September 2, 2025

Yachts For The 21st Century The New Era of Luxury on the Water

In today’s yachting world, grandeur is no longer defined by size or status alone, it’s measured by innovation, sustainability and thoughtful design. As the South Florida boating season approaches, the Palm Beach Marina is already seeing a new wave of vessels ­– smarter, greener, and more refined, with interiors that rival boutique hotels, and onboard systems that anticipate every need.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade, want some inspiration for improvements for your current yacht, or you just want to keep on top of the exciting trends, we’ve got you covered! These latest and greatest embody a different kind of luxury: forward-thinking, beautifully engineered and quietly sophisticated…much like our Marina.

The Future Is Now

The 21st century has ushered in exciting advancements that are reshaping the yachting experience. Whether hosting friends for sundowners on a terrace or unplugging with a book in a shaded lounge, these floating homes cater to the modern rhythms of work, rest and play. Leading boat builders are pushing boundaries with:

  • Power That Performs, Quietly: Hybrid and electric propulsion systems have moved from niche to ubiquitous. Builders like Sunreef and Silent Yachts are setting the tone, with near-silent cruising, extended range, and drastically reduced emissions, all without sacrificing performance. For many owners, sustainability is no longer a bonus, it’s a baseline.
  • Design That Adapts: Space has been completely reimagined. It’s no longer fixed – it moves, shifts, opens up, and makes room for more. Expandable decks, floating terraces, and hydraulic platforms now fold out with the push of a button, turning compact cruisers into floating resorts. Plus, modular interiors are redefining what it means to live well at sea. These aren’t just clever layouts, they’re transformable living environments. Furniture adapts. Walls disappear. Every area is designed to flex – from social to serene – depending on the moment, the mood or the guest list.
  • Smarter Navigation, Smoother Sailing: Artificial intelligence is making its way to the helm. Today’s onboard systems can analyze weather, tides and traffic in real time – learning user habits, optimizing routes and managing maintenance before issues arise. Autopilot features now include AI-driven collision avoidance and remote monitoring, giving owners full control from anywhere in the world via smartphone or tablet.
  • Connected, Inside and Out: From voice-activated lighting and climate control to fully integrated smart-home systems, the modern yacht is as connected as any luxury residence. Stabilizers ensure a smooth ride, while smart electrochromic glass adapts to light and privacy needs throughout the day.
  • Built to Last ­and to Evolve: Luxury now leans greener. Sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a design imperative. Yachts are now constructed with reclaimed teak, bio-based composites, solar panels, and low-VOC coatings that reduce weight and improve efficiency. Thanks to modular construction, many vessels can now be updated over time – extending their lifecycle and minimizing waste.
  • Onboard Health Trends: Wellness is also becoming central to design, with many yachts incorporating massage rooms, cold plunges, infrared saunas, and fully equipped gyms, all with ocean views.
  • Exploration, Reimagined: Submersibles are the new essential for deep-sea discovery. Brands like U-Boat Worx offer cutting-edge models capable of diving over 3,000 meters, bringing guests face-to-face with the underwater world in ways never before possible.

A Yacht With Vision: BOTTI

Among the standout vessels at the Palm Beach Marina is the BOTTI – a 119-foot Moonen Martinique that blends performance, personality and innovative design. Owners Jaclyn and Jack Botti, seasoned yachtsmen who became Palm Beach residents in 2020, built BOTTI from the ground up, a rare and ambitious endeavor in the world of private yacht ownership.

Constructed in the Netherlands by the renowned Moonen shipyard, often likened to the Rolls-Royce or Bentley of the automobile world, the build spanned more than two years and unfolded almost entirely remotely. Despite global shutdowns and supply chain challenges, over a dozen countries contributed to the yachts creation, making the launch a triumph of both timing and teamwork.

Jaclyn, an artist and designer, set the creative direction, working with London-based Studio Indigo to bring her vision to life. “It came from sketches of my own,” Botti says. The result: a space that’s refined but playful, grounded yet glamorous. Sculptural lighting, cowhide accents, and bespoke finishes reflect a distinct Palm Beach look and her personality. “Everything is exceptionally high end…future upgrades would likely be environmental in nature, improving air, water and land protections,” says Botti. ­­­

A Marina For The 21st Century

As the industry evolves, so does the Palm Beach Marina, with deep slips for larger vessels, upgraded infrastructure, and concierge-level service tailored to the needs of the modern seafarer. Whether you arrive aboard a classically styled yacht with hidden solar panels or a high-tech explorer vessel ready to cross oceans, you’ll find a Marina that’s built for what’s next.

With Clean Marina certification and a steadfast commitment to environmental best practices, the Palm Beach Marina is proud to support the new generation of yachts, vessels that are not only well-appointed, but also well-considered. For slip reservations, visit the www.TownofPalmBeachMarina.com.

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