CRN Launches 70-Metre Custom Superyacht 'Project Thunderball' in Ancona

Bahar O.

Italian shipyard CRN has officially launched its highly anticipated 70-metre full-custom superyacht, Project Thunderball (also known as CRN M/Y 145). The bespoke steel and aluminium vessel touched the water for the first time during a private, emotion-filled ceremony at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard, attended by the owners and their family.

A Masterclass in CollaborationThe displacement superyacht is the culmination of a deep, multi-year collaboration between CRN’s in-house engineering team and two world-renowned design studios:

Vripack Yacht Design, The Dutch studio developed the vessel's exterior styling, general arrangement, and sophisticated preliminary naval architecture.

Nauta Design, The Milanese firm was responsible for the entire interior concept and the layout of the outdoor living spaces, prioritizing a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments.

Y.CO: Acted as the owner's representative, providing strict technical project management and oversight through every phase of construction.

Project Thunderball features a striking silhouette defined by a deep blue hull, a white superstructure, and a vibrant red bootstripe. Borrowing aesthetic cues from classic sailing vessels, the yacht exhibits an elongated bow, a low profile, and curved bilges. The structural blueprint of the vessel emphasizes both grand volume and intimate comfort across its five spacious decks:

Specifications

Length Overall 69.7 metres (70m)

Beam11.0 metres

Gross Tonnage1,100 GT

Guest Capacity12 guests (1 Owner's Suite + 5 VIP Staterooms)

Crew Capacity15 crew members (9 cabins)

PropulsionTwin MAN V12 engines (1,213 kW each)

Performance 15.5 knots max speed / 12 knots cruising speed

Beyond its timeless aesthetic, Project Thunderball is packed with advanced eco-conscious technology. The vessel features a specialized Energy Storage System (ESS) for advanced onboard power management. This setup allows for peak shaving - using stored battery power during high-demand intervals to ease the load on generators - and enables completely silent, emission-free operation while resting at anchor.

Furthermore, extensive tank testing during the development phase led to an unusual design choice for a yacht of this size: the complete removal of a bulbous bow. The optimized, sharp entry of the hull line maximizes fuel efficiency and guarantees an exceptionally smooth, comfortable ride. Designed for an owner who is a passionate sailor, the superyacht features an expanded stern swim platform to serve as a launchpad for watersports, diving, and supporting the owner's accompanying regatta sailboat.

Work will continue at the Ancona shipyard on final interior outfitting, followed by a rigorous schedule of sea trials. Project Thunderball is on track for final handover to her owner in summer 2026, where she is expected to cruise the Mediterranean, Florida, and the Bahamas.

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