Hatteras Sportfish Hits Reef and Sinks in St. John, US Virgin Islands

A fifteen meter Hatteras sportfish yacht titled Lady Striker and with seven people onboard ended aground and partly sank as it hit the Moravian Reef near Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands on the afternoon of Saturday ten January.  Two of the seven boaters were rescued by a nearby boat who came to the scene after hearing the VHF call for assistance, with the other five boaters rescued by a St. John Rescue Marine unit.  According to sources the vessel lost power after hitting the reef, with the bilge pump not making up to the water entrance. No pollution was reported from the accident even though the captain reported to carrying about 1,100 litres of diesel fuel.  An investigation on the incident is ongoing though the reef marker was reported not in place.  The yacht was salvaged on Monday January nineteen.

The sportfish yacht in this accident is a Hatteras 50 Convertible Series Four as produced from 1999 to 2006.  The 50 Convertible Series Four was a cosmetic evolution to the 50 Convertible Series III.

Flybridge Yacht Wrecked by Fire in Club Arenal Mallorca

A not attended 23 meter flybridge yacht went ablaze in Club Nautico del Arenal in Llucmajor, Mallorca with the fire reported just before 02:00 early morning hours of Thursday 22 January.  Guardia Civil and multiple fire crews from Bombers de Mallorca tended to the fire taking three hours to control, with big efforts going and succeeding to keeping the fire to this one yacht.  Ultimately the yacht was wrecked by the blaze, with an investigation on the cause of the fire being opened.

The yacht in this fire is an Antago 76 as designed by Fulvio de Simoni and produced from 1999 to the early noughties.  Antago from Viareggio, Italy was founded in 1991 by Sebastian Gravagno and will close its doors in 2006, with the company returning in 2025 as a US holding.

Project: Lazzara UHV 160

Lazzara Yachts informs that it has commenced construction of the Lazzara UHV 160, with delivery scheduled for mid 2028. This groundbreaking Ultra High Volume (UHV) superyacht, offering an interior volume just under 500 Gross Tonnage, sets a new benchmark in composite superyacht construction through its innovative design, expansive living spaces, and advanced engineering.  The interiors of the first hull are being developed in collaboration with the acclaimed UK-based H2 Yacht Design Studio, while naval architecture is entrusted to the renowned Dutch firm Mulder Design. Engineering has been completed in collaboration with US firm Euro Marine Group. The UHV 160 features Lazzara’s signature exterior styling, defined by a bold, masculine profile and continuous glazing stretching from bow to stern. Social spaces span multiple decks, including the main deck, owner’s deck, and an expansive flybridge, all designed to accommodate both formal and informal entertaining. Comparable in interior volume to yachts in the 55 meters range, the UHV 160 redefines outdoor living with expansive deck areas, multiple alfresco dining spaces, and a versatile flybridge layout featuring generous and stylish seating arrangements, an al fresco dining table, a dedicated gym/yoga area, and a sunbathing area. The yacht’s standout feature is its vast aft beach club at the stern, complete with a jacuzzi and fold-out balconies, designed to be the most spacious beach club in its class and size category. Built on a fast-displacement hull utilizing advanced epoxy E-glass composite construction, the UHV 160 is engineered for longevity, safety, and transatlantic capability. Fully redundant global systems and an advanced propulsion package with commercial pod drives ensure smooth, efficient, and environmentally conscious worldwide cruising. The Lazzara UHV 160 accommodates up to 12 guests in six staterooms, with five crew cabins for up to 10 crew. Four expansive decks, including a full-beam owner’s deck, deliver exceptional interior and exterior volume, combining comfort, performance, and refined luxury.  The Lazzara UHV 160 is powered by twin MAN 1000hp engines for speeds up to fifteen knots, and a cruise of twelve.

www.lazzarayachts.com

New Launch: Admiral 78-Metre Hull.595

Italian Sea Group proudly celebrates the launch of the new fully custom 78-metre Admiral Hull.595, titled m/y Amalia. A short term flagship for Admiral, this mega yacht embodies the finest nautical tradition, advanced technological innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability. The launch ceremony of Admiral's Hull.595 was held at the Group’s headquarters in Marina di Carrara, graced by the presence of the Owner Team, local authorities, distinguished political figures, and the entire The Italian Sea Group team, all of whom contributed to the creation of this extraordinary masterpiece. Designed by Sinot with the Admiral and Italian Sea Group Team, Project 595 is constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This Admiral 78 meter also introduces a pioneering diesel-electric propulsion system featuring variable speed generators, Azipods for superior manoeuvrability, and a lithium polymer battery pack. These innovations ensure silent anchoring with zero emissions, exceptional energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. This advanced system places the Admiral 78m at the forefront of green cruising, confirming The Italian Sea Group’s leadership in harmonising luxury with ecological responsibility.

Technical Data:

LOA - 77.7 m (254.9ft)

Beam - 14 m

Draft - 3.5 m

Displacement - 2146 gt *volume

Fuel Capacity - 

Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, 21 crew in 12 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1622hp 

Propulsion - Azimuth AziPod pod drives

Speed - seventeen knots max, fifteen cruise

Range - 5400 nautical miles

Hull Shape - displacement

Construction - steel hull, aluminium super structure

Project - Sinot exterior and interior, Azure and The Italian Sea Group naval architect

www.admiral-yachts.com

Cigarette Yacht Sinks Then Flips During Recovery in Sint Maarten

A sixteen meter Cigarette high performance center console partly sank first in St. Barthelemy, and then in its recovery operation on the island of Sint. Maarten capsized, for a story shared by revo.marine on Instagram on the sixth January.  The center console was reported to have had a collision, and partly sank, and during crane recovery operation capsized and flipped over to it's port side. Details of the actual accident are sparse, but we will update this post if these become available. 

The Cigarette in this accident is a 52 Thunder as produced since 2023.  The 52 Thunder is the second large Cigarette boat build, which today offers nine models from 39 to 59 foot.

Project: Pearl 100 Hybrid

Unveiled during the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival press conference, Pearl present the project a new 100 Hybrid, its new largest and most advanced model to date, and the first to feature hybrid propulsion.  At thirty metres length over-all, the 100 Hybrid is a raised pilothouse superyacht combining silent, sustainable cruising with the power and performance expected of the Pearl name.  Designed by Dixon Yacht Design with interiors by Kelly Hoppen, the 100 Hybrid is a replacement to the 2018 launched Pearl 95, embodying the next generation of elegant innovation; blending unique style, advanced technology, and responsible engineering. With five beautifully appointed cabins, including a main-deck owner’s stateroom with private forepeak terrace and a second full-beam master below, the Pearl 100 Hybrid is designed for both adventure and serenity. The Peal 100 Hybrid is to be powered by twin MAN 2000hp couple to the E-Motion hybrid system offering multiple cruising modes, from zero-emission silent operation to high-speed performance up to 24 knots, ensuring a refined and responsible experience at sea.

www.pearlyachts.com

Bayliner Flybridge Cruiser Ends Aground at Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey

An eleven meter in size Bayliner flybridge cruiser ended aground in Barnegat Inlet, near Ocean County, New Jersey on the morning of Saturday fifth April.  The flybridge cruiser was then assisted by Sea Tow Central New Jersey who shared this story on its Facebook page.  Sea Tow removed the yacht from the perilous position and then towed it to Key Harbor Marina, for a haul out of the water, to check for inspection and eventual damage.  The Bayliner cruiser was reported to be transiting from Kent Island to Canada, when they encountered rough seas and decided to head for cover in the Oyster Creek Channel, only for them to end aground.

The flybridge cruiser in this accident is a Bayliner 3988 Motor Yacht as produced from 1995 to 2002.  The 3988 Motor Yacht was a replacement to the 3888 Motor Yacht, and was not replaced as Bayliner decided to leave the flybridge cruiser market.

Sportfish Cruiser Sinks in Black Point Exumas, Bahamas

A seven meter sportfish cruiser titled Yolo partly sank at Black Point in the Exumas, Bahamas for a story shared on the Sailing Wolftrap YouTube channel on fifteen December. The boater entered in the bay following a MayDay call on VHF channel sixteen, asking for assistance as he was taking water fast and in risk of sinking. Following no help in time the boater decided to beach the boat.  Sfortune made it that high tide came the following day and partly sank the boat. When low tide came an operation was initiated and the boat was floated again.  The boat was reported to have taken water from a broken intake engine hose.  

The boat in this sinking is an Albin 24 Getaway as produced from 1992 to 1995.  Albin has a diverse history, starting in Sweden on 1899 and building marine engines, will go to produce sailboats in 1965, and enter powerboating in 1968 with the 25 Cruiser.

New Model: Ferretti 720

Ferretti Yachts updates the 720, with the first unit bound for the American market.  Launched in November at the Ferretti Group shipyard in Ravenna, this third generation 720 marks a production milestone being the first model in the flybridge range to be built at the new production facility opened in June 2024. Building on the success achieved in recent years, Ferretti Yachts 720 has been updated redesigned in detail, retaining distinctive features of the previous generation, but introducing aesthetic enhancements and technical features that confirm the brand’s evolutionary journey, driven by collaboration with architect Filippo Salvetti for the exteriors and Ideaeitalia for the interiors. With a length over 22 metres the new third generation Ferretti Yachts 720 is the result of collaboration between the Product Strategy Committee, chaired by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. New features include an even sharper focus on on-board comfort, on optimised spaces to close the gap with larger models, and a significant increase in the storage areas. From an exterior design perspective, Ferretti Yachts 720 features a lightly redefined profile with more extensive glazing in both the lounge and the master cabin. The new hard top on the flybridge is new also larger increasing the shade provided, while the redesigned gunwale accentuates the connection between interior and exterior. The Ideaeitalia team also worked to evolve the volumes and spatial connections, strengthening the visual relationship with the exteriors and the perception of the interiors, which are designed for use in a convivial and informal way. The materials chosen instil a sense of welcome and elegance, achieving a balance between warmth and refinement. Starting from the main deck, there are three different ways to access the lounge. The unit launched has a hinged door on the port side and two sliding doors to starboard, designed to point up the dialogue between interior and exterior. When they enter the lounge, owners and guests are welcomed by two large sofas with cushions, inspired by those found on larger yachts, which elevate the level of comfort in the living area. The Contemporary mood chosen for the first unit features a fresh and modern colour palette, with pale yet bold tones reminiscent of the sea. Continuing along the main deck, the most important new feature is clear separation between the dining/living area and the galley/wheelhouse, made possible by the introduction of a sliding glass door and the optional hi-lo window with an electronic opening mechanism. The result is a semi-enclosed setting that guarantees greater privacy and improves the overall quality of the experience. Other new features in the wheelhouse area include the windscreen with no central pillar, now one of the brand’s distinctive features, and the new armchairs designed by Frau. On this first unit, the flooring on the main deck and stairs is parquet. The new layout of the lower deck features four comfortable cabins: a master suite and a VIP cabin. plus two twin cabins with the cabin to port side on the first unit is fitted with sliding beds. The master cabin has a desk with a chair on the port side, while opposite there’s a comfy sofa next to the walk-in wardrobe, which is located behind the wall containing the bed, separated from the other areas by a sliding door, and next to the private bathroom. Overall, there are significantly more storage spaces. The double crew cabin, entered directly from the cockpit, has a private bathroom, a laundry station and direct access to the engine room, combining functionality and practicality with a view to optimising operational management on board. The storage space has been upgraded on the flybridge as well, resulting in a large compartment behind the pilot chairs. The hard top on this first unit features a system of slats that can be adjusted as needed. The ergonomics of the seating in both the bow and stern has also been improved for even greater comfort. The unit also has an awning for the bow area, providing shade when the sun is at its hottest. The first Ferretti Yachts 720 unit is equipped with a pair of MAN 1400hp for speeds up to 32 knots and a cruise of 28. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.5 m (73.9ft)

Beam - 5.60 m 

Draft - 1.8 m

Displacement - 45,000 kg unloaded, 54,000 kg loaded 

Fuel Capacity - 4600 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l

Max Persons - eighteen

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, two crew in one cabin

Engines - 2 x MAN V8 1200hp, V12 1400hp

Propulsion - line shaft 

Speed - 32 knots max 28 cruise with 1400hp

Range - 300 nautical miles at 23 knots

Project - Filippo Salvetti exterior, Ideaeitalia interior

Certification - CE A with modules B+F+A1 Sounds Emission RINA

www.ferrettiyachts.com

competition = Princess Y72

Mediterranean Storm Harry Wrecks Boats and Yachts in Sicily and Malta

On Monday nineteen January the 2026 Storm Harry arrived in the Central Mediterrean; Channel of Sicily, Ionian Sea, and Tyrrenian sea areas touching the Maltese Islands, Sicily, South Sardinia, and parts of South Ionian Italy with gale force winds from the South-East and Easterly winds, which reached wind speeds up to Beaufort Scale 12 in some hours of Tuesday evening.  Harry landed on Monday nineteen January intensifying its intensity at night up to Beaufort Force 9, decreasing to Force 8 in late morning only for it to reach Hurricane Storm Force 12 in some of the areas on the evening of Tuesday, and lasting till the early hours of Wednesday 21 January as it's intensity started to slow.  Apart the force of the storm, Harry was impressive for keeping over fifty knots of wind speeds for long hours, with this generating average waves of eight meters in height, and a record maximum wave height for the Mediterranean of sixteen meters being recorded near Capo Passero to the South-East of Sicily.  The storm caused catastrophic damage to the Eastern Ionian sea coast, the South, and North coast of Sicily.  The Eastern coast of Malta in particular the villages of Birzebbuga, Marsascala, and Marsaxlokk also sustained important damage.  The Pelagic Islands of Lampedusa, Linosa, and Pantelleria were also hit, with this last having the strongest seas and winds in the storm, as sea conditions reached maximum Douglas Scale 9.

Boating wise the most high amount of damage was generated to Porto Rossi, located to the North East of Catania's center. Dozens of boats were thrashed, as waves passed over the East wall of this usually safe marina, which is also sea locked during Winter season. In this photos we can see an Absolute Navetta 52, Apreamare Gozzo 35, Carnevali 42, Dalla Pieta 48 Altair, a classic Glastron cuddy cruiser, second generation Sea Ray 240 Sundancer, and a Tecnorib Pirelli 35 all on each other.  Following the storm Porto Rossi is partially destroyed and also inaccessible as the road which leads to the marina has also been wrecked in some parts.

Other Catania marinas, in particularly the Circolo Nautico V.I.C. located under the Eastern breakwater arms also suffered damage with some small boats sunk.

Palermo's Villa Igiea marina suffered the most high profile sinking, as the Eastern break water lost part of its structural integrity with this leading to boats and yachts from eight to twenty meters breaking there moorings on Tuesday night.  The Diano 24 m/y Charlie Elle suffered the worst fate and partially sunk as it was hit on it's starboard by the bow and anchor of a nearby Jeanneau Yachts 60 named Cecille which broke free from its forward lines.  A sailing catamaran of about fifteen meters also partially sunk.

In Palermo the other more exposed to the East Marina Arenella had important damage with wrecked marina piers and sunken boats reported.  In this picture we can see a Cranchi 39 Endurance near another not identifiable sport cruiser.  Picture credit to Giuseppe Alioto.

Malta suffered its fair share of damage with a swing moored twelve meter aft cabin cruiser sunk at Kalkara, to the East of Valletta's Grand Harbour.  Two sailing boats also ended beached in Birezebbuga and Marsascala, while some yachts also fell from there blockings in a communal yard at Marsascala.  

Gozo Marina in Mgarr harbour on sister island Gozo also had a broken pontoon, with a yacht filmed running around as it broke free from its mooring.   The yacht was fortunately secured, before it caused some major damage.