Zeus returns to the market after almost ten years. The 74.5-metre superyacht built by Blohm + Voss, launched in 1991 as Eco and subsequently renamed Katana, Enigma and finally Zeus, will also be among the yachts on display at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, from 23 to 26 September.
Thirty-five years after its launch, its return brings renewed attention to one of the most recognisable designs of its generation. Designed by Martin Francis, Eco stood out for its long, slender profile and, above all, the three tiers of large curved glazed surfaces that still define its superstructure today. Behind that distinctive appearance was a project strongly influenced by performance. Eco was intended to be exceptionally fast for a yacht of its size, an objective that shaped the choice of materials, propulsion system and several technical solutions.
A profile that broke with convention
When Eco was delivered in 1991, one of its most unusual features was the design of the superstructure. Three tiers of convex windows wrap around its forward section, creating large continuous glazed surfaces that were very different from the more conventional windows found on many yachts of the period. Glass therefore becomes an integral part of the exterior design. The curves of the windows follow the shape of the superstructure, allowing more light into the interior while providing broader views of the surrounding landscape.
The construction itself also responded to the requirements of the project. Blohm + Voss chose steel for the hull and GRP for the superstructure. Steel provided the structural strength required for a yacht of this size, while the lighter material used above helped reduce weight. This was particularly important because Eco had another ambitious objective: achieving very high speeds for a 74.5-metre motor yacht.
The pursuit of speed
To achieve those performance targets, an unusual propulsion system was developed. Three waterjets propel the yacht by expelling water at high speed rather than relying on conventional external propellers. The system combines diesel engines with a gas turbine, which provides additional power when required.
The project also included a hydrofoil, an appendage developed to help improve the yacht’s stability and running attitude at high speed. In practical terms, it helped Eco maintain greater control as its speed increased. This is one of the most interesting aspects of the project. The pursuit of performance was not limited to the engines: it also influenced weight, materials and the way the yacht behaved on the water.
Interiors between open spaces and rich materials
Martin Francis’s influence is immediately visible on the exterior, while the interiors were designed by François Zuretti and introduce a different language through the use of leather, marble and granite. The spaces are generous and distributed across several decks, each serving a different purpose. The main saloon, for example, is conceived as a large social area with sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and a bar.
The owner’s area is particularly spacious. The entire upper deck is dedicated to the owner’s suite, together with a private lounge and terrace. The accommodation includes six cabins in total, while separate quarters provide space for 21 crew members.
In 2014, Zeus underwent a major refit, which included an update of the interiors. The same period also saw the completion of the Lloyd’s Register 20-year special survey, an extensive inspection carried out by the classification society to assess the condition of the yacht and its principal systems after many years of operation.
Decks designed for different uses
The outdoor areas are also organised to accommodate different activities. On the main deck, the large aft area can shift from relaxation to exercise, hosting yoga sessions, workouts or other sporting activities depending on how guests wish to use the space.
The owner’s deck offers a more private atmosphere. The saloon connects directly with the terrace through large glass doors, while the dining area can also adapt to the number of guests: two separate tables can be joined to create a single larger setting for al fresco dining.
At the top of the yacht is the so-called “panodeck”, which features an additional saloon and a gym. The distribution of spaces across the decks therefore allows guests to move between social areas, spaces dedicated to exercise and more private settings without concentrating every function on a single level.
From Eco to Zeus
Over the past 35 years, the yacht has gone through several stages in its history. Launched as Eco, it was subsequently renamed Katana, Enigma and finally Zeus. Names, owners and some of the spaces on board have changed, while the original design remains clearly recognisable.
Its return to the market comes with a new joint central agency involving Royal Yacht International, IYC and Merle Wood & Associates, with an asking price of €77 million. Just days after the announcement, Zeus will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show. Its presence at Port Hercule will therefore offer an opportunity to see a superyacht conceived in 1991 alongside projects presented in 2026.
