David Seal of Yacht Builders has returned to Latitude Yachts in Riga for a new look at LANIAKEA. In this construction update, he steps aboard the 88-foot (26.75 m) power catamaran to see how the project is progressing and to discuss the design and production choices shaping the yacht.
The visit offers a close look at the developing interior. Cabins, crew areas and technical spaces are taking form, while plumbing and other onboard systems are being installed. The film also visits Latitude Yachts’ dedicated joinery facility, where furniture is made with the precise fit required aboard a yacht. A full-scale mock-up has helped the team assess interior details in practice and refine elements such as the television lift, electric blinds and bed-base materials before they move further into production.
Design development continues alongside the build. LANIAKEA’s superstructure has been extended to accommodate a flybridge and provide additional shade over the aft seating area. The change called for new tooling and careful coordination, while production of other components continued in parallel.
The film also explains an important propulsion decision. The project has moved from the originally planned outboard waterjets to propeller-driven outboard engines. With a draft of around 0.60 m, LANIAKEA is still designed to reach very shallow water, while the revised configuration reflects the team’s ongoing evaluation of performance and build considerations.
For a carbon-fibre yacht intended to operate in warm climates, the production process also needs to account for heat over time. David shows how the team uses controlled thermal post-curing and temperature monitoring to help protect the composite structure and its finish under high-temperature conditions.
Taken together, the update captures the many strands of a custom yacht build: spatial planning, systems integration, furniture making, design refinement and material engineering. Each decision brings LANIAKEA closer to the water while keeping the team focused on the quality of the finished yacht.