New Model: Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht Series II

First launched in 2017, Riviera’s 68 Sports Motor Yacht answered the demand for a luxurious, long-range motor yacht that excels in all water sports. Now a new second generation Series II of this 68 Sports Motor Yacht has arrived. Recognizable by the larger glazed hull windows serving the lower deck cabins, the 68 Sport Motor Yacht Series II comes also following feedback from the Riviera worldwide family of owners, who guided the team of designers and engineers in Australia to a refinement approach. In essence, the 68 Series II is even more functional, luxurious and enjoyable with an aesthetic that is both contemporary and timeless; delivering even more exhilarating sports performance and blue water capability that has positioned the Riviera Sports Motor Yacht in a league of its own.  Besides the glazing are now the following; the upper aft deck features two L-shaped dinettes with a central passageway, and an option for a third forward looking settee to starboard of the helm station.  The lower deck remains unchanged with a standard four cabins layout and fourth bunk berths cabin, and or three cabins and larger owners stateroom with breakfast table.  A choice also exists for the standard full utility room, and or a crew cabin.  The Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht Series II is powered by twin MAN 1550hp which give a top speed of 31 knots and or optional 1800hp engines. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.86 m (75ft)

Hull Length - 21 m

Beam - 6 m

Draft - 1.90 m

Displacement - 49,323 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 7000 l

Water Capacity - 850 l

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, or six berths in three cabins, 1 crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x MAN v12 1550hp, optional V12 1800hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 31 knots max 26 cruise 

www.riviera.com.au

Brigitte Bardot 1934 - 2025

Famous actress Brigitte Bardot also known as B.B. has left for the better world on 28 December at 91 years old at her La Madrague home in Saint-Tropez.  Born in Paris on 28 September 1934 Brigitte Bardot became a symbol of the Sweet Life Dolce Vita period which symbolized the fifties and the sixties.  Starting as an aspiring ballerina in her childhood at her birth place in Paris, she will debut her acting career in 1952 as she had a small part in the comedy film Crazy For Love which premiered on that same year.  She was noticed in that first film and will take part in 47 movies till her retirement in 1973, achieving international recognition in 1957 for her role in And God Created Woman from 1956.  Bardot will also win a David di Donatello Best Foreign Actress Award in 1961 for her work in The Truth from 1960, and was also nominated for BAFTA Award for Best Foreign actress film Viva Maria! from 1965.  Bardot had also a musical career and released five albums from 1956 to 1968, and nine singles from 1962 to 1986.  After retiring from acting in 1973, Bardot became an animal rights activist and created the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. She was known for her strong outspokenness and speeches on animal defence; fined twice for public insults, and six times for inciting racial hatred and for her criticism on Muslims in France and residents of Réunion.  A symbol of the Dolce Vita period which characterized the Cote D'Azur in the South of France and the Liguria coast of Italy in the fifties and sixties, her life adventures made the luck for both St. Tropez; a sea side village which will become her home from 1958, and Riva which was the speed boat of choice of the famous jet-set of the period.  Brigitte Bardot will own two Riva mahogany speed boats; a 1959 Super Florida hull No. 341 titled Nounorus which translates to Teddy Bear gifted by her former husband Roger Vadim, and then a second Florida from 1962.  She was also filmed and photographed on various other Riva classic boats of friends and spouses of the moment; Aquarama, Tritone, and Junior, and also christened the 1959 m/y Le Babette for film producer Raoul Levy.  Brigitte Bardot was married four times, and had one child.

Two Saved as Cabin Cruiser Goes Ablaze in Poros, Kefalonia

Two boaters were saved as an eleven meter aft cabin cruiser under Polish flag went ablaze in Limenia Poros. Kefalonia Greece, on the morning of Monday twelfth August 2024.  The two boaters who abandoned the boat were first assisted by nearby boaters, as Greek coast guard rushed to the scene.  The boat was wrecked by the fire with the two boaters sustained no injuries.  An inquiry into the cause of the fire is underway.

The aft cabin cruiser in this fire is a Silverton 372 Motor Yacht as produced from 1996 to 1998, and then evolved as the 392 with a larger bathing platform and produced for another two years.

AB Yachts New Web Site

AB Yachts a super sport yacht builder which todays builds yachts from 24 up to 36 meters presents its new web site.  AB Yachts was founded in 1992 by Angelo Arnaboldi and his son Marco, both naval architects and engineers, with an expertise in purposeful designed jet propulsion hull shapes. The jet hulls will in fact symbolize since the debut of AB Yachts characterize all its builds in thirty years plus in building sport yachts, from the smaller units to its largest build to date, the one off 44 meter 145.  AB Yachts first model was the 55 Monte Carlo, which was followed by a smaller 50, the smallest model ever made by the Viareggio builder and then by the Monte Carlo 72.  In 2001 AB Yachts will become part of the FIPA Group and in 2004 it launches its first above 24 meter super sport yacht with the AB Yachts 88.  AB Yachts will change its ownership in 2017 as GP Group buys Fipa Group, and then again in 2021 to Next Yacht Group.  AB Yachts largest model to date is the 145 launched in 2015, with the second largest being the 140 build in five units from 2007 to 2013.  Currently AB Yachts offers four models; 787, AB 80 Sportfly, AB 100 Sportfly, and AB 120 Sportfly its largest offer launched in 2023.  AB Yachts new website is available in English and Italian language takes you around with the following buttons; Yachts, Service, News and Events, and Contacts.  AB Yachts is also on social media with bottom page button links taking you to its; Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube pages.

www.abyachts.com

Production History;

AB Monte Carlo 55/Follia 55 1992/96-2002

AB Follia 50 1994-2000

AB Monte Carlo 72 1996-99

AB Follia 75 1999-2004

AB 68 2000-2012

2001 FIPA Group ownershsip

AB 88 2004 (1)

AB 58 2005-10

AB 78 2005-2015

AB 92 2006-2015 (5)

AB 140 2007-2013 (5)

AB 116 2009-2013 (5)

AB 100 2014-2020 (5)

AB 145 2015 (1)

2017 GP Group ownership

AB 787 2020- (1}

2021 Next Group ownership

AB 142 2021 (1)

AB 100 Sportfly 2021- (5

AB 80 Sportfly 2022- (5

AB 120 Sportfly 2023- (2

AB 110 2024-

AB 95 2025-

The first AB Yachts the Monte Carlo 55 as designed by Angelo Arnabodli

Azimut Yacht Goes Ablaze at Miami Beach Marina

A 25 meter Azimut yacht went ablaze at 300 Alton road, Miami Beach Marina, Florida at 08:10 morning time of Saturday 27 December.  Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the blaze first with six units, and were later assisted by Miami Beach Fire and City of Miami Beach Fire fighting the blaze from both land and sea, with the fire reported to have started in a sealed compartment of the yacht which was difficult to access.  The fire spread throughout the yacht, as fire fighters fought the blaze with hose lines, dewatering efforts and fuel containment.  Ultimately the fire was controlled with the yacht ending partly sank to stern.  The cause of the fire is not reported, with no injuries being reported, as an investigation has been opened on the incident.

The Azimut in this fire is a Grande 25 Metri as designed by Stefano Righini and produced from 2018 to 2021 in twenty units.  A replacement to the 80, the Grande 25 Metri is the smallest Azimut Grande produced thus far since the line debuted in 2011.  The 25 Metri was replaced by the more comfort focused Azimut Grande 26M.

Project: Cantiere delle Marche RAW 110

 

Cantiere delle Marche announce the keel laying of RAW 110.  Announced as a RAW 102 project in the fall of 2024, the project was extended by two meters aft to become the RAW 110 for the first in the new semi-custom series as designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta The keel laying of a yacht is a highly symbolic and significant milestone in the construction process, as it marks the moment when the vessel truly begins to take shape. The keel forms the structural backbone of the yacht, the very foundation upon which every other component will be built. In maritime tradition, this ceremony represents the birth of the ship, embodying the beginning of its journey from a design or dream into a tangible reality. It is often seen as the foundation of “everything,” symbolizing strength, stability, and the promise of the vessel’s future life at sea. RAW’s keel laying was no exception, and it was a deeply emotional and joyful private ceremony. When asked about the features that attracted him most, the Owner said that much appreciated was the refreshing aesthetics crafted by Cassetta, with whom an immediate affinity was felt. From a functional point of view, extremely generous liveable spaces and volumes, and the seamless connection between large indoor and outdoor spaces were winning points, alongside the yacht’s technical reliability. Among his early requests, already anticipated in the design, was the inclusion of a large tender and ample storage space for multiple toys at the bow. Additionally, he wanted to enjoy biking, his favorite sport, even while on holiday aboard his yacht. To accommodate this, several bicycles will be stored in a dedicated, easily accessible area on the aft beach, enclosed by bulwarks.

www.cantieredellemarche.it

Improve-it = Rio Daytona 45

For the 2025 season Rio presented a line shaft option of the large models of the Open and Coupe Walkaround range.  The Rio Daytona 45 which is available with Yanmar stern drive diesels and or triple Mercury outboards has now been added with a twin Yanmar 370hp line shaft option.  According to initial test the Rio Daytona 45 with line shafts reaches top speeds up to 35 knots with the twin Yanmar 370hp on line shaft.  The Daytona 45 is a design of Marino Alfani debuting in mid 2023.  The Daytona 45 is a walk around sport cruiser with T-top, and a lower deck sleeping four in an open plan double berth forward, and two berth cabin at midships.  A spacious head with enclosed shower box, and an opposite galley to port side completes the lower deck layout.

www.rioyachts.net

Classic Hatteras Ends Beached in Double Creek Channel, New Jersey

A thirteen meter Hatteras sportfish cruiser ended aground in Double Creek Channel, New Jersey for a story shared by Sea Tow New Jersey Central New Jersey on Sunday 21 December.  The vessel was reported taking on water as Captain Walt and Dan responded to the grounding, conducted an assessment, and successfully re-floated the vessel.  The Hatteras sportfish cruiser vessel was then escorted to Holiday Harbor Marina.  According to comments on the Facebook page, this channel was recently dredged, and markers are currently removed, though it appears that dredging is not complete.

The sportfish cruiser in this accident is a Hatteras 43 Convertible Series I as designed by Jack Hargrave and produced from 1978 to 1983.  The 43 Convertible Series I was a replacement to the 42 Convertible, and was replaced by the 45 Convertible Series II.

New Model: Intrepid 50 Evolution

At the 2025 Palm Beach boat show Intrepid debuted its new 50 Evolution, a replacement to the 477 Evolution after six years of production and new flagship to its cabin line which currently features three models from 41 to fifty foot.  A fifteen meter hard-top sport yacht the 50 Evolution comes with a lower deck cabin offering two cabins and a convertible dinette forward.  Welcoming you aboard with a twin level cockpit as found in most sport fishers, a three side hard-top of full-height glass with opening side windows encloses the upper more lounging area, which serves guests with abundant seating; two L-shaped loungers settees looking forward, dual seat helm station to starboard, and a single companionway settee to port side.  The aft deck offers a drop down balcony to starboard complimented with aft and port side settees.  Down below is accommodation for six; four in two cabins with double berths at midships, U-shaped dinette forward which converts to an extra double berth, all this complimented by a well sized galley to starboard, and a head with enclosed shower stall to port side.  The Intrepid 50 Evolution is powered by triple Mercury 600hp for top speeds up to 46 knots and a cruise of thirty giving a range of 276 nautical miles. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.39 m (50.6ft)

Beam - 4.17 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 

Fuel Capacity - 2839 l

Water Capacity - 378 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, plus convertible V-berth

Engines - 3 x Mercury Verado V12 600hp

Propulsion - triple or quadruple outboards

Speed - 46 knots max, thirty knots cruise with triple 600hp

Range - 276 nautical miles at thirty knots

Hull Shape - single step modified medium Vee with 19.2 degrees deadrise aft

Certification - CE B

www.intrepidpowerboats.com

Project: Van der Valk 48m Project ZEN

With the keel laid and construction underway Van der Valk preview it's largest build to date, the 48-metre Project ZEN Yard no. WV0149. Designed by Guido de Groot for exterior and Van Oossanen who do naval architecture, Project ZEN is to be an all aluminium build to RINA class standards and comes from a desire of a highly experienced owner, and is slated for a mid 2028 delivery. Guido de Groot and the owner inspired himself to sports cars, presenting a streamlined profile with a volume of over 499 Gross Tonnage This efficiency along with an impressive performance will be achieved by deploying Van Oossanen Naval Architects fast displacement hull form. An aft-mounted underwater foil called a Hull Vane will significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption while ensuring a transpacific range of over 4,400 nautical miles. The main aft deck flows to a large sea terrace with fold-down bulwarks opening on three sides. Retractable self-levelling swim stairs ensure easy access to and from the water. Electric sliding doors lead to a spacious toy store, fully equipped with eFoil boards, Seabobs, wakeboards and more. As befits a family yacht, a generous bow lounge offers a serene spot to enjoy the breeze underway or at anchor, while a spa pool is perfect for a sunset soak. The bow deck garage will house a MOB tender, with a 6.25-metre Williams DieselJet and jetski stored in a lower deck garage. An expansive split-level sundeck includes dedicated aft area for sunbathing and socialising. Beneath the hardtop forward is an open-air lounge with wet bar, grill, seating and alfresco dining. This emphasis on relaxed family living continues on the main deck, where the aft main salon flows into a welcoming country kitchen. The main deck offers a generous forward full-beam owner’s suite as well as a unique surprise: a full-beam wellness area featuring a gym to port and a yoga room to starboard. Other highlights in Project ZEN are the way large windows maintain a close connection to the sea, and the wide, gently sloping staircases. The interior style will be homey and casual chic with practical finishes. Van der Valk is to be powered by twin MAN 1450hp for top speeds up to seventeen knots and a cruise of sixteen.

www.vandervalkshipyard.com