In 2011 seems to be a year where finally a lot of yachtdesigners made a step in designing yachts of the 21th century. Not the open traditonal yachts to show of in the Mediterranean harbours,  but more yachtdesigns to create  'protected' environmenst to stay with relatives and friend in privat at open sea.

The first in 2010 with this new 'military' robust design look was Ghost-Yachts with the G180. Recently a lot a prominent yachtdesign componies followed. 

Ghost Yachts used its Ghost G180 platform for the hybrid yacht. Its Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen & Associates offers the required efficiency to operate a large yacht with a relatively modest propulsion power. Imtech's smart Hybrid system combined with Van Oossanen's revolutionary FDHF have proven to be a perfect combination for a sustainable and efficient yacht

Claydon Reeves - Caspian
70m Claydon Reeves superyacht concept combines style and substance. British design studio Claydon Reeves has unveiled its 70 metre concept. A brilliant design. 

Nick Mezas, 
a young and upcoming designer from The Netherlands, who was one of the finalists for the recent Young Designer of the Year Award, has send us details about his latest design concept, a 49 metre displacement superyacht

Van Geest Design
Van Geest Design  latest project is a design for a 60 metre superyacht. Clear straight lines gives this yacht a futuristic look.

Arman 90m Explorer yacht concept
Arman, a newly established Belgian marine design studio, presents its new 90 meter superyacht concept, also known under the codename “Dune 90″. 

Feadship with Qi , recently introduced at the Monaco Yacht Show. Like its predecessors, Qi has been created by De Voogt Naval Architects to reflect the likely requirements and desires of the next generation of clients. With a length of 56 metres (183’9”), Qi is designed to generate a fresh sense of energy among owners and their family & friends as they reconnect with nature in the most inspiring surroundings 

Some new design delopments are coming from Korea. Look at this this 9 meter boat innovative design from J. Sung Design studio

With world debt at a record high you can save money! Just buy one of these yachts. I find only in july these fine price cuts of several yachts.
For me a marketsignal that the superyacht- & yachtingindustry haven't overcome the economic crises yet.  

So why don't you buy one and save some extra pocket-money for a refit

The 10 Yachts selected in july for the summer-saving- list:

• Superyacht Tuscan Sun at Yazoo from $ 24,500.00  now  $ 22,500.000
  price cut $ 2.000.000
• Superyacht Cassiopeia at Sunseeker London  £8.2 million to £7.95 million
  price cut $   335.000 (approx)
• Starship at Chamberlain Yachts $4 million price cut reported in October 2010  and now an other
  price cut $ 2.000.000
• superyacht Abigaille at A1 Yacht,  from $ 4,5 million now for $3,6
  price cut $    900.000
• Arabella at Bartram & Brakenhoff
  price cut $ 4.000.000
• Abigaille, lightly used Leonardo 98 built in 2005 in Italy by Azimut Yachts
  price cut $ 1.300.000 (approx)
• Oceanstyle and Edmiston have announced a € 700,000 price reduction for Lady Natinia
  price cut $ 1.010.000 (approx)
• International Yacht Collection have announced a $ 1,000,000 price reduction for the
  sale of the 54 metre superyacht Stargazer
  price cut $ 1.000.000
• Ocean Independence for the sale of superyacht Element, a significant price reduction.
  Element's asking price has been lowered from € 9,950,000 to € 7,950,000
  price cut $ 2.890.000 (approx)
• Burgess have announced a € 1,400,000 price reduction for the sale of the 46.2m  Leopard Ares
  price cut $ 2.022.000 (approx)

sources: Boatinternational   Superyachttimes

Space invaders is probably not the best name for one of the yacht design trends of 2011. But many yachtdesigners seek space outside a yacht. Folded systems for a swimming pool, carpark of sunterraces seems to be a next thing in yachting design.  Ultimate flexible, custom made to create even a more luxury open experience outside a yacht during short stays. Even an own Island has been designed for one of the richest on this planet.  See some examples 

Recently two new big sailyacht designs have been revealed. So how big can you sail?

Designer Igor Lobanov has revealed his latest innovative design concept Phoenicia it is an explorative study, focusing purely on the design elements themselves. This concept amalgamates various historical influences with a new modern design. The model explores a 100+ meter superyacht with generous open deck space, particularly aft of the yacht including a helipad; a feature which is usually seen on large motor yachts rather than a sailing yacht.

( source: http://www.superyachttimes.com/editorial/5/article/id/5660 )

But the biggest sailing yacht is an exciting and quite unique concepts developed by the design team under the direction of Valeriy Stepanenko The total length of this yacht will be 141 metre  world’s largest sailing yacht  Dream Symphony.

The sleek and graceful styling has been created by the Ken Freivokh Design team, and in addition to unique wood building technology proposed by the Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects team, the project will boast excellent green credentials through use of carefully selected tropical woods as a totally renewable resource.