March 17, 2025

New Model: Ora Yacht 48

I was walking at the 2024 Genoa boat show, when I saw a recognizable hull line, is that it, is this a re-invented Baia 48 Flash.  It was, but actually it was not, as it this was the new Ora Yacht 48.  My suspicion though was actually half correct as the Ora Yacht 48 is very much based on the successful 48 Flash hull, re-designed by Forma who presented an updated super structure, featuring a single-piece windshield with no barriers to visibility while navigating and a completely new cockpit and cabin layouts. Ora Yacht from Naples is a new brand who starts with this 48 model, with its bases coming from a family who has been doing boat yacht charter business since the Amalfi coast and nearby islands became a thing.  The Ora Yacht 48 comes minimal looking, a sort of classic open yacht launched into the future, which wants to bring the same outside spaces that the current crop of walk-around boats offer.  For doing this the Ora Yacht 48 first unit came with a nearly free cockpit deck, with L-shaped wet bar galley forward to port, under the extended windshield, and two opposite settees which can transform to a dinette or sun-pad, or be removed to make the cockpit area a totally free party space.  The fore deck has also the option to be equipped with floating cushions that can be used as sunbeds and a sofa.  The Ora Yacht 48 also features a Mastervolt Lithium-Ion system, the first for a boat of fourteen meters giving 220 volt AC systems without the need of a generator.  The system in the Ora 48 features a steel case that is five times stronger to isolate the batteries, this made to ensure safety and exceed upcoming regulations.  The Ora 48 is also well studied in the technical side, where for example removing the engine and or other technical equipment is easy to do.  The Ora 48 unlike its forbearer the 48 Flash which always featured surface drive propulsion, is powered by twin Volvo 600hp with IPS pod drives for top speeds up to forty knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14 m (45.9ft)
Hull Length - 13.6 m
Beam - 4.13 m
Draft - 1 m
Displacement - 15 t
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 600hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS800 forward looking dual propeller pod drives
Speed - forty knots max, thirty knots cruise, twenty knots economic cruise
Project - Forma Design
Certification - CE A

March 16, 2025

Project: Benetti B.Yond 57M

Benetti presents the B.Yond 57M project. The highest interpretation of the voyager and the largest hybrid unit of the Benetti B.Yond family, the 57M features exterior lines designed by Igor Lobanov and interior styling by Bonetti Kozerski Architecture. B.Yond 57M features three different DNA, each for a distinct way to be, and three distinct stern configurations: Beach, Air, and Water, thought for specific yachting experiences. The owner of the first unit selected the Beach version, optimized for seamless access to the water with an expansive 161 square meters beach area and a fifteen square meters pool, a key feature of the yacht, full outdoor service amenities, multiple configurations of the pool area thanks to a sliding sofa system that allows to cover the pool converting this space into a lounging area. The beach area is directly connected with the convertible garage deck, another multi configuration space of one hundred square meters that, when toys are in the water, can easily be converted into an enjoyable guest’s additional shaded spot creating an outstanding external/internal area. An innovative layout elevates the guest areas on the Main Deck and consequently the main salon on the Upper Deck, allowing for memorable panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows and creating a 22-meter, uninterrupted open space from bow to stern. This unique concept, a result of meticulous design studies, exemplifies Benetti’s commitment to push the boundaries and set new standards in yacht design.  

March 15, 2025

New Launch: Yachting Developments 34.9m Hull 1024

Yachting Developments have launched in 2024 hull number 1024, a 34.9m custom build Carbon Fibre super sportfish yacht titled m/y Gramac VII. Designed as three of the four sportfish yachts build by Yachting Developments by Warwick Yacht Design, hull 1024 sports similar lines to the 2020 launched less to two meters smaller hull 1017.  Yachting Developments Hull 1024 is a custom super sportfish yacht with its criteria being able to do long range international passages on her own bottom. Thanks to the clever use of carbon fibre and weight saving interior, Yachting Developments is again able to build a large Sportfish that has the best of both worlds, capable of both high speed and long range.  Mostly specialized in sailing yachts Yachting Developments has become an important addresses for custom build 24 meters or larger super sportfish yacht, with the builder delivering four custom units from from 27 to 39 meters in the last twelve years.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 34.9 m (114.4ft)
Beam - 7.7 m
Draft - 1.9 m
Displacement - 225 gt *volume
Fuel Capacity - 24,000 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, four crew in two cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V 2600hp
Propulsion - line shaft with moulded propeller tunnels
Speed - twenty knots cruise
Construction - carbon fibre
Project - Warwick design and naval architecture

March 14, 2025

Project: Ferretti 800

Ferretti present the 800, a pocket super yacht which completes the circle of the range renewal which started in 2018 with the 670 model. Now Ferretti Yachts has all its models from its entry level 500 to the 1000 all designed by Filippo Salvetti. A replacement of the 780 the 800 project was presented during Boot Düsseldorf and is under construction at Ferretti Cattolica shipyard, a result of collaboration between Filippo Salvetti exterior design, Ideaeitalia for interior, and the Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The 600 will have a length overall of just over 24 meters, a version with a shorter stern platform is also available to comply with the 24-metre limit established by French law and a maximum beam of just under six meters.  Ferretti Yachts 800 is designed to offer the owner peerless comfort and a superior on-board lifestyle for a yacht this size, thanks to optimised spaces and meticulous layout planning. The most innovative features include large windows for uninterrupted views of the surroundings from the interiors and an optional sliding door on the starboard side of the salon; perfectly separated spaces to ensure total privacy; and optimisation of the exterior surfaces and particularly the flybridge which is now forty squared meters in size, further enriching the on-board experience. Turning to the exterior design, Ferretti Yachts 800 combines a modern aesthetic with the brand’s signature identity, and follows the lines as introduced with the 860, and now to be followed in the upcoming 940. The new design has a bold personality that projects the Ferretti Yachts range into the future, combining a sporty design with sophisticated detailing. One of the characteristic features of this model is in fact the gradual slope of the flybridge’s lines down towards the stern, breaking with the tradition that they are parallel to the hull. The result is a perfect balance between timeless elegance, dynamism and impressive volume. Ideaeitalia focused its efforts on layout-related and architectural choices, aiming to enhance the elegance of the interiors at the same time as ensuring functionality and intelligent design. There was a special focus on the main deck, where an in-depth analysis of movement flows has resulted in an innovative configuration, in which the galley opens onto both the main hallway and the helm station area, with the introduction of a new concept for separating guest and crew flows. The standout elements, unusual for a boat this size, include a day head on the main deck and, in the master cabin, a freestanding dressing table, a vanity area and a particularly generous and comfortable bathroom. In a rapid overview starting on the main deck, the beach area is aft, and also offers a fold-down sofa in the transom. The cockpit has a spectacular glass parapet designed to extend the view outside and towards the beach club, with access to the crew area, which features three separate cabins with entrance from the port side walkway. Continuing through the interiors, the salon is bathed in light thanks to extensive glazing, one of the signature features of the boat, which offers uninterrupted views of the sea and the surrounding area even when sitting on the sofa. The generous interior volumes are further enhanced by the exquisite arrangement of the furniture to maximise liveability and by the two-metre ceiling height. The two interior decor moods available are Classic which taps into earthy elements, and Contemporary, featuring glowing woods and fabrics in fresh hues inspired by the colours of the sea. In perfect Made in Italy style, both are designed to offer owners an elegant, inviting and well-balanced ambiance. Moving past the living space, the dining area contains an elegant table seating eight. At the same time, the fully appointed and separate galley is directly connected to this space through a sliding section in the bulkhead. Separate walkways are another unusual feature of the yacht, allowing the crew to enter the galley from the outdoor area and then access the wheelhouse without interfering with guest flows. It’s also possible to access the helm station from the hallway, which can be closed off completely to ensure maximum privacy. The exterior living area forward features a sunbed and a forward-facing C-shaped sofa designed for comfort. On the lower deck, the sleeping area consists of a master stateroom, a VIP suite forward and two guest cabins, providing a total of eight berths. There are four en suite private bathrooms. The flybridge area is also larger than the category average thanks to the sleek, arched profile of the superstructure. On the starboard side there’s an al fresco dining area and table, with a generous storage compartment under the fibreglass sofa, while on the port side there’s a bar unit with optional stools. The freestanding furnishings such as the chairs and poufs are by Talenti. The helm station forward offers comfortable seating and excellent visibility. Ferretti Yachts 800 is powered by standard Man 1550hp for a speed up to 27 knots, and or optional 1800hp for 31 knots of wide open throttle.

March 13, 2025

New Model: Majesty 60

The Majesty 60 is the Gulf Craft prime brand current entry level model.  Conservative in look but with a sleek design, the Majesty 60 offers interesting spacious outdoor and indoor areas, including an expansive swim platform and alfresco dining. Her accommodation layout includes an astern galley layout looking inside, with a dinette opposite the galley and a saloon further forward of the main deck dining, lounging area.  The lower deck offers a three cabins layout with three heads with a full beam midships owners staterooms.  Majesty always says that a two cabin version, were I would imagine that the smaller third guest cabin becomes an office or an utility room.  The Majesty 62 offers also a spacious crew cabin aft with two opposite berths.  The Majesty 60 is powered by twin MTU 966hp for speeds up to nineteen knots, and a cruise of fifteen. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.39 m (60.3ft)
Beam - 5.27 m
Draft - 0.9 m 
Displacement - 29 t, 50 gt*volume
Fuel Capacity - 3646 l
Water Capacity - 567 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, two crew in one cabin
Engines - 2 x MTU 8V2000 M72 966hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - nineteen knots max, fifteen cruise, twelve knots economic
Range - 900 nautical miles at twelve knots
Certification - RINA CE B

March 12, 2025

Project: Marex 440 Scandinavia

The Marex 440 Scandinavia is the second version of the Danish shipyard’s flagship model, which debuted with the 440 Gourmet Cruiser in the second half of 2023.  The Marex 440 Scandinavia redefines the living and social spaces, offering two large dining areas onboard and ensures quick and direct access to the deck thanks to its pilot and co-pilot side doors.  The cockpit deck and one in the cabin area, with the galley moving on opposite side.  For the remaining the Marex 440 Scandinavia is identical to the Gourmet Cruiser, with a choice for a two or three cabins lower deck layouts, and engine choices which go from twin Volvo 440hp to 480hp, and are available in the trinity of propulsion options; IPS pod drvies, line shafts, and stern drives.

March 11, 2025

New Model: JPK Nomad 40

JPK the France yacht builder founded in 1992 by Jean-Pierre Kelbert, specialized first in composite and then since 2003 sailing boat builder, enters into motor boating, with the Nomad 40. The JPK idea was to design an attractive motorboat for cruising with a focus on quality of life on board. The experience in building racing and fast cruising sailboats allowed JPK to approach the world of motorboats from a completely different perspective, both in terms of design and construction optimisation. In studying the sector JPK found that in the majority of cases, motorboats do not cover many miles and are limited to short trips because of discomfort and high fuel consumption. Enters the 40 Nomad as designed by Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty who presented a looking minimal design with a flush deck just above the water, and a modern, warm, open-air interior to communicate with a panoramic sea view. The Nomad 40 aim is to appeal to both sailors and motor enthusiasts by combining a thin, high-performance hull with voluminous superstructures for maximum optimisation of the living space all with a stylish clean design. The JPK Nomad 40 is powered by standard 110hp engines with optional engines going up to 195hp.  The JPK Nomad 40 also features options for extended range and living onboard, see option to to have double fuel capacity and extender water capacity by about sixty per cent.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.98 m (39ft)
Beam - 3.70 m
Draft - 0.78 m
Displacement - 5 t
Fuel Capacity - 420 l, optional 2 x 420 l
Water Capacity - 440 l, optional 2 x 320 l
Accommodation - four plus two berths
Engines - 1 x Yanmar 110hp, 4LV 195hp, optional 15kw Blueline electic hybrid available
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - eighteen knots max with 110hp, twelve knots cruise, twenty knots max with 150hp
Project - Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty design, J Valer naval architect
Certification - CE B 6

March 10, 2025

Project: Outer Reef 540 Adenture

Following the successful announcement of the 780 Adventure in the Fall of 2024, Outer Reef presents the project for a 540 Adventure. Designed and engineered as the larger 780 Adventure in the Netherlands by Bernd Weel Design, with engineering by Studio Delta Naval Architects and interiors by Julian Moore Design, the 540 Adventure is a masterful blend of advanced technology and timeless elegance. The Outer Reef 540 Adventure is engineered for long-range and coastal cruising, offering a range up to two thousand nautical mile range at best per mile cruise, and is constructed and designed to CE Category A Unlimited Ocean certification. Known for their forward-thinking approach to yacht design, the Dutch design team, in concert with Outer Reef’s design team, have created a vessel that seamlessly blends cutting-edge innovation with timeless aesthetic appeal. Compact yet versatile, the 540 Adventure is designed to meet the needs of a broader audience, including new cruisers, owner-operators seeking a manageable size, and seasoned owners downsizing for ease of use. As a production style yacht, the 540 Adventure also offers a tailored touch, with a variety of fabrics and veneers available to suit individual tastes. The 540 Adventure features a three staterooms layout, including a full-beam midship master suite, and two well-appointed heads for maximum comfort and functionality during extended stays. Optional crew quarters offer additional flexibility for accommodating guests or staff. The Outer Reef 540 Explorer is to be build in fiberglass and powered by twin 800hp Volvo with conventional shaft drive propulsion systems.

March 9, 2025

Aquila New Web Site

Aquila presents its new web site.  Aquila from Hangzhou, China was founded in 2012 by the Xiong family owned Sino Eagle Group in a joint venture with Lex Rass, and MarineMax co-founder at the time CEO Bill McGill.  Sino Eagle Group was founded officially in 2007, but its founder John Zhangyou Xiong entered boat building in 1985 when he was studying carpentry and furniture making in China and working part time with a boat builder.  At the end of that same year John starts his own business and started designing and building high performance rowing shells, with his first build launched in March 1986, and the same rowing boat winning a gold medal in April 1986.  In 1990 Xiong will get his important breakthrough as he gets an order for 61 racing shells for the 1990 Asian Games, but this gets disrupted as the factory roof collapses in a storm some weeks before delivery destroying some of the finished shells.  Still Xiong and his staff with commitment and hardship will manage to complete the order, and deliver the shells in time.  In 2007 Sino Group is founded, while in 2011 Sino Eagle USA is formed in Florida.  This will lead to the Aquila brand arriving in 2012, first with the Aquila 38 which debuted in that year, and is followed by the Aquila 48 as designed by JandJ with input from MarineMax.  Today Aquila is recognized as the largest in volume Power Catamaran builder in the World, currently offering twelve power catamarans from eight to 21 meters, and divided into four series; Offshore, Sport, Coupe, and Yachts.  Aquila latest 2025 models are the just launched 42 Coupe and 46 Coupe.  Aquila new website takes you around with the following buttons; Offshore, Sport, Coupe, Yachts, Luxury, About, and Find a Dealer.  Aquila is also on social media with bottom page buttons taking you to its; Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Linkedin pages.
Production History;
38 2012-14 (12)
48 2013-18
44 2014-
54 2021-
70 2021-
42 2023-
50 2024-
42 Coupe 2025-
46 Coupe 2025-
The first Aquila the 38 debuts in 2012

March 8, 2025

Azimut Ends Beached in Bucerias Nayarit Mexico

A fourteen meter Azimut flybridge cruiser titled m/y Yalusa with seventeen people onboard ended semi beached and partly sunk at the mouth of the Arroyo del Indio river in Bucerías, Bahia de Banderas, on the Mexican Pacific Coast on Friday seventh March. Yalusa is reported to have first crashed in an Oyster farm, and then partly sunk and ultimately ended part beached.  Five days after the sinking on Wednesday the twelfth March, an excavator was filmed removing and wrecking the vessel, all this without any authorization from the federal agencies responsible for the care of maritime-terrestrial zones.  The oyster farmers in the area, pointed out that this would jeopardize the production of the mollusc for the Oyster Festival, which takes place annually at the end of March.
The Azimut in this accident is an AZ 46 model as designed by Stefano Righini for exterior and Carlo Galeazzi for interior, and produced from 1997 to 2004.  The Azimut AZ 46 came out as a replacement to AZ 43 Quarantatré, with the model evolving with minor modifications into the 46 Evolution in 2004 and then replaced by the 47 in 2007.