Issue 4 of the How to Build It technical magazine has now been launched and is available for free download on SuperYacht Times! After two successful editions of the magazine in 2023, we are publishing three issues this year.
This issue takes a look at some fantastic shipyards, with the in-build story of 65-metre Aquarius II, a modern classic cruising ketch built at Royal Huisman for repeat clients. An exemplar of the Dutch shipyard's work, she is also the beneficiary of more than 700 design tweaks collated by her captain and crew during five years of operating the owners’ previous Huisman.
Talking of new-builds, for this issue we also travelled to Italy to catch up with 44-metre explorer Maverick during her fitting out at Cantiere delle Marche, one of the most consistent shipyards building over 40 metres, and to Turkey, now ranked second behind Italy in terms of numbers of units in-build, to take a peek at 79-metre Project Toro under construction at Turquoise Yachts.
In keeping with the international flavour of this issue, our concept analysis comes courtesy of Miami-based designer Luiz de Basto and those clever people at Lateral Naval Architects in the UK. Project Med takes inspiration from a study by Lateral that reduces the need for watertight bulkheads, the main engineering limitation when defining an interior arrangement. De Basto’s open architectural concept is the result of looking at the rules “in a slightly different way.” 
Amidst all the talk of alternative fuels and greenhouse gases, the carbon footprint of the facilities building the yachts has usually taken a back seat. Not anymore. We look at how shipyards are switching on to the need to implement more comprehensive sustainability solutions in their business practices – and the operational and financial benefits that can be enjoyed as a result.
But for me the most rewarding assignment was a trip to Teignbridge Propellers in deepest Devon. I thought I knew something about stern gear, but quickly realised I was almost entirely ignorant of how propellers are designed and manufactured. After being introduced to a fascinating process that combines the latest CNC technology with old-fashioned human labour, I learned why propellers sometimes ‘sing’, what ‘fettling’ is, and why the moulds for casting are made one blade at a time using ‘patterns’. I hope you learn something too.
We hope that you enjoy this issue of How to Build It, and if you have any ideas for future stories, reach out Justin ([email protected]) or Francesca ([email protected]).