The yachting market has been buoyant over the last few years, with more and more people looking to get out on the water and experience life at sea, either by buying a yacht or renting one as part of a private charter. In fact, 2021 saw a record-breaking number of yachts above 82-feet change hands, according to superyacht intelligence platform SuperYacht iQ. That demand has slowed a little since then, but there’s no denying that the market has become increasingly varied and attractive, as yacht designers get smarter at incorporating space, introducing new lifestyle features and adopting the latest cutting-edge eco-initiatives into their yachts.
With demand growing, there’s been a new crop of superyacht shipyards and yachting brands emerging to satisfy those demands. Whether they’re brand new to the yachting scene or drawing on decades of experience in the shipbuilding sector, these are the new yacht brands to watch in 2025 and beyond…
GX Superyachts
The yacht has a sleek, streamlined silhouette with solar panels on the roof
Credit: GX Superyachts
Where are they based? Tuzla, Turkey
What’s the story? Slovenia-based hybrid boat specialist Greenline Yachts launched the GX Superyachts brand in 2024 to tap into the big-boat market. Combining efficiency with solar charging technology and topped off with sleek design, the GX brand aims to offer something contemporary and good-looking, yet functional and efficient at the same time. SES Yachts is handling the aluminium construction.
The unfolding beach club is a popular trend in yacht design right now
GX Superyachts
What are they currently building? One 137-foot hybrid superyacht called the GX42. The yacht has a unique beach club arrangement with unfolding sea terraces and a chic, sharp design by Marco Casali.
What will they build in the future? The smaller GX34 was revealed at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show. “There has been such a clamor of interest around the debut of this exciting new sustainable superyachting business, that it made sense to proceed quickly with a second model,” said a spokesperson in a press release.
Leapher
The flagship of the yard is a hardy steel-and-aluminium explorer
Leapher
Where are they based? Tolkamer, the Netherlands
What’s the story? Founded by a Greek yachtsman with a long history in the yachting world, Leapher was established in 2023 with the goal of building durable, high-quality explorer yachts. The Leapher (pronounced leaf-er) team chose the Netherlands in spite of the high cost of construction because of the country’s rich shipbuilding history, experience and unbeatable reputation in the yachting sector.
An aerial view of the yacht shows its commitment to al fresco living
Leapher
What are they currently building? One 198-feet explorer yacht called the NAVIX60, built in full steel and aluminium with a huge aft deck pool and polar cruising capacities.
What will they build in the future? The yard is currently in the development phase for the NAVIX50, a versatile explorer yacht that measures 164-feet. It will have the same go-anywhere capabilities, but with a new, fresher design.
Giangrasso Group
The G24 yacht will be named Veronika
Giangrasso
Where are they based? Viareggio, Italy
What’s the story? After years of building the major components for other players in the superyacht sector, Giangrasso Group has branched into its own brand. It’s a family-run business but it has lofty goals for the future, and years of experience to see those goals through.
The proposed interiors of the G24 model
Giangrasso Group
What are they currently building? One 79-feet all-aluminium yacht called the G24 Classic. The yacht has a traditionally-styled exterior and interiors will be by Rome-based designer Michela Reverberi and will include plenty of bespoke touches to create a clean, yet warm onboard ambience.
What will they build in the future? The yard has plans for a G25, G30 and G34 to offer a full fleet of yachts at different size points.
Antonini Navi
The Seamore 34 features design from esteemed firm Hot Lab
Antonini Navi
Where are they based? La Spezia, Italy
What’s the story? After years of building components for other brands in the industry, Antonini Navi established itself independently in 2020. The brand is led by the Antonini Family in partnership with Aldo Manna. Reputable designers like Hot Lab, Fulvio De Simoni and Hydro Tec have been called in to collaborate, giving each model a well-considered and strong profile.
The yacht has been in construction since March 2024
Antonini Navi
What are they currently building? Three yachts – the 104-feet EVO 31, 111-feet Seamore 34 and the 135-feet SUY 135. The latter model is being built on speculation (without an owner), showcasing the brand’s pre-established strength in the market.
What will they build in the future? With shed space fitted out to complete two yachts ranging from 98-feet to 229-feet and surface area of around 60,000 square feet, the yard has huge scope for future superyacht construction.
Ares Yachts
Simena is for sale at €45,900,000
Northrop & Johnson
Where are they based? Antalya, Turkey
What’s the story? With a long history of military shipbuilding, the shipyard recently branched into superyacht construction with a high-powered sailing yacht. Like the SUY 135 above, the yacht is being built on speculation, highlighting the brand’s existing strength and versatility to build both commercial and pleasure craft.
The yacht will be a true sailer
Northrop & Johnson
What are they currently building? One 203-feet sailing ketch called Simena which will have an on-deck Jacuzzi, six guest cabins and ample exterior deck spaces.
What will they build in the future? With capacity for both sailing and motor yachts of enormous lengths, Ares has near-limitless possibilities for future new builds. Simena has already been well-received on the market, so it’s likely she’ll have some sisters floating around soon.
