David King 1942 - 2026

David King the founder of Plymouth’s Princess Yachts has left for the better World at the age of 84 following a period of illness.  Mr King founded Princess in Plymouth in 1965 and spent more than six decades building the company into one of Britain's most respected yacht manufacturers.  David’s contribution extended far beyond the yachts themselves, through Princess he helped establish Plymouth as one of the world's leading centres for luxury yacht building, creating skilled employment for generations and contributing to Britain's reputation for high-quality manufacturing and exports.  Although he stepped back from the day-to-day leadership of the business, David King remained actively involved until very recently, continuing to spend time with Princess's development teams and contributing to the future direction of its products. Those who knew David best remember a man of quiet determination, endless curiosity and genuine humility.  Born in Dundee in 1942, Mr King studied engineering at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth while serving in the Royal Navy. It was there that he developed the technical understanding that would underpin his career and together with the two friends; Brian Phillips and Cliff Viney he founded Marine Projects from a modest waterside shed in Plymouth.  The company started as a charter venture and went on to become the modern Princess Yachts and today exports to more than one hundred countries worldwide building motor cruisers and yachts from twelve to 32 meters.

New Model: Aicon A50

Aicon presents the A50 model, a day sport yacht with full amenities as designed by Michele Dragoni.  Previously announced as the 50 Audace, the A50 started as a collaboration with the Dutch Lynx yachts and has now come out as a unique project, as it evolved it presented new features like larger hull windows, and was removed by the aperture serving the forward main deck.  The Aicon A50 comes as out as a versatile offer, with three propulsion options; IPS pod drives, line shafts, and outboards, and two cockpit choices for quadruple helm Station with double sofa or triple helm station and or wraparound bar counter.  The lower deck of the Aicon A50 offers two cabins with a crew cabin.  The Aicon A50 is powered by triple Mercury 600hp in outboards for speeds up to 48 knots, with the Volvo 480hp and IPS propulsion giving forty knots max speeds, and line shafts up to 38 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.03 m (49.4ft), 15.29 m outboard version

Hull Length - 13.9 m

Beam - 4.39 m

Draft - 1.09 m

Displacement - 14 t

Fuel Capacity - 2763 l

Water Capacity - 397 l

Max Persons - twelve

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

Engines - 2 x 640hp inboard line shafts, Volvo D6 480hp IPS pods, 3 x Merury 600hp

Propulsion - inboard, IPS pod drive with, triple outboards

Speed - 48 knots max 38 cruise with triple outboards, 40 max 32 cruise with IPS 

Project - Michele Dragoni

Certification - CE A RINA

www.aiconyachts.com

competition = Tesoro T50

Project: ISA Yachts Timeless 52 M

ISA Yachts presents Timeless 52 M, a new model which launched the line developed in collaboration with Luca Dini, conceived to stand the test of time through authoritative styling and architectural rigor.  The 52 meter first model is to be the first in a range which include fiver models from 42 to 82-metres.  The Timeless series stands out for its strongly horizontal exterior language, balanced proportions and formal purity that reflect the most authentic identity of ISA Yachts: balance, elegance and contemporaneity. The first model developed the ISA Timeless 52 metres, is a project that takes the concept of customization to a new level. Every detail has been carefully studied to enhance the harmony of the lines and the coherence of the proportions, making full use of the yacht’s length thanks also to the verticality of both stern and bow. With a beam of nine metres, ISA Timeless 52 clearly expresses a design vision focused on fully experiencing outdoor spaces. Large walkaround areas wrap around the yacht, allowing for smooth and natural circulation and offering generous spaces to be enjoyed with guests, in a continuous dialogue between comfort, conviviality and connection with the sea. The yacht can accommodate up to twelve guests in six cabins, with multiple layout combinations enabling extreme customization. At the bow, on the port side, there is space for a tender of over six metres, while on the starboard side a large lounge area has been designed with an opening roof and modular panels, allowing different configurations depending on weather conditions and usage needs. This area represents the core of the project: a flexible platform designed to adapt to the various configurations of the entire bow section, ensuring unparalleled design freedom. The layout possibilities respond directly to the owner’s vision and lifestyle: Owner’s suite on the main deck with an exclusive terrace and direct connection to the sea; Formal or informal dining area with modular layout and terrace use for aperitifs and or after-dinner moments or outdoor cinema; Optional private gaming room on the lower deck with indoor cinema and adjacent outdoor area; Wellness area, featuring a panoramic sauna and jacuzzi on the terrace; Fully equipped gym with panoramic views for an exclusive indoor–outdoor experience. These are not simply layout variations, but an architectural approach that redefines the very function of the main deck. The entire bow area becomes a dynamic space capable of evolving over time and interpreting different needs. An alternative configuration features the upper deck dedicated exclusively to the owner, with an aft suite, direct access to the external cockpit and a private jacuzzi, further strengthening the concept of privacy and spatial separation. The lower deck also confirms a high degree of versatility, with the possibility of configuring five or six guest cabins, in addition to an optional SPA or gym area, and a garage dedicated to water toys. Inside, natural light becomes a structural element of the design. Large glazed surfaces, transparency and generous floor-to-ceiling heights create airy and fluid interiors, free from visually intrusive structural elements. Technical features have also been integrated discreetly: for example, the air-conditioning ducts are positioned outside the main saloon to preserve its formal purity and visual continuity. The yacht accommodates up to eleven crew in six cabins. This Timeless 52 M is powered by twin MAN 1877hp each, allowing a maximum speed up to fifteen 15 knots and a cruising speed of twelve knots.

www.isayachts.com

Wajer Boat Goes Ablaze in Port Hercules, Monaco

An eleven meter Wajer sport cruiser went ablaze at the far end of Quai Rainier Ier Grand Amiral de France in Port Hercules, Monaco on the morning of Friday seven August.  Monaco’s port services, Maritime Police and Fire Brigade tended to the fire, extinguishing and controlling it in some minutes and avoiding damage to other yachts.  The cause of the fire is not reported.

The boat in this fire is a Wajer 38 as designed by Vripack and produced since 2013.  The 38 was a replacement to the Wajer 37.

New Model: Sanlorenzo SHE 25.5 meters

Sanlorenzo celebrates the launch of SHE, with the first unit of its new Sanlorenzo Heritage model entering the water ahead of the yacht's world première at the Cannes Yachting Festival this September. Reflecting a direction progressively defined by Sanlorenzo, SHE expresses a quieter vision of luxury yachting, where longevity, restraint and purpose matter more than excess. A symbol of Sanlorenzo's synthesis of innovation and tradition, SHE reinterprets 1960s iconic design through contemporary engineering and design, with exteriors by Zuccon International Project and interiors by Piero Lissoni. Designed for owners who value substance over spectacle, SHE returns to the principles of proportion, balance and simplicity. Continuous connections between interior and exterior spaces, carefully considered volumes and an emphasis on life on board create a yacht that feels both deeply familiar and unmistakably contemporary. The strength of this direction is reflected in the market's response, with the first five units already secured by their future owners, ahead of the yacht's global launch.

Technical Data:

LOA - 25.2 m (83.8ft)

Hull Length - 22.9 m

Waterline Length - 22.6 m

Beam - 6.5 m

Draft - 1.77 m

Displacement - 79 t half load, 83 t full load, 91 gross tonnage *volume

Fuel Capacity - 5350 l

Water Capacity - 1400 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, three crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 1000hp plus twin electric 160 kw motors

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS30 pod drives

Speed - twenty knots max, seventeen cruise

Range - 500 nautical miles at best cruise

Hull Shape - modified Vee with 13.5 degrees deadrise aft

Project - Zuccon exterior, Piero Lissoni interior

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

competition = not available

Four Saved as Flybridge Cruiser Goes Ablaze in Hvar, Croatia

Four boaters, two of which small children were saved as an eleven meter flybridge cruiser went ablaze off the Coast of Pelegrin in Hvar, Croatia at 11:52 morning time of Friday 31 July.  The National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Rijeka received news of the fire, with the Hvar Volunteer Fire Department responding to the blaze, and saving the boaters first and then extinguishing the fire.  The blaze was extinguished, with the cause of the fire starting in the stern.

The boat in this accident is an Enterprise 38 as designed by John Bennett and produced in the nineties.  Enterprise Marine was founded in 1984, and today offers a line of build to order flybridge cruisers and yachts from twelve to eighteen meters.

Classic Sport Cruiser Ends Beached in Mellieha, Malta

A not attended swing moored classic sport cruiser of ten meters in length ended aground in the Bay of Mellieha, to the North West of the Island of Malta at around 20:00 of Tuesday 28 July.  The boat which was swing moored broke its mooring after Easterly winds reached Beaufort Force six intensity, as it ended beached in a sandy area.  The damage from the grounding is not known.

The boat in this accident is a Halmatic DS110 as designed by Don Shead and produced from 1968 to 1972 in 28 units.

Project: Patrone 45 Convertible

The Patrone 45′ Convertible marks a new chapter in the evolution of the Ligurian gozzo, introducing a cruising yacht conceived for those who believe the greatest luxury is spending more time at sea. Making its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 in September, the new Patrone flagship combines the timeless elegance and Mediterranean heritage of the Ligurian gozzo with an innovative approach to onboard living. Designed by Tommaso Spadolini, the P45′ Convertible has been created for owners who enjoy longer cruises without compromising on comfort, versatility or style. Following the design path initiated by the Patrone 100 and continued with the 45 Open, the 45 Convertible further expands the Patrone philosophy. While remaining faithful to the unmistakable character of the traditional Ligurian gozzo, it introduces a completely new interpretation of onboard living, where flexible spaces and residential comfort become the defining features of the experience. At fourteen metres overall, the Patrone 45 Convertible is designed around one simple idea: creating more space for life on board. The cockpit is available in two distinct configurations. Owners can choose between a central seating area that converts into an additional sun-pad or a wraparound seating arrangement designed to encourage conversation and socialising. At the centre of the yacht lies a generous saloon featuring an original 360-degree seating concept and a convertible dinette, creating an open and versatile living area that naturally adapts throughout the day. The result is a yacht conceived not only for cruising, but for enjoying every moment spent on board. The defining innovation of the Patrone 45′ Convertible is not immediately visible but it changes the entire onboard experience. For the first time in the shipyard’s history, the galley has been relocated below deck, freeing the entire main deck and transforming the saloon into a spacious environment dedicated exclusively to relaxation, dining and entertaining. Despite its position below deck, the galley remains remarkably bright thanks to generous hull side glazing, Patrone’s signature hull windows and the open connection to the deck above. Natural light flows throughout the space, maintaining a constant visual relationship with the sea while creating an exceptional sense of openness rarely found on a yacht of this size. Designed with the functionality of a home kitchen, it features an induction hob, oven, large-capacity refrigerator, dishwasher and watermaker, everything required to make extended cruising effortless and enjoyable. The interiors reflect the same philosophy. Limed and bleached oak, abundant natural light and carefully balanced proportions create an atmosphere of understated elegance, while fabrics, finishes and colour palettes can be fully customised to suit each owner’s personal taste. Accommodation is arranged for up to six guests, with a full-beam owner’s cabin, a twin guest cabin and two additional berths obtained from the convertible dinette. Two independent bathrooms provide privacy and comfort during longer stays on board, reinforcing the yacht’s vocation as a true Mediterranean cruiser. The Patrone 45 Convertible is powered by twin Volvo 440hp with IPS pod drives combining effortless handling with the seaworthiness that has always distinguished the shipyard’s boats, making every cruise as enjoyable as every destination.

www.patroneboat.com

Six Saved as Sport Cruiser Sinks at Javea Near Valenca

Six boaters were saved as a swing moored eight meter sport cruiser partly sank at Cala de Portixol near Javea to the South of Valencia in Spain on the later morning of Saturday 25 July.  Maritime Rescue crews responded to the sinking, saving the boaters, and then starting a floating operation of the boat.  The cause of the sinking is not reported, with the boat being swing moored at the time of sinking.

The boat in this accident is a second generation Maxum 2700 SCR as produced from 1994 to 1996.  The 2700 SCR second generation was a replacement to the original 2700 SRC and was replaced by the Maxum 2800 SCR.

New Model: Riva Aquariva Special 10.07 m

The Aquariva is the boat that inherited the legacy of the legendary Aquarama, becoming the most storied model in the range with more than 300 units produced in over 20 years. The Aquariva, a symbol of Riva’s contemporary spirit, writes its seventh new chapter in the history books as it debuts the Special version, an honour previously bestowed only on the Aquarama. True to the proportions and harmonious lines that made the boat so famous, the Aquariva Special interacts with the brand’s current stylistic hallmarks to achieve a perfect balance between the heritage of the original model and the contemporary design that characterises more recent Rivas. The subtle touches that define the new aesthetic of the Aquariva Special are by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of Officina Italiana Design, the studio that has been designing all Riva boats on an exclusive basis for over thirty years working in partnership with the Strategic Product Committee of the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. One of the most important new features is the windscreen, which has been completely redesigned to give the boat’s silhouette a more modern and streamlined look. The stern swim platform also has a wider and more ergonomic design, featuring steps with a new curvature to offer guests even more comfort and make it easier to enter and leave the water. The handrail and mooring cleat pay tribute to the previous version, the Aquariva Super, while the mahogany fascia is now fibreglass and the same colour chosen by the owner for the hull, as are the large sunpad and the air intake grilles. One of the standout features at the bow is the new design of the navigation lights and casing, which Aquariva Special shares with Riva Anniversario the limited edition created in 2022 to celebrate 180 years since the brand’s foundation, while the deck is perfectly smooth again, without the traditional skylights reminiscent of the Aquarama, creating an even more pared-down look. The cockpit area is designed as an elegant lounge on the water that blends comfort and conviviality with a sense of refinement. The large U-shaped sofa upholstered in Sky fabric the same colour as the hull embraces the central space, creating a welcoming area that can be transformed according to the time of day by means of a centrally positioned table, also available with an up-down mechanism, used to convert the dining area seating up to eight into a private and protected additional sunbathing area. Shelter from the sun is provided by a bimini top operated by an electro-hydraulic mechanism housed in the sofa backrest. Moving forward, the driving seat is on the port side, with a practical service cabinet to starboard containing a sink, a fridge and a work top, perfect for making cocktails and snacks. The dashboard pays homage to tradition and is available in an analogue version, as well as in a digital version with up to two Boening displays and an integrated navigation system. The boat can also be equipped with a joystick for even more intuitive control during mooring operations. A major innovation is the option to fit the Aquariva Special with a Seakeeper NG6 to eliminate roll, ensuring absolute comfort both under way and at anchor. The installation of this advanced system is made possible by the decision to introduce infusion hull lamination in place of the manual process, significantly reducing the weight of the boat without affecting its structural rigidity. This makes it feasible to install a gyroscopic stabilizer without affecting the boat’s trim or performance. To stabilise the boat when under way, Aquariva Special is now fitted with Humphree interceptors in place of the flaps on the previous version. Performance-wise, Aquariva Special has the same verve as always and is fitted with twin Yanmar 370hp engines paired with electronically controlled two-speed gearboxes, driving the boat to a top speed up to forty knots and a cruise of 36 knots while unleashing the pleasure of Riva’s signature cruising style.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.07 m (33ft)

Hull Length - 9.92 m

Waterline Length - 8.4 m

Beam - 2.80 m

Draft - 0.96 m

Displacement - 5200 kg unloaded, 6700 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 480 l

Water Capacity - 130 l

Max Persons - eight

Accommodation - double berth

Engines - 2 x Yanmar 8LV 370hp

Propulsion - two speed line shafts

Speed - forty knots max, 36 cruise

Range - 155 nautical miles at cruise

Project - Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design exterior and interior

www.riva-yacht.com

competition = Comitti Breva 35