CRN unveils new in-build 70m Project Thunderball superyacht

Italy-based shipyard CRN has unveiled a new in-build 70-metre superyacht Project Thunderball. The custom-built yacht has been designed in collaboration with Nauta Design and Vripack and is scheduled for delivery in summer 2026.

Project Thunderball began construction earlier this year following her sale in August 2022 by Y.CO. The 1,100 GT motor yacht was first designed in preliminary sketches in 2018 and has been described by her design team as one of the most demanding undertakings yet.

Project Thunderball features exterior styling and naval architecture from Netherlands-based design studio Vripack, with interior design from Nauta Design. She has been heavily-developed to fit the needs of her owner and boasts a classic long bow, smooth sheer and a low profile.

Her owner’s brief requested a highly technical and capable yacht that avoids the look and feel of a ‘floating palace.’ The owner was also firm on his decision for a limited number of decks and a profile reminiscent of the 71.05-metre Lürssen superyacht V2V.

Y.CO is playing a key role as the owner’s representative and project management team, supporting the owner through the construction stage to the technical checks, inspection and acceptance as well as with the project management, the on-site supervision and coordinating the external contractors.

The owner of Project Thunderball is a sailing yacht enthusiast and the yacht will be accompanied by a smaller sailing yacht. The design of Project Thunderball includes sharp entry lines like a sailing yacht, with curved bilges and will be one of the most efficient hulls Vripack has designed to date.

Project Thunderball is described by her builder CRN as having a “clean, sober, retro style” with vintage lines that draw inspiration from the 32.9-metre CRN motor yacht F-100, launched in 1983. Her owner already has had a number of yachts over the years but Project Thunderball will be his largest yet.

The steel and aluminium yacht will feature a six stateroom configuration with colour being a key feature onboard. She features large windows throughout to illuminate the interior with a natural flow of light and bridge the gap between her exterior spaces.

Project Thunderball spans five decks with a beam of 11-metres. She can comfortably accommodate a total of 12 guests and 15 crew. Each of her staterooms will feature a different colour scheme that will be mirrored in the marble of her ensuite bathrooms. The owner has different colours in his bedrooms at home and wanted to replicate this onboard Project Thunderball.

Key features onboard Project Thunderball include a gym and spa, a lower deck swimming pool with a built in cold bath system and a winter garden located in the central area of the sundeck. Project Thunderball will also be able to carry two nine-metre tenders on the bow, and a collection of kiteboards, paddleboards and surfboards.

The superyacht will be located between the Mediterranean, the Bahamas and Florida and be used as a base for spearfishing, sailing and diving. Project Thunderball also has a draft of 3.2-metres, allowing her to sail and anchor close to shore.

According to SYT iQ, the Ferretti Group is also currently constructing another three full-custom CRN yachts, including the 72-metre CRN superyacht 139, the 67-metre CRN superyacht 143 and the 85-metre CRN superyacht 144.