The last year of the decade has dawned. That calls for reflection on what’s to come. For us, it especially means taking a look at highly awaited launches and deliveries. Every year, of course, holds the promise of fascinating projects. But, with bigger boats than ever in build, and technology blazing new paths, the 12 coming months should be particularly fascinating. Herewith, we present some of the most anticipated megayachts of 2019. Most are deliveries, though a few are official launches, too.
- Project Shu. Even amid multiple 100-meter-plus projects on order books around the world, Project Shu stands out. She measures 446 feet (136 meters), with elongated lines by Espen Øino. Scant details are available, unfortunately, though a big pool does span her beam on the main aft deck. When she’s complete, she’ll be able to welcome two helicopters, too. One helipad is on the bridge deck, while the other is on the aft portion of the sundeck. Inside, designer Mark Berryman reportedly created a soothing, serene ambiance, via subdued colors. While Lürssen announced it would deliver Project Shu in the fall, as of this writing, she’s still at the yard.
- Tis. Sea trials took place for Tis earlier this year, with delivery expected before winter ends. LOA: 364 feet (111 meters). Featuring a rich-blue hull and similar-tone accents on her upper decks, she incorporates a total of six decks. Styling comes from Winch Design. The shipyard has not yet revealed details about her interior or exterior relaxation areas. Regardless, Tis appears to have a glass-bottom pool aft on an upper deck.
- Benetti FB277. Having just launched in late December, Benetti FB277 (above) is the Italian yard’s largest megayacht so far. She’s 351 feet (107 meters). That alone makes her among the most anticipated megayachts of 2019. But, she’s also one of three 100-meter-plus projects in build at Benetti. In fact, FB275 is one of those two, expected for launch in 2019. However, since no illustrations or photos are public right now, we’re more eager to see FB277 start cruising. Australian newspapers are convinced she’ll cruise under the ownership of James Packer, an Aussie who now lives in the United States. His business holdings include casinos, while his personal holdings have included several megayachts. One such yacht is the rugged-looking Arctic P.
- Project Fiji. Still mostly bare metal, Project Fiji is a 312-footer (95-meter) that Lürssen expects to deliver later in the year. While few facts are available, we do know she has a fire pit aft on an upper deck. Project Fiji further has a lower-deck spa complete with a fold-down terrace. Styling is by Harrison Eidsgaard, with interior design by Laura Sessa. Her owner also plans to keep an amphibious boat among the tenders and toys.
- Lady S. Pictured at top, this 305-footer (93-meter), a.k.a. Feadship Project 814, made a brief appearance outside her build shed at Feadship in the fall. Her official launch takes place in the spring. Amid the most anticipated megayachts of 2019, Lady S certainly seems the most modern in styling. She certainly pledges to be fun, too, given some of her amenities. The megayacht boasts an IMAX theater, for example—a two-deck-high theater, at that. She also has abundant equipment for playing volleyball, basketball, and golf, among other sports.
- Project Yasmin. Also known as Oceanco Y716, Project Yasmin has been on yacht watchers’ radars for several years. Measuring 295 feet (90 meters), she features naval architecture by Azure Naval Architects and styling by Espen Øino. Three signature picture windows characterize the forward portion of her main deck. That could denote her master suite, where designer Terence Disdale will fashion the owners’ preferences. Multiple pools characterize her decks, too. Look for Project Yasmin to launch early in the year.
- Olivia O. Ulstein, a commercial shipyard in Norway, should hand over Olivia O early this year as well. It’s later than originally planned, but surely worth the wait to her owner. LOA: 290 feet (88.5 meters). Olivia O is among the most anticipated megayachts of 2019 for us due to her unusual design, which was on full display on sea trials. It’s the very definition of “form follows function.” The design is an X-Bow, created by Ulstein more than a decade ago for the offshore-vessel industry. It holds up to rough conditions, cutting through big seas. Simultaneously, it burns less fuel than other craft. Olivia O’s owner specified the X-Bow for her design in choosing Ulstein to build her.
- Artefact. Given the LOAs of the above-mentioned megayachts, Artefact (above) may seem small, coming in at “just” 262 feet (80 meters). Coming to that conclusion would be a mistake, however. Artefact is absolutely among the most anticipated megayachts of 2019 for several good reasons. For instance, she boasts 70 tons of glass. What’s more, Nobiskrug says she has the highest ratio of glass to LOA for any yacht in her size range. She boasts distinctive styling as well, from Gregory C. Marshall’s office. The illustration above shows off some of that styling, along with the abundant glass.
- Bilgin 263-I. Turkey-based Bilgin Yacht has twin 80-meters (263-footers) under construction. But, only one splashes in 2019—the one the shipyard calls the Bilgin 263-1. Featuring seven guest staterooms, the megayacht also has Macassar ebony paneling throughout. An infinity pool, meanwhile, occupies the main aft deck. Both the Bilgin 263-1 and her sistership feature styling and naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design, as well as interiors by H2 Yacht Design. The sistership, by the way, launches in 2020.
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