superyacht 2023

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Ten upcoming superyacht deliveries to look out for

This year has seen its fair share of spectacular superyacht projects – including Abeking & Rasmussen 's 118.2-metre flagship Liva O and Frei re 's 111.9-metre Renaissance (now one of the most expensive charter yachts on the market). But as 2023 draws to a close, there are still a few new superyachts to look forward to. 

From the highly confidential Project Icecap to Tecnomar's recent, radical debut of This Is It , BOAT takes a peek at what's yet to officially emerge from the shed...

Builder: Heesen Length: 58.5m

Ultra G is one of Heesen's most powerful projects yet. With a propulsion package that totals 22,000 horsepower – including four water jets – she can reach an impressive 37 knots in light load conditions. A “sport fisherman in yacht disguise”, Ultra G 's custom design draws on inspiration from two previous sportfishing models built by Heesen in the nineties and features a fighting chair and storage for 40 rods. She's also equipped with a custom Vanquish tender.

Project Jag

Builder: Lürssen Length: 122m

Commissioned by an experienced client as a replacement for his 96-metre, Project Jag is one of the largest superyachts currently under construction (and the owner's third Lürssen). The project bears a number of the same design signatures as his former yachts, including an elongated bowsprit and plenty of al fresco deck space. Exteriors were designed by Nuvolari Lenard while the interiors – courtesy of Reymond Langton – are described as a “beautiful, bespoke homage to the owner's lifestyle”. There will be two staff for every guest on board.

Luminance  

Builder: Lürssen Length: 145m

Another powerful-looking Lürssen, Luminance 's classic raked bow and high, brooding superstructure were photographed when she embarked on her sea trials in April. Construction on the mammoth project began in 2018 – but Luminance has since been kept tightly under wraps. Her exterior is known to be Espen Øino -designed, while her interiors have been styled by Francois Zuretti . Once delivered, she'll be the seventh largest Lürssen on the water.

Builder: Moonen Length: 33.9m

A take on the contemporary gentleman's yacht, the Moonen 110 sees René van der Velden and Diana Yacht Design team up once more, having previously worked on the Dutch shipyard's Martinique series. She also takes cues from previous models Moonen 84 and 97. London-based Studio Indigo is behind the yacht's interiors, with "a sweeping spiral staircase using fluted natural timbers" sitting at the heart of the design.

Builder: Heesen     Length: 67m

Sparta is based on the yard’s 66-metre Project Avanti – first presented at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2018, the sporty, low-profile design caught the eye of its commissioning owner. Last spotted heading out to sea trials, the 1,200GT superyacht is Heesen's largest steel construction to date and has been styled inside and out by British studio Winch Design . Her interiors are said to follow an elemental theme with different sections dedicated to water, earth and air.

Project Icecap

Builder: Lürssen Length: 107m

When she was revealed last summer at Lürssen’s Wolgast yard, it was clear that Project Icecap was shaping up to be a very capable explorer yacht. With an axe-style bow and the superstructure well forward, the yacht should punch safely through big seas, while offering big cargo-carrying capacity on the open aft deck. Owner’s rep Moran Yacht & Ship described the boat as "diesel-electric powered", while an ice-classed hull, heli-hangar and forward observation lounge are also on the spec sheet.

Builder: Rossinavi Length: 59.4m

Rossinavi's first ever explorer yacht, Akula was rolled out of the shed in June sporting a striking scarlet hull by Gian Paolo Nari . Once delivered, she'll support "marine research activities and philanthropic projects" with her variety of diving equipment, custom open-air observation deck and two six-metre containers which act as transportable science labs. Fitted with diesel-electric propulsion, Akula also has "optimised fuel consumption" for a lower environmental impact during long periods of time at sea.

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The 10 Best New Superyachts at the Monaco Yacht Show This Year

The debuts will range from the 262-foot, scarlet-red "leona" to perini navi's "artexplorer," a yacht designed to be a floating art gallery., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The Monaco Yacht Show returns this year for its 32nd edition with a stellar lineup of yachts. The newly refitted 319-foot Carinthia VII and the head-turning 312-foot Kismet are two of the largest yachts confirmed to attend, while this year’s debuts include a dozen-plus new launches that may not be as large as some of the brokerage and charter gigayachts at the show but are still an impressive group in terms of design.

The newbies also seem to be broken out into distinctive colors this year, with the 262-foot scarlet-red Leona being the largest launch at the show, while the 174-foot Jewels , with its sky-blue hull will also stand out. Damen’s Bad Company Support has neon-pink lettering on the side, while Anjelif has a gold exterior, and Grey has a black superstructure and light-gray hull.

The Monaco event is the biggest yachting show to take place throughout Europe and the marquis event in the superyacht world. The organizers have been working hard to promote environmental innovations and educational trends taking place within yachting. The show will have design and innovation hubs, sustainability hub, and an adventure area. Of course, the big stars will be the fleet of 120 superyachts in Port Hercules.

Here are the 10 launches that we will definitely be visiting at the show.

‘Leona’ | Bilgin Yachts

The 262-foot Leona is Bilgin Yachts’s largest delivery to date. Even amid the glamour of Port Hercules, the full custom yacht will be hard to miss, thanks to a bright-scarlet hull that has earned the yacht the nickname “the Red Bullet.” The exterior is designed by Unique Yacht Design, and the interior is by H2 Yacht Design. The largest yacht to debut in Monaco this year, Leona is part of the Bilgin 263 series. It has the same lifting transom and large beach club pool as its sistership Tatiana . Another wow-factor feature includes a pair of Greek statues covered in fiber optics that give the impression of a star-studded night sky.

‘Alchemy’ | Rossinavi

With a design that was developed entirely over Zoom, Rossinavi’s tri-deck 216-foot Alchemy was built for an owner with a penchant for space. The result is more than 3,500 square feet of deck space, which holds large outdoor dining areas mated with dedicated bronzing and socializing areas and an on-deck Jacuzzi. The design employs Philippe Briand’s signature Vitruvius hull, while the contemporary interior was by Enrico Gobbi’s Team for Design.

‘Anjelif’ | Columbus Yachts

The 164-foot Anjelif is defined by its many technical innovations, including hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, an onboard sanitization system for the elimination of airborne viruses, and a touch-and-go helipad at the bow that converts into an open-air cinema. The all-aluminum, four-deck yacht delivered by Italian shipyard Columbus Yachts also boasts a gold exterior by Marco Casali of Too Design. The Italian studio used natural and sustainable materials to define the interior. Amenities include a gym on the main deck, a sauna, and treatment rooms.

‘Jewels’ | Turquoise Yachts

Turquoise Yachts’s 174-foot Jewels , with its sky-blue hull, will no doubt to turn heads wherever it ventures. The exterior design is the result of a first-time collaboration between the Turkish builder and Miami-based DeBasto Design. The interior is by British studio H2 Yacht Design to accommodates 12 guests. The boat, which has 720 gross tonnes of volume, boasts a large sundeck with spa pool, sunpads, bar, and socializing area.

‘Grey’ | Tankoa

Sporting a jet-black superstructure and light-gray hull, the aptly named Grey by Tankoa Yachts enjoys the same Paszkowski-designed profile as its sisterships Kinda and Olokun . But it’s the large glass-sided pool on the foredeck, paired with an outdoor cinema screen and integrated surround-sound speakers, that grab all the attention. A fold-down transom with extended swim platform, a beach club with side sea terraces, and a large sun deck with a second pool complete the 164-foot superyacht package.

‘X-Space’ | Sanlorenzo

X-Space by Sanlorenzo takes the use of onboard glass to a new level. Full-height windows, sliding-glass panes and “glass walls” in the guest cabins fill the interior with natural light. One of the yacht’s five decks is dedicated entirely to the owner, comprising multiple living areas, an office, and large master suite leading directly onto a private terrace at the bow. The exterior features include a 323-square-foot sunbathing deck and a swimming pool. Designed by Zuccon International Project, the 144-foot yacht is one of the Italian yard’s most anticipated launches to date.

‘Fancy’ | Nautor’s Swan

As the first hull in Nautor’s Swan’s 108 series, the 115-foot Fancy is one of a handful of sailing yachts making its world premiere at Monaco this year. Described by the shipyard as “the first in a new generation of Maxi Swans,” and sitting neatly between its Swan 98 and Swan 120 flagship, it mates a carbon hull with a sweeping and uncluttered resin-infused deck. The exterior design is by Micheletti + Partners, with naval architecture by German Frers.  

‘Ace’ | Conrad

The 145-foot yacht Ace built by Conrad Shipyard is the largest superyacht to come out of Poland. Its Reymond Langton exterior is defined by a “rolling wave” superstructure and an 82-foot sundeck with cinema screen and recessed infinity pool. Commissioned by a Swiss owner who requested an interior with an “Italian soul,” the full-custom boat sleeps 10 guests in five suites, with accommodations for a crew of nine. It marks the first hull in the Polish shipyard’s C144S series.

‘ArtExplorer’ | Perini Navi

When Robb Report reported on Frédéric Jousset’s idea for a floating gallery in 2021 , the art enthusiast’s vision was still a dream. Now it’s a 154-foot reality called ArtExplorer , debuting at Monaco this year. Built by Perini Navi to a design by naval architects Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier, it is the largest aluminum sailing catamaran in the world. Following the museum boat’s premiere at Monaco, it will sail the world, hosting immersive art exhibitions curated in collaboration with the Louvre Museum in Jousset’s bid to “democratize the arts.”

‘Bad Company Support’ | Damen

The 175-foot Bad Company Support is the first hull in Damen Yachting’s YS53 support vessel series. Commissioned by American tech entrepreneur Anthony Hsieh, the support vessel will be the largest boat in the serial yachtsman’s 10-strong fleet of vessels used for sportfishing expeditions and marine conservation. It’s also his first new build. Sporting an attention-grabbing neon pink name on its side, the support vessel has a 5,000 nautical mile range, a 15-ton deck crane, and IMO Tier III-compliant engines.

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Top ten brand new superyachts to charter in 2023

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By Nina Done   2 June 2023

With the summer season now in full swing, we take a look at some of the newest additions to the charter fleet for 2023.

Offering unparalleled levels of privacy, the chance to spend quality time with your closest friends and family, world-class leisure and entertainment facilities and stunning surroundings there really is no better way to enjoy a vacation than on a luxury yacht charter. Read on to discover our top ten picks of the best new yachts to charter in 2023;

Launched by Golden Yachts last month, the 78m (255ft) superyacht O'REA  is scheduled for delivery to her owner this June, when she will be made available for charter around the sublime cruising grounds of Greece . 

Showcasing a sleek exterior with a plumb bow, the yacht has been designed with relaxation in mind, with plenty of areas onboard where guests can kick back, unwind and entertain in maximum comfort and style.

Highlights include : an expansive swimming pool on her main deck, health bar at the entrance of her lounge area and an abundance of top-quality spa facilities including a sauna, massage room and Hammam. 

Commissioned by highly experienced owners, you can be assured that the elegant 66m (216ft) Rossinavi superyacht ALCHEMY will offer everything you could possibly want on a luxury yacht charter.

Penned by the esteemed Philippe Briand for Vitruvius Yachts, the steel and aluminum motor yacht is a masterclass in design and innovation, with Enrico Gobbi at Team 4 Design heading up her interior scheme.

Highlights include : a spa-centered beach club, a suspended glass staircase, zen-calm interiors and a huge array of land and water toys

Marking her debut onto the world stage at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March, the custom Amels 60 (196ft) superyacht ENTOURAGE offers her guests a floating oasis of luxury. 

Providing accommodation for 12 guests, she boasts an exceptionally well-equipped master cabin, comprising a dedicated lounge, two bathrooms and adjoining twin-bed guest suite, as well as a fold-down balcony providing glorious over-water views.

Highlights include : a vast sundeck where guests can sip drinks in her Jacuzzi pool or relax on sumptuous loungers, chic light-filled interiors, fold-down balconies and wide deck spaces offering endless opportunities to relax and unwind. 

Available for charter around the glittering coastline of Croatia this summer, the 52m (171ft) Custom sailing yacht SCORPIOS will cut a fine figure in the water as she powers along under sail. Showcasing a striking black hull and blonde teak decking, she is every inch the contemporary sailing yacht .

Her stylish flair continues into her beautiful interiors, featuring elegant herringbone wooden floors, plush carpets and sumptuous sofas, with discrete lighting adding a warm ambiance.

Highlights include : a sun-kissed flybridge offering guests a variety of options with far-reaching views across a number of zones; from her expansive forward dining area to her Jacuzzi with swim-up bar and semi-circular sunpads further aft. 

Marking Benetti ’s third hull in its award-winning B.Now 50 series, the 50m (164ft) superyacht FANTASEA is home to a wealth of charter-pleasing amenities and beautiful interiors that will have charter guests in raptures. 

Designed to reflect the characteristics of the owner’s unique vision and insight, the yacht offers up a wealth of interior and exterior relaxing and social spaces that flow harmoniously between one another.

Highlights include : her vast sundeck, stunning upper deck saloon and 36 square-meter waterside beach club with infinity pool and loungers.

ETERNAL SPARK

Marking the first hull in Bilgin Yacht ’s highly-anticipated 163 series, the 50m (163ft) superyacht ETERNAL SPARK is the perfect blend of performance, style and innovation. 

With a bright and airy scheme that has been cleverly engineered through the use of full-height windows and low external bulwarks, the motor yacht offers guests spacious living areas set across a unique layout, with accommodation for 12 in six luxurious suites. 

Highlights include : a convertible indoor movie theater, with an additional alfresco cinema set-up, oversized glass-walled Jacuzzi on her sundeck and a sunken-level beach club featuring a full-height Finnish sauna, ice fountain, entertainment system and wet bar.

Winning a special commendation award at the World Superyacht awards 2023 , charterers will not go far wrong in making 44m (145ft) yacht ACE  their top choice for their next luxury yacht vacation. 

Built by the up-and-coming Conrad Shipyard in Poland, the yacht is not just a pretty face. Featuring a slew of crowd-pleasing amenities, guests will also love her generous proportions and elegant interiors.

Highlights include : a sun-kissed top deck, featuring an infinity pool with a shaded nearby sit-up bar providing day-long refreshments. This area also benefits from an alfresco cinema set up for movie nights under the stars.  

Available for charter around the Mediterranean , the 40m (131ft) yacht LADY FIRST is the perfect platform for first-timers looking to dip their toes into the charter waters this summer.

Launched earlier this year as part of their Belissima 130 range, the Riva yacht is elegance personified.

Highlights include : a lavish, 60 square-meter beach club and a spacious sundeck that provides guests with ample alfresco outdoor entertainment spaces. Meanwhile, principle charterers are in for a treat with their own on-deck stateroom complete with a terrace and Jacuzzi that offers next level privacy and comfort for their yacht vacation.

Representing the second hull in Gulf Craft ’s Majesty 120 series, the 37m (121ft) superyacht OLIVIA will mark her debut onto the charter market in the celebrated cruising grounds of the West Mediterranean .

The yacht's tri-deck design offers ample spaces for socializing and relaxing, as well as a variety of interior and alfresco dining options.

Highlights include : an expansive sundeck with a beechwood finish wet bar and large Jacuzzi, a crowd-pleasing beach club and swim platform with retractable steps where guests can take to the warm Mediterranean sea on her array of toys and accessories. 

Set to welcome her first guests around the sublime cruising grounds of the East Mediterranean, the sumptuous 36m (117ft) yacht ANDIAMO makes a wonderfully comfortable choice for a luxury yacht charter this summer. 

The brand new Sanlorenzo SD118 has been purpose-built for outdoor living, with generous deck spaces offering swathes of sunbathing opportunities and plenty of lounging space. She also offers a great family-friendly layout; ideal for guests with children or groups of friends keen to experience the high life. 

Highlights include : a large swim platform and beach club stocked with an array of the latest water toys, exercise equipment, on-deck Jacuzzi and fold-down balconies in the main and upper deck salons. She also boasts a top speed of 19 knots, perfect for island hopping around the East Mediterranean. 

So there we have it, ten incredible new yachts all available for charter this year and you can be among the first step on board and experience a wonderful vacation in the utmost luxury.

To find out more about any of the superyachts featured in this list get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker . Alternatively, view the entire fleet of superyachts available for luxury yacht charter.

Other standout new yachts available for charter

48m Dunya Yachts 2024

47m Sanlorenzo 2023

55m Custom 2024

41m Benetti 2023

30m Ferretti Yachts 2023

27m Sanlorenzo 2023

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This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3617 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

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The Programme

Tsf : connect.

In 2023, TSF: Connect is all about fostering connections, sharing knowledge and cultivating innovation in the superyacht industry. One of the most anticipated features of The Forum for more than 30 years has always been the chance to meet and connect with key industry figures, and this year will offer more opportunities than ever. In line with our theme of TSF: Connect, this year’s event will have fewer keynotes and more focus on dynamic networking.

Registration

The opening & welcome address for TSF: Connect, delivered by Martin Redmayne

The Future of Ownership & our Industry

Dr Phil Klaus & Dr Annalisa Tarquini of the International University of Monaco, Erik Floor, Market Analyst at SYBAss and Martin H. Redmayne, of The Superyacht Agency will deliver a series of strategic presentations, insights, opinions and perspectives on the state of our industry, the unique perspectives of billionaires and conduct a high-level discussion on the future forecast and expectations for our industry.

Coffee Break

How Useful is YORP? - Green Room 

The Yacht Owner Representative Programme (YORP) has been launched to provide formal training for the idiosyncratic world of owner representation. Backed by SYBAss, IAMI and GUEST, representatives from each will lead this panel in an updated and open discussion about its utility and impact on the industry.

Hein Velema - Partner at Marstrat Consultancy, and Secretary General of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards

Joey Meen - IAMI Maritime Hospitality SG Sec & GUEST Program Director

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Navigating the Industry with Owners - Blue Room 

The machinations of the superyacht industry are tactically opaque. With increased public scrutiny, guiding clients to better decisions through a more complete understanding of the market they are in is more vital than ever. If we can provide them with sound, unbiased information, we can also promote balanced and informed decision-making.

Tobias Kohl – Director Application Engineering Marine - MTU Rolls Royce Solution GmbH

Jo Assael - Yachts Commercial Director - IRI / The Marshall Islands Registry

Michael Breman – Sales Director – Lürssen

Simon Ballard - Managing Director - Howden

Paris Baloumis - Marketing Director - Oceanco

Crew Welfare & Industry Stability - Red Room 

Crew Welfare has been thrust into the spotlight after several wide-reaching reports have underscored shortcomings in human resource management across the fleet. In response to this, a number of working groups have been formed and are starting to implement their solutions. What are the outcomes and actions that have been implemented since?

Martyn EJ Gray - Executive Officer - Nautilus International

Karen Passman - Founder and Owner - Impact Crew

Chris Frisby - Director of Training and Operations - UKSA

Simon Grainge -Chief Executive - International Seafarers'​ Welfare & Assistance Network

Marianne Danissen - Head of Yacht Management · Camper & Nicholsons

Intelligence Reporting and Yacht Ownership - Orange Room 

In a more detailed and intimate companion discussion to the main stage address, The Superyacht Agency will lead a discussion on insights, opinions and perspectives on the state of our industry, the unique perspectives of billionaires and the future forecast for our industry.

Dr Phil Klaus & Dr Annalisa Tarquini of the International University of Monaco

Get Engaged in the New Connect Programme Connect at TSF is the delegate’s opportunity to participate, collaborate and contribute. There will be a variety of formats where delegates will have the opportunity to interact with each other and sector specialists. Connect provides an unparalleled opportunity to network, explore key topics, and evaluate new or potential products.

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REG Yacht Code Update - Red Room 

Moderated by Peter Southgate – Regional Director/Yacht Code Specialist - Cayman Islands, the Red Ensign Group will give an overview of the prescient flag state regulatory code updates from across its member states. 

Julian Smith – Cayman Islands

Andy Hinshaw – MCA Yacht Surveyor 

Lorenzo Pollicardo - SYBASS  

Bram Jongepier - Studio De Voogt

Lurssen - Green Room 

Building Human Capital

This is an Open Debate for all, a dynamic brainstorm on the topic of building a workforce for the future. How do we attract the right people into our industry?

The Superyacht Alliance - Orange Room 

This new organisation, with founding members MYBA, SYBAss and IAMI, will initiate new qualification programmes for professionals in the superyacht industry, such as the Yacht Owners Representative Programme, as well as promote existing initiatives such as the GUEST programmes for hospitality. 

What is the role of The Superyacht Alliance?

What is the goal, mission, and opportunity and what would you like the Alliance to focus on, for the future of our Industry?

Porto Montenegro - Blue Room

Capitalising on the Real Potential of the Adriatic

This is a unique opportunity for Captains and Managers to understand the future investment and expansion plans for Porto Montenegro and the new Adriatic 42 Refit centre, with a rare chance to share with the shipyard and marina’s management, their thoughts, ideas and requirements from an operational or management perspective.

Service Excellence

In this keynote, delegates will hear from senior executives from private aviation, luxury cruise, premium hospitality and top-level hotels to discuss which ingredients they have found essential in delivering class-leading experiences to their clients, as we focus on what we can learn from other industries.

Christoph Schmidinger - Regional Vice President and General Manager - Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Peter Vogel - Managing Director - Luxury Hospitality Management

Dan Cook - Sales Director - Victor 

Bert van Middendorp – Development Director Hotel Experience – Ponant

Delivered by Niels Klarenbeek

The Captains' Den

The format is simple: Industry experts will form a panel at the main stage to judge and critique products and technical innovations presented by our technical partners. The competition will be intense, with all vying for a prize. A vital component of the Forum has always been the chance to present ideas and concepts to industry heavyweights. This year we bring this dynamic to the main stage...

ABB: ABB Dynafin™ with a reduction in propulsion energy consumption of up to 22%

KILO:  VASCO augmented reality training platform for ColRegs and BRM

Omniaccess: Cyber security

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  THE SUPER YACHT INDUSTRY BOOK

The Super Yacht Industry Book

• The first textbook ever written about the Superyacht industry. The book focuses mainly on motor yachts of over 50 meters long.
• In collaboration with 95 experts who design, build, buy, sell, equip, support, operate and manage the world’s largest yachts. They are sharing their experience and true gold nuggets of information that will give you years of competitive advantage to understanding the superyacht industry.
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"In this book Marcela has been able to bring together the knowledge and expertise of some of the leading names in the yacht business, and the outcome is a deeper insight into what I call “the business of yachting”. From the earliest elements of design and engineering through to new construction, sales and charter, yacht management and the legal elements of yachting. In this book, you will have an opportunity to learn about the superyacht industry, from the people who make the superyacht industry. The designers, builders, brokers and lawyers. Informative and insightful information that will be helpful to everyone from an aspiring yacht captain and manage through to an owner and prospective owner."

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The Superyacht Book Hardcover – 30 Sept. 2016

• Print length 288 pages
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ teneues Media GmbH & Co. KG; 1st edition (30 Sept. 2016)
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On board the world’s most travelled superyacht

“Humpbacks off the bow – all guests to the bridge,” a voice sang over the intercom at 7am on the first morning of our expedition. Blinking away sleep, I rushed onto the deck in my dressing gown and a brilliant-white glare filled my eyes through panoramic windows. Metres in front of our yacht, a pod of four humpback whales were feasting on krill, surrounded by giant icebergs, the Antarctic Peninsula looming on the horizon. Close encounters such as this would quickly become the norm during my week onboard Hanse Explorer, a purpose-built expedition yacht, which took us off the beaten cruise track in Antarctica.

Most visitors to the White Continent travel on board a cruise ship, but a lucky few explore on private superyachts . Hanse Explorer is one such vessel. Built in 2006 by German shipping magnate Peter Harren and now owned by a well-known explorer and philanthropist, the 48-metre yacht is the most travelled charter superyacht on the planet. 

In 2023 she clocked up a staggering 35,397 nautical miles, many of which were racked up during charters for the rich and famous (our maps below show exactly where it went last year). “The clients we get are very successful people – some of the most successful in the world in whatever they do,” Captain Andriy Bratash told me. Previous guests include leaders of industry, royalty and film stars.

Hanse Explorer sleeps just 12 guests and up to 20 crew and offers the comfort of a luxury hotel with the personalised service and flexibility of a private yacht. For guests, the exclusive experience begins before boarding. While cruise ships must spend two days crossing the treacherous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, we took what’s been dubbed the “penguin plane”. The two-hour flight from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula has no set schedule and flies only if there’s a suitable weather window, landing on a short gravel runway; a hair-raising experience.

Superyacht vs cruise ship

Trips on board Hanse Explorer are managed by EYOS Expeditions, a pioneer of chartering in Antarctica. The voice that had woken me from my slumber the first morning belonged to eagle-eyed EYOS expedition leader Richard White, a younger David Attenborough type who first visited the region as a researcher in 1998. Together with Captain Bratash, White led a week-long journey that was dictated by the weather and wildlife rather than an itinerary. 

“We don’t try to go as far as fast as cruise ships, and we do it in a different style,” White said. “We have a lot more spontaneity in what we do because we have the ability to say, ‘there’s something cool over there, let’s go in that direction’. We try to go to places that are less trafficked, and we work hard on maintaining aspects of wilderness, which some of the other vessels have lost.”

The flexibility meant our zodiac trips and shore landings were frequent and often spontaneous – within 10 minutes of White spotting something interesting, we’d be kitted up and on the water. This is just one of the ways a private yacht experience surpasses that of a cruise ship . Antarctic regulations permit a maximum of 100 people on a landing point at one time, so ships carrying several hundred passengers must stop for a lengthy period to facilitate visits for all. With only 12 guests, we were able to travel freely and “stop and smell the whales’ breath”, as White liked to say.

What they don’t tell you on television

While sailing, we felt truly alone. In one week, I counted on one hand the number of other vessels we passed. We spent the week journeying up and down the Antarctic Peninsula and discovered things they don’t tell you about on television: the sheer stench of a penguin colony; the gunshot-esque cracks of mini avalanches. We watched adelie and gentoo penguins waddle up “penguin highways” to search for their chicks among colonies of thousands. We saw seals lazing on beaches and fighting with peers – “seals are solitary mammals”, warned one fellow explorer, who bore the scars of getting too close to one. 

We passed through the narrow Errera Channel at sunset with humpbacks off the bow and chased the sun to Wilhelmina Bay where we tried out ocean kayaking. Following the weather one day, we diverted from our original plan for a landing at picturesque Neko Harbour. “If you hear my tsunami warning, run up the hill,” White said as we hiked past a gentoo colony to a viewpoint. On one particularly memorable Zodiac trip, an inquisitive humpback dived underneath our vessel, turning to flash us her white belly as we bobbed in stunned silence.

Made for extremes

Hanse Explorer isn’t your usual private superyacht, most of which are built for the kinder climates of the Mediterranean or Caribbean. She’s purpose-built for traversing the most unforgiving climates and conditions. “We think of her as a small passenger ship because we’re solidly built from steel, we have ice class and we have commercial equipment that’s oversized for safety,” Captain Bratash said. The yacht’s strength was demonstrated when the captain deliberately steered into a small iceberg, cracking the ice.

What the yacht has in terms of resilience, she mirrors in comfort. It’s an intimate experience with just six guest rooms – three doubles, two twins and one master with a private terrace – which have all the comforts you’d expect. 

Communal areas offer large windows for watching the passing scenery. The main deck has a dining room, a terrace and a lounge where White gave daily debriefs and talks on topical issues such as climate change. The lower deck features a gym, a sauna with portholes and an equipment room where guests store outdoor kit, while the upper deck has an al-fresco lounge and a hot tub on the bow – a scenic spot for sundowners.

A polar plunge

Life onboard Hanse Explorer was relaxed and efficient. The crew moved like shadows – always present but rarely seen. Pop out for a breakfast and your room would be cleaned before your return; your fresh laundry folded neatly on the bed. Come back from an excursion and the sauna would be heated and freshly baked cakes and hot chocolate with Baileys would be waiting in the lounge. 

Meals were taken communally around a large dining table that was creatively decorated every day with themes ranging from Polynesia to pirates. Every day we enjoyed hearty buffet breakfasts, family-style lunches and four-course dinners.

The ambience was relaxed; within a day, guests were lounging in their thermals. “We provide the superyacht level of service, but we aim to create an atmosphere of home onboard, so guests are totally comfortable,” said Captain Bratash, from Ukraine, who’s been at the yacht’s helm since 2016. 

Between excursions, the enthusiastic crew organised experiences such as kayaking and the “polar plunge”. As a fair-weather swimmer, I was apprehensive about entering the freezing water in just a swimsuit but, spurred on by the cheers of my peers, I jumped. The shock was quickly replaced by an adrenaline rush so intense that I plunged again the next day.

On our final day, White took us to a remote bay and suggested we take a moment to reflect. The snow sparkled in the sun and icebergs bobbed in the shallows as penguins played on top of them. The only sounds were the call of a skua overhead and the chirp of a delighted chick reuniting with its parent, back from sea with a belly full of krill. I felt a deep connection with nature – and it clicked. Why do people travel across the globe and spend six-figure sums for this experience? Total freedom. As it turns out, this is something that money can buy – you just need a private yacht to get there.

How to do it

Charter trips on board Hanse Explorer are managed by EYOS Expeditions, which hosted Rachel Ingram. The yacht will spend the Northern Hemisphere summer in the Pacific before travelling to Papua New Guinea and then back to Antarctica. For more information or to book, contact EYOS Expeditions ( eyos-expeditions.com ; 001 801 390 7025) or contact  [email protected] . Prices start from $70,000 (£56,6000) per week for a book-by-cabin charter or from $245,000 (£197,600) plus 35 per cent expenses for a full private charter. Flights are extra.

Where the world’s most travelled superyachts went in 2023

Last year, BOATPro’s Global Fleet Tracker followed the journeys of almost 7,000 superyachts, with a cumulative 18.7 million nautical miles recorded between them. These were the four most travelled:

Hanse Explorer

This 48-metre superyacht began the year in Antarctica, before heading to the Caribbean via the Falkland Islands. The Northern Hemisphere summer was spent exploring Scandinavia and the Arctic, before the long journey back to the White Continent. 

Gene Chaser

Owned by DNA sequencing scientist Dr Jonathan Rothberg, Gene Chaser completed a full circumnavigation in 2023, with stops in the Galapagos, Tokyo, Bali, Rhodes and Madeira, among others. 

This 56-metre yacht, on the charter market, began the year in the Med, visited London, and then embarked on a meandering journey to its namesake country via Bergen, Copenhagen, Hamburg, the Suez Canal and Singapore. 

What could be better than a year spent exploring the Pacific? That – along with a traverse of the Northwest Passage – was the main focal point for Tecla, a sailing ketch built in 1915, refitted in 1989, and currently in private hands. 

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After Living Much of Life at Sea, Captain Sandy Finds Love on Land

Sandy Yawn of “Below Deck Mediterranean” married Leah Shafer on — what else? — a superyacht in Florida.

By Tammy LaGorce

Sandra Dolores Yawn has been locked up, left for dead on a Florida highway and chased through the Red Sea by pirates.

In the summer of 2018, Leah Rae Shafer reached out on Facebook to send Ms. Yawn her blessings. Not because she thought Ms. Yawn, who goes by Captain Sandy, needed her well wishes, but because she had started watching “Below Deck Mediterranean” on Bravo.

The show follows a crew tasked with catering to a revolving cadre of guests who have chartered a superyacht. Ms. Yawn, a star of the series, is at the helm. Ms. Shafer had written to congratulate her on the show’s success. There was another reason, too. “I thought she was hot,” she said.

Ms. Yawn, 59, has been a yacht captain for more than 30 years. Her foray into television, which started in 2017, was not exactly foreordained. Until her mid-20s, “I was a mess,” Ms. Yawn said. “I was always in trouble. I got kicked out of 11th grade. I didn’t go to college.” At 13, at the start of an adolescence spent between Dundee, Fla., where her father lived, and Bradenton, Fla., where her mother lived, she started drinking. By 17, “I was getting arrested so many times I couldn’t even count how many,” she said. Usually a parent bailed her out. Her father’s refusal to do so after one drunken incident landed her a night in jail.

In 1989, when she was 25, the revolving door of South Florida treatment centers she had been pushing through quit spinning when a counselor told her she couldn’t return. “She said, ‘Sandy, as soon as you get some money in your pocket you’re going to start drinking again,’” Ms. Yawn said.

Fearing real jail time, she joined Alcoholics Anonymous. To start paying off the thousands of dollars she owed in legal fees and addiction treatment center bills, she got a job washing boats in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. By 30, she had earned her captain’s license from Maritime Professional Training, a school in Fort Lauderdale for mariners and yachting professionals.

Rehab — she still has an A.A. sponsor and attends meetings whenever possible — helped her pin down the roots of her teenage rebellion. “I think a big part of my drinking was that I couldn’t accept my sexuality,” she said. “When I got sober is when I accepted that, oh my gosh, I actually prefer women.”

For Ms. Shafer, that level of acceptance took much longer. It also cost her a career as a gospel singer.

Ms. Shafer, 50, is the entrepreneur behind a skin care line, Skin by Leah, and a jewelry business started with a friend, Cuff Me. When she messaged Ms. Yawn to congratulate her on the success of “Below Deck Mediterranean” in 2018, she and her husband of 20 years, then living with their teenage daughter in Denver, were going through a divorce. The relationship had gone stale years earlier, Ms. Shafer said, but fear and uncertainty prevented her from leaving.

“I had the security of not worrying financially, because he took care of everything,” she said. Her gospel career at a nondenominational church had taken off when she was still in high school in Hesperia, Calif. But that was mostly a labor of love.

“I toured and went to college at the same time,” said Ms. Shafer, who graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

By her 30s, she was recording albums, touring megachurches and singing at major Christian conferences. A flirtation with secular performance in the 2000s landed her on the 2003-04 revival of “Star Search” and later a recurring role on NBC’s “The Singing Bee.”

But “I loved God and I loved inspiring people, and the platform I was given was on the stage of churches,” she said. The only problem: “There was really no money in that.”

Before their divorce was final in 2019, she and her husband tried therapy and prayed together. Finally, in 2018, “I just jumped,” she said. “I took a leap of faith. I wanted freedom.”

She found it financially first. Skin by Leah Studio, her Lone Tree, Colo. facial salon that she founded in 2017, was successful right away, she said. When she first saw Ms. Yawn on TV, she was settling into life as an entrepreneur. She didn’t expect to get a response to her Facebook message. But when she got one three months later, in October 2018, it came with an invitation.

In addition to her job as a TV star, Ms. Yawn had started touring with “I Believe,” a series of motivational talks she created to inspire women in leadership positions. When she finally read Ms. Shafer’s message — thousands had been piling up, she said, but something drew her to Ms. Shafer’s — she was in the market for an entertainer for the talks.

In her message, Ms. Shafer had included a video of herself singing the national anthem at a 2014 Denver Broncos game. Once Ms. Yawn clicked the link, she replied right away. “She gave me her phone number and said, ‘I heard you sing,’” Ms. Shafer said. “‘Let’s meet up and talk about how we can do something together.’”

The two continued to talk on the phone and over email. Ms. Yawn was then living in Los Angeles. Ms. Shafer had been planning a Disneyland vacation with her daughter, Lauren, in November, a trip that gave her an excuse to meet Ms. Yawn in person.

Both say they fell in love seconds after Ms. Shafer pulled into Ms. Yawn’s driveway in mid-November 2018. “I offered to park her car for her, and that’s when we hugged,” Ms. Yawn said. “I felt this energy I had never felt. I knew I had to pay attention to that.”

It was a life-changing hug for Ms. Shafer, too. “It was not a normal feeling when I met Sandy,” she said. “She wasn’t the stern captain you see on TV. She was just so fun and so beautiful. That hug melted me.”

Over dinner at Catch, a Los Angeles seafood restaurant, they acknowledged their attraction. “I was really honest with her,” Ms. Yawn said. But Ms. Shafer wasn’t ready to date a woman. “I knew I wanted to be with her,” she said. “I was just freaked out.”

By the end of the evening, Ms. Yawn told her she should take her time. It had been two years since Ms. Yawn’s last relationship. “So at that point I was like, ‘Why rush it?’” she said. “I was older and I’ve learned a lot of lessons. One was, let things happen naturally. Slow and steady wins the race.”

Six months later, the race was over. The women were in a committed relationship, and Ms. Yawn had moved to a place near Ms. Shafer’s in Denver. It was smooth sailing until the end of 2019, when news of the couple’s relationship started circulating in entertainment media.

The public outing ended Ms. Shafer’s gospel career. “I knew the minute I came out as being in love with a woman it would be over, and it was,” she said. Her six CDs, sold in dozens of church bookstores, were pulled from shelves and shipped to her doorstep. Christian radio stations stopped playing her music.

“I had worked for 35 years,” she said. “And it was over.”

Most painful of all were comments after her father’s death from Covid in 2020. “People in the church told me he died because of my sins,” she said. “But he had met and come to accept Sandy before he passed, and I thank God that happened.” Now, “my family adores Sandy.”

Ms. Yawn lost both her parents to heart attacks before she became a TV star — her father in 2006, and her mother in 2009. In 2015, she was en route to the Miami Boat Show on her motorcycle when she was hit by a car. The driver left the scene. “I felt my mother’s presence while I was flipping through the air, and I felt peaceful,” she said.

When she hit the pavement, she had a fractured pelvis and her foot “was on sideways,” she said. By then, though, she was used to navigating life and death scenarios, including fires at sea and run-ins with pirates. She credits her fortitude and empathy, qualities highlighted on “Below Deck Mediterranean,” which she joined in 2017, to her sobriety. “I’ve got nothing to hide and everything to share,” she said.

In 2022, Ms. Yawn and Ms. Shafer bought a house together in Parker, Colo. In September 2023, while Ms. Yawn was filming in Greece, Ms. Shafer flew overseas to visit. Ms. Yawn proposed with a diamond engagement ring on the beach , with violin players in the background.

Binge more Vows columns here and read all our wedding, relationship and divorce coverage here .

On May 11, Ms. Shafer and Ms. Yawn were married in Fort Lauderdale aboard She’s a 10 Too, a superyacht lent to the couple by their friend Carolyn Aronson. Fifty-five guests, the maximum allowed aboard the vessel, were in attendance. Among them were “Below Deck Mediterranean” castmates Aesha Scott, Kate Chastain and Dave White, known to viewers as Chef Dave. (And yes, there were cameras filming.)

Ms. Shafer, in a long white wedding gown by Leah Da Gloria, walked down the aisle with her two brothers, Matthew Dale and Justin Dale, to an altar decorated with white roses and hydrangeas; her daughter, now 18, was her maid of honor.

Ms. Yawn, in a white Veronica Beard suit, was escorted down the aisle by Mark Dunham, her brother-in-law. Michelle Dunham, Ms. Yawn’s sister, was her maid of honor. Most guests were barefoot, as is common on yachts. The brides and their wedding party were granted an exception.

Nadine Rajabi, the showrunner of “Below Deck Mediterranean,” who is ordained by the Universal Life Church, married them on the yacht’s bridge aft deck, a job made more difficult by the weather: wind caused her microphone to cut out and blew the pages of her speech around. But nothing could disturb the focus of the brides as they read handwritten vows.

Ms. Shafer told Ms. Yawn that she had taught her to be more optimistic, more playful and “to jump.” Ms. Yawn told Ms. Shafer that she had given her patience and grace.

The captain had been hoping to make it through the ceremony free of tears. But that, she said shortly after they were pronounced married, was impossible. “The minute I looked at Leah and started reading her all the reasons I fell in love with her I started to cry,” she said. “It’s so amazing to find this kind of love in your lifetime.”

On This Day

When May 11, 2024

Where Aboard the superyacht She’s a 10 Too, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Rescue Mission The couple chose “She’s a Lady” for their first dance during an onboard reception. Chef Dave prepared short ribs and a three-tiered, gluten-free vanilla, chocolate and strawberry cake that threatened to topple in the wind and heat (temperatures were in the 90s).

Cruising After the wedding, the brides took off for a five-day honeymoon to Little Palm Island on a yacht lent by Mr. Flynn. Ms. Yawn was at the helm, of course.

Onward In June, Ms. Yawn and Ms. Shafer will move from Denver to Ponte Vedra, Fla., to be closer to Ms. Dunham, who runs a private school for children with autism, Jacksonville School for Autism, in Jacksonville. On June 3, season nine of “Below Deck Mediterranean” premieres on Bravo. And on July 1, Ms. Shafer will open a skin care studio in Ponte Vedra.

An earlier version of this article misidentified   the man who escorted Sandy Yawn down the aisle. It was Mark Dunham, her brother-in-law, not her friend John Flynn. An earlier version of a picture caption also misidentified Mr. Dunham as Mr. Flynn. Additionally, the article misstated   the shoe rule aboard   the superyacht on which the wedding was held. The brides and their wedding party were allowed to wear shoes; other guests were not.

How we handle corrections

Weddings Trends and Ideas

Keeping Friendships Intact: The soon-to-be-married couple and their closest friends might experience stress and even tension leading up to their nuptials. Here’s how to avoid a friendship breakup .

‘Edible Haute Couture’: Bastien Blanc-Tailleur, a luxury cake designer based in Paris, creates opulent confections for high-profile clients , including European royalty and American socialites.

Reinventing a Mexican Tradition: Mariachi, a soundtrack for celebration in Mexico, offers a way for couples to honor their heritage  at their weddings.

Something Thrifted: Focused on recycled clothing , some brides are finding their wedding attire on vintage sites and at resale stores.

Brand Your Love Story: Some couples are going above and beyond to personalize their weddings, with bespoke party favors and custom experiences for guests .

Going to Great Lengths : Mega wedding cakes are momentous for reasons beyond their size — they are part of an emerging trend of extremely long cakes .

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THE SUPERYACHTS 34

The Superyachts 34 is the gold standard for reference about the global superyacht industry. Inspirational yachts featured in this volume range from 37 metres to 136 metres.

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The superyachts 34.

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The Superyachts 34 is the gold standard for reference about the global superyacht industry. Inspirational yachts featured in this volume range from 37 metres to 136 metres. Showcasing excellence and innovation, they are all the fulfilment of dreams… 

• Tour 20 outstanding superyachts, all with remarkable diversity, quality and beauty
• Explore the striking profile shapes of motor yachts gracing the seas and read how the experts discuss the design inspiration behind them
• Don’t miss award-winning yachts such as Bold, Canova, Excellence, Hasna, Race, Scout  and more
• Browse the up-to-date register of the World’s 200 Largest Yachts
• Foreword by James Berwind, owner of Scout
• Alphabetical listing of all yachts profiled in all volumes 

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NRA kicks off annual meeting as board considers successor to longtime leader Wayne LaPierre

FILE - National Rifle Association executive vice president Wayne LaPierre speaks during the Leadership Forum at the NRA-ILA Meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center Friday, May 27, 2022, in Houston. The National Rifle Association is kicking off its annual meeting Friday, May 17, 2024, in downtown Dallas, gathering for the first time in decades without Wayne LaPierre at the helm, as board members prepare to elect his replacement. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, file)

FILE - Former President Donald Trump reacts to the crowd before speaking during the National Rifle Association Convention, Friday, April 14, 2023, in Indianapolis. The National Rifle Association is kicking off its annual meeting Friday, May 17, 2024, in downtown Dallas, gathering for the first time in decades without Wayne LaPierre at the helm, as board members prepare to elect his replacement. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, file)

FILE - An NRA sign is seen outside the track of the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, Friday April 12, 2013. The National Rifle Association is kicking off its annual meeting Friday, May 17, 2024, in downtown Dallas, gathering for the first time in decades without Wayne LaPierre at the helm, as board members prepare to elect his replacement. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp, file)

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DALLAS (AP) — The National Rifle Association is kicking off its annual meeting Friday in downtown Dallas, gathering for the first time in decades without Wayne LaPierre at the helm as board members prepare to elect his replacement.

Though beset by financial troubles and following a trial in which a jury found LaPierre misspent millions of the NRA’s money , the group remains a political force. Upwards of 70,000 people are expected at the three-day event with a scheduled speech by former President Donald Trump, seminars, receptions and acres of guns and gear.

A board of directors meeting on Monday is expected to include elections of LaPierre’s replacement and other officers.

“The immediate question is: Who leads the organization and what direction do they go in the post-Wayne LaPierre NRA?” asked Robert Spitzer, a professor emeritus at the State University of New York-Cortland who has written several books on gun policies.

“They have suffered a series of blows, mostly caused by their own corruption,” Spitzer said.

Trump is set to address members Saturday. At the organization’s Great American Outdoor Show earlier this year, he told those gathered that if he is reelected, “no one will lay a finger on your firearms.”

RECENT WOES

A New York jury in February found LaPierre wrongly used millions of dollars of the organization’s money to pay for an extravagant lifestyle that included exotic getaways and trips on private planes and superyachts. LaPierre resigned as executive vice president and chief executive officer on the eve of the trial.

The jury said LaPierre must repay almost $4.4 million to the NRA, while the organization’s retired finance chief, Wilson Phillips, owed $2 million. The NRA failed to properly manage its assets, omitted or misrepresented information in its tax filings and violated whistleblower protections under New York law, jurors found.

After reporting a $36 million deficit in 2018 fueled largely by misspending, the NRA cut back on longstanding programs that had been core to its mission, including training and education, recreational shooting and law enforcement initiatives.

The NRA filed for bankruptcy in 2021, but a judge dismissed the case , ruling it was not filed in good faith.

LEADERSHIP LIMBO

LaPierre had led the NRA’s day-to-day operations since 1991, acting as its face and becoming one of the country’s most influential figures in shaping gun policy. A fiery proponent of gun rights, he once warned of “jack-booted government thugs” seizing guns and condemned gun-control advocates as “opportunists” who “exploit tragedy for gain.”

Andrew Arulanandam, a top NRA lieutenant who served as LaPierre’s spokesperson, has taken on his leadership roles on an interim basis.

Phillip Journey, a newly reelected member of NRA’s board, said he is among those trying to elect new leadership with hopes that the organization will become more transparent.

“I want to reestablish the trust that the membership has lost in the current leadership and I think that we need to make the board understand that they can speak their mind and not be punished,” said Journey, a Kansas judge, adding that the organization is “at a great crossroads.”

REACTIONS TO MASS KILLINGS

As the NRA meeting opens in Dallas, it has been a year since a neo-Nazi opened fire at a mall in the Dallas suburb of Allen , killing eight people before a police officer ended the rampage .

The organization’s annual meeting last year in Indianapolis fell on the second anniversary of the mass shooting at a FedEx facility in the same city that left nine people dead, only days after mass shootings at a school in Nashville, Tennessee , and a bank in Louisville, Kentucky .

At the 2023 meeting, top Republican hopefuls for the 2024 presidential race vowed to defend the Second Amendment at all costs.

In 2022, the NRA held its annual meeting in Texas just days after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde . Those taking the stage that year in Houston denounced the massacre while insisting further restrictions on access to firearms were not the answer.

One week after a gunman killed 26 people, mostly children, in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut , LaPierre gave a defiant speech saying more gun laws weren’t the answer and called for armed guards at schools. “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” he said.

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Global order book: Over 1,000 superyacht projects on order in 2022

Despite some initial wobbles in 2020 when Covid-19 first struck, the superyacht industry has largely shrugged off the pandemic to record a third year of consistent order book growth. The 2022 Global Order Book records an impressive 1,024 projects in build or on order, a rise of 24.7 per cent on last year’s 821.

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The Book Behind ‘It Ends With Us’ Is 50% Off Right Now to Celebrate Release of Film Adaptation Trailer

Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel has returned to number one on the charts following the Blake Lively film trailer's release

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The highly-anticipated trailer to “ It Ends With Us ” dropped Thursday , giving viewers a first look at the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover ‘s bestselling book of the same name.

Starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, “It Ends With Us” tells the story of Lily Bloom (played by Lively in the film), and follows her loving yet tumultuous relationship with husband Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni).

It Ends with Us: A Novel

While Lily and Ryle’s relationship is explored throughout the book, “It Ends With Us” also introduces the character of Atlas Corrigan (played in the movie by Brandon Sklenar), who is said to be Lily’s first love. When Atlas discovers that Lily may be caught up in a cycle of abuse, he rushes to her aid — only for both of them to be confronted by a jealous Ryle.

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“As questions about [Lily’s] new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind,” reads the publisher notes. “He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.”

You can read “It Ends With Us” online by purchasing the book on Amazon.com and Target.com . You can also listen to the “It Ends With Us” audiobook online for free right now with this free trial to Audible . The audiobook has a runtime of just over 11 hours and is narrated by Olivia Song.

It Starts with Us: A Novel

Following the success of “It Ends With Us” (which reportedly sold more than a million copies worldwide), a sequel to the book was released in October 2022. Titled “It Starts With Us,” that book is currently also on sale on Amazon and at Target .

As for the movie version of “It Ends With Us,” the Lively-starring vehicle hits theaters on Aug. 9.

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Superyacht Captain: Life and leadership in the world's most incredible industry Kindle Edition

• Print length 238 pages
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher Adlard Coles
• Publication date April 14, 2022
• File size 2371 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled

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About the author.

Brendan O'Shannassay grew up in Fremantle, Australia, and gained his degree and officer education with the Royal Australian Navy. In 2001 he joined his first superyacht as a deck hand, and worked his way up through the ranks to gain his first captaincy in 2006. His yacht racing career has also seen him participate in multiple Sydney Hobarts and the Fastnet Race, amongst others, Brendan is a Board Member of the International Superyacht Society, Chairman of the Captain's Committee, and has helped to establish superyachtcrewhelp.org – a charity working to support the mental health of yacht crews. Superyacht Captain is his first book.

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09FGNYH1W
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Adlard Coles; 1st edition (April 14, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 14, 2022
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2371 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
• #165 in Boating (Kindle Store)
• #473 in Sailing (Books)
• #548 in Boating (Books)

Brendan o’shannassy.

I was a shy, bookish boy in a small Western Australian coastal town. By age 11 I was a little overweight, and the last to be picked for any team sports. Fortunately, a growth spurt during my 12th year helped me climb the sports social ranking, but I always carried the shadow of those days when I was a little on the outside and not quite expecting to be chosen.

I would never have thought that I would one day as the Captain of some of the World's Greatest Yachts I would be at ease with the wealthiest people on the planet and I would feel more at home in Monaco, Geneva, St Barths, Moscow and London than I did returning to my home town.

This is a captain’s story, my story, where I look back on the physical, emotional and professional challenges that I have faced working in support of the most exclusive client group in the world and their relentless demands. It also charts a journey into the ‘heart of brightness’ that is the superyacht environment. It took me 15 years to earn the title of Captain and I walk through the narrow lanes, the dead ends and the bumpy distractions to that place.

The world of superyachts is far removed from most of the planet’s ‘normal’. It is a world where boundaries blur and the everyday rules of life seem to disappear. A world where lessons and insights are not read about and studied, but lived in an environment of constant pressure, where the consequences of actions result in immediate success or failure. This high stakes, no-safety-net workplace provided me with rolling insights that transfer directly for anyone looking for that edge to be their best version of themselves. My lessons are not hypothetical, gathered from postgraduate studies and delivered in a TED talk; I lived through the glory (but mostly the pain) of the constant scrutiny and expectations of billionaire superyacht owners.

A superyacht is also a study in globalisation. Yacht captains do not speak of diversity as a slogan or a company goal: we live it. The crews are multinational and multilingual and disperse around the globe when not on board. The same is true of the owners. It is common for a conversation to cross multiple languages and for all parties to be speaking in their second or third languages. Many businesses operate globally – this is nothing unique – but not many businesses move their office every few weeks to a new country, a different language, a new climate, a different legal system, and are expected to be experts on arrival.

This is the expectation placed on a yacht and its captain. Whether it be Monaco, Miami, Palau or Papeete, there is an assumption that the captain will have the intimacy of a local by the time their feet are on the dock. They may have ducked an Atlantic hurricane (or two) during the office relocation, but this is not even considered.

The business must be open on arrival. Yes, there are leadership lessons for all from this environment.

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Did Jeff Bezos put a sculpture of his girlfriend on the bow of his new $500 million megayacht? You be the judge.

• A sculpture on Jeff Bezos' new $500 million megayacht has tongues wagging: Is it his girlfriend?
• Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, were recently spotted on the yacht for the first time.
• The watercraft is named Koru, which is Māori for loop or coil and signifies new beginnings.

A sculpture on Jeff Bezos' new megayacht has people wondering whether it's his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez .

The figurehead on the prow of the 417-foot watercraft shows a woman with long hair in a flowing dress, as seen in photos first published by the Daily Mail . She appears to be wearing a necklace that may feature the symbol for koru, which is the name of the ship. Koru means "loop" or "coil" in the Māori language and often signifies new beginnings.

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Bezos and Sanchez, who went public with their relationship in 2019, were first spotted on the new $500 million superyacht earlier this week off the coast of Spain.

The vessel, believed to be the largest sailing yacht in the world, had a rocky road to completion. It caused an uproar when its Dutch shipmaker, Oceanco, requested that a historic bridge in Rotterdam in the Netherlands be dismantled for the yacht to pass because its masts were too tall to pass through underneath.

The 100-year-old Koningshaven Bridge, nicknamed "De Hef" by locals, had been renovated in 2017; after that, the city had vowed not to take it apart again, according to Dutch broadcaster Rijnmond .

Residents grew outraged and even threatened to egg the yacht if the bridge was dismantled, prompting Oceanco to withdraw its request and quietly tow away the yacht to another shipyard without its masts, which were installed later to avoid the clearance issue.

Koru was seen  doing sea trials , which are comprised of several tests and usually mark one of the last phases of construction, in February. The yacht made its maiden voyage in April when it left Oceanco's facilities to travel to Gibraltar on the way to Bezos.

Check out the photos of the yacht's figurehead on the Daily Mail .

Watch: Jeff Bezos reportedly just spent $165 million on a Beverly Hills estate — here are all the ways the world's richest man makes and spends his money

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Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn Marries Leah Shafer on Superyacht

The couple — who first connected on social media — got engaged in September 2023 after five years of dating

Erin Clack is a Staff Editor for PEOPLE. She has been writing about fashion, parenting and pop culture for more than 15 years.

Kelly Martucci

Captain Sandy Yawn has tied the knot — this time, in the romantic sense of the word!

The boat captain and Below Deck Mediterranean star, 58, married longtime love Leah Shafer on May 11, Yawn confirmed on Instagram . Fittingly, the couple said their "I dos" on a superyacht owned by their friend, It's a 10 Haircare founder Carolyn Aronson.

"I had no idea how amazing marriage could be! It feels incredible and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world," Yawn wrote on Tuesday, May 14. "I love you, Leah Rae Yawn!! Thank you for taking my name! Thank you to our entire family and friends for coming out to show your love and support to our relationship."

Yawn also shared videos from the wedding, which she said was filmed for a special Below Deck Mediterranean episode that will air on June 3. Yawn thanked Below Deck executive producer Nadine Rajabi for officiating their wedding.

Yawn and Shafer got engaged in September 2023 after five years of dating. At the time, the reality star — who popped the question — said she had already been thinking about marrying Shafer for years.

"I knew from the minute I met her, but the timing had to be right. I wanted to make sure we could truly do life together first," she told E! News , adding that when it came to her beachside proposal, Shafer wanted a true "fairytale" experience — which Yawn happily delivered.

"I planned a boat ride to a beautiful cove. I had it decorated with flowers with a path to a small table accompanied by three violinists where we could sit and have a small date," she told E! News of the romantic setup.

Yawn continued, "I shared my vision list of love I had written and wanted, then got on one knee. Then she said 'yes!' "

She said it was an unforgettable moment for both of them. "The look on her face was priceless, and my heart exploded! It was filled beyond capacity of anything I could ever imagine. Somehow I feel closer than I did before, and I can't explain it. There is an energy that I have never experienced in my life."

Yawn shared photos from the proposal on Instagram, including a shot of the couple embracing and visibly overcome with emotion.

"It's official! I asked Leah to marry me, and she said YESSSSS," she captioned the post. "We are engaged! Stay tuned for wedding 💍."

While attending BravoCon 2023 in November, Yawn told PEOPLE that the process of planning their wedding only strengthened the pair's bond. "Leah and I couldn't be happier or closer," she said. "It took us to the next level. I love it."

Yawn also shared that Shafer had taken charge of the wedding details, from the location to the flowers. Due to space constraints on the yacht, they had to limit their guest list to about 55 people.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Yawn has her Bravo reality series to thank for meeting her wife. Shafer, a Below Deck fan, reached out to Yawn on Facebook in 2018. After exchanging messages back and forth for a while, the two decided to meet in person in Los Angeles and sparked an immediate connection.

In her 2023 book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm , Yawn wrote about the importance of timing and how Shafer came into her life at just the right moment.

"I believe God has a way of preparing you for 'the one.' He knew I wasn’t ready for her all those years ago. And she wasn’t ready for me. God waited for us," she wrote. "He gave me opportunities to make different choices and be more conscious, so that when that sweet little Facebook message came across my page, I was open."

Shafer was previously married for 20 years to Ross Shafer, with whom she shares a teenage daughter.

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 19 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Things to Do in Elektrogorsk, Russia - Elektrogorsk Attractions

Things to do in elektrogorsk.

• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

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