost eight years of construction.

4. Gary Grant Design unveils world's largest 153m hybrid superyacht concept

gary grant design unveils 153m hybrid superyacht concept

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American studio Gary Grant Design unveiled a new 153-metre hybrid superyacht concept, which, if built, would be the largest hybrid superyacht in the world.

Intending to redefine design, speed and sustainability at a "giga-yacht scale", the mammoth yacht concept is centred on an advanced hybrid propulsion system, offering zero-emission capabilities alongside speeds of up to 50 knots.

5. 25m Oyster sailing yacht Raven rescues solo rower adrift for two days in the Atlantic

25m oyster sailing yacht raven rescues solo rower in the atlantic

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The crew of the 25-metre Oyster 82 sailing yacht Raven rescued a solo transatlantic rower who became adrift in the Atlantic after her rowing boat malfunctioned.

The Oyster sailing yacht was en route to Antigua to take part in the bi-annual Oyster World Rally – a fully supported, 16-month circumnavigation of the world – when its crew and owner made the decision to turn back to attend to the distress call of Rebecca Ferry, a solo, 47-year-old female rower from the United Kingdom. The rower had been undertaking a transatlantic challenge to travel 4,911km from Gran Canaria, Spain to Barbados.

6. Feadship launches 50m superyacht Project 717

Dutch shipyard Feadship announced the launch of the 49.5-metre superyacht Project 717 from its facilities in Aalsmeer.

The all-aluminium superyacht was kept tightly under wraps throughout construction and was last sighted in July 2024 while on transport to Aalsmeer for outfitting. The launch follows the news of her sale in September to a long-standing Feadship owner, with Feadship Resale and Edmiston closing the deal. Delivery is scheduled for this spring.

7. Rossinavi launches secretive 53m superyacht Heed

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Italian shipyard Rossinavi launched a 52.7-metre superyacht project from its facilities in Pisa. Previously known only as hull FR052, the full-custom yacht was unveiled for the first time as Heed.

Despite remaining highly secretive throughout construction, the shipyard announced that the fast-displacement yacht features an all-aluminium construction, with exterior design by Alberto Mancini, interiors penned by Achille Salvagni Architetti and naval architecture by Arrabito Naval Architects.

8. Second 26m Steeler Ocean Explorer 85 yacht Moss launched

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Dutch shipyard Steeler Yachts celebrated the launch of the second unit from its 26-metre Ocean Explorer 85 yacht series, christened Moss.

According to the shipyard, the design of the new build was developed in close collaboration with her owner, who will also captain the yacht. As a result, Moss has been completely tailored to "hands-on, long-distance cruising". Delivery is scheduled this year, with Moss expected to make her maiden voyage towards the Indian Ocean.

9. Second hull of Admiral 82m Galileo yacht model sold

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Brokerage firm Ocean Independence confirmed the sale of the second hull from Admiral's 82m Galileo yacht series.

The Italian Sea Group (TISG) is responsible for the design and engineering of the 82.7-metre steel and aluminium project, with Centro Stile of The Italian Sea Group drawing the sinuous exterior lines and Dutch design studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design chosen to curate the interior. Delivery is scheduled for 2030.

10. Abeking & Rasmussen confirms sale of 100m+ new build superyacht

liva o abeking and rasmussen flagship superyacht

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Liva O, Abeking & Rasmussen's current flagship

Credit: Tom van Oossanen

German yard Abeking & Rasmussen announced the sale of a 100-metre-plus superyacht new build project.

Details remain highly confidential, though BOATPro expects the project to exceed 4,500GT and, with a length of over 100 metres, will be constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.