Editor's Note: Global Superyacht Fleet Grows

If further proof was needed that the superyacht industry is showing no signs of slowing evidence can certainly be found in this week’s newsletter. Kicking off a week of intense yachting action was none other than Lurssen, who had the industry watching last Friday with the launch of Project Lightning.

At 140m the yacht takes up position as one of the Top 100 largest yachts in the world to date. The vessel further marks Lurssen's 10th yacht in the world’s top 20. 

Northern European yard, Nobiskrug also wowed, launching the eye-catching 80m Artefact in a momentous moment for the forward thinking yacht builders. A structural enigma, the 80m incorporates the highest ratio of glass for a yacht of her size with Gregory C. Marshall’s design unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Her technical ability is also far advanced. Build Captain Aaron T. Clark told us about the vessel’s DC diesel-electric propulsion system; the first of its kind and providing a 20% higher fuel efficiency than regular diesel-electrics. 

Though this week wasn’t all about Nobiskrug. News of latest launches came in from across the globe. A stone’s throw away, Damen’s Gorinchem shipyard in South Holland welcomed Joy Rider to its waters increasing the grand total of successfully launched Damen support vessels to 15. Meanwhile not too far away in Oss, Heesen announced the launch of Project Boreas, a 50 metre full-aluminium motor yacht; an innovative design from by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects.

In Italy, Baglietto was also celebrating a huge occasion with the launch of their biggest yacht since 2012, 55M Severin°s, while fellow Italian builders, CRN provided an update on the construction process of 62m Hull no.138. You can find a full video of the construction progress and read more about her here.

From large yacht launches to yacht debuts; the Monaco Yacht Show this week announced their list of attendees for the up and coming show. This year’s edition is set to have an average length of 50m with a colossal total of 42 yachts said to be making their world debut at the event. We can’t wait to be back on the docks of Port Hercule to see some of the latest launches for the very first time!

Last but not least, this week we leave you with some inspiring words from none-other than Espen Oeino. In a recent video interview, the designer and naval architect tells all about one of his most impressive designs, the 85m Lurssen, Valerie. Currently for sale with IYC, Espen discusses the art of exterior design of the until-now, secretive superyacht for the very first time. Enjoy!