Classic Riva Burns Outside Alghero Sardinia

A Riva thirteen meter flybridge cruiser with two persons onboard caught fire and eventually sank, just meters outside of Alghero's harbor entrance, in North West Sardinia on the evening of third July.  The thirteen meter Riva cruiser was apparently entering harbor when it caught fire.  Immediate the response of the Italian Coast Guard and Fire Fighting brigade with two different vessels, but to no avail with the Riva destroyed by the fire and then sinking.  No one was injured in the fire.

The Riva in this accident is a 45 SuperAmerica as designed by Giorgio Barilanand produced from 1977 till 1979.  The Riva 45 SuperAmerica was the second Superamerica evolution following the 42.  The 45 SuperAmerica was the second best selling SuperAmerica following the 42, with some forty plus units sold.  The 45 was replaced by the 48 Superamerica.  

Ferretti Super Yacht Sinks Off Chub Cay Bahamas

A 25 meter Ferretti super yacht, hit a reef and sank off Chub Cay, in the Bahamas on third July 2022.  Four persons where onboard the super yacht on the time of sinking, with all being rescued and no one reported to be injured.  The Ferretti super yacht hit a reef and sank in the shallow area which marks all around the Chub Cay island to the North of the Bahamas.  Reports are coming that this Ferretti super yacht was being lifted and towed to a yard on the morning of 8 July.  

The 25 meter Ferretti in this sinking is the popular 830 model as designed by Zuccon and produced from 2006 to 2011 in 42 units.  The Ferretti 830 came out as a replacement to the 810 with the model extended and evolving into the 870 in 2012.

New Model: Ferretti 860

The symphony begins, and the perception is one of total harmony. The launch of the first Ferretti Yachts 860 brings the yachting world a pocket super yacht featuring cutting-edge design solutions shown off with elegant ‘Made in Italy’ style. Eight months after the presentation of the project, which has a special focus on comfort, wellbeing and outstanding performance, the first unit hit the water on 22 June and will be handed over to the owner for her maiden cruise in the Mediterranean. The first unit of Ferretti 860 has been built for an Italian owner who loves her contemporary design and the versatile interiors and exteriors, all combined with a superb cruising experience. This owner choose the Classic Mood version translating into warm, dark colors with bold contrasts that highlight the impressive size but light touch of a yacht featuring maximum continuity between exteriors and interiors, pointed up by the opening window at starboard. Stylistic evolution and the focus on architectural details distils the Ferretti’s design vision into features of the décor, such as the Art Deco-inspired curves and the large helical staircase linking the main deck to the lower deck, towards the interior layout’s center of gravity. The goal is to create a new harmony that establishes the ideal sophisticated atmosphere on board, in line with the brand’s contemporary “Just like Home” concept that is now a synonym for comfort, Italian style, timeless design and craftsmanship. The result of collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee led by Mr. Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the 860 marks the fifth yacht developed by architect Filippo Salvetti for exterior design and the third in union with IdeaeItalia for the interiors. After her maiden cruise in the Mediterranean, the yacht will be one of the stars of the Ferretti Group Private Preview in Monte Carlo and make its world debut at the Cannes Boat Show in September 2022.

Technical Data:

LOA - 26.95 m (88.5ft)

Hull Length - 23.9 m

Beam - 6.22 m

Draft - 2 m

Displacement - 100 gt volume

Fuel Capacity - 7000 l

Water Capacity - 1400 l

Max Persons - twenty

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, three/four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1800hp, V12 2000hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 32 knots max 27 knots cruise Man 2000hp, 28 knots max 24 cruise Man 1800hp

Project - Filippo Salvetti exterior, IdeaeItalia interior, Ferretti Group engineering

Certification - Rina CE A, module B+F+Aa sound emissions

www.ferretti-yachts.com

Ferretti Super Yacht Sinks Near Paxos

A 27 meter Ferretti super yacht titled m/y Green Whisper with three persons onboard hit the Yfalos Panagia reef while cruising between the Island of Paxos and mainland Greece, on the morning of second July.  After the collision the Greek sent three boats to assist the crew, and put the vessel to safety. After the collision the super yacht was tilting to port side due to the damage sustained to that underwater side of the hull.  With the crew safe and taken to the port of Gaios for a health check, the Greek Coast Guard marked the yacht and the area, for safety to other navigators.  Green Whisper was recovered on the eight July.

M/y Green Whisper is a 2005 Ferretti 880 as designed by Zuccon and produced from 2003 till 2006 in fourteen units. The Ferretti 880 was evolved and replaced by the 881, large hull windows and some small changes.  An RPH version of both the 880 and 881 was also available.

Project: Vicem 93 Cruiser

Turkish shipyard Vicem Yachts has signed a contract for a 28 meter cold-molded superyacht 93 Cruiser for an Australian owner. Although the builder’s more recent launches have ranged in size between thirteen to twenty meters in size, the delivery of the Vicem 82 in January this year, alongside the growing popularity of its bigger superyacht models, has returned a trend back towards the shipyard’s well-known larger vessels. It is important to note that Vicem has in the past delivered super yachts up to 46 meters in length in its Mulder designed Vulcan series build of fiberglass. This new Vicem 93 Cruiser project is more in line with traditional yacht styling associated from the Turkish builder, and is making its way in Australia. The Vicem 93 Cruiser will offer an accommodation for twelve guests accommodated across four generous staterooms, and is designed with onboard comfort as her top priority, boasting high ceilings and large windows throughout and an airy and open design. Furthermore, alongside her numerous sunbathing and relaxation areas which can be enjoyed by guests, her flush deck is specially designed to boost ease of movement on board, with no steps found on the main or lower levels. Standout features on the Vicem 93 Cruiser include her large cockpit, equipped with sofa, table and ample space for twelve guests, as well as her generous flybridge which boasts its own Jacuzzi. Once again, accessibility is key for those on board, with easy access to the flybridge offered from both the saloon and cockpit. For those keen to make the most of their time on the water, a five-metre dinghy can be fitted on either the swim platform or the flybridge. The crew is also well-looked after by the Vicem 93 Cruiser and benefits from a well-equipped and large crew area, as well as being able to enjoy phenomenal ocean views from the helm. The Vicem 93 Cruiser packs a lot into her 28 metres, with ample storage space offered in the transom area and numerous additional storage spaces found throughout the vessel. Construction on the mold for the AMSA certificate compliant vessel has begun, with delivery expected in April 2023.

www.vicemyachts.com

Small Boat Shows Success

With the Covid-19 pandemic of the last two years and all, it seems medium sized boat shows has struck a chord in 2022.  Infect small boat shows have been a success not only in visiting numbers but also for seeing boatbuilders presenting novelties which are usually reserved to the large boat shows at the fall or the start of a calendar year.  

Boat shows like Palma which happens in early May, and Venice also in the last part of the same month have proven successful platforms for boatbuilders to launch new models.  For example in Palma Sanlorenzo and BlueGame both showed its new models, and it was the same for Princess.  In Venice the Ferretti Group did the same thing, presenting the new Wally, with Sunseeker, VanDutch, and Tornado doing the same.  

Small medium boat shows have always been successful as regional events but this recent international spot light helped by boat build builders presenting new models, might make a couple of them become bigger to what they are today.  For example the Venice 2022 boat show is only in its third edition, but it is a growing event, and its just becoming bigger competing with Naples for the second boat show of Italy.  With things how they stand it is already there, thanks to the push from Ferretti Group who always believed in the event since it started in 2019.  

The success of Palma boat show might have been a combination of events, with the cancellation of the Dusseldorf show for the second year in a row in 2022 giving a helping hand to its success.       

Flybridge Yacht with Three Persons Sinks in Langefluen Sweden

A flybridge yacht of eighteen meters in length with two adults and a child partly sank after it collided and got stuck with a reef near Langefluen, on the South-West coast of Sweden on the late morning of Thursday thirtieth June.  With the collision the yacht was stuck on the reef, with this entering and puncturing into the interior of the yacht.  Sjörädningsällskapet in Fjällbacka received the call for assistance and went to the scene with the rescue boat Berith, rescuing the three boaters and taking them to Bovallstrand. After this the attention was turned on the environment, and to empty the yachts fuel tanks to avoid pollution, with the Coast Guard 023 and Sea Rescue from Smogen also helping in the success of this operation, thanks to the use of six pumps in order to slow the boat from sinking and giving time to empty the fuel tanks.  Unfortunately a rescue operation to save the yacht could not be made, as no salvage assistance was within reasonable distance.  Unfortunately the yacht will get totally destroyed and wrecked as the weather went bad the following day and over the weekend.  The cause of the accident is said to be a navigational error as this coast is well marked.

The yacht in this collision and sinking is a Tarquin Trader 595 as produced from the late eighties into the early nineties.  Tarquin Trader was founded in the end seventies by Tony Chappell, with boats being build in China and Taiwan on a specific British design.  The Tarquin Trader 595 was for example build by President while some other models were made by Kha Shing.  Tarquin Trader closed in 2009 re-opening as Trader Yachts couple years later, as it was closed down in November 2020.

Monthly News - June 2022

-pic of the month- VanDutch Center Opens in Lake Garda

Aicon Charts the Path Towards Greener Sustainable Yachting

Renewable Innovations takes another step forward on its path to create a greener and cleaner future with Hydrogen together with Aicon Yachts. The new collaboration aims to deliver a more sustainable yachting experience by eliminating usage of diesel generators on yachts while anchored and reducing dockside electrical grid requirements.  While the yachting community has been pursuing the goal of boosting sustainability, much of the focus has been on fuel efficient hulls, green construction, and solar capture. Now, with this collaboration, there is a new category of sustainability via Hydrogen.  “Hydrogen-powered systems offer the greenest and cleanest solutions on the market and are ideal for a wide range of commercial and consumer applications like EV rapid charging and scalable primary/backup power for businesses, such as large offices, retail, and data center power,” said Robert (Bob) Mount, CEO & Co-founder, Renewable Innovations. “But, our vision is to extend these solutions across every facet of life – including helping to make yachting cleaner and preserving the beauty of nature.”  As with many industries during the Covid pandemic, yachting experienced a boom as the world embraced more outdoor activities. Globally, the yacht market is forecast to hit $8.5 billion this year, up from $8.15 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach $12.16 billion by 2028, according to market research firm Grand View Research. With over-crowded marinas and more eco-conscious yachters, the opportunity is ripe for innovation.  “Our goal is 100% sustainable yachting. We’re starting today by dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of our Italian-built yachts and enhancing the onboard experience,” added Marc-Udo Broich, Chairman & CEO, Aicon Yachts. “At Aicon, we’re dedicated to delivering a superior yachting experience – and now we’re extending that into sustainability. After all, yachting is all about enjoying nature at its finest and bringing the Aicon family closer to the world’s oceans, with all their majestic powers. All this has to be achieved with the goal of experiencing them while leaving them untouched.”

Antonini Navi Signs Camper and Nicholsons Partnership

Camper and Nicholsons International and Antonini Navi are proud to announce their partnership to promote the sales of the new Utility Platform 40, designed by the Architect Fulvio De Simoni, for the shipyard of La Spezia.  The agreement, effective from April 2022, aims to increase visibility and promote the sales of the yacht concepts designed by the renowned Architect Fulvio De Simoni for Antonini Navi.  “We are extremely proud of this collaboration with an important partner such as Camper & Nicholsons” comments Simone Antonini, CEO of Antonini Navi. “We are sure that it will be a synergistic partnership that will allow us to expand our market and foster positive results next to the most demanding clients.”  “We look forward to working with Antonini Navi as their worldwide central agent for the sale of the first hull of the Utility Platform 40”, says Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons. “Antonini Navi, an internationally recognized company, is a key player and innovator in the luxury yacht market. We are thrilled to be working alongside with them.”  As the original yachting company founded in 1782, Camper & Nicholsons has built its brand by providing a 360-degree service to yacht owners and charterers, including new build, sales and brokerage, charter, and related marketing, yacht management, and insurance services. Building on more than 200 years of celebrated heritage, the Camper & Nicholsons name is synonymous with excellence, luxury, and tradition. Today, they continue to set the pace in the industry with an in-house technical team who have successfully built the first dedicated tech hub, providing valuable insights for clients that translate into better management.  With offices in Monaco, Cannes, Geneva, Palm Beach, London, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Hong Kong, the company is part of the Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Group. The company ranks among the leading conglomerates worldwide serving high-net-worth individuals.  Antonini Navi operates in the world of yachting and custom yacht construction with the sole objective of creating boats that reflect their owners’ personality, specific needs, and lifestyle on the water. The shipyard, based in the Gulf of La Spezia, has a team of leading industry experts and professionals, the ingredients that enable Antonini Navi to offer a broad range of services, from the construction of custom yachts up to 70 meters in length, to refitting, after-sales services, superyacht berthing, and third-party production.  Utility Platform 40 is the pre-compartmented modular platform developed by Antonini Navi shipyard for the construction of steel superyachts. Currently, under construction, UP40 naval architecture, engineering, and internal compartmentation were designed to allow the development of four different superstructures for four superyacht concepts: Crossover, Explorer Classic, Explorer Sport, and Island.  From the streamlined and essential M/Y Crossover to the go-anywhere M/Y Explorer and the captivating lines of the M/Y Island, each Antonini Navi yacht concept also includes plenty of personalization options to bring to life each patron’s unique personality and character.  All superyacht concepts express the Made-In-Italy values that strongly characterize Antonini Navi, and that translate into passion, attention to detail, timeless style, craftsmanship, and a constant search for perfection. These values blend seamlessly with the shipyard’s statement of modernity and technical expertise in building oil platforms, resulting in the most elegant, contemporary, innovative, and reliable yacht designs.

Aquila Turns Ten Years Old

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, Aquila Power Catamarans has become the number one power catamaran in sales with hundreds of satisfied customers worldwide.  Alain Raas, Aquila Brand Manager comments, "So much has happened in just ten years. The Aquila team continues to push boundaries, with the launch of our first center console model to countless accolades from the industry. We've relied on our brand pillars to guide us in this journey, and you can see performance, innovation and quality standing tall in every Aquila vessel cruising the world's waters today."  In ten years, Aquila has sold over 500 vessels throughout the world. This includes destinations beyond the U.S. to Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, and many more. This rapid growth and global success have challenged their international design and engineering teams to rise to elevated expectations. Each model embodies the reliable features and construction methods used in the hundreds of Aquila cruising today.  Chuck Cashman, MarineMax Chief Revenue Officer, comments, "Ten years ago, Bill McGill and Lex Raas had a vision and they found the perfect partner with Sino Eagle to make Aquila Power Catamarans a reality. Today, Aquila is a top ten brand for all yachts sold 40-60’ and the number one power catamaran brand worldwide, playing an important role in the MarineMax product mix. MarineMax looks forward to celebrating another ten years of partnership and is proud to be the brand's official and exclusive global distributor." 

Azimut-Benetti Group Partners and Crowd Funds GerrisBoats

Founded by Massimo Verme, the crowdfunding campaign of GerrisBoats , the innovative startup founded in 2021 with the mission of developing a hull platform with variable configuration, designed and optimized for a new generation of full-electric and foiling boats has attracted the interest of Azimut-Benetti Group.  In short, some information on the project and its potential: Modular and scalable solution for large-scale production, Patent coverage and proven team, Agreement between GerrisBoats and Azimut | Benetti - the largest private group in the nautical sector in the world - for the development of the "GerrisTender", Growing market with regulations in favor of full-electric.  

Beneteau Fishing Trophy 2022

Beneteau is organizing its first no-kill salt water fishing competition this summer – the Beneteau Fishing Trophy.  From 13 June to 30 September, all keen sea anglers will be able to indulge in the sport they love, by joining the competition and locating the best fish.  All fishing spots are allowed. Travel the world in search of the best catches! Naturally, no disclosure to your secret fishing spots.  Your motto? “Catch and release”, for an environmentally-friendly, all no-kill competition. You will find a community of keen and experienced fishers on a Facebook group dedicated to salt water fishing! Take part in discussions, talk with other fishers and find tips and advice on how to improve your fishing. 

Benetti with Marine Construction Management

Marine Construction Management (MCM) of Newport, Rhode Island, is recognized as one of the industry’s leading management firms. Based on the expertise and experience of its co-founders, MCM has been selected by owners to represent their interests on a wide range of superyacht projects, from steel and aluminum motor yachts to high-tech carbon fibre Grand Prix race boats.  For the first time, MCM is working with Benetti, one of the most renowned names in the Italian yachting industry. MCM’s and Benetti’s first two projects together are very different, but each draws on MCM’s expertise in construction and yacht management.  On hull BO204, the 4th hull in the Oasis 34M family due to launch next year, MCM was engaged as owner’s representative at the very early stages of the project and handled the contract negotiations and final detailing of the specification, and are currently managing and monitoring the construction phase. Once she is launched, Peter Wilson will be on board for dock trials, mechanical trials, sea trials and the official handover.  “I recently visited the Benetti shipyard in Viareggio to inspect the Benetti Oasis 34M hull number four which we are managing for repeat clients,” says Peter Wilson, co-founder of MCM. “This was an extremely informative visit as it also provided me the opportunity to look at the preceding hulls in this family in differing states of completion and in particular, hull number 1, which had just completed her sea trials. There were many smiling faces amongst the Benetti team as the yacht easily met their performance goals!”  Wilson was able to meet Benetti’s various heads of department to delve deeper into the design details to ensure that hull No. 4 will meet or exceed the client’s expectation.  MCM have also been engaged to manage the operations of FB278, the 67-metre motoryacht Calex designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta. Mark Dauplaise of the Newport-based company is her dedicated yacht manager.  Calex was delivered in early June and is currently cruising in the Mediterranean. MCM was awarded the management of Calex towards the final construction phase of the project, which allowed them to get everything well in order prior to the handover.  “The owner is planning on cruising the Med for the full summer season, then after some expected warranty work will head to the Caribbean for the winter season, possibly spending some time in Florida and the Bahamas as well,” says Wilson. “At the end of the winter season, she will head through the Panama Canal and cruise Mexico and the West Coast of the US.”

Breedendam Captured on Film

Breedendam have done an amazing time-lapse video showing the first Sixzero taking shape in spectacular fashion. The meticulous construction of her iconic hull has resulted in a fine foundation for the craftsmen at the yard to showcase their finishing skills. This 19.60-metre beauty was designed by Guido de Groot for a repeat client and will be a superb addition to the growing Breedendam fleet. As well as her unique lines and debonair classic looks, this launch model for the Sixzero series will feature a wonderful owner’s suite, a VIP in the foredeck, a guest cabin and accommodation for two crew. We’re also busy installing her Volvo IPS system which will give a blistering 30-plus knots of speed. The cameras are still rolling so watch out for another update video soon along with further updates on the Breedendam website.

Cantiere Delle Marche New Chief Financial Officer

In a process of growth and consolidation, Cantiere delle Marche hired a highly skilled and experienced manager, Gianfranco Caltabiano who assumed the position of Chief Financial Officer. Caltabiano has a long experience in the yachting industry having worked from 1991 for one of the biggest yachting groups worldwide where he played different managing roles among which the Group’s Financial Director and CFO of one of their top shipyards.  His experience is of crucial importance as he is responsible for managing and addressing the financial actions of Cantiere delle Marche in a phase of expansion of its production. Caltabiano’s duties include financial planning and control while making the most of the company’s financial strengths. He is also in charge with detecting and analyzing its weaknesses, if any, in order to propose corrective actions. Since his arrival at Cantiere delle Marche he established a close and fruitful collaboration with the yard’s top management. Talking to Caltabiano you realize immediately that he is a true company-man who quickly succeeded in making Cantiere delle Marche’s corporate culture his own. “From the first day, I’ve appreciated very much the friendly and collaborative atmosphere that reigns in the yard and worked in an integrated manner with the company’s founders and share-holders.”  “Gianfranco is a precious addition to Cantiere delle Marche top managers team,” says Ennio Cecchini, Cantiere delle Marche CEO. “He brought in his long and profound knowledge of the yachting industry, a knowledge that enables him to implement business plans for Cantiere delle Marche while aligning them with the ‘bigger picture’ of the company that we have built over the years.”

Forumla on Factory Fridays

Can't get enough of everything Formula? Boats.com visited the Formula facility recently and did a walk-thru with Formula's Operation Manager Pat Laux to explore the Formula Difference!  The Formula Factory Friday debuted on 11 June, and is available to see anytime on the Youtube channel.

Gulf Craft Majesty 175 Claims International Yacht and Aviation Award

The world’s largest composite-built production superyacht was crowned the winner in the ‘Motor Yacht Over 40 Meters’ category at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards Ceremony at The Belmond Hotel in Cipriani on 27 May.  Gulf Craft’s flagship superyacht and the world’s largest composite-built superyacht, the Majesty 175 was bestowed the ‘Motor Yacht Over 40 Meters’ award at the esteemed International Yacht & Aviation Awards, last Friday.  The 11th edition of The International Yacht & Aviation Awards, hosted by leading interior design magazine ‘design et al’ and leading yacht and aviation design magazine ‘Luxe et al’, rewarded the best talent in yacht and jet design across 26 categories from all over the globe. The International Yacht & Aviation Awards are the only design-focused industry awards with a particular emphasis on the essential design elements of both the yacht and aviation sectors allowing industry professionals and aficionados to determine winners in the respective categories.  “The Majesty 175 is the jewel in our crown; she was an ambitious project for us, and we were confident that producing a yacht of this size would redefine industry standards and affirm our position as an innovator in the use of composites,” said Mohammed Hussein AlShaali, Chairman, Gulf Craft. “Since its unveiling, the Majesty 175 has captivated the global yachting community with its innovative composite design and engineering. We at Gulf Craft are incredibly proud to see the Majesty 175 continue to gain international recognition amongst yachting enthusiasts with its unique features and capabilities that have set a new benchmark industrywide.”  Manufactured at Gulf Craft’s integrated in-house production facility in the UAE, at a length of 56.4 metres, the Majesty 175 is Gulf Craft’s largest yacht to date that has solidified the shipyard and the United Arab Emirates position as a leader on the global superyacht stage. Built using advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre and vinyl ester to the specifications outlined by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for yachts over 500 GT, the Majesty 175 has a gross tonnage of 780 GT and a beam of 9.6 metres. The Majesty 175 can effortlessly cruise low-draft areas, drawing just 2.05 metres of water, making her ideal for shallow draft destinations such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean Islands. The Majesty 175’s exterior and interior design has been penned by award-winning studio Cristiano Gatto Design in Italy. The yacht features an infinity pool at the forward deck and a hybrid sky-lounge that can be converted to an open sun deck. It has a warm and blissful interior which blends seamlessly with the yacht’s timeless exterior design.

Nordhavn Owner Rendezvous 2022

The largest Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous (NOR) ever got underway Tuesday at Victoria International Marina on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. A record setting number of Nordhavns and Nordhavn owners have gathered for five days of education, camaraderie, food and fun; for many, the rendezvous serves as a kick-off for cruising to Alaska and the Territories. The owners of 67 Nordhavns have come to Victoria, with 16 different models represented. With 48 Nordhavns packed into the marina, it marks the most Nordhavn yachts ever gathered in the same place. Old friends and new friends mingled together for dock parties and cocktail events (with impromptu entertainment courtesy of Nordhavn 60 owner Mark Wensley who captured the audience by taking over the baby grand piano in the marina’s event space.) “There are so many wonderful people that I have met with such interesting cruising backgrounds and stories,” said Jill Bernard, chairman of the NOR committee and owner of Nordhavn 47 Slow Burn. “It’s been a bit of a mutual admiration society.” A two-day seminar series concluded Thursday featured topics such as Boat Health by Steve D’Antonio, Medical Emergencies While Cruising by Nordhavn owner and doctor Kitt Baldwin, Electrical Systems & Lithium Batteries by Nordhavn Engineer Mike Telleria and Bruce Schwab from OceanPlanet Energy, and Travelogue from Florida to the PNW by Nordhavn 43 owners Paul Bultema and Heather Brewer.  On Friday, Bob Senter will be conducting engine rooms tours to go over ER troubleshooting and necessary engine room checks followed by a cocktail reception that evening. The rendezvous wraps up Saturday with a celebration dinner, mileage pennant presentation and prize giveaway.

Pearl Launches 72 Configurator

You don’t just buy a Pearl yacht - you commission her.  A motor yacht that is yours and yours alone, commissioned by you, for you!  The new Pearl 72 configurator allows you to begin the journey toward your own bespoke Pearl 72 online today. Choose your style and options and watch your vision take shape in real time. You can easily download the custom PDF brochure of your creation to consider for yourself and to share with friends & family.

Riva Celebrates 180 Years with The Persuaders

Riva’s 180th anniversary tells the story of a wonderful adventure of style and elegance that has raised boatbuilding to the level of art. Such a glamorous and radiant celebratory gala could only be held in an equally grandiose venue, the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Which is in fact where last Saturday, June 11, Ferretti Group invited owners and international guests for an exclusive event with a highly atmospheric show that celebrates the story of the first 180 years of the yacht world’s most famous brand. The Gala night was the occasion for the world premiere of “Riva The Persuaders!”, the short film inspired by the cult TV series, made over the past few weeks on the coast spanning the border between Italy, Monaco and the Côte d’Azur and produced by Armando Testa Studios. The hugely famous protagonists are Pierfrancesco Favino, the most important Italian actor, who was also in the Riva brand’s first short film (“Riva in the Movie”), the international football star David Beckham, an icon of British style and one of the most followed celebrities in the world and Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia Ferrari driver and idol of thousands Formula 1 fans around the world. “This was the night of Riva's 180th anniversary and of a thousand emotions for enthusiasts of the brand and its unique boats,” said Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group CEO. “We chose Venice and La Fenice because they are unique places in the world and, like us, they live in magical harmony with the water, art and beauty. My thanks go to David Beckham, Pierfrancesco Favino and Charles Leclerc, who have shown their friendship towards Riva by contributing to a spectacular short film, one of those miracles that happen when champions are involved. I am also honored to introduce to the world the ‘Anniversario’, an iconic new boat, for very few lucky owners, and another masterpiece of outstanding elegance. Best wishes to Riva as it starts to write boating history for the next 180 years.” The excitement began before the event started, when a floating platform moored on Venice's Grand Canal, in front of the Riva Lounge at the Gritti Palace, provided a unique stage for the unveiling of the new Riva “Anniversario”, the special limited edition boat created to mark this iconic anniversary and also to pay tribute to the Aquarama on its 60th birthday, a masterpiece of timeless design featured in a fine art book published for the occasion by Assouline.

Riviera Celebrates Four Decades in Sea of Blue Event

The vast arena of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach was bathed in azure blue with walls draped in velvet, while five enormous crystal chandeliers, indicated that a very special occasion was about to commence. Blue light filled the room with a gentle ambience as more than 550 enthusiastic Riviera owners entered to take their seats for an historic Riviera Gala evening. The evening had begun with pre-dinner drinks in the foyer, offering guests an opportunity to mingle, catch up with old friends and meet new friends.  Then the doors of the arena opened, and the celebration began.  Queenslanders Clinten and Marie Darby reflected the opinion of many of the guests.  Entitled ‘Celebrating the Evolution of Australia’s Riviera’, the evening honoured 42 years of history told through a series of documentary presentations reflecting across the decades. Each decade was introduced by legendary Australian musician Glenn Shorrock performing some of Little River Band’s best-known hits. The evening began with an introduction by Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst.  The first presentation of the evening was suitably introduced by the Little River Band’s hit  Reminiscing and took guests through Riviera’s first decade, beginning with the first-ever Riviera, the 38 Open Flybridge. The documentary also included an interview with CEO Wes Moxey who joined the company as a newly graduated boatbuilder.  Between each of the four documentaries, guests were served a course of the evening meal, accompanied by fine wines and music by local band The Accidents.  The second documentary, Riviera Through the 1990s, was introduced by Glenn Shorrock with his song: It’s a Long Way There. The presentation showed a decade of growth and challenges.  The presentation that took guests from the Millennium Riviera 40 Open Flybridge to the start of a new Longhurst era in 2012 began with Glenn Shorrock singing: “With every day of my life, I can surely see now where I am going.”  The final documentary began with Glenn Shorrock singing a song that most of the guests would immediately have identified: Sailing on the cool and bright clear water from the first verse of LRB’s Cool Change.  Guests learned of the rebirth of Riviera as Rodney Longhurst stepped up to secure the future of the business.  The formal presentation of the evening was concluded with a concert by Shorrock and the ‘Little Riviera Band’ followed by more dancing music courtesy of The Accidents. Guests danced the night away.

Riviera Women of Riviera Entertaining Afternoon

The exclusive Women of Riviera luncheon brought together more than seventy0 ladies from around Australia and across the Tasman for an entertaining and informative afternoon on the opening day of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and Riviera Festival of Boating.  The luncheon, the first of many social events that were part of the Riviera Festival of Boating, was held at The Grange, located within the grounds of the luxurious InterContinental Resort Sanctuary Cove. It was the perfect venue for the Women of Riviera to connect with new and experienced motor yacht owners over champagne and canapés, and a two-course luncheon to share their passion for boating Riviera style.  Chrissa Poli introduced the ladies to the 2022-23 range of soft furnishings now available on the latest Riviera luxury motor yachts. The range comprises 10 new collections with a variety of different fabrics from linen and cotton to a more glamorous offering that includes beautiful velvets.  “There’s a huge selection of colors in these new ranges that are designed to appeal to everybody,” says Chrissa. “Among them are classic navy and white with a vegan tan leather, or the coastal range which has beautiful linens through it and an alpine range with green-white stone colours through the range.”  “Everyone had a different favorite. The ladies loved the new collections we have put together and they were very well received.”

Silent Yachts Buys Italian Shipyard

The strong growth of Silent Yachts in recent years has resulted in the need for additional resources. Following the news that the brand has been restructured as Silent Group, the privately Austrian-owned company is very proud to announce that it is now the sole shareholder of its Italian production site.  Silent-Yachts has acquired a new-build facility in Fano on Italy’s Adriatic coast comprising several modern, well-equipped hangars for the building and outfitting of the Silent 60 series and Silent 80 series models. The site includes five construction sheds with 22,000 m2 of covered space and a similar exterior surface area.

Sunreef Visit from Mike Horn

One of the world’s greatest professional explorers, Mike Horn visited the Sunreef Yachts shipyard. An unstoppable and passionate adventurer, Mike Horn has accomplished a series of groundbreaking expeditions including a legendary solo journey around the equator without motorized transport.  He paid Sunreef Yachts a visit in Gdansk, Poland to take a closer look at the latest sustainable technologies developed by the shipyard. More exciting news on Sunreef Yachts’ collaboration with Mike Horn will shortly follow.

Sunseeker Takes Home 2022 Design and Innovation Award

Sunseeker is delighted to announce it has won the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards 2022 for its spectacular X-Tend system. The awards acknowledged everything from architecture, styling, innovation and engineering of today’s superyachts to the changing demands of owners and exceptional use of new technology. The X-Tend is an innovative approach to making the best use of both aft and cockpit deck areas using a transforming sunbed arrangement. The novel innovation converts to transform the ‘Beach Club’ area of a Sunseeker yacht into a private outdoor sanctuary. The X-Tend sunbed system offers diverse functionality at the stern of Sunseeker’s larger models in the range. Available on the new Sunseeker 88 Yacht, 90 Ocean and 100 Yacht, it provides a multifunctional waterside area that hydraulically opens to become a large sun pad ideal for sunbathing at water level. When the sunbed is not in use, it is cleverly concealed into the stern, ensuring that owners can make the most of the platform to access and launch a tender if specified or simply sunbathe waterside.  Set beneath the X-Tend sunbed are a variety of options to complement the owner's desired usage of the space, an overhead rain shower and a generous storage space for all the essentials any owner would need at water level, including dedicated lockers for two Seabobs, diving equipment and towels. Whilst standing on the platform, the molding of the X-Tend can provide an area of shade in its semi-raised position. In its fully raised position, the X-Tend sunbed completely transforms the aft cockpit with its generous sized sunbed facing forward into this popular social seating area, adding over one metre of additional usable space for large groups. The innovative design allows a multiplicity of arrangements on one of the main entertainment spaces on-board.  Andrea Frabetti, Chief Executive Officer at Sunseeker International, commented: “To win the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the Superyacht Design Festival is an incredible achievement for the company and is a testament to the hard work of the team which comprises of over 100 designers and engineers. Sunseeker’s in-house Design and Engineering Team is continuously looking for ways to improve the user experience by providing novel and exciting solutions to client requirements.” Ewen Foster, Chief Technical Officer at Sunseeker International, added: “These prestigious international awards attract global interest, and winning our category against such illustrious and strong competition demonstrates just how committed and capable we are in being able to offer clever innovation to our clients whatever the type and size of the vessel. Innovation is along with practicality, efficiency and style, has always been a primary driving force within our Design Team. The X-Tend feature was conceived and engineered entirely by our very strong and experienced in-house Design and Engineering Team. Our design process involves all disciplines under one roof, working in parallel on all aspects which ensures innovation can blossom and immediately be incorporated into the broader design. This ensures our clients enjoy a standout wow-factor feature that complements, and is completely integrated, within the wider yacht design.”

VanDutch Center Opens in Lake Garda

VanDutch Center Lake Garda opens up! On June 11, 2022 VanDutch guests reached this exclusive location for an event that couldn’t be missed: experience the opening of one of the only four VD centers in the whole world. Located in the charming Monica Del Garda, this center represents the gateway to Italian beautiful waters. VanDutch owners and prospects were delighted by a best-in-class hospitality, in perfect VanDutch style. Besides the live entertainment and the most delicate refreshments, our VanDutch 32 and VanDutch 40 were on show and available for trials.

Van Der Valk Wows WSA Judges

Van Der Valk 34-metre Lady Lene had already won many admirers wherever her owners chose to cruise. Now this elegant explorer’s fame has gone global after winning a prestigious Judges Commendation at the recent World Superyacht Awards for “styling and performance quite unlike her rivals in this class” and “a wealth of merits that deserve recognition.”  These annual awards are decided by a panel of leading superyacht owners who were taken by the manner in which Lady Lene offered a “full-custom design for an owner seeking a yacht that would ‘provide comparable levels of comfort to our home on land’, along with impressive performance and economy.”  Van der Valk’s renowned craftsmen and engineers worked closely with the owners, their team from YachtCreators, Guido de Groot, Carla Guilhem, Ginton Naval Architects, Diana Yacht Design and Hull Vane to achieve this result. As the WSA judges noted, Lady Lene has a “fast- displacement hull form fitted with a hull vane to lift the stern, keeping the yacht level at speed while increasing hydrodynamic efficiency to save more than 12.5% on fuel consumption cruising at 11 knots. A further pair of fixed foils cut pitch to provide a more comfortable ride.”  The jury of industry peers also praised the rugged and eye-catching exterior design for the way it” took into consideration the owner’s request for a high, robust bow, softly rounded lines and a spacious aft deck.” They were also enamored with other aspects of Lady Lene. “The clean style of interior design throughout her five cabins offers wheelchair accessibility and high ceilings, while high-quality construction by Van der Valk Shipyard was considered to be the icing on the cake for this versatile vessel that offers a transatlantic capability.”  Lady Lene was built for repeat clints and we’re currently working on a 65-footer with outboards for the same family. Our yard is also making excellent progress on a new 25.50-metre Flybridge due for launch this summer. Click here for more on Lady Lene‘s exterior design and technical attributes, and here for her interior design.

Viking Dominates 64th Big Rock

Five days after landing a 572.6-pound blue marlin, the Viking 72 Mercenaria could finally celebrate with their record-breaking win at the 64th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. It all started on Day One when Chad Ballard’s Mercenaria rolled up to the scales with the first fish of the tournament. When that blue marlin registered 572.6-pounds, the crowd erupted in cheers since it was a winning fish – capturing the Fabulous Fisherman award for the first blue marlin of the tournament weighing over 500 pounds. Matt Brown, who cranked in the fish, said, “It jumped quite a bit then went really deep. When it came to the side of the boat, we knew we were going to the scales.” Even though the team knew they won the Fabulous Fisherman, the wait was on. Would their fish hang on through the next five days to win the Blue Marlin category? Captain Neil Sykes said, “I joked that there were 265 boats out there full of high hopes and we were the only ones terrified! It was a very long five days.” Eight blues were brought to the scales throughout the week, but Mercenaria’s was the biggest making the crew happy as a clam. This accomplishment earned the team an industry-record check for a single blue marlin. “They are a great group of people, and we were excited to see them at the top after a long week of waiting,” said Big Rock Executive Director Madison Struyk. Rounding out the Mercenaria team is mate Jake Keech, mate Kurt Ward, Ben Fox and Tim Rapine. The fish was big enough to have won the last five of 10 Big Rock competitions. It’s also the 6th time in the last 10 Big Rock tournaments the winning fish was brought in on Day One. And it was the third $1 million-plus fish in tournament history. Making a late push was Safari, finishing first in the Top Release Boat Sonar category. Captain Rodney “Moon” Crossman put the 72 on three blue marlin and a sailfish on Thursday and a pair of blues and a sail on Friday. Robert McNeil and Brett Goulding were the anglers for the seven releases. Frank Sinoto’s Viking 62 Irene won the Top Release Non-Sonar. Captain James Ewing was behind the wheel for Frank’s three blue marlin. The 3rd Heaviest Tuna went to Rob Kilroy with a 51.8-pound fish. Rob hooked the fish on the Viking 61 Overtime with captain Kevin Gaylord. Mike Everly, captaining his Viking 92 Speculator, brought Rob Leerink’s winning wahoo to the dock. The fish hit the scale at 104.7 pounds – a whopper of a wahoo! And let’s not forget the 25th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament (KWLA) which kicked off the Big Rock. The momentum started with the ladies on the Viking 52 Can Do Too. Fishing on Sid Gold’s boat, Hunter Gentel and Meredith Hinton each released a blue marlin to win the Top Billfish Release Boat. Captain Skip Lecain and anglers Sarah Beth Overton, Emily Payne, Allison Terrill and Andrea Terrill completed Team Can Do Too. Heather Morris, angling on the Viking 68 Dun-Rite, caught the 2nd Heaviest Dolphin with a 26.7-pound fish. The KWLA is named in honor of the late wife of Big Rock board member Casey Wagner, who lost her battle with cancer in 2008. It is one of the largest ladies-only fishing events in the world and saw a record 215 boats in the 2022 fleet.

Viking at Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

Three-peat! Nick Pratt, owner of the Viking 72 It Just Takes Time, won the blue marlin category at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic for an unprecedented third time! Captain Chris Hood put Nick on a 763.6-pound fish to win the category back-to-back-to-back, a feat that has never been accomplished in the 26-year history of not just the Classic but any Gulf Coast big game tournament. “We’re thankful to have the opportunity once, let alone three times,” Nick said. “I attribute it to great teamwork. We have excellent chemistry and it’s a talented crew.” Nick and the It Just Takes Time team won the Classic in 2020 with a 570.2-pound blue and again last year with a 793-pounder. El Jefe boated the 2nd Place Tuna at 186.4 pounds. Jackson Stewart, fishing on the Viking 70, hooked the yellowfin that brought the team a five-figure check.

Viking at Cajun Canyons BillFish Classic

Michael Butler’s Viking 61 Crawgator weighed the Heaviest Blue Marlin at the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic. Angler Bill Butler cranked in the fish with captain Eric Chandler at the wheel. Teammate Van Romero claimed the 2nd Place Tuna weighing in at 73.7 pounds.  The Viking 68 Amigo, owned by David Denbow, took 3rd Place Billfish and 3rd Place Release Points with a trio of blue marlin releases. Miss Mary, a Viking 68, had the 3rd Place Tuna with a 68.9-pound fish. A 35-pound ‘hoo was caught on the Viking 74 Never Settle, good for 2nd Place Wahoo. Never Settle also weighed the 3rd Place Dolphin. Top Dolphin was hooked on the Viking 72 Breathe Easy and weighed 23.7 pounds.  A total of 73 boats and 360 anglers competed in the tournament. The fleet released 55 blue marlin, eight whites and three sailfish.

Viking at Bluewater Tournament

Congratulations to Half-A-Buc for their win with three blue marlin at the Bluewater Tournament for the second year in a row! Daniel Brown’s Viking 64 won the Billfish and Release Divisions at the Northeast Florida Marlin Association's 50th annual Bluewater Tournament. After a quiet first day the crew went three for three in just three hours. Glen Williams released one of the fish while Stephen Quick went from never hooking a blue to adding two for Half-A-Buc’s tally. Rounding out the team was Chuck Stowe, Harley Smegal, Rick Whitley and Daniel’s son Samuel who was celebrating his 12th birthday with his first marlin trip.

Viking For Congress

Congratulations to Viking’s Bob Healey Jr who won the Republican nomination for the U.S. House in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District. Bob is running to improve economic opportunity and affordability, stand with our police and enhance public safety, strengthen our military and defend our personal liberties and freedoms. Onward to November!

Ferretti Super Yacht Hits Reef and Sinks Off Turkey

A 26 meter Ferretti super yacht titled m/y Kapky hit a shallow underwater reef off the Eastern side of Doganbey Island in the coast of Seferihisar Western Turkey, and started sinking on the morning of 29 June at around 1100 local time.  Ten people where onboard the super yacht when it started to take on water, with the Turkish coast guard immediately assisting and taking the passengers to safety on shore land, and later in the day starting salvaging operations.  The Ferretti Custom Line super yacht was reported saved from total sinking the night of the same day.

M/y Kapky is a 2009 Ferretti Custom Line Navetta 26, as designed by Zuccon and produced from 2007 till 2010 in eleven units.  The Ferretti Custom Line Navetta 26 was replaced by the Custom Line Navetta 26 Crescendo.

Project: F&S 68 Flybridge Hull 35

FandS present the project for a new 68 Flybridge Hull number 35 sportfishing machine with full tower.  Commissioned by an FandS repeat customer, this 68 Flybridge is said to be a replacement for the owner current Soul Candy, FandS hull #30 61 Hardtop Express custom model launched in 2020. Including this hull number 35, currently FandS has three other custom builds, with this new project at 68 feet being the smallest.

www.fsyachts.com