Yacht Project Thunderball Speeding Through Construction: Sunday Superyacht Video

Most owners and shipyards prefer to show the “pretty” side of their yachts—when the luxurious interiors are complete. So, getting a tour within the raw metal hull and superstructure is pretty rare. In this case, it lends a little more understanding of how the 230-foot (70-meter) yacht Project Thunderball will support differing needs.

Commissioned by a client who loves diving, sailing, and fishing, this steel and aluminum project is in build at CRN. The varied activities come wrapped in styling by Vripack and interior design by Nauta Design. Nauta Design further is working with the owner to create the alfresco areas, where he plans to enjoy time with family and friends.

From climbing the internal stairway to reach the lounges to standing on the uppermost deck and looking way down at the long, classic bow, a lot awaits those who’ll cruise onboard. The yacht Project Thunderball has been under tight wraps essentially since CRN released brief details in September 2023. With full hull painting set to start this September, though, the shipyard and design teams can peel back the curtain on more.

For example, five VIP staterooms will accommodate friends and family, while the owner has a private deck area. A total of 15 crewmembers (including the captain) will handle operations and accompany them on cruises in the Med and in North America. In fact, the owner is looking forward to some frequent travel between Florida and the Bahamas. Much of the already-mentioned diving and sailing will take place there, with kitted-out tenders, including a sailboat.

Getting to her destinations efficiently will be possible thanks to an anticipated top speed of 16 knots. Twin MAN engines should further permit a good cruising speed of 12 knots. Notably, CRN has developed energy-recovery systems to reduce fuel burn. Similarly, the yacht Project Thunderball has a peak shaving system, managing the hotel loads to reduce fuel consumption but also to keep the yacht quiet at anchor.

All the while, capacious rooms amid the 36-foot (11-meter) beam will keep the owner’s party comfortable. Nauta Design is interpreting the owner’s requests for a look and feel reflecting rich maritime culture. Of course, some contemporary touches sprinkle throughout. Although CRN can’t reveal images just yet, it does say that some of the cabins are seeing woods and marbles coming aboard through next month.

With hull painting set to start this September, the classically appealing yacht will then take the next major step toward launch. It’s scheduled for early next year.

CRN crn-yacht.com

Nauta Design nautadesign.com

Vripack vripack.com