German Frers

Dragonfly – Photo: Christian-Eckardt

On 3 December 2024, 142m Dragonfly, formerly known as Project ALIBABA, left the Lürssen shipyard. DRAGONFLY is a striking custom yacht with a forceful yet elegant exterior styling by Germán Frers. The interior and exterior social spaces were curated by Nauta Design.

“One of the many hallmarks of any Lürssen yacht is the mastery of technical challenges. DRAGONFLY is no exception,” says Managing Partner, Peter Lürssen. “She is a large, powerful yacht that can cruise efficiently anywhere in the world, fitted with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s in-house engineering specialists.”

DRAGONFLY has approximately 9,500 GT of interior volume, and key amenities include a glass-bottom pool on the main deck, a cinema, a spa, and a water sports centre. She also has a dedicated deck for business, home to a large office, a gym, a games room, and a helicopter hangar.

Photo: Klaus Jordan

“The goal was to produce a well-balanced design that emphasises timeless appeal over transient trends,” says Germán Frers, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Designer at Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering. “DRAGONFLY is a sophisticated yacht that not only fulfils but exceeds expectations, balancing luxury with practicality that ensures lasting appeal.”

A unique innovation of DRAGONFLY is the bespoke double-folding platform system at the stern. This innovative system allows the deck above to fold into the platform, creating a spacious and versatile beach club area with direct access to the water.

“It has been an exciting four years of creative work designing this outstanding combination of atmospheres and unique lifestyle,” says Mario Pedol, President of Nauta Design. “DRAGONFLY offers incredible perspectives and breath-taking outside views – all with a subtle balance of refined elegance.”

Engineered for peak efficiency, DRAGONFLY is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system and an electric Azimuth Pod Drive. This system comprises twin diesel engines that drive two controllable pitch propellers through individual gearboxes, fitted with PTI/PTO units for electric propulsion or to generate electrical energy to operate the vessel.

“The Y.CO Project Coordination Team and our Technical Partners are proud to have played a role in realising this iconic project—an extraordinary showcase of design, innovation, and craftsmanship—from concept to delivery,” says Charlie Birkett Co- founder and CEO at Y.CO. “We are happy to welcome DRAGONFLY into the Y.CO Yacht Management Fleet.”

142m Dragonfly is the fourth yacht delivered by Lürssen in 2024, marking an exceptional year for the shipyard. With an impressive total length of 485 metres, the

latest deliveries include LUMINANCE (138.8m), KISMET (122m), and HAVEN (82m). DRAGONFLY further underscores Lürssen’s commitment to unparalleled craftsmanship, cutting-edge design, and client satisfaction.

“A big thank you goes to everybody involved. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Germán Frers, Nauta Design and Y.C.O. for their outstanding collaboration throughout this build.”

Peter Lürssen

Managing Partner

asiapacificboating.com – Autumn 2024
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“A pure mini-maxi, the Swan 80 is a dynamic evolution of the successful Swan 78 that offers versatility and performance in spades”

“Capitalising on Finnish brand Nautor’s extensive experience crafting stunning blue water sailing yachts, the Swan 80 is a vessel that delivers maxi yacht-level performance in a 24-metre format that conforms with Mediterranean marine regulations without any sense of sacrifice. Building on the success of the Swan 78 – the 10 currently sailing were delivered without modifications showing a unique synchronicity with Swan owners – the Swan 80, the largest model in the Swan line and the smallest of the Maxi models, takes comfort and performance a step further while retaining the Nautor Swan DNA.”

View Autumn 2024 Issue

Hallberg-Rassy 69 is nominated for Best Boats 2025 by SAIL Magazine in the USA.

Designed by Frers Naval Architecture and Engineering, Hallberg-Rassy 69 is the largest yacht from Hallberg-Rassy, showcasing 80 years of exceptional bluewater craftsmanship. Its sleek flush deck, stretching from mast to bow, delivers speed and elegance. The iconic Hallberg-Rassy windscreen adds comfort and weather protection.

Inside, the yacht offers a practical, light-filled design. It features a seaworthy galley, a day head with a wet locker, and a walk-in engine room. The layout ensures a cozy, functional space with easy movement throughout.

SAIL Magazine, a leading voice in the sailing world, thoroughly reviews new sailboats each year. Their team examines, discusses, and sails each model, finalizing their choices at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis. They will announce the winners in the January/February 2025 issue of SAIL. We’re honored by the Hallberg-Rassy 69 nomination and eagerly await the results.

We are proud to announce that Maximus, designed by Frers Naval Architecture and Engineering, has been nominated for the ISS Design Award for Best in Sail 40m+! This recognition from the International Superyacht Society (ISS) highlights our dedication to excellence in yacht design.

The ISS serves as a global voice for the yachting industry, promoting sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. With 1,209 members across 604 yacht industries in 50 countries, the ISS plays a crucial role in shaping the future of yachting.

We invite you to celebrate this achievement with us. Visit our Instagram channel for an exclusive look back at the incredible launch of Maximus. The winners will be announced at the Design & Leadership Awards Gala on October 30.

“Superyacht Cup in Palma. Who was there, who won. Feast your eyes!”

Vela | June 27, 2024

Celebrating the Triumph of Maximus at Palma Superyacht Cup

Highlighted by Vela in their recent article, our creation, Maximus, emerged victorious in Class A.

Maximus is a true testament to the collaboration between German Frers Naval Architecture and Engineering and Vitters Shipyard. This superyacht combines classic hull lines, a teak deck, and two maxi cockpits with cutting-edge racing technology. The double rudder, lifting keel, and optimized hull with minimum wetted surface, along with sails and deck plan, are all designed for competitive sailing.

For an in-depth look at Maximus’ journey to victory and its unparalleled design, we invite you to read the full article on Vela.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success, from the dedicated crew to the innovative team at Vitters Shipyard. We are proud to have been a part of this extraordinary project.

The launching of Swan 88 is a moment of immense pride for our team, and marks a significant milestone.

As part of the Swan 88 project, we proudly celebrate the launch of the first hybrid electric propulsion Swan, a testament to our mutual collaboration and commitment to excellence in yacht design and engineering. 

As the Swan 88 prepares to debut worldwide at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, we extend our congratulations to Swan.

Read more from Swan Shipyard article