Bannenberg & Rowell Design just proved you don’t have to reinvent the wheel—or hull, in this case—to stand out.
The British studio has unveiled a striking new superyacht based on a robust hull by Ares Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey. The hull has already proven itself on the high seas, acting as the sturdy centerpiece of a patrol boat that protects the coastlines. (Ares has no less than five series of patrol boats, with between four and seven vessels in each line.)
“A high-performance patrol boat hull sounded like the perfect underpinnings for a fast, nimble, and iconic 50m yacht,” the studio said in a statement shared on Thursday.
The outdoor cinema.
Bannenberg & Rowell Design
The new 164-footer, christened Spitfire on account of her grunt, pairs a sleek, sporty, and somewhat utilitarian exterior with a luxurious, amenity-plenty interior. Bannenberg & Rowell executed the design, while fellow British outfit Lateral Naval Architects spearheaded the engineering.
Spitfire is lightweight in construction but punchy in terms of performance and range, according to Bannenberg & Rowell. The studio didn’t share any details regarding the propulsion system but says the “super-nimble” yacht can cruise “electrically and silently,” can hit 22 knots, and cover up to 3,500 nautical miles.
The owner’s suite.
Bannenberg & Rowell Design
Spitfire is designed to run like a workhorse but offers all the requisite mod cons. Bannenberg & Rowell has stuck with the old naming conventions in a nod to the newcomer’s military roots. The layout includes buddy quarters (guest cabins) and a wardroom (salon) with an opening roof, as well as a scramble station (helm) and a fun store (gym). The owner doesn’t just get a lavish suite, but also a private, forward area with a Jacuzzi. Other highlights of the yacht include an outdoor cinema, a grill, and a beach club with fold-out terraces.
Spitfire is one of Bannenberg & Rowell’s smaller and more understated creations. The studio previously penned a 367-foot superyacht with two cinemas, two jacuzzis, a large wellness center, a 33-foot pool, a DJ station, and a jazz bar, for example. That may have resulted in a shorter production time. Bannenberg & Rowell says the vessel is due to be delivered in 2026.
Perhaps it pays to reuse a wheel (or hull)?
Click here to see all the photos of Spitfire.
Bannenberg & Rowell Design
