Over recent years, the number of yachts bought and sold worldwide has increased dramatically. In fact, the sales of superyachts reached record highs in 2021 with 887 sold - almost double the number sold in 2020 and 2019 (VesselsValue).
This marked increase in sales, along with global improvements in technology has resulted in several new, innovative designs emerging in the motoryacht industry. It’s an exciting time to be involved and at Glacier Yachts we are always aiming to push the boundaries even further. Our motor yachts are designed, engineered, and manufactured with innovation in mind and we always aim to share our expertise.
That’s why, in this article, we want to introduce you to through some of the most impressive features that have been appearing on new build yachts in recent years.This will hopefully provide you with some inspiration for your upcoming refit project and introduce you to a world of potential.
This marked increase in sales, along with global improvements in technology has resulted in several new, innovative designs emerging in the motoryacht industry. It’s an exciting time to be involved and at Glacier Yachts we are always aiming to push the boundaries even further. Our motor yachts are designed, engineered, and manufactured with innovation in mind and we always aim to share our expertise.
That’s why, in this article, we want to introduce you to through some of the most impressive features that have been appearing on new build yachts in recent years.This will hopefully provide you with some inspiration for your upcoming refit project and introduce you to a world of potential.
Making the most of the yacht’s stern
As yacht owners continue to require more usable space on board their vessels, we’ve noticed increased interest in making use of the yacht's stern and incorporating additional features.
For example, in 2020, ADMIRAL (the flagship brand of The Italian Sea Group) included a set of submersible stairs at the back of M/Y GECO. The vessel also featured a luxury teak deck, which wrapped around the stern to meet the water - This unique design was inspired by yacht owner’s desire to feel closer to the water whilst lounging with their guests.
M/Y GECO also features glass windows on the platform that have been designed to look similar to a shark's gills - The windows provide protection from the elements as well as creating an outdoor lounge effect, allowing guests to relax, take in the views and enjoy the water if they so wish.
For example, in 2020, ADMIRAL (the flagship brand of The Italian Sea Group) included a set of submersible stairs at the back of M/Y GECO. The vessel also featured a luxury teak deck, which wrapped around the stern to meet the water - This unique design was inspired by yacht owner’s desire to feel closer to the water whilst lounging with their guests.
M/Y GECO also features glass windows on the platform that have been designed to look similar to a shark's gills - The windows provide protection from the elements as well as creating an outdoor lounge effect, allowing guests to relax, take in the views and enjoy the water if they so wish.
Glass features
The addition of glass is something that has become increasingly popular amongst yacht designers and we expect this trend to continue over the coming years.
In fact, our very own Glacier 48 Cabin motor yacht, includes several large, marine-grade perspex windows that extend from the cabin to the roof, allowing for excellent visibility, and making each trip that much more scenic.
In fact, our very own Glacier 48 Cabin motor yacht, includes several large, marine-grade perspex windows that extend from the cabin to the roof, allowing for excellent visibility, and making each trip that much more scenic.
Rotating yacht furniture
Another innovative design feature that is being added to both private and charter yachts is rotating yacht furniture (e.g. rotating sofas, rotating sunbeds, sun loungers and turntable applications).
These new rotating furnitures utilise state-of-the-art kinetic mechanisms to help you enjoy the best views, face the sun or interact with guests. They can also be custom-built to include power supplies or USB charging devices, be linked to media interfaces or building automation systems, and include programmable logic control or frequency based speed control.
These new rotating furnitures utilise state-of-the-art kinetic mechanisms to help you enjoy the best views, face the sun or interact with guests. They can also be custom-built to include power supplies or USB charging devices, be linked to media interfaces or building automation systems, and include programmable logic control or frequency based speed control.
Gyms, saunas, steam rooms, and spas
If you think about what’s included in a luxury villa or private property, you will most likely envision a heated swimming pool accompanied by a full gym, steam room and/or sauna. However, the same facilities are now commonplace onboard yachts and are extremely desirable additions to those planning a new build motor yacht.
Anti-drone systems
There are millions of people who own drones, and the number is increasing year on year. However, whilst the technology of drones becomes evermore advanced, the laws that govern their usage are unable to keep up. This means some drones are used to assist in criminal activity and with all that wealth sitting on the water, superyachts are an easy, open target.
Drones have been known to scope out the yachts as they approach the shore, access security measures, and plan routes for burglaries. Paparazzi intrusion using drones is also a recognised and growing problem.
Is there a solution?
The installation of anti-drone technology has become an increasingly popular part of yacht design but how are drones identified and disabled?
Firstly, if a drone approaches within a certain distance of a prohibited zone, the anti-drone system will jam its connection to its controller using a 2.4 or 5.8 GHz radio spectrum range - this would cause the drone to return home or settle to the ground.
Then, if the drone continues to approach, it’s likely to have been programmed to attack or infiltrate, at which point the system would jam its GPS frequencies rendering it immobile.
Drones have been known to scope out the yachts as they approach the shore, access security measures, and plan routes for burglaries. Paparazzi intrusion using drones is also a recognised and growing problem.
Is there a solution?
The installation of anti-drone technology has become an increasingly popular part of yacht design but how are drones identified and disabled?
Firstly, if a drone approaches within a certain distance of a prohibited zone, the anti-drone system will jam its connection to its controller using a 2.4 or 5.8 GHz radio spectrum range - this would cause the drone to return home or settle to the ground.
Then, if the drone continues to approach, it’s likely to have been programmed to attack or infiltrate, at which point the system would jam its GPS frequencies rendering it immobile.
Whilst we hope you’ve enjoyed this blog, these are just a few examples of the innovation of yacht design. New ideas are consistently being dreamt up each year and the possibilities really are endless.
So, if you’re looking for ideas or would like to discuss your next yacht project with a trained expert, feel free contact us.
So, if you’re looking for ideas or would like to discuss your next yacht project with a trained expert, feel free contact us.
