Yesterday, we got a glimpse of Axopar and the emerging Saxdor adventure yacht brands, both of which have received widespread acclaim and popularity around the world. Because of the boom between these two brands, people are looking to other Nordic adventure yacht brands to explore more unknown adventures at sea. At the same time, industry giants Groupe Beneteau and Brunswick Group are not to be outdone and are venturing into this challenging and promising sector.
When it comes to Saxdor yachts, we have to mention its founder, Sakari Mattila. He began his career with Aquador in 1994 and Paragon in 2003, which were sold to the Nimbus Group in 2000 and 2007 respectively. In 2006, Mattila co-founded the XO Boats brand with Erkki Talvela, dedicated to creating durable and elegant aluminium yachts. The yachts have a sleek and unique exterior that bears a slight resemblance to the products of his fourth and fifth companies, Axopar and Saxdor.
XO的新型全铝DFNDR A8
All exhibit the common features of a high broadside, a deep V-shaped aluminium hull, a vertical bow and a sturdy superstructure. The deep colours give the XO boats a rugged and functional look like a military or patrol boat, and you can instantly see what makes it special.
Talvela, who returned to XO Boats as CEO in 2018, is passionate about aluminium yachts: "Aluminium is an excellent material used in challenging industries such as aviation and automotive. Compared to other manufacturers, our yachts offer unrivalled handling in rough seas and the sturdiness of their aluminium hulls, just like the vessels trusted by the military and governments. ”
He further explained: "XO Boats is the result of rethinking our boat design. Not only are these yachts versatile enough to meet the needs of anglers, commuters, sports boaters and weekenders, but they are also ultra-modern in terms of styling, with sporty, high-performance handling and a ride. The craftsmanship of the welding makes each yacht a striking work of art for a variety of water activities. ”
XO的铝壳船体DFNDR 9
Headquartered in Helsinki, XO Boats manufactures its DFNDR and EXPLR series of yachts in Akhteri (htri), Finland and Poland (Suwałki and Augustow). Last year, the company produced about 200 ships, and this year it plans to increase production to about 250 ships. Its dealers in Asia include Island Wake in Hong Kong, Princess Yachts buddai International Marina in Taiwan and Yamaha Fujita in Japan.
DFNDR 9
Under 30 feet, the DFNDR 9 and DFNDR 8 have recently been awarded or nominated in adventure boats and other categories, earning industry praise for their quality and performance. Even more impressively, the fleet has welcomed a new addition, the DFNDR A8, the first all-aluminium yacht. Last September, the yacht made a stunning appearance at the Cannes Yachting Festival and attracted a lot of attention.
EXPLR 44
Talvela rave about the DFNDR collection, calling it the brand's ultimate adventure collection. And for the new flagship EXPLR 44, he can't hide his excitement. He describes the collection as having a "super-sturdy aluminium hull and superyacht look", a design that will satisfy the most darmers' greatest desires to pursue their dreams on the vast seas.
Brands around Finland
Founded in December 2021, Quarken is one of the emerging brands in the space, also from Finland, but it's worth noting that it wasn't founded by Sakari Mattila!
Designer Osmo Roukala has long made a name for himself in the yachting world for his contributions to the Finnmaster, Grandezza and Husky models. He has thirty years of experience in the yachting industry. Roukala co-founded Quarken with former Yamaha executive, CEO Antero Sundberg, and Jussi Hurskainen, who has been co-founder and CEO of Valamis since 2003. Since then, three more investors have joined the three companies.
Quarken 27 Cabin帮助建立了新品牌
Derived from the English name of Kvarken, Quarken is a narrow area of the Gulf of Bothnia that separates the Gulf of Bothnia from the Gulf of Bothnia, symbolizing the brand's uniqueness and exceptional qualities. Since its inception, Quarken has risen at an astonishing rate. Its 27-foot Open, T-Top and Cabin versions have quickly won the market's favor and praise, and production has been ramping up year by year, increasing to 60 units last year and expecting to increase to 80 units in 2024.
27Open
At this year's Düsseldorf Boat Show, Quarken debuted the much-anticipated 35 Cabin Edition, which attracted a lot of attention. Unlike its competitors, Quarken manufactures yachts in Finland, located between the west coast city of Kokkola, where its headquarters are located, and Savonlinna in the southeast. In addition, due to Sundberg's background, the design of the Quarken yacht is also different, and unlike the traditional symmetrical design of the center console, the Quarken yacht has a unique asymmetrical design that reflects the brand's personality and unique charm. And unlike most of its competitors, Quarken's yachts are equipped with Yamaha engines.
Quarken35Cabin版
Although still in the early stages of development, Quarken has already gained widespread recognition and attention around the world. In Japan, South Korea and Taiwan Province, Quarken has successfully appointed distributors, laying a solid foundation for the brand's international development. Sundberg also foresees that the T-Top version with air conditioning and sun visor will be more suitable for the Hong Kong and Southeast Asian markets. Quarken, a dynamic and creative yachting brand, is conquering more and more yachting enthusiasts with its unique charm.
Founded in 1990, Finnmaster is not a pure adventure yacht brand, but its Pilot Series cabin fits into this category. The shipyard entered the Middle East market with the arrival of Viya Marine, headquartered in Dubai Harbour Marina, and made a splash at this year's Dubai International Boat Show.
The Pilot 8 is the largest model in the Finnmaster family of cabin versions
Founded by Niilo Seli, father of Finnish F1 powerboat world champion Sami Seli, Finnmaster is now owned by the Terra Patris Group, which is led by Jari Lö froos. It currently employs around 200 people and produced 2,000 yachts ranging from 18-33 feet in the last fiscal year, demonstrating its strong productivity.
Pilot 7
In addition to the Pilot 6, 7 and 8, other models include the R5 and R6 bowriders, the aluminium Husky models (R5, R6, R7, R8), the S5 and S6 console yachts, the day cruisers (t 6, T7, T8, T9) and the F11 weekender. According to Finnmaster, of the 2,000 yachts produced last year, the T8 was the most popular because it perfectly combines "affordability, excellent drivability, ultimate comfort and top-of-the-line Finnish design".
While Finnmaster is more than thirty years old, other leading Nordic motor yacht manufacturers are only nearly six years old. Among them is the Finnish homegrown brand Sargo, the "OG" of the adventure yacht manufacturer. These yachts are all built in Kokkola, and they not only look sturdy on the outside, but also show amazing strength in terms of practicality. Sargo even offers customized services to police and rescue agencies, which is a testament to its excellence.
Sargo is a family business founded in 1967 by Edy Sarin as Minor, now led by his son, renamed Sargo in 2014 and today employs more than 70 people.
Sargo 45 was the flagship of the Kokkola shipyard, created by Edy Sarin in 1967 and now managed by his sons
The company currently offers Sargo and Explorer versions in 28, 31, 33, 36 and flagship 45, all CE A (marine) or B (nearshore) certified. Sargo produces around 60 yachts a year, with the two largest models being the most popular, although its presence in Asia is limited to Japanese dealer Okazaki Yachts.
Seabream 45
Seabream 45
"Our yachts are built on the west coast of Finland, where the climate and weather are harsh for most of the year," said Thomas Sarin, Chief Executive Officer. It is this environment that forges the unrivalled tenacity and quality of Sargo Yachts, which are designed for owners who love to sail boats that deliver exceptional sailing performance in all conditions. Perfect for sailing, on our yachts, function is more important than form. ”
Sargo36
"In addition to being seaworthy, all Sargo yachts are very practical, with the wrap-around design and clever layout of the side doors meaning owners can safely use the yacht all year round. The spacious outdoor space and functional cabin provide the owner with a wide variety of use scenarios. Whether it's a diving trip in the summer or a polar bear watching trip in the winter. Sargo's yachts are up to the task. ”
Brands from neighbouring Nordic countries
A year after Sargo was founded as a Minor company, Nimbus was founded in neighbouring Sweden in 1968, and the publicly listed Nimbus Group has grown to include brands such as Alukin, Aquador, Bella, EdgeWater, Falcon, Flipper and Paragon.
The Nimbus C11 is equipped with inboard or outboard engines and shares the same platform as the T11 and the new W11
Headquartered in Gothenburg, the multi-brand company employs around 450 people and delivers more than 400 yachts annually in Sweden, Finland, Poland, the United Kingdom, Norway and the United States. Nimbus yachts account for around 40% of the group's turnover and are widely acclaimed for their presence in the United States, Northern Europe and Europe.
Nimbus created the first wrap-around design in the Nova series in 1992 and introduced the stepped hull in 2000. Traditionally, the brand has been a premium yacht builder with a focus on inboard coupe models, but with the popularity of outboard boats, Nimbus has adapted to the trend with a new range that can be classified as adventure yachts, showcasing the brand's diverse charm.
Today, the brand's most popular collections are the Tender (open), the Weekender and the commuter boat (closed), all of which share a common platform, starting at 8, 9 and 11. Since the appointment of Asiamarine as a distributor at the end of 2021, these models have helped Nimbus to steadily expand into the Hong Kong market, particularly in Singapore and Thailand, where they have been well received.
Globally, about 60-65% of customers in C11 orders choose outboards, and in T11 orders, this proportion has soared to nearly 95%, which shows the popularity of outboard models. The latest of the three W11 models, a luxury yacht with a total length of nearly 41 feet, made a stunning appearance at last year's Cannes Yachting Festival, which attracted enthusiastic attention from the industry.
Nimbus debuts at W11 in 2023
Jonas Gothberg, Commercial Director of the Nimbus Group and Brand Manager of Nimbus Boats, said: "When designing the new T/W/C series, we were keen to capture the steady trend of outboard motors. The availability of these engines as an option not only brings our products in line with international trends, but also further highlights the heritage and heritage of adventure yachting. Whether it's details such as roof racks or overall boat type innovations, we strive to set new benchmarks in this area. ”
Windy is another long-established Nordic brand founded in Norway in 1966 and now owned by Periscopus. The company's headquarters and mega yacht production facility are located in Westvij, and all yachts under 40 feet are manufactured in Ostrodar and Supsk, Poland, with a total of about 130,140 yachts produced at all factories last year.
Windy's models don't usually fit into the category of adventure yachts, but this year it looks set to enter the industry with the SR38, which sits between the SR28 and SR44 in the Sporty range, retaining Windy's usual elegance and the energy and passion of adventure yachts.
The upcoming SR38 is Windy's answer to adventure yachting
The exterior of the SR38 was designed by superyacht designer Espen Oeino, and the interior was designed by Design Unlimited, a long-time collaborator of Sunseeker, with a choice of inboard or outboard motors, and features pull-down wings, a tail sun pad that folds up to show storage space for water toys, and a roof rack for kayaks, surfboards, and paddleboards.
Johanes Hertel, Windy's International Sales and Marketing Manager, said: "The SR38 started with the SR44, but we wanted it to be more compact and flexible. We've always listened to our customers, which is why the SR38 incorporates many of the features our customers have come to expect, such as folding wings, an open roof or hard top with solar panels, and plenty of storage space. ”
Johanes Hertel elaborated: "With the SR38, we are moving in the same direction as other boat brands. We want to provide customers with more diversified services, so that they can enjoy fishing, surfing and other water activities with their favorite paddleboards and kayaks. This is the perfect embodiment of the 'Build Your Boat' philosophy, which makes each Windy yacht a unique dream boat in the hearts of our customers. ”
All over the world
However, when two of the giants of the adventure yachting sector join forces, there is no doubt that a strong belief in the future of the sector has been instilled. Owned by the Beneteau Group in 2014, Wellcraft has been producing yachts since 1955 and is mainly known for its offshore fishing boats, with between 500 and 1,000 built per year.
However, the American brand changed direction with the launch of the 355 in 2022 and the flagship 435 in 2023, as it entered the adventure yacht segment in the same way, with fellow Beneteau manufacturer Jeanneau entering the luxury yacht segment with the DB/43 and DB/37. In fact, the two brands share the same designers: the American Michael Peters designed the hull and the Italian Camillo Garroni designed the concept and styling.
The Beneteau Group enters the adventure yacht segment with Wellcraft's 355 (above) and flagship 435
Wellcraft describes its enclosed boat type as a "commuter", inspired by the Nordic region and the United States, referencing the commuter boats between Connecticut and Manhattan in the 20s of the 20th century.
Nick Harvey, Brand Director of Wellcraft, said: "Beneteau Yachts aspires to be part of the modern commuter, resonating with the pulse of the times. ”
He continued: "Over the past decade, Wellcraft has crafted the centre console yacht and we are keenly aware that some owners are now looking for a more intimate and safe sailing experience. So, we decided to create a superyacht with Michael Peters, one of today's most prominent designers, in an American way, and to refine the concept for us by Garoni Design. ”
Headquartered in the United States and France, with production in these two countries as well as Poland, Wellcraft has a strong presence across the Atlantic, with UAE-based SF Yachts as its dealer in the Gulf.
Wellcraft435
Harvey confidently shares: "Many people are amazed at how well our yachts excel at sea, how powerful, robust and safe they are to meet the challenges and demands with ease. "Wellcraft offers an upscale version of the commuter service that offers more creature comforts than ever before when other yachts are just satisfied with the basics. You give more, but you get more. ”
Navan, a Brunswick brand, debuts its first models, the C30 (pictured above) and the S30, at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival
At the same time, Brunswick unveiled a new brand, Navan, which attracted a lot of attention at last year's Cannes Yachting Festival with two new models, the C30 and S30. Since then, the two models have been featured at the Düsseldorf Boat Show and this year's Miami International Boat Show, attracting the attention of many yachting enthusiasts.
The two yachts share the same double-stepped hull, and in terms of power, they can be powered by either a single Mercury Verado outboard engine or with the option of twin engines in parallel to provide the yacht with strong and smooth power. The C30 model is distinguished by its enclosed commuter boat design, which provides passengers with a comfortable and safe sailing experience; The S30 model, on the other hand, focuses on the day boat market with a hardtop open design, allowing people to enjoy sailing in the sun.
S30
Benoit Verley, President of Venture Boat Group, is full of praise for the brand: "After in-depth consumer research and product development, Navan by Quicksilver ushers in the next era of performance and luxury. Yachting enthusiasts are here eager to see the future of leisure yachting, and Navan is exactly what they are looking forward to. ”
The Arksen 30 is part of the British brand's adventure collection
At the same time, there are many high-profile adventure yachts and brands popping up around the world. Among them, the British company Arksen stands out in the market with its unique range of adventure yachts. The company was founded in 2017 by Jasper Smith and has production sites in Poland and southern England. Arksen's Adventure Collection includes two yachts, the Arksen 28 and the Arksen 30, each imbued with a spirit of adventure and exploration. The company expects to build 28 yachts this year to meet the growing market demand.
Arksen 30
Smith, Chairman and CEO of Arksen, said: "The Arksen 30 is undoubtedly an excellent all-rounder, delivering exceptional handling and stability in any environment. "It's remarkable for its fuel efficiency and speed. What's even more gratifying is its versatility. The internal dining area can comfortably accommodate five guests, while the exterior can accommodate six guests to enjoy sea-breeze cuisine, and there are two to six berths to cater to different relaxation needs. ”
The company offers products that go beyond a single adventure collection. Last year, the company launched its first Arksen 85 at the White Shipyard in East Couss, marking the grand start of its range of aluminium-hulled expedition superyachts. This year, the focus has shifted to the Arksen 8, an adventure RIB in the Expedition series.
Arksen 8
Smith explains, "Arksen's intention was to turn people's dreams of adventure into accessible experiences. Our range of expedition yachts opens the door to a new world for those who love to explore, allowing them to explore remote places and pursue the unknown. The adventure series, on the other hand, is aimed at those who also have dreams, but are limited by time or prefer a quick journey. ”
An Arksen 28 in Seattle, Washington
Arksen 28
In addition to Arksen, there are many other brands emerging in the market, such as Dromes Yachts in Turkey, Protagon Yachts in Greece, and emerging electric yacht manufacturers. The Roamer 29 from Rand in Denmark has been hailed as the "ultimate 29-foot adventure yacht", while the 26-foot Pro from X Shore in Sweden and the N30 from Navier in the United States also have a place in the market.
Over the past decade, Axopar has perhaps been the leader in the field of "adventure yachting", with a styling and design inspired by Nordic traditions that go back decades. Although it remains the leading and most recognizable brand in this space, it is also being challenged by numerous emerging companies, brands and collections. Viitala welcomes these challenges. "We did pioneer the adventure yacht genre to some extent, but competition is always rewarding because it allows everyone to focus on improving their products and achieving excellence," he admits. ”
He further says: "The new Axopar 29 is a perfect example of what the competition looks like. In this competition, the real winner is actually the consumer. Because we are all working hard to improve the quality of our products, consumers can always reap full of surprises and satisfaction in this 'battle'. ”