In a new behind-the-scenes video released by the yard, viewers get an exclusive look at the progress of this highly anticipated build as the hull, superstructure and carpentry are now fully complete.
This significant step marks the transition into the yacht’s fairing phase, expected to wrap up by the end of summer 2025, ahead of her scheduled delivery in 2026. The 1,110GT steel and aluminium yacht continues to take shape at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard, where onboard systems, structural elements, and custom wooden exterior fixtures are steadily advancing.
Retro Looks, Sailing Soul
Project Thunderball stands out for its refined, retro-inspired silhouette - a nod to classic sailing yachts - with a long, low bow and graceful curved bilges. Designed by Nauta Design with naval architecture by Vripack, this five-deck yacht embodies a blend of performance, artistry, and understated elegance.
Commissioned by a seasoned owner with a background in sailing, the project was sold by Y.CO in 2022. The brief was clear: deliver a highly capable, technically advanced motor yacht that avoids the opulence of a “floating palace,” and instead evokes a sense of timeless nautical authenticity.
Marnix J. Hoekstra, co-creative director of Vripack, described the hull as “one of the most efficient we’ve ever designed,” with sharp entry lines and a peak-shaving system aimed at minimizing fuel consumption. The yacht’s relatively shallow 3.2m draught will allow her to explore closer to shorelines - a feature specifically designed with cruising grounds like the Mediterranean, Florida, and the Bahamas in mind.
Inside-Out Living and Personalised Detail
Interiors of the yacht, designed in collaboration with the owner, celebrate geometry, colour, and natural light. Large windows with inclined mullions maximise views and brightness, while every guest cabin features its own distinct colour palette, mirrored in custom marble en suites. Structural furniture installation is well underway on the lower deck, with the first finished cabins expected by summer 2025.
Art curation and display were major considerations from the outset. "Several areas are specifically thought for properly positioning the artworks or loose furniture elements,” said Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design. This careful attention to flow and circulation brings the outdoors inside in signature Nauta style.
Amenities include a winter garden on the sundeck, a wellness spa, gym, beach club with cold plunge pool, and accommodation for 12 guests across six cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite and five VIP cabins. A crew of 15 is housed across nine crew cabins.
Water sports were central to the yacht's concept. She will carry two nine-metre tenders, a range of surf and paddleboards, and even a smaller sailing yacht to accompany her - highlighting the owner’s deep passion for sailing.
According to YachtBuyer Market Watch, CRN currently has four yachts on order, averaging 79.4 metres in length and 2,060GT. The lineup includes the 86-metre CRN 144, the 67-metre CRN 146, and a new highly secretive project - collectively contributing to Ferretti Group’s record-breaking €1.77 billion order book.
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Project Thunderball70m CRN Yachts
2026
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