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America’s 10 Best Yacht Builders

In America, the yachting industry might not be as established. Yet, today, America’s best luxury yacht builders continue to put out award-winning and state-of-the-art designs. Who are America’s best yacht builders?

From Christensen to Trinity, we countdown the best yacht builders in America and highlight what makes each shipyard unique. Here are our favorites:

1. Christensen

Christensen is one of the most established yacht builders in the U.S., and the company is known for its completely custom yachts. Each yacht the company produces is designed according to owner specifications.

Known for its classic hull design, and upscale finishes, Christensen produces some of the most luxurious superyachts in the U.S. That’s thanks in part to the builder’s in-house design team. Many other builders outsource design. Plus, the builder is known for its exquisite interiors, featuring spacious layouts and the finest finishes. Christensen also regularly wins innovation awards for their efficient and powerful displacement systems and state-of-the-art stabilization.

2. Westport

Since 1964, Westport has been a leader in yacht design and manufacturing in the U.S. And its earned a reputation for developing sporty, classically-styled superyachts.

That wasn’t always the case. Originally, Westport designed and built commercial fishing vessels, but today, Westport focuses exclusively on luxury motor yachts, including 34-, 38-, 40- and 50-meter yachts. Westport’s raised pilothouse and tri-deck yachts feature classic nautical hulls with modern touches. The interiors are sleek and comfortable and known for their spacious outdoor deck areas.

3. Derecktor

Derecktor is one of the country’s oldest yacht builders. It was founded on Long Island, NY in 1947, and during its early years, the company produced commercial fishing and passenger vessels. (Even today, Derecktor manufacturers high-speed ferries for cities around the world.)

Derecktor’s output has changed quite a bit in its 70-year history. Today, the company continues to build commercial vessels, but it’s also a top builder of custom motor yachts. Derecktor produces both explorer yachts and motor yachts, and many of its luxury motor yachts feature explorer-inspired designs. Many Derecktor yachts, for example, feature towering superstructures positioned forward. This opens up an abundance of aft-deck space for outdoor dining areas, beach clubs, and even helipads.

In addition to style, Derecktor yachts are renowned for their performance. They might be sizable. But they’re fast, and the ride is stable.

4. Hatteras

Hatteras is a legendary name in American shipbuilding, known for its high-speed and beautiful motor yachts. Initially, the shipyard focused entirely on sportfish yachts – something they’re still known for today. Yet, the company’s line-up of motor yachts offers the best of the best in luxury yachting.

Hatteras offers a full range of superyachts, including the 100 RPH, a stunning 102-foot raised pilothouse motoryacht, and the M90. Hatteras certainly shows its sporty roots in all of its designs; Hatteras exteriors are sleek and streamlined, sharing design details with its sportfish line.

At Trinity , size is the name of the game. The Gulfport-based shipyard produces yachts up to 123 meters (400 feet), including some of the largest luxury yachts ever built in the U.S.

The yachtbuilder has many signatures. For example, classic nautical architecture is one. Trinity produces some of the most inspiring superstructure designs that feature sleek lines and an abundance of glass. When you charter a Trinity yacht, you’ll have plenty of places to relax, as most of their designs incorporate an abundance of deck space. In the past, that’s include beautiful sky lounges and sprawling aft-deck dining/bar areas.

Below deck, Trinity yachts delivers spacious layouts. The yachtbuilder is know for their opulent owner’s suites and staterooms, as well as stunning salons.

6. Broward Marine

Founded by legendary boatbuilder Frank Denison in the 1950s, Broward Marine has been a leader in superyacht design throughout its history. For example, in 1954, Broward launched its first luxury superyacht, ALISA V. At the time, the 96-footer was a behemoth – similar in grandness to today’s megayachts of 150+ feet.

The Alisa paved a path for the company, which shifted its focus exclusively to luxury motoryachts. In the 1980s, for example, Broward was quick to respond to the trend of the superyachts; Broward sold some 80 yachts in the 1980s, an impressive sales feat.

Under new management in the early 2000s, the company continued its focus on stunning megayachts in the 100- to 160-foot range. Broward yachts are grand in scale, with stunning tri-deck and raised pilothouse designs, and they’re also some of the first to feature farmhouse kitchens. Today, the company focuses primarily on refits, but many of their majestic yachts are still available for charter.

7. Hargrave

Hargrave has been producing yachts since the 1950s, and throughout its history, the shipyard has built a reputation for inspiring yacht designs. In fact, the company initially only focused on design. Founder Jack Hargrave, the famed nautical designer, worked closely with other top U.S. yacht builders including Burger and Hatteras, helping to launch numerous brands.

In 1997, the company transitioned from design to designing and building its own luxury yachts. The company quickly made a name for itself. Hargrave has won numerous awards for its sporty tri-decks and sportfish-inspired motoryachts. Hargrave yachts feature contemporary interiors, matched with sleek profiles.

A Horizon yacht has a distinctive look. The company’s yachts have stately exteriors with tons of classic nautical architectural details. Inside, too, Horizon yachts have a lot of character. Most Horizon yachts feature sprawling windows, creating light and airy interior spaces.

Today, the company produces yachts in the 56- to 150-foot range, and their offerings include power catamarans, tri-decks and raised pilothouse motor yachts.

If you’re looking for a power cat, that’s a Horizon specialty. The company’s PC Series features a range of mid-sized power cats up to about 80 feet, with numerous concept yachts in the works. Yet, Horizon does it all. You’ll find Horizon yachts in just about any style, from Fast Displacement yachts (FD Series), to customized tri-decks (CC Series).

The Burger Boat Company is one of the most historic shipbuilders in the U.S. Originally launched in 1863, the company has built more than 500 yachts in its history (more than 250 of which are still in operation). The company was a pioneer in steel yacht building, but today, Burger primary builds aluminum yachts.

Burger produces a range of custom tri-deck motor yachts, ranging from 112- to 214-foot motor yachts. Burger boats have a distinctive look and feel. They have spacious deck areas, like the wrap-around deck on its current 214-foot tri-deck concept, as well as innovative exterior lounge areas.

10. Delta Marine

For more than 50 years, Delta Marine has been producing world-class motor yachts from its headquarters in Seattle. The boatbuilder is known for its sleek exterior designs. Delta Marine yachts feature clean, flowing lines throughout, and the company produces a range of raised pilothouse and tri-deck motor yachts.

Plus, the interiors are completely custom. As such, no two Delta Marine yachts look the same, and the interiors are as unique as their owners. Delta yachts are also well-known for their performance. Many feature performance-minded hulls, and feature state-of-the-art displacement systems.

Plan Your Next Luxury Yacht Charter with Worldwide Boat

Worldwide Boat offers exclusive access to vessels from America’s best luxury yacht builders. Want to hire a Trinity Yacht for your next vacation? We can help.

Plus, our charter brokers are experts on each builder’s specialties. Contact your broker today to learn more about any of our exclusive charter yachts .

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Dixon Yacht Design are an award-winning firm of Yacht Designers and Naval Architects who put forward an innovative, modern and sustainable approach.

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You are invited to discover more about Delta, the craftsmen who create and build Delta yachts, the shipyard and the beautiful city it calls home. Each individual Delta yacht is a masterpiece of innovation and creative design. At Delta, the true measure of innovation is not necessarily in how dramatically it is displayed, but how subtly, effectively — even invisibly — it can be integrated.

The Delta story continues to become greater with every new yacht commissioned. For more than 50 years, Delta’s most important value has remained unchanged. Delta provides the finest custom yacht manufacturing and services — with an owner’s vision and desires at heart. This is a lasting commitment. As new generations of professionals join the ranks and unprecedented technologies enhance their capabilities, Delta remains steadfast in its goal to produce world-class yachts that are truly beyond compare.

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D esign Studio

The Worth Avenue Yachts Team has a base of maritime experience measured in centuries. Its 30+ members can offer the perspectives of megayacht captain, ship builder, project manager, maritime attorney, and of course brokerage and new build insights, The Worth Team provides its clients with invaluable real world, global experience when it comes to the design and planning of new builds, starting with the conception of the yacht and the selection of and collaboration with a yacht designer and naval architect.

YACHT DESIGNERS AND NAVAL ARCHITECTS

Yacht designers.

Worth works with a broad cross section of exterior and interior designers, who create their own stunning designs, or work with Owners to create designs that suit their own personal taste and style.

Some of these designers include:

• Adam Voorhees  – Designer of the award-winning interior of M/Y Broadwater
• Adriana Monk  – Designer of interiors for yachts and Rolls-Royce automobiles
• Carl Esch – Project Designer of Custom 65m, 72m & 85m projects offered for sale by Worth
• Christopher Seymour – Exterior design of Custom 65m, 72m & 85m projects offered for sale by Worth
• Claudette Bonville Associates
• Claydon Reeves – Creator of the “Aeroboat” powered by Rolls Royce
• Cristiano Gatto Design
• Diana Scott – Award winning designer and partner of Sterling Scott Yacht Design
• Evan K. Marshall – Interior design of Custom 65m project offered by Worth
• Ivan Erdevicki – Creator of the “Gotham Project”
• Johnny Horsfield –  Established H2 Yacht Design
• Nuvolari Lenard
• Vripack Design – Innovative designers Marnix Hoekstra and Bart Bouwhuis

NAVAL ARCHITECTS

Naval architects are the professional engineers who make the work of designers possible, and who are often renowned designers in their own right.

Worth also works and has relationships with a large number of naval architects, including:

• Giorgio Vafiadis, who has several vessels under construction up to 95m
• Mario Pedol, the architect on the world’s longest yacht, “Azzam”
• Murray & Associates, who were involved in the 55m Newcastle project built for a Worth client
• Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec creative naval architecture

And Worth is currently working with Cor d’Rover on an 80m Expedition project. Cor d’Rover collaborated on the just launched 67m Benetti project  SEA SENSE .

WORTH DESIGN STUDIO

Worth Avenue Yachts celebrates the artists of yachting – the yacht designers and naval architects – and is proud to feature their work in the coming months. Please feel free to ask for an introduction.

Coming soon …

Your Vision. Your Burger.

Creating a custom-built yacht is a journey unlike any other. Conceiving your yacht alongside Burger’s engineers and design team is a remarkable experience: developing the specifics, reviewing the plans and making decisions as you watch your dreams materialize before your eyes. Burger welcomes all clients to enjoy the progression of their journey while your custom creation evolves.

The first step in delivering the yacht of your dreams is to share your vision with the Burger design team and engineering staff. Our in-depth design brief helps define your priorities for a yacht. We recommend touring the Burger shipyard where you can meet our exceptional team, learn how your yacht will be constructed and to witness the true value of Burger’s experience and craftsmanship.

After defining your vision, your dreams will begin to take shape in dramatic conceptual designs, renderings and cost estimates, presented for your direction and approval before moving forward.

Conceptual designs and renderings include:

• Hull designs
• Exterior styling and interior floor plans
• Interior elevation renderings
• Engines, propulsion and electric generation equipment selection
• Special requirements, including recreational and/or shore tenders and storage options
• Navigation electronics and entertainment system descriptions

Once you’ve approved the design, Burger will prepare a detailed design and specification breakdown with descriptions of every step in your yacht’s construction; from its development milestones to key points of approval. With a finalized and signed contract, your yacht is on the way to fruition. Each step of the build is documented before work begins, with a detailed timeline that describes each step of the process, so that you remain involved and aware of our progress, every step of the way.

Months of careful planning and construction culminate when it’s time to launch your new Burger yacht. Along with the Burger team, you and/or your captain take your new Burger yacht through various sea trials, including at-sea observations and detailed walk-through inspections. At this stage, final modifications and refinements are made.

Congratulations; owning a Burger built for you also means you’ve joined the most exclusive fleet of yachts in the world. Our craftsmen share your pride in seeing your new yacht launched, and value each customer relationship that endures long after delivery. Bringing your dreams to reality is what makes every Burger yacht unique and extraordinary.

With your Burger set out into open waters, a new journey begins.

Custom Yachts

View Burger's full fleet of custom yachts, uniquely crafted to each owner's vision of limitless luxury.

Design Concepts

Explore Burger's newest design concepts and yachts under construction — and bring your ideas to their design.

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As the weather warms up all our thoughts turn to the 2018 racing season.  It’s time to get the boat put back together and get those ratings certificates revalidated.  IRC, ORCi and ORR have all undergone refinements that can have a significant impact on your handicap.  Our team of designers follows the rule changes in detail and can quickly advise how these changes may impact you and what modifications may be worth considering for this season.

We offer a range of services to suit any budget. From a simple certificate review to identify potential sources of measurement error, to a complete performance versus handicap optimization program targeted to your specific race program and budget we are here to help.

Contact us at [email protected] or +1 410 267 0780 to find out how we can help make 2018 your best season yet.

BALTIC 142 Released from Mold

Published on June 30, 2018

The hull of Design 788 - Baltic Yachts Custom 142 has been released from the mold at the yard in Finland. Farr Yacht Design was responsible for the Naval Architecture on this project including specification of the innovative Dynamic Stability Systems foil that promises improved handling, reduced heel angles and improved speeds. This is the largest foil assisted sailing yacht to be developed and follows from extensive work and design studies to optimize the hull and foil package.

We are the top racing-yacht design team in the world based upon one of the most extensive, impressive records of winning yacht racing results ever compiled by a single design group. Our long-running record of achievement dates back more than 30 years and includes 43 world championships won in Farr designs and a multitude of design successes at internationally prestigious grand prix yachting events.

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DESIGN UNLIMITED

Fulfilling our clients aspirations through intelligent design and shared passion..

Design Unlimited is a versatile yacht design studio with an established reputation for excellence in both interior design and exterior styling.  The multi-award winning team, led by founder Mark Tucker, excels in new challenges and welcomes the opportunity to work alongside owners looking to realise their own distinctive visions.  Our diverse portfolio and creative style enables us to meet client briefs with confidence and efficiency.  Our extensive experience and practical approach can be relied upon and trusted.  Cooperation and versatility lie at the core of everything that the studio creates with the ultimate aim of total client satisfaction.

Your journey begins… Now

Our interior design and exterior styling can be seen in both production ranges and full-custom new build superyachts, as well as refit and restoration projects.

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Interior design projects for commercial premises and residential properties, our diverse team has a wide range of skills and specialisms.

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Sunseeker celebrates 22-year collaboration with Design Unlimited

Yachts by Design Unlimited nominated for World Superyacht Awards

Design Unlimited is delighted to have had three superyacht projects nominated for the prestigious World Superyacht Awards, presented by Boat International. The 46.7m King Benji is in the running for B...

Pink Shadow wins at industry awards!

The Damen SeaXplorer 58, Pink Shadow, won a Neptune for Best Exterior Design at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards as well as a Judge’s Commendation in the category of Outstan...

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

The Design Unlimited team worked hard to achieve outstanding results on the refit of ‘Lady A’, they undertook the interior design and interior decoration as well as the exterior design revisions, furnishings and overseeing the work on board.

- Owner of Lady A

Indeed, you could say that Pink Gin has gone viral. She's a superyacht internet phenomenon. The stories about her are among some of the most read on our site, and definitely the most commented upon, with scores of readers posting about where she is and when.

- Yachting World

Mark, thank you for turning a concept into a stunningly beautiful yacht. Congratulations DU.”

- Owner of Bliss

Superyacht Sales, Charter, Construction & Management

Yacht Sales, Charter, and Construction Experts

Moran Yacht & Ship is proud to be considered one of the world’s best yacht companies; a leader in luxury yacht sales, construction, charter, and management. Whether you are interested in buying a yacht , selling your yacht , luxury yacht charter , or new yacht construction , our super yacht brokers and yacht managers are here to assist. Family-owned and operated, our luxury yacht brokerage has been the preferred choice for yacht buyers, sellers, and charterers for over three decades.

Featured Yachts For Sale

Interested in buying? Moran is proud to have the most impressive fleet of all the world’s brokerage companies. With over three decades of experience in yacht sales and purchase, along with countless time spent at sea, our knowledgeable luxury yacht brokers will guide you through the process of purchasing or selling a yacht. Learn more about our featured luxury yachts for sale here.

Our Approach

Our experience is what sets us apart from other yacht companies. The Moran team is made up of marine industry experts, including veteran Captains and engineers, meaning that we are uniquely positioned to provide world-class superyacht services. Our team’s wealth of luxury yacht knowledge is what first draws people to us, while our straightforward approach is what keeps clients coming back time and time again. We Do What We Say, honoring our promises and commitments to clients and fellow brokers above all else. By providing honest, specialist, yet unbiased advice to everyone who passes through our door, we maintain an extraordinarily high rate of repeat business.

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Want to charter or know more about how to charter a yacht ? Moran Yacht & Ship is considered one of the very best yacht companies in the world for luxury yacht charter , with an expert team who will always go the extra mile to provide you with the right itinerary, vessel, and superyacht crew . Learn more about our featured luxury yachts for charter here.

Integrity and the relentless pursuit of the deal defines Moran Yacht & Ship - I am grateful that you were on this journey with me. This magical machine KISMET is the second yacht I’ve had built with Moran Yacht & Ship. KISMET has brought joy, hope, and the gift of discovery to many lives - including my own. You have made this world a better place! Owner, KISMET

By way of background, my business interests include controlling stakes in 3 publicly traded companies which operate vessels in the 500 to 5000dwt range. On average, one new vessel a year would be added to the fleet. As a result, I have access to in-house marine architects, engineers and construction supervisors. Consequently, when I decided to build my first large motor yacht, I did not feel I needed the services of a company like Moran Yacht & Ship. In any event, I was persuaded to let them negotiate on my behalf while I simultaneously held discussions with other building options. Moran Yacht & Ship understands yachts, their incredibly complex systems, and what constitutes a practical solution to various owners’ ideas. In short, I would not consider building another yacht without engaging Moran Yacht & Ship to provide the services they are so good in delivering. Former Owner, NORTHERN STAR

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Want to find out what we’ve been up to? View our latest yachting news, including recent yacht sales, price reductions, and completed custom yachts . Offering a full selection of yachting services, the Moran Yacht & Ship team is always busy working on our next big project. Discover our latest updates here.

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Robb Report

6 Architects That Are Now Creating Designs for Superyachts

Posted: December 11, 2023 | Last updated: December 11, 2023

1.-real-lead-Symbiosis-by-Kurt-Merki-Jr_05

Exciting yacht design doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. But a fresh view always helps. That’s why more yacht owners are looking for land-based architects and designers for their new build and refit interiors, preferring a cross-pollination of ideas over the tried and true.

The first owner to shy away from the traditional yacht designer set was billionaire Lukas Lundin, who tasked Italian architect Cristina Gherardi Benardeau to design the interior of the 274-foot Savannah. The Feadship, launched in 2015, is largely remembered as the first superyacht with a hybrid propulsion package. But the interior is just as radical.

Benardeau, a designer of retail space for Giorgio Armani and Christian Dior Couture, gave the 262-foot yacht the world’s first “Nemo lounge,” or a bubble in the hull where the owners and guests could see underwater.  It also featured what looked like a floating superstructure, employing long strips of tinted glass inspired by skyscrapers. (The same visual trick was employed later in Oceanco’s 361-foot Jubilee.) Savannah was the first boat to receive full metallic exterior paint job to blend in with the ocean surroundings—an idea later seen on superyacht Kensho, when it delivered in 2022.

Since then, a number of owners and boatbuilders have employed residential architects to do interior designs, as well as offer exterior flourishes (though naval architects complete the structures and running surfaces.) Rome architect Achille Salvagni has done projects for Rossinavi and Azimut, Lord Norman Foster created a series that later became the YachtPlus fleet, Lazzarini & Pickering designed the Benetti Motopanfilo 37M, and next year, Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez will show their talents on Azimut’s SeaDeck Series.

Even residential stalwarts like Zaha Hadid Architects can’t help but experiment with nautical projects. Following the 2016 reveal of the firm’s Unique Circle Yachts series, the studio collaborated with Vitruvius Yachts this year on Britain’s new “royal yacht” project. And more recently, the architects unveiled concept renderings for Oneiric, a proposed catamaran in collaboration with Italian shipyard Rossinavi.

From skyscraper to sea, here are six yachts designed by mainstream architects.

Amer F100, Architect Roberto Palomba

Architect Roberto Palomba has been designing houses for decades. His Milan-based studio, Palomba Serafini Associati, includes the Italian Consulate in Detroit, home décor and even tableware, among its past projects. His first yacht is the Amer F100, which features a unique “Glass Cabin” as the main salon. It was designed in partnership with Ludovica Serafini. “My aim was to change some standard boat elements to create something completely different,” Palomba told Robb Report during the yacht’s world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. “Certainly, our perspective offers a fresh look, an architectural vision rooted in the world of architecture and interior design, translated into the realm of yacht design.” The Glass Cabin is an architectural glass box that encases the main salon and formal dining area with windows that are larger than other yachts with similar dimensions. The garden creates openness, light and a continuous connection with the sea. Continuing the theme, reflective surfaces are used on the walls and ceiling across all social areas to bring more light in, while stairs joining the main deck to the bridge are topped by more glass, opening the heart of the yacht to blue skies.

‘Kensho,’ Jouin Manku

Kensho ‘s owner was a first-time yacht buyer who wanted a one-of-a-kind vessel. He looked beyond the pool of yachting talent for a designer who could create a signature statement inside the 246-foot Admiral. The owner eventually decided on Paris design house Jouin Manku, an experienced architecture and industrial design studio, without a single yacht to its name. Co-founder Sanjit Manku took the design brief and ran with it, eschewing traditional yachting layouts for high-volume and big sea views. Variations on the established interiors include lofty 8.9-foot-tall ceilings, open-plan cabin layouts (where the bathrooms are on display) and locating the owner’s salon—more akin to an observation lounge—to the upper deck where the captains’ wheelhouse is traditionally located.  “We drew on our restaurant design experience to create an ambience and furniture that is practical yet opulent,” Manku told Robb Report . “The dining chairs have ski feet that make it easy for guests to slide in and out, and we incorporated flattering lighting rather than ceiling spotlights.” The end result is a stunning, personalized interior that is unique in yachting. 

‘Carinthia VII,’ Bizzozero Cassina Architects

Refits are also getting design overhauls by non-yacht designers. Lürssen’s 318-foot Carinthia VII , first delivered in 2002 and designed by Tim Heywood, was sold in 2022 to a new owner. He called on Italian studio Bizzozero Cassina Architects for what turned out to be a major refit in a nearly record 300 days. The architectural studio is experienced in real estate, including a few of the owner’s private properties. But yacht refits are a recent addition to its portfolio. “The key to any project’s success is to know the person, their lifestyle and the way they think,” architect Paolo Bizzozero said. “Only with these three ingredients can you remedy a truly bespoke environment that works for them and for their life.” Key additions include a 1,334-sq. ft. sundeck, with a large dining table and teppanyaki grill. Equally impressive was the 39-foot-long glass-paneled swimming pool on the main deck (with two large televisions to view live sports), and a 968-sq. ft. air-conditioned gym on the bridge deck that also serves as a winter garden.

Contest G7CS, Bentley Interior

Bentley fans who dream of a book-matched yacht interior might look closely at the 67-foot Contest 67CS.  Commissioned by a private client and launched in November, it is the first collaboration between Bentley and Contest Yachts. with all the design flair Bentley could bring to a yacht. Conceived to match the luxe design of a custom continental GT coupe, the sailboat features the same materials, motifs and craftsmanship on its cars and home designs, including the same hand-stitching found on the Bentley steering wheel and the yacht’s Malvern Chair. Bespoke one-offs include a bar and vanity unit, the captain’s chair and “Egg” table, and a sofa which was hand-built at Bentley’s engineering facility and finished in its signature trim. The brand’s iconic diamond-quilted hides were also included across entire yacht interior. Small details like the tissue box and drink coasters were created from scratch to match the owner’s taste.

‘Entourage,’ Diego Burdi, Burdifilek

Entourage , the second hull in Amels’ 60 Limited Editions range, is the owner’s second yacht. He had clear ideas about the functional layout of the boat, so he appointed commercial design firm Burdifilek to realize that vision. The Toronto-based co-founder, Diego Burdi, adopted a “marine design” approach. “I believe strongly that you should feel like you’re on a boat,” he told Robb Report . That is apparent in areas like the the lower-deck staterooms where the bulkheads hug the curve of the hull. Carved and layered wooden ceilings—a detail introduced from the owner’s experience in real estate—add drama and tactility. Most significantly, Burdi reversed the central stairwell and tucked it into the perimeter of the yacht to create a wider walkthrough and, in so doing, a work of art.

‘Symbiosis,’ Kurt Merki, Jr.

The 279-foot Symbiosis is Studio KMJ’s nature-driven introduction to the world of superyacht design. Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the 3,000 GT concept speaks to a rising trend for biophilic design with 10 nature-driven features. These include a “tree of life” planted on the main deck aft that stretches across two decks, a 1,000-sq. ft. irrigated lawn tended by a gardener and intended for both play and picnics, and a life-sized herbarium called “The Sanctum” where herbs, spices and vegetables can be cultivated. The Swiss designer Kurt Merki Jr collaborated with Axel Massmann, CEO of Yacht-Green, who acted as a strategic advisor on best practices to “green” the superyacht lifestyle. According to the designers, the natural elements are fully buildable. All it needs is an owner willing to take a leap.

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Take a look at what architects pitch for a redesigned Cape Coral Yacht Club

New details, photos, and a video have emerged on the proposed changes to the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, changing it from an Old Florida feel to a 'Key West' vibe.

The city plans to present these updates on the Yacht Club at this week's committee of the whole meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday in council chambers at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

Here's what we know.

Yacht Club changes explained

Cape Coral's  Yacht Club Community Park , which includes a yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a beach, has served as a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s, built and open just a few years after  the city's inception in 1957 by brothers Jack and Leonard Rosen .

In 2018, voters approved a $60 million expansion of the city's parks and amenities through the Parks and Recreation General Obligation (GO) Bond. Part of that was intended for the Yacht Club.

The Cape Coral City Council originally planned to close and begin work on renovations for the park in  2021 .

But then Hurricane Ian struck the city on Sept. 28, 2022, delaying the project with the council eventually opting to revamp the whole area, with the city pointing toward the  high cost of repairs and being over FEMA's 50% rule  as justification for moving forward with new buildings and amenities.

Longtime residents and former city officials opposed the plans - however, they could not sway the council to change its mind on the new plans.

What's featured in the new Yacht Club?

The  current plans  include a new two-story community center to replace the ballroom, removing the tennis courts, rearranging the area to accommodate a four-story parking garage, a new restaurant, and a new 14,500-square-foot resort-style pool.

Current parking at the park; including for boats, vehicles, and boat trailers, amounts to 551 total spaces.

The proposed changes would bring a four-story garage with approximately 685 parking spaces, 15 surface spaces at the main building, 46 boat trailers, and 158 boat slip spaces - totaling 904 parking spaces.

The new two-story community center would have 47,000 square feet and include a new ballroom, concession, history room, exterior balcony, storage and meeting space, and a multi-purpose hall.

Previous discussions estimate the cost of the project to be as much  as $100 million .

Demolition has begun

Cape Coral has already begun the work toward these changes as demolition started this month.

The city will demolish the main buildings and attached amenities of the Yacht Club, including the ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and harbormaster.

Johnson-Laux Construction, a full-service construction management firm that operates out of Winter Garden, has been contracted to demolish and deconstruct the Yacht Club for $987,716.04.

The firm is also tasked with  preserving a portion  of the old ballroom building, which includes interior ceiling beams, stonework, a fountain, and interior doors.

Construction will  not affect the beach area.

What's next? When's the completion?

A public meeting to review and showcase current Yacht Club designs will be held on May 7.

The city is still in the design phase and has no estimated timeframe for completion.

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official .

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G7 Agrees to $50 Billion Ukraine Loan Backed by Russian Assets. How Will It Work?

The United States and others plan to give the sum to Kyiv, with the interest from Moscow’s assets frozen in the West used to repay it. But many of the details about the arrangement are unclear.

• Share full article

By Steven Erlanger

Reporting from Bari, Italy

The United States and the other large Group of 7 economies agreed on Thursday on a plan to give Ukraine a $50 billion loan to help it buy weapons and begin to rebuild damaged infrastructure. The move comes at a crucial moment in the war, when Russia has the momentum on the battlefield.

The details are not fully worked out, but this is what we know.

Where will the money come from?

The upfront money for the loan will come from the United States, the European Union and other G7 countries, though the details on how much each entity contributes is being worked out.

The idea is to use the nearly $300 billion in Russian assets in the West, frozen after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as the basis for the loan. The money will be repaid over time with the profits earned from those Russian assets, about two-thirds of which are in Europe.

Many of the assets are in bonds that have matured, creating interest of, depending on the interest rate, $3 billion to $4 billion a year.

Rather than just providing Ukraine that yearly sum, which is relatively small given the war’s demands, the G7 countries agreed on the loan, which could be provided to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Ukraine’s current financial and military needs are estimated at about $100 billion a year.

Which countries will contribute?

The G7 countries have agreed at the leadership level to put up the money for the loan.

The Americans have said that they will put up the entire sum but would like others to participate. A senior European official, who requested anonymity to discuss behind-closed-doors financial deliberations, said Friday morning that all this was still a matter for discussion but that at the moment, the European Union was prepared to put up half, about $25 billion to $30 billion, with the Americans and others putting up the rest. The money would come from the European Union’s financial aid budget.

The leaders of the E.U. states will have to sign off on any commitment by the bloc, the official said.

Since most of the assets are in Europe, the Europeans want to ensure that, as the proceeds are spent, European companies get a fair share, especially European arms manufacturers.

Britain, Canada and Japan, all G7 countries, have also said that they are willing to participate.

Ukraine will be the beneficiary of the profits from the Russian assets, and will not be responsible for repaying the loan.

What happens if interest rates fall?

One of the key issues is who takes responsibility for the loan if interest rates drop or if there is suddenly a peace deal that unfreezes the Russian assets.

It seems unlikely that the assets would be unfrozen, since the G7 had agreed previously that they would be used to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction after the war. Since the amount of money that will be needed to rebuild the country is at least twice the size of the frozen assets and grows as the war continues, it is unlikely that Russia will ever get those assets back.

Even so, who will guarantee the loan is vague — the liability is expected to be shared among the countries that issue it, according to two European officials close to the talks.

What will the money be used for?

The loan will go to Ukraine in various disbursements by the end of the year and will be earmarked for three main purposes, the officials said: to support Ukraine militarily, including helping it establish arms factories on its territory; to help cover the country’s budgetary deficit; and to help with the urgent reconstruction of infrastructure.

Disbursement is supposed to depend in part on Ukraine’s ability to use the money to good effect.

But how it will be disbursed and through which agencies is still being discussed, the officials said. The World Bank is one possibility, they say. Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies who has been researching the issue, said that another question was whether Ukraine would get to decide for itself how to use the money. “Or,” as he put it, “will that be decided for Ukraine?”

“There is a great deal of detail we don’t yet know,” Mr. Gould-Davies said, noting that he would have preferred a direct seizure of the assets, which would have been simpler. But some countries and central bankers, including Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, ruled that approach out for now because it would have set a dangerous precedent.

Mr. Gould-Davies said the current plan was “suboptimal compared to full seizure.”

“It’s more complicated and requires an elaborate financial engineering that seizure would not require,” he added.

But, he acknowledged, “Given where we were a few days ago, this outcome is at the upper end of expectations.”

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, said the agreement was “a very strong message to Putin that Putin cannot outlast us, and we will stand by Ukraine as long as it takes.”

In a nod to Europeans already anxious about the cost of the war, she added, “It is not European taxpayers that are paying for the Russian damage, but it is Russia.”

Steven Erlanger is the chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe and is based in Berlin. He has reported from over 120 countries, including Thailand, France, Israel, Germany and the former Soviet Union. More about Steven Erlanger

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two top Russian security officials over strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine, delivering a stinging, if largely symbolic, condemnation  of the Kremlin’s invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine removed one of his top generals  amid public criticism that the commander’s decisions had led to excessive casualties.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia warned the United States and its allies that he is willing to arm North Korea  if they continue to supply Kyiv with sophisticated weapons that have struck Russian territory.

Inside Russia’s Chechen Units: After hundreds of years of enmity with Russia, Chechens are deploying to Ukraine to fight Moscow’s war .

Narrowing Press Freedoms: Journalists in Ukraine say they are subject to increasing restrictions and pressure from the government , adding that the measures go beyond wartime security needs.

Belugas Escape Ukraine: A pair of beluga whales were transported out of danger in Kharkiv to an aquarium in Spain in an incredibly complex rescue .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow and Kyiv exchange dozens of prisoners

The two sides have returned 90 prisoners each in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two senior figures following alleged attacks on civilian targets. Ask our experts a question about the war below.

Tuesday 25 June 2024 21:58, UK

• Russia and Ukraine each return 90 prisoners of war
• Arrest warrants issued by ICC for former Russian defence minister and top general | Russia's short response
• Ivor Bennett analysis:  Warrants may send powerful message - but Putin is proof they won't mean much in practice
• Explained : What impact will an ICC warrant have on top Russian officials?
• Your questions answered : Has Western media been honest about Ukrainian military failures?
• EU begins membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova
• Big picture : What you need to know this week

Ask a question or make a comment

That brings an end to our live updates on the Ukraine war for this evening.

We'll bring you any major updates overnight. In the meantime, you can scroll through the blog below to catch up on the day's developments.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a direct message to the two Russian top generals who are the subject of fresh arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court.

The court has accused Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov of war crimes and the crime against humanity of inhumane acts.

In his nightly video address, Mr Zelenskyy said: "Shoigu, Gerasimov – your path to The Hague is open."

The Ukrainian president also said the official start of Ukraine's ascension into the EU today was a "historic result", adding: "We will definitely implement everything necessary to advance through each chapter of our relations with the EU and to create a treaty – a treaty of Ukraine's accession."

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov spoke over the phone today, in what marked the first call between Mr Austin and his Russian counterpart since March 2023.

The two men discussed the importance of open lines of communication, the Pentagon said.

Spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said Mr Austin had initiated the conversation. 

Mr Belousov was appointed to the role of defence minister last month after the shock dismissal of longtime minister Sergei Shoigu by Vladimir Putin.

Some of the returned Ukrainian soldiers were prisoners taken from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the head of the Ukrainian president's office has said.

Andriy Yermak said of the 90 fighters returned by Russia today, 52 were from a large group of Ukrainians captured while trying to defend the Azovstal steelworks in southern Ukraine while others had been held as prisoners after the capture of Chernobyl.

Both sites were seized by Russia early in the war.

Mr Yermak described the latest prisoner swap as an "important exchange".

"Thanks to our team for their work. Grateful to the UAE for facilitating the exchange. We will return everyone," he said.

Russia and Ukraine have each returned 90 prisoners of war in the latest swap between the two countries, the Russian defence ministry has said.

In a statement on Telegram, the ministry said Russian prisoners were returned with the United Arab Emirates acting as an intermediary.

The prisoners were being flown to Moscow for medical checks, it added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a post to social media that 90 Ukrainian soldiers were returned by Russia.

"We remember all our people in Russian captivity. We continue our work for the release of everyone. We seek the truth about everyone who may be held by the enemy," he said, as he thanked the Ukrainian exchange team. 

By Ian King , business presenter

The EU has launched its 14th package of sanctions against Russia - this time targeting Vladimir Putin's liquefied natural gas exports (LNG) for the first time.

The measure is the latest attempt by the bloc to deny Mr Putin's regime of money as his war on Ukraine drags into its 29th month.

The sanctions, which will kick in after a nine-month transition period, fall short of an outright ban on Russian LNG shipments.

This partly reflects the fact that EU members are themselves still allowed to buy LNG from Moscow - even though the bloc has set a target of phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

The EU followed the lead of the United States and the UK in banning Russian oil imports, with one or two limited exceptions, in 2022 after Russia attacked Ukraine.

What latest sanctions do

The key measure in the package, signed off late last week in the face of opposition from Germany and Hungary, is a ban on trans-shipments off EU ports of Russian LNG - essentially preventing the commodity from being sold to third countries via EU ports.

Part of the package also targets specific vessels - including an initial 27 oil tankers - that are used to get around the price cap slapped on Russian oil by the G7 countries.

It will also, in time, target vessels caught, for example, carrying ammunition from North Korea to Russia or transporting grain stolen from Ukraine by Moscow.

The latest package of sanctions also bans new investments and services to complete LNG projects under construction in Russia.

That should, in theory, stymie Russia's attempts to build out its LNG exports and grow market share.

Other elements include bans on EU businesses from using the Bank of Russia's system for transfer of financial messages (SPFS) system - the Bank of Russia's version of the West's Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) inter-bank messaging system.

Under this measure, the European Council will be allowed to draw up a list of non-Russian third-country banks connected to the system and ban them from doing business with EU operators.

Targeting rich Russians and pop stars

There are also restrictions on access to Russian media, as well as new technological and export restrictions and a fresh blacklist of a further 116 people deemed to be supporting the war, including the singer Yaroslav Dronov, who performs under the name Shaman and whose song 'I'm Russian' was reportedly played daily to Alexei Navalny, the late democracy campaigner, in his Arctic Circle prison cell.

Also targeted was another popular Russian singer, Polina Gagarina, who performed before Putin at an event in Crimea following the invasion of Ukraine.

The EU has also introduced a number of bans, targeting wealthy Russians, on private jet travel to EU resorts.

Announcing the measures, the European Commission said: "As the Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the EU remains determined to keep acting to further reduce Russia's sources of revenue and capacity to wage war.

"Today's measures send a clear and strong signal of EU unity and of our support to Ukraine and its people."

Will watered-down sanctions have any impact?

The big question is whether these latest sanctions will actually have much impact - particularly in view of the fact that they were watered down.

Germany, for example, reportedly prevented a widening of measures that would have forced EU companies to guarantee that their customers would not be able to sell prohibited goods to Russia.

And Hungary - the value of whose Russian LNG imports is up 59% year on year - is said to have demanded assurances that no current or future measures will impact the Paks II nuclear power plant which is being built by the state-owned Russian power company Rosatom 63 miles to the south-west of Budapest.

The chances are that the sanctions will only go so far in hurting Russia.

Still a major supplier

According to Kpler, the data provider, Russia is the second-biggest supplier of LNG to the EU after the United States. It says that, so far this year, the US has met 41% of the EU's LNG needs and Russia 21%.

And in May this year, for the first time since just after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, imports of Russian LNG were greater than those of American LNG.

Nor do these sanctions cover imports of Russian gas transported to the EU through pipelines via Turkey and Ukraine itself.

Much of this ends up in central European countries such as Austria, which in the first five months of this year had 80% of its gas needs met by Russia, but also countries such as Italy and Belgium.

Moreover, while the bans on trans-shipments will make it harder for Russian LNG exports to reach their intended destination, they are unlikely to stop them altogether.

They will just force Russia to use longer shipping routes - while a lot of the LNG previously being exported in this way is now, ironically, likely to be sold to customers in Europe itself.

It is always encouraging to see the EU seeking to deprive Putin's war machine of money.

But these sanctions could have gone a lot further. That they did not highlights the extent to which the EU still relies on Russian gas.

Donald Trump has been presented with a plan to end the war in Ukraine if he is elected to the White House in November.

The Reuters news agency reports that two key advisers for the presumptive Republican nominee have put forward the plan, which involves telling Kyiv it will only get more US military aid if it enters peace talks.

At the same time, the US would warn Moscow that refusal to negotiate would result in increased support from Washington for Ukraine, according to retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.

Lt Kellogg and Fred Fleitzl, who were both chiefs of staff in Trump's National Security Council while he was president and who came up with the plan, said a ceasefire would be based on prevailing battle lines during peace talks.

Mr Fleitzl said Trump showed a positive attitude towards the plan.

"I'm not claiming he agreed with it or agreed with every word of it, but we were pleased to get the feedback we did," he said.

The Kremlin has said any peace plan from a future Trump administration would need to reflect the battlefield "reality" - but that Vladimir Putin was open to talks.

"The value of any plan lies in the nuances and in taking into account the real state of affairs on the ground," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

From the Ukrainian side, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said freezing the war at prevailing front lines would be "strange".

"Ukraine has an absolutely clear understanding and it is spelled out in the peace formula proposed by President Zelenskyy, it is clearly stated there - peace can only be fair and peace can only be based on international law," he said.

Four people have injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, an official has said.

Regional governor Oleg Synegubov said Russia hit the village of Bobrivka with "at least four" guided aerial bombs this afternoon.

Two women, aged 87 and 40, and two men aged 67 and 56 were injured, he said.

The women were treated on the spot while the two men were hospitalised for treatment.

Ukrainian police say they have detained a man involved in the alleged torture of a former soldier in Ukraine's fourth-largest city of Dnipro.

The National Police service said on Telegram that Dmytro Yavornytskyi was targeted last Thursday by a group of men in balaclavas and camouflage who injured and put handcuffs on him.

The men have since been identified and one has been detained today, the service said.

Dnipro's regional prosecutor's office has begun criminal proceedings alleging illegal deprivation of liberty and torture.

More now from Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, who has warned of "tragic and fatal" consequences if the West underestimates Russia's determination.

Mr Ryabkov said Moscow was ready to stand up for itself "and ensure its own interests in any situation".

"I don't even want to assume that this underestimation could become tragic and fatal," he said, adding the West was confronting a major nuclear power. 

"There are different ways to respond to this - rhetorical and practical. We have the resources to convey signals to the West in the field of nuclear deterrence, even in the absence of our opponents' willingness to conduct a sober dialogue. But there is a danger, it cannot be underestimated, that their side may make a mistake. We will try not to," Mr Ryabkov said at a conference in Moscow.

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