lexus sport yacht

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Lexus Premiers New Luxury Yacht

The LY 650 is a new embodiment of Lexus’ challenge to go beyond the automobile to deliver innovative and amazing experiences.

Explore the Lexus LY 650

• New embodiment of Lexus' commitment to deliver innovative and amazing experiences.
• Expressing the Lexus design language anew in the form of a 65 foot yacht.
• Exceptional performance and quietness befitting a maritime flagship.
• An extraordinary user experience created by advanced technology.
• High-quality craftsmanship and Toyota Production System built-in quality.

Lexus premieres new luxury yacht

Lexus LY 650 Yacht Craftsmanship

The making of the Lexus LY 650 - Teaser

The making of the Lexus LY 650 - Attention to detail

The making of the Lexus LY 650 - Commitment to design

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (September 19, 2019)—In its continuing challenge to deliver innovative and amazing experiences to its customers, Lexus held the world premiere of its first luxury yacht, the Lexus LY 650, today in Boca Raton.

The LY 650 is a new embodiment of Lexus’ challenge to go beyond the automobile to deliver innovative and amazing experiences. Based on the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept first shown in January 2017, the LY 650 features unique styling and superb cruising performance. Lexus – which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand - has fused advanced technology and craftsmanship to provide an irreplaceable experience that stimulates the senses and exceeds owner expectations, even at sea.

This LY 650 flagship yacht is the new embodiment of the Lexus “CRAFTED” philosophy, to which exquisite attention to detail and anticipatory hospitality are applied in every possible aspect.

The shape of the hull, the abundant volume of the stern, and other elements, in addition to beautiful curved lines, give the LY 650 unprecedented and distinctive exterior styling.

Collaboration with Italian yacht design studio Nuvolari Lenard*1 has resulted in an advanced design and a comfortable interior living space that exemplifies high quality in every detail.

Furthermore, in pursuit of cruising that achieves the exhilarating performance of a Lexus, the yacht rides on a light and highly rigid composite hull that combines CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced plastic), and was jointly developed with Marquis Yachts LLC*2. Additionally, the LY 650 is equipped with LY-Link, an advanced connectivity technology for boating that shares timely information and provides control of various yacht functions.

The LY 650 is built in collaboration with the craftspeople of Marquis Yachts in Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA. With the start of LY 650 manufacturing, Marquis Yachts has applied the famous Toyota Production System in its production processes to improve production efficiencies and quality. The new yacht will appear at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, 2019.

President Akio Toyoda commented: "The LY 650 symbolizes the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile.

A collaborative team between Toyota and Marquis Yachts introduced the Toyota Production System to the boat manufacturing facility to improve productivity and quality.

This allowed the Lexus “CRAFTED” philosophy of anticipatory hospitality and meticulous attention to detail to become a reality in the form of a luxury yacht. I am truly looking forward to seeing the advanced, high quality LY650 display its beauty on the oceans across the globe. As a mobility company, we are pursuing new possibilities for mobility even on the sea."

EXPRESSING THE LEXUS DESIGN LANGUAGE ANEW IN THE FORM OF A 65-FOOT YACHT

The premiere yacht features an optional two-tone color scheme that highlights its one-of-a-kind form and captures the image of the Lexus Sports Yacht Concept from 2017. Metallic accents on the bow, side windows, and the vessel’s L-shaped air intakes create the iconic image of a Lexus yacht.

The interior fuses advanced design and omotenashi (Japanese hospitality that sincerely and warm heartedly anticipates and fulfills people’s needs) in pursuit of high quality that is distinctively Lexus and features a bright, white-themed interior space for a sense of openness, while the use of curving lines and creative lighting provide a comfortable sense of envelopment.

The salon’s efficient layout features dual captain’s seats and sofas set forward and a galley set aft. Below the salon are three elegant berths with 6 feet and 6 inches (more than two meters) of headroom, each with a private head with shower.

EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND QUIETNESS BEFITTING A MARITIME FLAGSHIP

To achieve the exhilarating performance of a Lexus, the LY 650 was meticulously designed and engineered to provide both cruising comfort and dynamic response to the helm in any yachting situation.

The powertrain features twin Volvo Penta® IPS*3 engines (1350/1200/1050). By integrating these with a unique underwater-hull shape achieved through the application of computational fluid dynamics modeling, Lexus was able to achieve not only high output and low fuel consumption, but also exceptional cruising stability and maneuverability. The LY 650 also boasts an array of piloting-support functions, including joystick control, fixed-point position-holding at sea, and an auto-flap function.

The underwater hull and the upper part of the hull are constructed of CFRP for lightness and high rigidity, contributing to remarkable high-speed performance and a comfortable cruising experience. Sandwich panels with excellent soundproofing qualities are used in the main walls to help ensure exceptional quietness for uninterrupted conversation.

AN EXTRAORDINARY USER EXPERIENCE CREATED BY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

LY-Link, an advanced technology for boat connectivity, shares and provides various information in a timely manner. The technology can be used to monitor the vessel and have notifications sent via text message should an abnormality be detected. It also enhances convenience by enabling users to remotely turn on and turn off such components as the yacht’s air conditioning system and lights via a smartphone.

From the captain’s seat, both style and high operability come into play, thanks to a stylish instrument panel with touchscreen operation.

An available custom Mark Levinson® Surround Sound System with a subwoofer system creates an immersive concert hall-like acoustic space in the salon.

HIGH-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP AND TOYOTA PRODUCTION SYSTEM BUILT-IN QUALITY

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Home > Concept

Lexus Debuts Amazing Sport Yacht Concept

• Lexus Design language expressed in breathtaking maritime concept
• Concept yacht powered by two Lexus V8 engines

As a master driver, Toyoda was inspired by the power of the turbodiesel powertrains and the handling and stability of the advanced hull designs; as the Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International, he also appreciated the potential of a stylish premium performance yacht to complement the Lexus lifestyle.

This led the Marine Department to envision how a premium performance yacht might expand the Lexus brand into new areas of lifestyle and recreation. Today Lexus reveals the result of this project, a running proof-of-concept for a Lexus Sport Yacht, at Di Lido Island on Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, Fla.

DESIGN A brief for an open sport yacht for recreational day-touring with six to eight guests, powered by twin high- performance Lexus V8s and with advanced styling and handling was given to the Lexus Design Center in Toyota City, Japan. In the summer of 2015 concepts from the design team were evaluated by Senior Managing Officer Tokuo Fukuichi, Chief Officer of Global Design and President of Lexus International Co., Senior Managing Officer Shigeki Tomoyama in charge of the Toyota Marine Department, and President Toyoda.

“For the Lexus Design Center this project has been very exciting. The effort is valuable to us as it stirs our creative energies and pushes our imagination to design and lifestyle possibilities outside of the automotive realm we know well.”   The selected proposal continued to be refined throughout 2015 as the Marine Department engineered the construction and onboard marine systems.

As a concept, the Lexus Sport Yacht revealed at Miami is a bespoke one-off project with no production intent. To produce this single example the Marine Department selected the Marquis-Carver Yacht Group of Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA, based on their in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities and their skill in large hand- laid composite structures.   FEATURES The design of the Lexus Sport Yacht concept has the upper deck and outer hull seamlessly bonded around the inner structure, each piece a single massive hand-laid composite of two-part polyurethane epoxy resin reinforced with hand-laid woven carbon fiber cloth, a composite material called carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, or CFRP. CFRP is the technology used in the structure of racecars and supercars like the 202 mile per hour (325 kmh) 553 horsepower Lexus LFA, high-performance military and civilian aircraft, competition skis and bicycles, and world-class racing sailboats.

The Lexus Sport Yacht concept’s unique CFRP construction saves nearly 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) compared to a similar yacht in fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). The underwater hull design is stepped to reduce resistance or drag and improve handling balance at high speeds.

The captain controls and monitors onboard systems from a color touchscreen panel at the helm; screens show GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The captain’s seat is power adjustable; the armrests fold out to become jump seats on each side for very special guests.

The forward passenger cabin is inviting in luxurious Lexus leather with wood and glass details. A standing height, sofa seating for six with a table, and air conditioning create a comfortable environment for intimate entertaining. The galley features a two-burner stove, sink and under-counter refrigerator; a beautifully finished head includes a shower.

An integrated audio-video entertainment system is fully networked, with 4G WiFi & WAN. Sound reproduction is by Revolution Acoustics surface-mounted drivers using the ceiling panel as a transducer, powered by a Mark Levinson® Reference digital amplifier. SPECIFICATIONS, preliminary values:  

  BACKGROUND Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, was founded in 1989 to develop and produce the finest cars ever built with a commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service.

Lexus International was dedicated as a company-within-the-company in 2011 to coordinate all central strategy, planning, design, engineering and production for the brand.

The Marine Business Department of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) was founded in 1997 to develop premium yachts using advanced technology and quality control methods perfected in making Lexus luxury cars.

Toyota Marine’s Ponam line has included fiberglass sport-fishing boats in 26- and 28-foot lengths, and luxury cabin- cruisers in 31-, 35-, 37- and 45-foot lengths with durable and quiet hulls of fully-welded A5083 aluminum alloy.

Ponam models are powered by high-efficiency turbodiesel engines based on those of Lexus GX 300d (3.0-liter turbodiesel 4 cylinder) and LX 450d (twin-turbo diesel 4.5-liter V8) luxury utility vehicles. The Toyota Ponam line is the market-leader in the premium yacht industry in Japan.

From 1998 to 2002, Toyota Marine also developed and produced the Epic line of fiberglass tournament ski boats and wakeboard boats, primarily for the US market, all powered by the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE DOHC gasoline V8 from the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan.

Marquis Yachts, LLC, is an independent privately-owned company in Pulaski, Wisconsin, that designs, engineers and manufactures the brands of Marquis Yachts and Carver Yachts. The pinnacle of the Marquis line is a 73 foot, three-level, luxury yacht with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) hull, deck and superstructure. For more information go to www.marquisyachts.com or www.carveryachts.com.

Mark Levinson, the premiere audio division of Harman International, has meticulously crafted high-end Reference Audio source components, amplifiers and loudspeakers dedicated to audio purity in home systems since 1972.

Mark Levinson engineers, designs, tunes and supplies premium high-performance, high-efficiency surround audio systems specific to each Lexus model. www.MarkLevinson.com    

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2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) – Jeff Bracken

Lexus International Strategic Communications:

Maurice Durand [email protected] ofc: 310-468-1601 mob: 714-889-9908

Paul Williamsen [email protected] ofc: 310-468-4951 mob: 310-489-2998  

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Lexus just revealed the pricing for its first-ever luxury yacht — and a fully-loaded model will cost $4.85 million. Here's a closer look at LY 650.

• Lexus unveiled the LY 650, the automaker's first-ever luxury yacht , in Boca Raton, Florida , on September 19.
• The new Lexus yacht was also shown at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show , which started on October 30, the same day LY 650 sales officially began.
• It has a starting price of $3.74 million . 
• So far, at least four of the yachts have already been sold. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Lexus is known for its high-end cars. But now, the luxury automaker is taking its first foray into the business of yachts.

The company held the world premiere of its flagship luxury yacht, the 65-foot Lexus LY 650, in Boca Raton, Florida, in September. The sleek watercraft is based on a concept first shown in January 2017, according to the company's press release .

While renderings of the yacht's design were made available last year , the Boca Raton debut marked the first time a finished model has been made public. It also appeared at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , which kicked off on October 30 (the same day sales launched for the LY 650).

In a press statement , Marquis Yachts (which builds the LY 650 line of yachts) announced that the yacht will have a starting cost of $3.74 million, with a fully-optioned model offered for $4.85 million. So far, four units have already been sold.

Here's a closer look at the LY 650.

Lexus' first luxury yacht was designed in collaboration with Italian yacht design studio Nuvolari Lenard.

Source : Lexus

The 65-foot yacht has metallic accents and sleek, sporty lines. It was shown in its optional two-tone color scheme for its Boca Raton debut.

The interior has the brand's distinctive leather seating in white for the two captain seats and the sofas.

The LY 650 has three staterooms and can sleep a total of six people.

The yacht's hull, developed with Wisconsin-based Marquis Yachts, combines carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and glass fiber-reinforced plastic to keep it lightweight and fast — it promises up to 31.4 knots.

Source : Lexus , Forbes

The yacht's design has clearly evolved somewhat since earlier renderings of its initial concept.

Read more : Lexus reveals a luxurious 65-foot yacht and it's stunning

In addition to the optional two-tone color scheme, there are other available upgrades, including a custom Mark Levinson Surround Sound System to create "an immersive concert hall-like acoustic space in the salon."

The LY 650 has advanced tech that allows owners to remotely turn on and off the yacht's air conditioning and lights via smartphone.

Sales officially launched on October 30, with four units having already been sold by that point.

Source : Lexus , PR News Wire

The starting cost for the yacht is $3.74 million, with prices going up to $4.85 million for a model that includes all available optional features.

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• Experience Amazing
• Sports yacht

LEXUS REVEALS SPORT YACHT CONCEPT

A few years ago, the Toyota Marine Department invited TMC President Akio Toyoda to spend several days on the water driving the new Ponam range of premium yachts soon to be launched in Japan. As a master driver, Akio Toyoda was inspired by the power of the turbodiesel powertrains and the handling and stability of the advanced hull designs; as the Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International, he also appreciated the potential of a stylish premium performance yacht to complement the Lexus lifestyle.

This led the Marine Department to reimagine how a premium performance yacht might expand the Lexus brand into new areas of lifestyle and recreation. On January 12, 2017, Lexus revealed the result of this project: a running proof-of-concept for a Lexus Sport Yacht, at Di Lido Island on Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach FL.

A brief for an open sport yacht for recreational day-touring with six to eight guests, powered by twin high performance Lexus V8s and with advanced styling and handling was given to the Lexus Design Centre in Toyota City, Japan.

In the summer of 2015 concepts from the design team were evaluated by Senior Managing Officer Tokuo Fukuichi, Chief Officer of Global Design and President of Lexus International Co., Senior Managing Officer Shigeki Tomoyama in charge of the Toyota Marine Department, and President Toyoda.

The effort is valuable to us as it stirs our creative energies and pushes our imagination to design and lifestyle possibilities outside of the automotive realm we know well.” The selected proposal continued to be refined throughout 2015 as the Marine Department engineered the construction and on-board marine systems.

The Lexus Sport Yacht revealed at Miami is a bespoke one-off project with no plans in place for production. To produce this single example the Marine Department selected the Marquis-Carver Yacht Group of Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA, based on their in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and their skill in large hand-laid composite structures.

THE FEATURES

The design of the Lexus Sport Yacht concept has the upper deck and outer hull seamlessly bonded around the inner structure, each piece a single massive hand-laid composite of two-part polyurethane epoxy resin reinforced with hand-laid woven carbon fibre cloth, a composite material called carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, or CFRP.

CFRP is the technology used in the structure of race cars and supercars like the Lexus LFA, high-performance aircrafts, competition skis and bicycles, and world-class racing sailboats.

The Lexus Sport Yacht concept’s unique CFRP construction saves nearly 1,000 kg compared to a similar yacht in fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). The underwater hull design is stepped to reduce resistance or drag and improve handling balance at high speeds.

The concept is powered by twin 5.0-litre V8 gasoline engines based on the 2UR-GSE high-performance engine of the Lexus RC F coupe, the GS F sport sedan and the new LC 500 grand tourer.

Each engine produces over 440 horsepower / 446 DIN hp / 328 kW, driving the yacht at speeds up to 49 miles per hour (43 knots) through a pair of hydraulically controlled inboard/outboard stern-drives. A bow-thruster with joystick control aids in docking.

The captain controls and monitors on-board systems from a colour touchscreen panel at the helm; screens show GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The captain’s seat is power adjustable; the armrests fold out to become jump seats on each side for very special guests.

The forward passenger cabin is inviting in luxurious Lexus leather with wood and glass details. A standing height, sofa seating for six with a table, and air conditioning create a comfortable environment for intimate entertaining.

The galley features a two-burner stove, sink and under-counter refrigerator; a beautifully finished head includes a shower.

An integrated audio-video entertainment system is fully networked, with 4G Wi-Fi & WAN. Sound reproduction is by Revolution Acoustics surface-mounted drivers using the ceiling panel as a transducer, powered by a Mark Levinson® Reference digital amplifier.

THE BACKGROUND

Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, was founded in 1989 to develop and produce the finest cars ever built with a commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service. Lexus International was dedicated as a company-within-the-company in 2011 to coordinate all central strategy, planning, design, engineering and production for the brand.

The Marine Business Department of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) was founded in 1997 to develop premium yachts using advanced technology and quality control methods perfected in making Lexus luxury cars. Toyota Marine’s Ponam line has included fibreglass sport-fishing boats in 26- and 28-foot lengths, and luxury cabin-cruisers in 31-, 35-, 37- and 45-foot lengths with durable and quiet hulls of fully-welded A5083 aluminium alloy.

Ponam models are powered by high-efficiency turbodiesel engines based on those of Lexus GX 300d (3.0-liter turbodiesel 4 cylinder) and LX 450d (twin-turbo diesel 4.5-liter V8) luxury utility vehicles.

The Toyota Ponam line is the market-leader in the premium yacht industry in Japan. From 1998 to 2002, Toyota Marine also developed and produced the Epic line of fiberglass tournament ski boats and wakeboard boats, primarily for the US market, all powered by the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE DOHC gasoline V8 from the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan.

Marquis Yachts, LLC, is an independent privately-owned company in Pulaski, Wisconsin, that designs, engineers and manufactures the brands of Marquis Yachts and Carver Yachts. The pinnacle of the Marquis line is a 73 foot, three-level, luxury yacht with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) hull, deck and superstructure.

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Lexus LY 650 Luxury Yacht

Lexus introduces the next evolution of the lexus luxury yacht, ly680.

• The flybridge and swimming platform have been expanded, providing more space for enjoyment and relaxation. 
• Production will be handled by the Horizon Group, which has an established reputation for its advanced technology which …

LEXUS PREMIERES NEW LUXURY YACHT

• Expressing the Lexus design language anew in the form of a 65‑foot yacht
• Exceptional performance and quietness befitting a maritime flagship
• An extraordinary user experience created by advanced …

LEXUS TEASES LY 650 LUXURY YACHT

Lexus prepares to glide on the water with its first expression of a Lexus production yacht, the LY 650. Bearing the most contemporary expression of Lexus design language, L-finesse, applied beyond the world of automobiles, the production LY 650 …

LEXUS LY 650 LUXURY YACHT REVEALED: CRAFTED IN THE SPIRIT OF AMAZING

• 65-foot Lexus yacht joins the LS sedan, LX SUV and LC coupé as the fourth Lexus flagship
• Lexus LY 650 is the first production maritime expression of Lexus design language, L-finesse
• Exploration into …

Lexus Sport Yacht Concept earns special award at Japan International Boat Show

Lexus Announces Future Production of Larger Luxury Yacht

LEXUS REVEALS SPORT YACHT CONCEPT

• Running proof-of-concept revealed by Lexus Chief Branding Officer Akio Toyoda at Di Lido Island on Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, Florida.
• Concept envisions how a premium performance yacht might expand the Lexus brand into new areas …

LEXUS DESIGN AWARD was born from our belief that design can create the change we want in the world. [Please note the program is currently on hiatus and not accepting submissions.]

Since 2005, Lexus has been at the forefront of pioneering electrification in the luxury market.

JOURNEYS BEYOND THE ROAD

From vision to reality, true technical innovation.

The hoverboard is constructed from an insulated core, containing HTSLs (high temperature superconducting blocks). These are housed in cryostats - reservoirs of liquid nitrogen that cool the superconductors to -197°C.

The board is then placed above a track containing permanent magnets. When the board is cooled to its operating temperature the track’s magnetic flux lines are ‘pinned’ into place, maintaining the hover height of the board.

EXHILARATING AND INSPIRING

The Lexus hoverboard’s form is informed by the same design principles shared by all Lexus products, and is a balance of considered craft, premium materials and true technical innovation. Classic skateboarding influenced by the brand’s performance pedigree makes this project pure Lexus - exhilarating and inspiring.

Every part of SLIDE required masters of design, technology and skating to re-imagine their craft. Watch how this came together to create a whole new experience.

FROM IMAGINING TO HAPPENING

Introducing the ly 650 luxury yacht.

FROM PAPER TO PRODUCTION

The journey began with the Lexus Sport Yacht concept. The exterior lines gave it an aerodynamic shape and aggressively iconic demeanor. The interior styling and detail took everything you’d expect from the luxury brand, and reimagined it for comfort at sea.

Lexus has partnered with master boat builders Marquis Yachts to produce a luxury yacht like no other. The LY 650 picks up where the Sport Yacht concept left off and elevates the design and craftsmanship to an entirely new level, creating the seaborne embodiment of the Lexus experience.

Seamlessly merging the subtle human touch of Lexus Takumi master craftsmen with the manufacturing ethos of Marquis Yachts artisans, the LY 650 is the most contemporary expression of the Lexus design language applied beyond the world of automobiles yet. This is where execution meets obsession. This is where the road meets the water.

Whether bringing the future to reality, or re-envisioning our brand at sea, Lexus proves to be just as exhilarating off the pavement as on it.

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Lexus is building a 65-foot luxury yacht – and you’ll actually be able to buy it

Following on from the one-of-a-kind concept boat it revealed at the beginning of 2017, Lexus has announced a second, larger yacht — and this one’s set to actually going on sale to the public. Meet the Lexus Sport Yacht.

The new boat increases the size from last year’s 42-foot cruiser – which only had space for eight members of the 1% – to a massive 65-foot monster with enough space for 15 public school alumni.

Lexus isn’t normally a brand you’d associate with the open seas, but it looks like this isn’t just a co-branding opportunity.

The previous boat featured a 5.0 litre Lexus V8 engine, which could also be found in the Lexus RC F coupe and the new LC 500 coupe, while the incoming Lexus Sport Yacht will pack two 5.0-litre V8s to help power its 885bhp capacity and top speed of 49mph.

The yacht will also draw upon Lexus’s Mobility Services Platform to provide smartphone integration, diagnostics and maintenance.

Overall, the yacht draws from the Lexus Design department, while being engineered by the Marine Division of Toyota, its parent company. Manufacturing will be handled in partnership with Marquis-Larson, a specialist in boat manufacturing.

While the previous, smaller model was only produced as a one-off concept, Lexus plans for the new yacht to go on sale in the US in the latter half of 2019 at a price that’s to be announced. If your hobbies include buying football clubs and beluga caviar, we’re sure it’ll be very affordable.

Other high-end car manufacturers that have started playing pirates recently include Porsche, Aston Martin and Bugatti.

Related: Lexus RC300h F-Sport hybrid

Would you ever buy a boat? Let us know @TrustedReviews. 

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Jan. 13, 2017

Lexus Sport Yacht Concept

A few years ago the Toyota Marine Department invited Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda to spend several days on the water driving their new Ponam range of premium yachts soon to be launched in Japan.

As a master driver, Toyoda was inspired by the power of the turbodiesel powertrains and the handling and stability of the advanced hull designs; as the Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International, he also appreciated the potential of a stylish premium performance yacht to complement the Lexus lifestyle.

This led the Marine Department to envision how a premium performance yacht might expand the Lexus brand into new areas of lifestyle and recreation. Today Lexus reveals the result of this project, a running proof-of-concept for a Lexus Sport Yacht, at Di Lido Island on Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach FL.

A brief for an open sport yacht for recreational day-touring with six to eight guests, powered by twin high-performance Lexus V8s and with advanced styling and handling was given to the Lexus Design Center in Toyota City, Japan. In the summer of 2015 concepts from the design team were evaluated by Senior Managing Officer Tokuo Fukuichi, Chief Officer of Global Design and President of Lexus International Co., Senior Managing Officer Shigeki Tomoyama in charge of the Toyota Marine Department, and President Toyoda.

"This concept for a Lexus Sport Yacht allowed us to explore how Lexus design language could be applied to a maritime lifestyle," said Yoshihiro Sawa, executive vice president of Lexus International.

"For the Lexus Design Center this project has been very exciting. The effort is valuable to us as it stirs our creative energies and pushes our imagination to design and lifestyle possibilities outside of the automotive realm we know well."

The selected proposal continued to be refined throughout 2015 as the Marine Department engineered the construction and onboard marine systems.

As a concept, the Lexus Sport Yacht revealed at Miami is a bespoke one-off project with no production intent.

To produce this single example the Marine Department selected the Marquis-Carver Yacht Group of Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA, based on their in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities and their skill in large hand-laid composite structures.

The design of the Lexus Sport Yacht concept has the upper deck and outer hull seamlessly bonded around the inner structure, each piece a single massive hand-laid composite of two-part polyurethane epoxy resin reinforced with hand-laid woven carbon fiber cloth, a composite material called carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, or CFRP. CFRP is the technology used in the structure of racecars and supercars like the 202 mile per hour (325 kmh) 553 horsepower Lexus LFA, high-performance military and civilian aircraft, competition skis and bicycles, and world-class racing sailboats.

The Lexus Sport Yacht concept's unique CFRP construction saves nearly 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) compared to a similar yacht in fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). The underwater hull design is stepped to reduce resistance or drag and improve handling balance at high speeds.

The concept is powered by twin 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engines based on the 2UR GSE high-performance engine of the Lexus RC F coupe, the GS F sport sedan and the new LC 500 grand tourer. Each engine produces over 440 horsepower, driving the yacht at speeds up to 49 miles per hour (43 knots) through a pair of hydraulically controlled inboard/outboard stern-drives. A bow-thruster with joystick control aids in docking.

The captain controls and monitors onboard systems from a color touchscreen panel at the helm; screens show GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The captain's seat is power adjustable; the armrests fold out to become jump seats on each side for very special guests.

The forward passenger cabin is inviting in luxurious Lexus leather with wood and glass details. A standing height, sofa seating for six with a table, and air conditioning create a comfortable environment for intimate entertaining. The galley features a two-burner stove, sink and under-counter refrigerator; a beautifully finished head includes a shower.

An integrated audio-video entertainment system is fully networked, with 4G WiFi & WAN. Sound reproduction is by Revolution Acoustics surface-mounted drivers using the ceiling panel as a transducer, powered by a Mark Levinson ® Reference digital amplifier.

Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, was founded in 1989 to develop and produce the finest cars ever built with a commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service.

Lexus International was dedicated as a company-within-the-company in 2011 to coordinate all central strategy, planning, design, engineering and production for the brand.

The Marine Business Department of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) was founded in 1997 to develop premium yachts using advanced technology and quality control methods perfected in making Lexus luxury cars.

Toyota Marine's Ponam line has included fiberglass sport-fishing boats in 26- and 28-foot lengths, and luxury cabin-cruisers in 31-, 35-, 37- and 45-foot lengths with durable and quiet hulls of fully-welded A5083 aluminum alloy. Ponam models are powered by high-efficiency turbodiesel engines based on those of Lexus GX 300d (3.0-liter turbodiesel 4 cylinder) and LX 450d (twin-turbo diesel 4.5 liter V8) luxury utility vehicles. The Toyota Ponam line is the market-leader in the premium yacht industry in Japan.

From 1998 to 2002, Toyota Marine also developed and produced the Epic line of fiberglass tournament ski boats and wakeboard boats, primarily for the US market, all powered by the 4.0 liter 1UZ FE DOHC gasoline V8 from the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan.

Marquis Yachts, LLC, is an independent privately-owned company in Pulaski, Wisconsin, that designs, engineers and manufactures the brands of Marquis Yachts and Carver Yachts. The pinnacle of the Marquis line is a 73 foot, three-level, luxury yacht with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) hull, deck and superstructure. For more information go to www.marquisyachts.com or www.carveryachts.com .

Mark Levinson, the premiere audio division of Harman International, has meticulously crafted high-end Reference Audio source components, amplifiers and loudspeakers dedicated to audio purity in home systems since 1972. Mark Levinson engineers, designs, tunes and supplies premium high-performance, high-efficiency surround audio systems specific to each Lexus model. www.MarkLevinson.com

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The 10 Best Explorer Yachts for High-Seas Adventures

A 350-foot gigayacht or 60-foot cruiser size isn't what defines an explorer yacht. the devil's in the details when it comes to authenticity., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Unlike fashion trends that seem to move as fast as a Redbull F1 car, the yachting industry takes its time adopting new ideas. There seems to be one exception. Explorer vessels, born out of the owners’ desires to go farther and stay longer, without sacrificing creature comforts, is developing with some urgency.

Several dozen builders and designers are now focusing on explorers, but they are also consulting with adventure travel firms that have a long history of using expedition yachts in remote parts of the globe. ICON Yachts, for example, collaborated with Cookson Adventures and the International Seakeepers Society on its Project Mission in both the overarching design and the details found across the yacht. Adventure outfitter EYOS employs its expertise routinely with Damen’s explorer vessels, most recently with the 190-foot Pink Shadow.   EYOS has a list of 50 features that separate authentic explorers from faux versions that might look the part but lack the necessary infrastructure and design elements.

Long-range cruising, system redundancy for autonomy at sea, and storage to carry specialist equipment like submersibles are some of the requirements that define expedition boats. There’s also deck configuration for the easy launch of tenders and toys, along with strong, ice-class hulls and climate-controlled areas comfort in extreme polar and tropic regions.

We culled through the latest fleet of explorers with multiple lengths and designs, selecting a single feature that we think makes it best in class. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Best Pilothouse: Doggersbank 77 Offshore

More than 700 Doggersbank motoryachts have been built since the 1960s, with the latest model scheduled for delivery in 2025. The robust, offshore vessels are designed by Dutch studio Vripack for long ocean passages, assisted by a high, flared bow. “It prevents green water from hitting the wheelhouse windows in rough seas, and together with the Portuguese bridge, ensures the captain’s view is not obstructed,” Joost Mertens, Doggersbank fleet manager, told Robb Report . “The yacht’s steel hull ensures the yacht sits better in the water making it less vulnerable to wind and high waves.”

Best Deck Configuration: Columbus Crossover 42

The Columbus Crossover 42 is defined by both straight and angled surfaces,  tapered stern sections and a concentration of volume in the bow that is becoming on many explorers. What is atypical is the yacht’s compact but flexible dimensions that accommodate a large cockpit tender and a 108-square-foot swimming pool with relaxation areas. Sold to an U.S. customer, it’s scheduled for delivery in 2025.

Best Multipurpose Stern: Bering B165

Turkish boatbuilder Bering Yachts revealed details of its new 162-foot flagship explorer yacht, the B165 , at the Dubai International Boat Show in March. The yacht can carry 18,400 gallons of fuel, which the builder says will give it a 4,000 nautical mile range when cruising at 12 knots. It also has a 2,640-gallon holding tank. What singles the B165 out among other explorers, however, is its multi-purpose stern area for both function and form. The elongated aft deck has a swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds. When the bulwarks are folded down, the space becomes an even larger overwater terrace. When the pool is not in use, it can be used as a covered storage area for water toys and expedition equipment. The yacht’s two tenders are also stored on the aft, making it a flexible space for both equipment and guests.

Best Family-Friendly Concept: Project Mimer

This 197-foot expedition concept by Tillberg Design of Sweden caters to family travel with a helicopter pad as well as multiple tenders and toys. It’s pitched by the studio as an introduction to true explorer yachting. It has a functional crew layout for efficient operations and an upper deck owner’s suite with a forward terrace and spa pool. With a hull that will be built to the Polar Code Category, the concept also has an optional helipad aft and long list of toys, from an electric luxury tender and two expedition RIBS to quad bikes, a submersible, Jet Skis, and, of course, an amphibious vehicle. The five-decked yacht sleeps 12 guests with crew quarters for 17 and an additional staff member, such as a nanny.

Best Ice Explorer: Damen SeaXplorer 105

Damen’s 345-foot SeaXplorer 105 is the largest model in the SeaXplorer range, with exterior design by Azure Yacht Design. The platform was developed under the guidance of expedition specialists EYOS Expeditions, who considered over 150 design criteria, from the hull form and bridge layout to the tender davits and Zodiac boarding arrangements. But it is EYOS’s expertise in the polar regions—it facilitated the first heli-ski charter in Antarctica and the first 3,200-foot sub dive to the Antarctic midnight zone—that gives the vessel its point of difference. The SeaXplorer has an ice-strengthened hull and a specially shaped icebreaking stern to maneuver through rough terrain.

Best Interior: Project Fox

On top of having a cool name, Project Fox has a bright, contemporary interior, courtesy of London’s Q Design, that is becoming more common on expedition yachts. The full-beam owner’s stateroom is also one of the yacht’s standout features, with its marble en suite and hardwood floors. The salon is also luxe, with white walls that brighten up travel even in areas that are sunlight deprived. Project Fox also has four other staterooms.

Best Autonomy: Project Master

ICON Yachts’s Project Master was a transoceanic offshore support vessel before the Dutch shipyard began a refit to turn it into an explorer yacht (see before and after inset). It’s equipped with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, a wide beam for multiple tender spaces, a 7,200-nautical mile range, and flexible cabin arrangements for expedition crew. Other features include a science lab and a certified heli-deck. “The yacht’s helicopter and sub capability mean it can offer assistance in areas with challenging access and little infrastructure,” Micca Ferrero, owner of ICON Yachts, told Robb Report . “The design is for the demands of self-sufficient voyages.”

Best Use of Volume: Arcadia Yachts A96

The A96 mixes the lines, volume, and open-plan layout of Arcadia’s Sherpa series with the speed, joystick maneuverability, and quality of the yard’s A range. It’s the first Arcadia to have an Igor Lobanov-designed interior, as well as a high bow and high deckheads for traversing rough water. But its big differentiator is the 214 gross tonnes of volume and 24-foot beam that generate big volumes—4,300 square feet of usable space, which is 30 percent more than on other similar-sized yachts. Low bulwarks and lateral walkways emphasize the sense of openness.

Best Bow: Project Shackleton

This 351-foot build from Lürssen has an inverted bow that looks like an eagle’s beak. The shape is designed to slice through waves with much lower vibration through the hull, while also reducing rock and roll in rough seas. Unlike the quasi-research vessel exteriors of many explorers, this vessel is representative of the changing look of many in this growing segment. 

Best Multi-Mode Hull: Azimut Magellano 60

The Magellano 60 isn’t technically an explorer yacht. Think of it as a cruiser  designed for some long-distance travel. But it does have one very interesting feature, what its builder Azimut calls a “dual-mode” hull. The semi-planing shape is designed to optimize fuel consumption (and therefore lower emissions) by about 20 percent (compared to similar-sized vessels) at low and medium speeds. The yacht’s bow is also designed to cut through waves for better seakeeping at a range of speeds. The boat cruises very efficiently at 18 knots but will hit a top end of 26, thus delivering the performance of a planing hull with the benefits of a displacement hull.

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10 Coolest Lexus Sports Cars

Lexus has some jaw-dropping creations to its credit, and here's a list of 10 of the coolest ones to date

Read update

This update refreshes this piece with new information about Lexus sports cars. It also replaces entries that have lost their cool factor, replacing them with cooler offerings from Lexus.

When Lexus launched in 1989, the automaker made a huge splash with the incredible LS 400, a luxury sedan designed to compete with offerings from BMW and Mercedes . Considering the resources that Toyota poured into the LS 400 project, the brilliance of Lexus's first offering wasn't surprising. Lexus used the success of its first car as a launch pad for greater triumphs, producing a wide range of cars famed for their outstanding reliability and affordable luxury.

Though it lacks the sports car and motorsport pedigree of some of its rivals, Lexus has produced several incredible sports cars. Sports cars produced by the Japanese automaker combine good looks, luxury, innovative technology, and plenty of horsepower. Feast your eyes on the coolest sports cars from Lexus.

UPDATE: 2024/05/13

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources, including HotCars, and Classic.com. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP and average market value.

2024 Lexus LC: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

10 lexus sc (z30), average market value: $12,316.

The Lexus SC, also sold as the Toyota Soarer, was a Lexus coupe that saw two generations. But, the one we are going to talk about is the enthusiast's choice, which is the first-generation model sold between 1991 and 2000.

Performance Specifications

It was offered with a range of engines, including the famed 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six in the SC300 and the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 in the range-topping SC400. The smaller mill made 225 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, whereas the SC400 put 256 horsepower. There were two transmissions on offer - a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto.

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The first-gen Lexus SC is a worthy alternative to the pricier MK4 Supra . Though the Z30 wasn't as sporty as the Supra, it shared some parts with the vaunted MK4 Supra , including the inline-six mill and suspension components. Furthermore, as Lexus is a luxury brand, the Z30 was more luxurious than the Supra; it was a grand tourer with modest performance credentials. With several upgrades, you can turn the Lexus SC Z30 into a performance machine.

9 Lexus IS-F

Average market value: $30,000.

In production from 2007 to 2014, the Lexus IS-F is the long-gone competitor to the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 that continues to be held in high regard for its incredibly balanced chassis, and a throaty and reliable 2UR-GSE engine plonked under the hood. This was a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 that produced 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque.

The IS range debuted with advanced features, and the IS-F got them all. For instance, it had the fastest shifting paddle-shifted gearbox at the time - an eight-speed unit. It also featured variable intake valves and big Brembo brakes.

The IS-F also suffered from the same curse that haunts other "F" division Lexus products, i.e. the dated interiors. A special mention to one of the most complicated infotainment systems ever created, but as far as quality goes, it is right up there with the best.

8 Lexus GS-F

Average market value: $38,500.

The Sport saloon recipe was mastered by the Germans early on, and they have been at the top of the game with cars like the M5 and E63 AMG setting benchmarks with each generation. When Lexus decided to take a shot at this niche segment, they did some things better than others.

In its fourth and so far, final generation, the GS-F packed a mighty 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that made 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. It was accompanied by a throaty V-8 rumble, and it came as a fresh breath of change in an era dominated by forced induction.

It combined the RWD layout and sublime chassis balance to deliver an experience that's analog and exciting. But, its dated interiors and the lack of outright oomph led to bad sales and Lexus pulled the plug on the GS-F in 2020. While it failed to capture the public's imagination during its run, the GS-F is one of the best sports car bargains in the used car market .

Here’s What Makes The Lexus LC An Undisputed Future Classic

Starting msrp: $45,920.

The Lexus RC is a range of coupes launched by Lexus in 2014 that is underpinned by the same platform as the GS and IS models. Besides a minor facelift in 2018, the RC has changed little since it debuted. Lexus offers two engines with the RC , including a turbocharged four-pot that makes a healthy 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a Lexus staple eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Choosing all-wheel drive means you have to settle for the six-speed auto; RWD variants exclusively feature the eight-speed slushbox. Though both engines are peppy, the nearly 4,000-pound curb weight of this RC is the biggest chink in its armor and robs some much-needed agility and excitement from this otherwise refined platform. As a result, the most potent RC variant completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds, which is slower than most of its competitors.

6 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance

Starting msrp: $60,020.

The latest Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is the spiritual successor to the IS-F and the very existence of this vehicle is questionable in this day and age. Lexus shoved a large, naturally aspirated V-8 under the hood of its smallest sedan and called it a day. It's not a Lexus F-division product, but it comes with the "F-Sport Performance" package.

Speaking of the drivetrain, the IS 500 packs a sweet-sounding 5.0-liter V-8 , codenamed 2UR-GSE. The engine makes 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque and sends it straight to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, 60 mph arrives in an impressive 4.4 seconds.

This updated fourth-gen IS is also a significant step-up in the quality and tech department, but more importantly, it has carved itself a new niche that will appeal to purists who love this tribute to the old-school performance sedan experience, wrapped in a modern shell. The IS 500 F Sport Performance is special: it is the last surviving V-8 compact luxury sports sedan .

5 Lexus RC-F

Starting msrp: $68,295.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2013, the Lexus RC-F is the souped-up version of the RC Coupe . Its party piece has to be the 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 that packs 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

But, it's not just an RC with a big engine under the skin. Lexus has given the RC-F some serious equipment like adaptive suspension, Brembo six-piston brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential, to name a few. Even the aggressive bodywork features a set of functional vents and wings that make it all the more purposeful.

Unfortunately for Lexus, the RC-F faces some tough competition from the likes of the BMW M4 and Audi RS5, both of which outperform the Lexus, all thanks to the wonders of forced induction. But, that said, the balanced and pure RC-F is a far more involving driver’s car. The pricier RC-F Track Edition variant features larger brakes, aero bits that improve downforce, and lighter BBS rollers.

Why The V8-Powered Lexus LC Grand Tourer Is Destined To Be A Future Classic

4 lexus lc 500, starting msrp: $99,800.

Launched back in 2017 as the brand's halo offering, the LC 500 is largely based on LF-LC concept car. That's a good thing because its Japanese origami-inspired design that layers the car with sharp lines and creases both inside and out, makes this Lexus one of the finest-looking automobiles of the 21st century.

In addition to the stunning looks, the Lexus packs some serious power, thanks to a naturally aspirated engine. Displacing five liters, this V-8 mill churns out 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The V-8 rumble, combined with its timeless design, makes the LC500 one of the finest and sportiest Lexus products ever made. It is a cheaper alternative to the Lexus LFA , whose prices have reached stratospheric levels.

3 2024 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series

Starting msrp: $115,350.

For 2024, Lexus released a special edition variant of the LC 500 dubbed the Inspiration Series. Though it shared a powertrain with the LC 500, the Inspiration Series was optimized for performance. On the outside, it featured small canards on the front bumper and a fixed rear wing (coupe models only) to improve handling stability. Coupe models featured a carbon fiber roof, lowering the center of gravity, while convertible variants came with a tonneau cover.

Under the skin, it featured a Torsen limited-slip diff on the rear axle and performance dampers to improve responsiveness. Underfloor braces fore and aft enhanced chassis rigidity. The 125 Inspiration Series models distinguished themselves from other LC 500 variants with their matte white exteriors and blue interiors. Interior tech included a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display.

2 Lexus LF-A

Average market value: $754,993.

In production from 2011 to 2013, the Lexus LFA was the Japanese automaker's halo car that famously took nearly a decade of development and the cost of production was so high that even at $375,000, Lexus sold individual units at a loss.

Lexus had a very simple goal with the LFA: to show what Toyota as a brand was capable of, and boy, did they surprise the world! It comes with a naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V-10 engine that was co-developed with Yamaha exclusively for the LFA and had a manic 9,000 rpm redline. Because of that, it is regarded as one of the best-sounding engines of all time.

The transmission was an equally impressive six-speed single-clutch automatic, and it channeled the engine's 552 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via an LSD. With only 500 units made to date, the LFA is already a highly sought-after modern classic that easily deserves the title of the best Lexus product of all time. By the way, it will have an electrified successor .

Driven: 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Review

1 lexus lf-a nürburgring edition, average market value: $1.7 million.

Lexus spared no expense while making the LFA supercar, but it might surprise some people that out of the 500 LFAs made over the course of two years, 64 of them came with the Nürburgring package with performance improvements. For starters, the power for the 4.8-liter, naturally aspirated V-10 was up by 10 horsepower for a raised total output of 562 horsepower, while torque figures remained unchanged at 339 pound-feet.

The six-speed automated manual gearbox was recalibrated to deliver even faster shifts. In addition to the tweaked drivetrain, it received a whole host of updates, including new lightweight magnesium wheels from BBS, a large fixed-wing, retuned suspension, and sticker rubber, which is why the LF-A Nürburgring editions are highly sought-after collectibles now with values estimated to be around the $1.7 million mark.

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A Boat Designed to Be a Breath of Fresh Air

The creators of the latest vessel from Azimut Yachts went to great lengths to reduce its emissions, but even they won’t call it green.

By Ian Volner

Reporting from Milan

This article is part of our Design special section about water as a source of creativity.

In the middle of Milan Design Week last month, in the middle of the Bagni Misteriosi — a historic bathing complex in the Porta Romana neighborhood — the Italian luxury shipbuilder Azimut Yachts hosted an unusual exhibition. It was a celebration of the company’s latest offering: the Seadeck 6, which made its debut last year and features interiors by the design team of Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez.

Having been lowered into the facility by crane, the nearly 60-foot vessel was set afloat in an outdoor swimming pool. There it bobbed, traversed by hordes of well-coiffed guests while a concealed apparatus shrouded it in bursts of atmospheric steam. Surreal, elegant, not a little absurd, it was a scene straight out of Fellini, with overtones of Werner Herzog’s boat-hoisting epic “Fitzcarraldo.”

But the thing that made it most unusual? “Azimut wanted to make this the most sustainable boat on the market,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “We tried to do that.”

The ultimate playthings for the ultrawealthy, high-end pleasure craft would not seem optimal candidates for greening. Yet a growing number of manufacturers and designers are trying to change that, producing yachts both large and (comparatively) small assembled from fewer and less carbon-intensive materials, requiring a fraction of the power to run and drawing more of their energy from renewable sources.

In a peculiar twist for an industry uniquely exposed to supply-chain shocks and the vicissitudes of geopolitics (the loss of the once-lucrative Russian market continues to smart), global brand leaders appear to be making the move toward energy efficiency of their own accord, rather than in response to any explicit demand from their clientele.

“We will have to see if the world is ready,” said Giovanna Vitelli, Azimut’s chairwoman, as she stood aboard the Seadeck 6 during its not-quite maiden, not-quite voyage.

It is an approach that entails some risk. In January, Silent Yachts — an Austrian solar-electric catamaran company with facilities in Fano, Italy — was reported to be approaching bankruptcy amid problems with both its corporate parent and a key subcontractor. A former client stepped in to rescue the brand from insolvency, yet challenges remain. In a recent interview with the trade publication Superyacht News, the company’s new chief operating officer, Fabrizio Iarrera, spoke of the “costs associated with creating an entirely new market.”

Still, the push toward more sustainable yachting appears to be barreling forward, part of a broader shift in the role of design in the industry. Seven years ago, Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture in New York — known for its plush hotel interiors for the hospitality magnate Ian Schrager — was invited by Azimut’s sister company Benetti to develop a new yacht concept, the Oasis. It was one of the rare instances in which Benetti, founded in 1873, had sought out collaborators with no previous maritime experience, and all parties took it as an opportunity to import a set of values they viewed as lacking in the boating world.

According to Enrico Bonetti, the architecture firm’s co-founder, boat design previously favored grand spaces that no one actually liked. “There’s always this big table nobody’s using, then you step into another place with shiny things,” he said. “We didn’t follow that.” With its open, airy living space, wood paneling and notable lack of gold leaf, the Oasis represented a more humane vision for the yacht of the future, one constrained by at least the appearance of refinement and reserve, though it was ritzy nonetheless.

That low-key tendency is very much in line with the decarbonization campaign now underway at Azimut and other builders. In recent years, design studios like Zaha Hadid Architects and Pininfarina have turned out yacht proposals that pair sleek visuals with reduced reliance on fossil fuels; later this year, Yves Béhar, the Swiss-born product and furniture maestro, will unveil his own take on the trend — a catamaran designed for an as-yet unnamed manufacturer. “It’s essentially an E.V.,” said Mr. Béhar, who was also in Milan for the design fair.

Underlying the designer eco-yacht phenomenon is the intuitive sense, as Antonio Rodriguez put it, that “silent luxury” is fast displacing opulence. Where previous generations of yachters sought to flaunt their wealth, today’s owners may be less keen to draw attention to their own affluence. In reducing their carbon footprint, boatmakers are hoping to lure customers eager to reduce their profile, while still allowing them to ply the seven seas in style.

The Seadeck 6 certainly does that. With a crisp, white exterior — the work of the veteran yacht designer Alberto Mancini — the ship sleeps up to eight in three below-deck cabins. Topside, guests can sprawl in fore and aft lounges, or take lunch prepared in a semi-concealed galley, served on an elegant foldout table. The interior palette is muted, the contours soft, and everywhere, Ms. Vitelli said, the intention was to let people “feel close to water” rather than immuring them in an oceangoing penthouse.

Relatively speaking, the Seadeck’s ecological credentials are also impressive. Nearly every feature has been retooled for minimal environmental impact: replacing the customary teak deck with sustainably sourced cork; covering the walls and upholstering the seating with organic and recycled materials; even sealing the hull with something the company refers to as an ‘eco-gel finish.’” Most important, the craft incorporates a still-novel (for marine propulsion) hybrid engine, capable of a top speed of 33 knots with the ability to navigate about 200 miles offshore — enough for a quick spin from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

Add it together, and the company claims the Seadeck 6 and its larger cousin, the 71-foot Seadeck 7, achieve an operational carbon output 60 percent that of comparable vessels.

It’s a start, but only that. A comparative analysis with a similarly sized Azimut product — coupled with statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency — suggests that the cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau would contribute roughly 4,400 pounds of carbon dioxide on the Seadeck 6, well over what the average American produces in a month.

And then there are the more immediate costs: around $2.8 million for the Seadeck 6 and $4.25 million for the Seadeck 7. Ms. Vitelli said the company hopes that enough buyers will come aboard to make price reductions possible in future.

A lot is riding on these hopes. Elsewhere in Milan, at the giant exhibition hall of the Salone del Mobile furniture fair, a talk session with a group of yacht experts underscored the stakes: During the panel, Stefano de Vivo, the chief commercial officer of the luxury yacht brand Ferretti Group, presented a slide showing Italy’s dominance in the custom-yacht sector, with domestic manufacturers taking a large share of the $9 billion global marketplace.

Mr. de Vivo declared sustainability essential to shipbuilding’s ongoing success and spoke of a general convergence with the design field at large. “As a shipyard, we’ve had to become less ‘marine,’” he said.

Back at the Bagni Misteriosi, mariners did seem in somewhat short supply, as various design lovers and Salone personalities (including the celebrated architect Michele de Lucchi, who helped create an on-site installation for Azimut) swanned around the bathhouse garden and its waterborne centerpiece. As an image of an ecologically sensitive future, the spectacle seemed off the mark — but then the Seadeck’s creators are careful not to make any overly sweeping claims as to whether their yacht, or any yacht for that matter, can truly be deemed an ecological asset.

“We don’t really like the word ‘sustainable,’” Mr. Rodriguez said. “We prefer to say it’s ‘conscious.’”

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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