Monthly News - May 2026

-pic of the month- Riva for Charles Leclerc

Azimut and JHSF Exclusive Fleet

Azimut’s Seadeck Series inspires a new experiential dimension of signature hospitality: a fleet of yachts that guests of the Fasano Al Mare Hotel can also choose as their private residences on the water.  Azimut Yachts and JHSF announce the introduction of an exclusive fleet of Seadeck yachts for the Fasano Al Mare Hotel & Beach Club, part of the Fasano Sardegna project, set to launch in summer 2026.  This initiative represents a new chapter in the collaboration between Azimut and JHSF, combining Azimut’s expertise in yacht design and innovation with JHSF’s approach to hospitality and guest experience. The result is a seamless extension of the Fasano experience from land to sea.  The project expands the Fasano Al Mare Hotel & Beach Club experience by offering guests the possibility to enjoy fully serviced yachts, anchored in a dedicated area of the bay facing Tavolara Island, either as a “private residence” during their stay or as a platform for curated exploration across Sardinia’s most iconic destinations.  The fleet will consist of five Seadeck yachts — including Seadeck 9 and Seadeck 7 models — featuring layouts and interiors customized through a close collaboration between Azimut, JHSF and Fasano.   The Seadeck concept is Azimut’s purest embodiment of a new era of gentle living at sea: a space of effortless elegance and wellbeing, defined by features like the Fun Island, a signature aft terrace designed to enhance both the connection with the environment and onboard conviviality.  «Giving shape to new ways of embracing the sea is at the heart of our purpose. This project allows us to realize this vision with a partner like Fasano, a renowned curator of experiential hospitality, and through Seadeck, the Series that captures contemporary luxury as a yearning for disconnection, intimacy, and a profound closeness to nature», states Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut|Benetti Group.  «This project reflects how we think about hospitality at JHSF — as an integrated ecosystem designed around our clients' lifestyle», said Augusto Martins, CEO of JHSF. «With Fasano Sardegna, we are extending this experience, creating a natural connection between land and sea».  Each yacht will be fully crewed, offering personalized service, including chefs responsible for Fasano’s gastronomy and a dedicated onboard team, ensuring alignment with the brand’s standards across all touchpoints.  Reservations will open soon, in line with the launch of the first phase of the Fasano Sardegna project. The fleet will operate during the peak summer season, between July and September.

Bilgin Named Turkey Export Champion

Bilgin Yachts has once again been recognized as a leading force in Turkish yacht building, ranking first in Türkiye in 24-metre-and-above yacht exports and sixth overall in the country’s ship and yacht export sector.  The awards were presented at the “Award on Water” Successful Exporters Awards Ceremony, organized by the Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters’ Association, where the leading companies of the maritime industry were honored following the sector’s record-breaking $2.243 billion export performance in 2025.  The latest recognition reflects Bilgin’s sustained momentum across both its export performance and its growing international order book. With 16 projects currently under construction across multiple platforms, Bilgin continues to strengthen its reputation for delivering technically advanced, design-led yachts for a global clientele.  Recent milestones at the shipyard further highlight this success. In late 2025, Bilgin launched M/Y Tamasha, the first hull in the 52-metre Bilgin 170 series, pairing bold exterior lines by Unique Yacht Design with elegant interiors by Hot Lab. The yard has also drawn significant international attention with M/Y Camila, its 49.95-metre Bilgin 163-II, which stands out for its enhanced exterior volume, expansive beach club, and transoceanic range.  Completing this trio of headline projects, Bilgin successfully delivered M/Y Al Reem, the third and final yacht in its celebrated 80-metre series, marking another major achievement for the Turkish builder.  The award was received jointly by Tuğba Şengün Topgül, Marketing Director, and Mehmet Şengün, Shipyard Director. Speaking during the ceremony, Mehmet Şengün said: “We sincerely thank everyone who deemed us worthy of this valuable award. As Bilgin Yachts, we take great pride in representing the Turkish yacht-building industry successfully on the world stage. This achievement is the result of our team’s dedication, the support of our business partners, and the trust of our clients. We hope to achieve many more successes together.”  As Bilgin advances work on the largest project in its history while maintaining a robust multi-yacht build schedule, the company remains at the forefront of Türkiye’s growing superyacht industry. With each new award, launch, and delivery, Bilgin Yachts continues to shape the future of Turkish yacht building on the world stage.

Ferretti Group Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Ferretti Group S.p.A. (HKEX: 9638 / Euronext Milan: YACHT.MI) announces that the Board of Directors of the Company, following the Annual General Meeting held earlier today, has appointed Mr. Stassi Anastassov as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with immediate effect. Mr. Tan Ning has been confirmed as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Anastassov is an international business executive with extensive global leadership experience across consumer, industrial and manufacturing sectors. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Duracell and held senior leadership positions during thirty years at Procter & Gamble across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of JS Global Lifestyle and as a Non-Executive Director of Better Shelter, and has advised international companies and investment firms on governance, operational transformation and long-term value creation. Born in Bulgaria, Mr. Anastassov is a citizen of Sweden and Switzerland and has lived and worked extensively across major international markets. Statement from Mr. Tan Ning, Chairman: “On behalf of the Board, I thank shareholders for their continued trust and support. Ferretti Group enters this next phase with strong foundations, exceptional brands and significant long-term opportunities. The Board remains fully committed to continuity, disciplined execution and the long-term development of the Group. Under Mr. Anastassov’s leadership, the Group will continue to strengthen its operational excellence, global positioning and long-term value creation while preserving the unique heritage and identity that define Ferretti Group.” Statement from Mr. Stassi Anastassov, Chief Executive Officer: “It is an honour to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of a unique company built on extraordinary brands, exceptional craftsmanship and talented people. Italy is and will remain the heart of Ferretti Group. Our responsibility is to protect and strengthen that heritage while continuing to develop the Group as a truly global leader in luxury yachting. I look forward to building on the strong work achieved over recent years with humility, full dedication and a clear operational focus. Together with the management team and employees across the Group, we will continue to execute our strategy with consistency, ambition and long-term perspective. Our commitment is first and foremost to the strength, stability and long-term success of the Company. By serving the business well, we serve all shareholders, employees, customers and partners who contribute to Ferretti Group’s future.” The Group will continue to execute its existing strategic and industrial plans while further strengthening operational discipline, global development and long-term value creation. The Board’s next meeting will be held on 19 May 2026 to review the Company’s first-quarter 2026 results, which will be disclosed in accordance with the regulatory calendar.

Heesen Appoint Strategic Advisor

Heesen has appointed Captain Mike Rouse as Strategic Advisor, bringing to the shipyard a rare blend of senior command experience and deep technical expertise. His decades at sea as a professional captain, combined with extensive involvement in complex new‑builds and major refits across Northern Europe, position him to bridge the gap between operational reality and advanced yacht engineering. His arrival builds on the strong technical foundation established by the current leadership team and signals a more integrated, future‑focused approach to product development.  Rouse’s background spans hands‑on command of large yachts, oversight of multiple new‑build projects at leading Northern European shipyards, and years of work as a respected owner’s representative. This combination gives him a unique understanding of the practical demands placed on modern superyachts and the evolving expectations of owners, captains, and crew.  In his new role, he will work closely with the board and Heesen’s technical departments to evaluate emerging technologies, refine quality standards, and embed operational feedback into early design and engineering processes. This collaboration strengthens Heesen’s position at the forefront of Dutch yacht building.  “Bringing Mike into the organisation marks a progressive step in our pursuit of excellence,” says Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen. “His operational insight, combined with our engineering capability, enhances our ability to deliver yachts that are technologically advanced and perfectly aligned with the realities of contemporary yachting. His contribution will support our technical teams as we evolve our product range and enter a new chapter of innovation.”  Rouse’s appointment creates a direct feedback channel between life at sea and the shipyard floor. By introducing operational thinking at the earliest stages, Heesen aims to optimise technical spaces, improve crew flow, and ensure long‑range capability is considered from the outset.  This includes identifying strategic partnerships with innovative suppliers to guarantee the highest levels of reliability across all onboard systems.  “In superyacht construction, the difference between a good yacht and a great one often emerges only after thousands of miles underway,” Rouse says. “My goal is to ensure those operational nuances are embedded from day one. I look forward to working with the engineering teams to champion practical innovation and uphold Heesen’s reputation for uncompromising Northern European quality.”  His remit will also extend to Heesen’s in‑house luxury interior company, where he will advise on the intersection of high‑concept design and maritime durability. This holistic approach ensures that every Heesen yacht delivers both aesthetic refinement and long‑term resilience, supporting the shipyard’s ambition to shape the next generation of performance and design.

Invictus with Quick Group

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of marine equipment for boats, yachts and superyachts, Quick Group is a go-to partner for leading shipyards throughout Europe and beyond. Its comprehensive catalogue of products spans a broad array of equipment categories, making it the perfect choice for brands that need proven engineering, reliable parts and the full support of an engineering and manufacturing company with extensive in-house capabilities.  But working with Quick Group offers far more. It extends to a symbiotic partnership that allows shipyards to customise products to their needs, while also contributing invaluable feedback that can influence research and future product development.  For a perfect example of how this relationship benefits both supplier and builder – and, by extension, boat and yacht owners – you only have to look at the partnership between Quick Group and leading luxury yacht brand Invictus Yacht.  Quick Group’s products appear prominently on Invictus Yacht models, highlighted in particular on the flagship Invictus TT550 and ST550, both of which made their global debuts at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025. The 16.87-metre models stand out for their blend of contemporary elegance, style and onboard liveability, enhanced by noble materials such as teak, stainless steel and high-quality veneers, as well as cutting-edge technical finishes. Build quality and superlative design are central to both variants – the ST550 offering spacious interiors, and the TT550 embodying the essence of open-air living and dayboat practicality. These qualities make using equipment of the highest standard essential. 

MJM New Addition to She's The Captain

MJM Yachts is proud to partner with Captain Lauren Warren as lead instructor for She’s the Captain, MJM women-focused, hands-on boating program designed to build confidence at the helm.  A U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and founder of Upper Chesapeake Boat School, Captain Lauren brings decades of on-the-water experience and a supportive teaching style focused on helping women feel more comfortable, capable, and confident operating a boat.

Mulder Appoint Fleet Manager

To further strengthen its service organisation, Mulder welcome Marco Vlasveld to Mulder Shipyard as Fleet Manager within Mulder 360º Service.  Based primarily at the Voorschoten location, Marco will become the dedicated point of contact for owners within the Mulder Favorite 1500 and Favorite 1700 fleet. With more than 17 years of experience in yacht building and a lifelong passion for water-sports, he brings both technical expertise and a genuine understanding of life on the water.  Marco’s background combines craftsmanship, practical experience and personal involvement - qualities that align naturally with the philosophy of Mulder. His arrival reflects our continued focus on building long-term relationships with owners and offering an increasingly personal approach to service and fleet support.

Riva for Charles Leclerc

The twenteeth Riva 102' Corsaro Super, the modern-day evolution of one of the best-loved models in recent years, the 100’ Corsaro, was launched May 7, at Riva’s La Spezia shipyard, the production centre specialising in yachts from 76 to 130 feet. The ceremony was held in an intimate and elegant atmosphere, attended by Formula 1 racing driver Charles Leclerc – already a Riva owner – and all the shipyard’s employees, who contributed so passionately and with such expertise to the project.  “Charles’s passion for Riva, which is of course reciprocal, is a testament to quality and beauty that we welcome with boundless joy. If such a formidable driver and icon of style and elegance chooses once again one of our boats, it means that Riva, and in this case the magnificent 102’ Corsaro Super, offers unrivalled standards of beauty, liveability and technology. Many thanks once again Charles, have fun and enjoy the water on your new Riva!” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi.

Riva Lounge Opens in Rovinj

An exclusive new location in the heart of the Adriatic joins the map of Riva Destinations, with the official opening of the Riva Lounge in the elegant Hotel Monte Mulini in Rovinj, one of Croatia’s most captivating resorts.  Immersed in the refined atmosphere of the Istrian coast and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, it is conceived as the ideal setting to enjoy gourmet experiences and convivial moments in an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance.  The Riva Lounge welcomes guests into a stunning area overlooking the sea, furnished with the fine materials and iconic detailing that have always been signature features of Riva’s boats – polished mahogany, striped maple, chrome-plated steel and unmistakable aquamarine accents. The Lounge also features a Riva Privée, graced by iconic Aquarama chairs and offers an even more reserved and exclusive atmosphere, ideal for private gatherings and special occasions. The restaurant, where guests can enjoy aperitifs at sunset or signature cocktails, is furnished with chairs from the Exteta x Riva collection.  To round off the experience, guests can enjoy exclusive private cruises on board a magnificent Aquariva Special – the latest version of the most legendary model in the Riva Range and a symbol of the brand’s contemporary spirit – available for scenic excursions along the coastline and around the islands of the Istrian archipelago, or for an enchanting sunset aperitif out to sea.  The new Riva Lounge, at the Hotel Monte Mulini in Rovinj, joins the exclusive Riva Destinations already open for business in the Mediterranean's most renowned locations, including the Lounges at Gritti Palace in Venice, the Yacht Club de Monaco in Monte Carlo, the Miori gastro destination in Göcek and the Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá in Mallorca, the Riva Private Deck at the Yacht Club Eriolario on Lake Como, and the Riva Privées at the Splash Bistrot in Paris, at Daní Maison in Ischia, at the Osteria Spirito di Vino in Lovere on Lake Iseo, and at the Jeddah Yacht Club in Saudi Arabia.

RMK Yachts New Miami Office

Turkish shipyard RMK Yachts has announced the opening of a new office in Miami, marking a strategic milestone in the company’s expansion in the United States, one of the world’s most important superyacht markets.  Located within the RMK-Merrill Stevens shipyard in Miami, one of South Florida’s most established superyacht refit and repair facilities, the new office establishes a permanent operational and client-facing presence in the region. The move reflects RMK Yachts’ long-term commitment to building closer relationships with the U.S.-based clients while providing direct, on-the-ground support throughout every stage of yacht ownership.  The Miami office will work in close coordination with RMK-Merrill Stevens and will also be supported by RMK Yachts’ U.S. representative and broker, Juan Morillo, ensuring seamless communication and responsive service for American clients.  “For U.S. clients, proximity is not simply a preference, it is a matter of trust,” said Cuneyt Okcu, Director of RMK Yachts. “Having a physical presence there means being accessible, accountable, and responsive, particularly when it comes to after-sales support and warranty services.”  The decision to establish a Miami office reflects a clear understanding of the priorities of American yacht owners, who place significant value on having a trusted local representative connected directly to the shipyard. By expanding its presence in the U.S., RMK Yachts reinforces its commitment to transparency, long-term support, and client confidence.  The opening also aligns with RMK Yachts’ broader strategy to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position among the world’s leading yacht builders. This move helps the shipyard offer clients not only distinctive design and engineering excellence, but also a service network built to meet the highest international standards.

SACS Tecnorib Broker Showcase 2026

The Monaco Yacht Club was the backdrop for the second edition of the SACS Tecnorib Broker Showcase, the event the shipyard dedicates to international brokerage professionals. The initiative, organised in cooperation with the dealer 3C Marine, brought together approx. 30 professionals from leading international broker houses, confirming the growing attention to the Strider, PIRELLI Speedboats and Rebel ranges.  The event, which took place on 19 May, saw the SACS Tecnorib Team present its entire product range, with a focus on PIRELLI Speedboats, the line of high-performance inflatable boats developed for more 20 than years by the shipyard under license from the PIRELLI brand, recognisable by its signature Mannerfelt Design Team design, sporty hulls derived from the offshore world, and the iconic PIRELLI tread that defines its stylistic identity.  Some of the most distinctive products from the three ranges were also presented and made available for sea trials during the day, providing participants with the opportunity to appreciate the shipyard's different design philosophies first hand. The PIRELLI 47 in the closed version was shown in the water for the first time, alongside the PIRELLI 35, the Strider 11 with outboard engines and the Strider 15 in the stern-drive version, accompanied by the Rebel 47 together with the flagship of the range, the Rebel 55.  In addition to product presentations, the Broker Showcase was created as an opportunity for direct discussion with those who are involved in the superyacht market on a daily basis. Brokers represent a privileged viewpoint of the needs of shipowners and the dynamics that drive tender and chase boat choices: listening to them means understanding more precisely how expectations, priorities, and usage patterns evolve.  The meeting at the Monaco Yacht Club made it possible to exchange visions and perspectives, gather useful insights and consolidate relationships that, for SACS Tecnorib, are an integral part of the product development process. An open dialogue that strengthens collaboration with the main international broker houses and helps guide the boatyard's future strategies.

Sanlorenzo Arts Presents WAVES

Sanlorenzo presents WAVES, the first proprietary exhibition from Sanlorenzo Arts, marking a decisive step in the yachting Maison’s evolution as a cultural protagonist. More than an exhibition, WAVES represents the culmination of Sanlorenzo’s decade‑long commitment to the arts, a journey that has seen the company collaborate with leading institutions, creators and artists to explore the intersections between creativity, innovation and the culture of the sea.  For Sanlorenzo, its patronage of the arts is not a brand extension but a strategic pillar of its identity. It reflects the Maison’s belief that craftsmanship, design and cultural vision are inseparable, with the future of luxury defined by cultivating meaning amongst communities, not merely manufacturing objects. This first collective and proprietary exhibition reflects this philosophy, positioning Sanlorenzo as a champion of Italian creativity and curator of contemporary culture.  “For Sanlorenzo, the sea is not just a scene” says Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo.  “It is a condition that constantly reminds us that balance is never static but always dynamic. Building a yacht means giving form to precision within an environment that, by its very nature, resists fixity. This relationship between control and unpredictability is mirrored in the artistic process, and WAVES encapsulates this vision. Transformation is not an exception but the very essence of innovation and reality.  “This first proprietary exhibition represents a significant milestone in our cultural journey, which has evolved from partnership with some of the world’s leading art events to a permanent home at Casa Sanlorenzo fulfilling an active role as a cultural custodian.”  Hosted at Casa Sanlorenzo during the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, WAVES brings together historical and contemporary artists in an immersive environment spanning the building’s interiors, garden and pedestrian bridge. Curated by Sergio Risaliti and Cristiano Seganfreddo, the latter also member of the Scientific Committee at Sanlorenzo Arts, the exhibition explores the wave as a universal principle, a force of energy, transformation and dynamic equilibrium.  The wave becomes a metaphor for Sanlorenzo’s own identity in yachting: a brand shaped by the sea, by movement, and by the positive tension between innovation and tradition.  The exhibition is headlined by works from Alexander Calder, Lucio Fontana and Fausto Melotti, whose radical approaches redefined the boundaries of sculpture in the 20th century. Their works introduce movement, spatial rupture and rhythmic modulation, revealing form as inherently unstable and alive.  “These artists share a radical intuition” - explains Sergio Risaliti, Director of the Museo del Novecento and co-curator of WAVES.  “They understood that sculpture could no longer be conceived as a static object. Calder, Fontana, and Melotti introduced a dynamic condition in which form interacts continuously with space. Their works reveal matter as inherently unstable, shaped by forces and energies in constant transformation”.  This dialogue continues with Tony Cragg, whose sculptures appear in perpetual metamorphosis, and Christine Safa, whose paintings dissolve into atmospheric fields of colour and light.  Site-specific interventions extend the exhibition into the architecture of Casa Sanlorenzo: Marcello Maloberti’s ECHO transforms the pedestrian bridge into a space of resonance, while Friedrich Andreoni activates the garden through sound, sculpture and natural elements.  “The wave is not only a natural phenomenon but a way of thinking about reality” adds Cristiano Seganfreddo, co-curator of WAVES.  “The exhibition presents a dynamic transformation, with different artistic languages converging to create a field of resonances. Here, visitors experience the world not as a set of fixed objects, but as a system of relationships, oscillations, and connections”.  Together with them the astrophysicist Ersilia Vaudo Scarpetta expands the exhibition’s horizon beyond the visible world with her textual “interferences”, which connect the oceanic to the cosmic, reinforcing the exhibition’s central theme: transformation as the essence of existence.  She adds: “Waves are not just a phenomenon of the sea. They are the fundamental language of the universe. Light, sound, and gravitational waves continuously propagate through space and time, shaping reality. What we perceive with our senses is only a tiny fragment of this vast spectrum of vibrations. Yet it is precisely in this small fragment that beauty, colour, and light emerge”.  The exhibition is enriched by an olfactory landscape created in collaboration with Xerjoff and conceived by Sergio Momo to amplify the sensory dimension of the visitor experience. For the occasion, the fragrance Uden Overdose was selected: its citrus, amber and ozonic notes evoke a marine world in constant motion between depth and surface.  Set in Venice, a city suspended between fragility and resilience, WAVES reflects Sanlorenzo’s commitment to shaping a cultural dialogue that unites art, design, technology and sustainability. It marks a new chapter in the brand’s patronage of the arts, affirming its role as a leader in Italian craft, innovation and contemporary culture.  WAVES takes place from 6 May – 28 June 2026 at Casa Sanlorenzo, Dorsoduro, 170, 30123. The public are warmly welcomed to explore the exhibition from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11am to 7pm.  Main parters of the event are Xerjoff with its olfactory landscape, Glauk for soundscape and AON.

Sasga Sea Trial Event 2026

From the 25th to the 31 May Sasga invited guests to discover and sea trial its range in the place where the Menorquín spirit is born.  During these days, the opportunity to experience and navigate onboard the Sasga models: Menorquín 35 HT, Menorquín 42 FB, Menorquín 48 FB the European Powerboat of the Year 2026. In the Sasga Sea Trial Event the opportunity to visit the shipyard and discover first hand how every Sasga Yacht is built was possible.  A unique experience to discover our way of understanding the sea, directly from its origin.

Tankoa Strengthens Production Site

Tankoa Yachts is continuing the development of its integrated production platform between Civitavecchia and Genoa, where the two facilities now operate as a single industrial hub dedicated to the construction of large superyachts.  Covering more than 34,000 square metres within the port area, the Civitavecchia site is currently focused on the core stages of hull construction, including steelwork, systems installation and the initial outfitting phases, all carried out according to Tankoa’s engineering, production and quality standards.  Once the construction phase in Civitavecchia is completed, the hulls are transferred by land and loaded onto a floating barge before being towed to Genoa, where final outfitting, commissioning, sea trials and delivery are performed. This integrated and well-established production process allows Tankoa to retain direct oversight of every stage of construction, ensuring consistency in both technical standards and build quality throughout the entire process.  In July 2025, the first transfer took place. Operations are continuing at full capacity, with four transfers scheduled throughout 2026. The first two units - measuring 50 and 55 metres respectively - departed Civitavecchia together at the end of March aboard the same floating barge. Two additional transfers are planned between late spring and early summer, Further shipments to Genoa are scheduled in the following months, in line with the shipyard’s production timeline.

Viking at Louisanna Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

The Gulf Coast tournament season is off to a red-hot start! Metal Masher, a Viking 72, topped the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic’s Blue Marlin Release division with five releases. Parker Smith and Jacob Hayles each released two fish, while Townsend Tinney added another to seal the win.  Claiming second Place, the Viking 62 Boujee Marlin had a strong showing with four releases – all angled by Gregg Trenor. Rounding out the podium, the Viking 58 Rising Son’s secured 3rd Place with Jaselyn Berthelot’s pair of blue marlin releases.