Ten years ago, 83.5 m (274 ft) Savannah revolutionized the yachting world with her imaginative design and trailblazing technology. Looking back on a decade of extraordinary journeys, we honor her legacy and the visionary leadership that set her course.

A Culture of Empowerment

As with all groundbreaking yachts, Savannah’s story begins with an owner’s dream. From her iconic silhouette to her forward-thinking systems, her design challenged preconceived notions of what could be found on board a yacht. Savannah’s owner was a visionary who believed in empowering those around him to achieve his dream. He took his years of leadership experience, honed in the business world, and applied the simple principle of trust to the creation and operation of the yacht.

As Savannah’s captain Chris Durham recalls: “He didn’t just lead us – he inspired us. The owner’s approach was all about empowering each of us to rise to the occasion and excel. He trusted us to bring his vision to life, and it’s that trust that allowed us to exceed expectations and create something extraordinary together. Savannah is more than a yacht; she’s a symbol of what happens when people are given the freedom to perform at their best, to be part of something truly special.”

By emboldening the designers, shipyard, and crew, he cultivated a masterpiece that remains instantly recognizable and revered nearly a decade later.

Designing a Masterpiece

The owner turned to designers Cristina Gherardi Benardeau and Marcello Bozzarelli of CG Design in Paris to create a superyacht that broke the mold. Almost everything about Savannah set new standards in yacht design: her unique profile, striking metallic-painted exterior, and extensive use of glass. From her innovative Nemo underwater observation lounge and infinity pool to her double-height video-walled passage with custom graphics and sweeping deck spaces, Savannah is an icon that has captured the hearts of yacht lovers around the world.

By giving the designers creative freedom, the owner ensured that Savannah would not only be groundbreaking but stand the test of time – a blend that many others have tried to achieve but rarely so successfully.

Engineering Excellence at Feadship

The owner’s collaboration with Feadship, one of the world’s premier shipyards, underscored his commitment to excellence. Taking one of Feadship’s ‘future concept’ designs as a starting point, he elevated it even further to create the world’s first hybrid superyacht. Empowering the shipyard to push technological boundaries, Savannah isn’t just aesthetically impressive.

Her diesel-electric propulsion was ahead of its time when launched by Feadship – the first-ever diesel-electric concept – and she set the tone for technologically advanced, fuel-efficient yachts delivered in her wake. The battery technology on board, for example, allows Savannah to cruise entirely on batteries when in areas with sensitive wildlife, while her dynamic positioning system enables the yacht to stay in position without dropping the anchor on delicate seabeds.

As one of the world’s most iconic yachts, Savannah was invited to represent Feadship at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show in 2023 – a true testament to her status in the superyacht world.

A World of Exploration

Savannah is far from a typical Mediterranean or Caribbean charter yacht. While she has spent plenty of time cruising these popular yachting destinations, she has also explored some of the world’s most remote destinations across places like the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and Africa. Her owner’s philosophy was simple: travel should be a shared experience. From Costa Rica, where the crew witnessed a super pod of spinner dolphins, to the Galápagos Islands, where they dove alongside sea lions, the team wasn’t just there to work – Savannah’s owner wanted them there to experience these destinations themselves.

Yachting, The Savannah Way

“The owner’s philosophy was simple yet powerful: empower people, trust their potential, and build something extraordinary together. His passion for life and commitment to collaboration drive everything we do. The beauty of Savannah lies not just in her design and technology, but in the culture of family, innovation, and respect he created,” reflects Savannah’s executive officer, Josephine De Luca.

This philosophy not only shaped the yacht’s innovative design but also established a culture that influences every aspect of Savannah’s daily operations. This means that beneath her sleek exterior and advanced electric propulsion system lies something equally unique – her crew.

The owner’s philosophy toward life and business created a yachting program that remains unmatched in the yacht industry. Led by Captain Durham and Josephine, Savannah’s crew stands out for their dedication, professionalism, and special crew culture, which has led to unrivaled levels of longevity and loyalty throughout their senior team.

“Savannah’s crew is a family, united by a shared purpose from the yacht’s very creation. Guests charter her for her beauty but return for the crew. It’s the personal touch, attention to detail, and passion we bring to every journey that makes Savannah unique,” says Josephine. The crew’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences has made Savannah one of the world’s most sought-after charter yachts.

A Benchmark of Chartering Excellence

Savannah is run like a finely tuned business and is consistently booked for charters at over one million euros per week. Indeed, her charter revenue exceeds her operating budget. As with any successful business, this also comes down to meticulous attention to maintenance and operations.

“The goal is simple: flawless execution. We ensure everything runs seamlessly so guests experience nothing but perfection. It’s not about cutting costs; it’s about delivering an unmatched experience. This dedication to detail and excellence is part of the legacy the owner created – where quality and reliability are paramount,” Josephine explains.

This ethos ensures that Savannah is always ready for the next adventure, with built-in systems to prevent potential failures. “For us, reliability isn’t just a goal – it’s a non-negotiable standard. We’ve never had to say no to a trip or a charter because we’ve built a program that ensures operational success, no matter the challenge. A proactive management approach and a strong commitment to thorough preparation have ensured that Savannah is always ready for the next adventure,” notes Captain Durham.

The Next Chapter

As Savannah sails into her next decade, her legacy continues to grow. She is about to emerge after nearly six months in the yard for her 10-year survey. With plenty of upgrades planned, she’ll no doubt build on her classic design and solid technical foundation, ready for her next decade of world travels.

While we celebrate her first ten years, we look forward to seeing her many more adventures to come, honoring the legacy of a yacht where everything has truly fallen into place.

Where Next?

If you’re inspired by Savannah’s global adventures, would like to charter, or have another theme in mind for a custom yachting program, we’re here to help. Contact Explorers to get started.