Motor Yacht Ammonite Launches—for Sailing Superyacht Enthusiasts

Marcus Blackmore earned a high profile for establishing an eponymous health-supplements company in Australia. He and his wife Caroline have earned a high profile in yachting for being passionate cruisers—specifically, bluewater sailors in recent years. Bluewater voyages are in the not-too-distant future once again, thanks to the launch of their new motoryacht. She’s the Nauta Air 110 yacht Ammonite from Cantiere delle Marche.

“Nauta” refers to Nauta Design, responsible for styling and interior design. “Air,” meanwhile, is a nod to the yacht prioritizing indoor-outdoor living. A wide stairway spanning the transom is the most prominent symbol of that lifestyle. (The center lifts to yield engine-room access, as seen below.) It’s effectively a pathway encouraging owners and guests to indulge in swimming and watersports, while also serving as a place to sit and enjoy the horizon close to the sea. Additionally, the Nauta Air series has a lower draft than other Cantiere delle Marche superyachts, purposely for getting closer to sandy shores. But, in keeping with the Italian builder’s focus on true exploration, the Nauta Air yachts all feature a robust steel hull and engineering package.

Cantiere delle Marche yacht Ammonite stairs

Exploration is certainly in the cards for the Blackmores. “Their adventures have taken them across some of the world’s most remote and untouched cruising grounds, including the far-flung archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean, where a true appreciation for reliability, self-sufficiency, and seamanship is essential,” notes Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche. “From day one, the partnership between CdM and the Blackmores felt like a natural fit, built on a shared vision and a like-minded approach to life at sea.”

If the name of the yacht Ammonite sounds familiar, it’s because the Blackmores have had a few sailing superyachts by that name, from Southern Wind Shipyard. Each of those yachts has borne design by Nauta Design, too. (Also sharing the name but not from Nauta Design, a Nardhavn 76.) “Working with Marcus and Caroline Blackmore again has been particularly rewarding for us,” says Guido Valtorta, the studio’s co-director. “Over the years, we have developed a relationship based on a shared appreciation for timeless design, functionality, and a genuine passion for life at sea. Their extensive sailing experience and refined aesthetic sensibility always bring depth and purpose to the design process.”

Cantiere delle Marche yacht Ammonite launch

Interestingly, the Nauta Air 110 yacht Ammonite shares some of the design philosophies of the Blackmores’ sailing yachts. Valtorta says the timeless grace of sailing and the strong association sailing engenders with the ocean are evident. Additionally, the Blackmores “provided very precise references,” he continues. Although he doesn’t elaborate on them, Valtora does say that subtle details, soft textures, and natural materials combine for a beach-house-like feel. “In general,” he adds, “they asked for spaces combining elegance with exceptional roominess.”

Upcoming sea trials should confirm a top speed of 13 knots.

Cantiere delle Marche cantieredellemarche.it

Nauta Design nautadesign.com