July 13, 2025

Explorer Yacht Ends Beached in Stillwater Cove, California

A sixteen meter explorer yacht with two persons onboard ended aground and beached at Stillwater Cove, Del Monte Forest, California at 04:00 early morning time of Wednesday 26 March. Cal Fire responded to the yacht in distress and rescued the two people onboard taking them to safety.  The cause of how the yacht ended aground, if for an error of navigation or a mechanical failure has not been reported and is under investigation.  A rescue mission to float the yacht, and then take it for repairs at a yacht yard in Monterey is being organized. 
The explorer yacht in this beaching is an Ocean Alexander 54 Trawler as produced from 2009, and produced for a couple of years.  Ocean Alexander also produced the extended in length 60 Trawler on the same hull.

Improve-it = Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 102

Cantiere delle Marche present the latest in its Darwin 102 semi custom series launched, as designed by Sergio Cutolo. This fifth unit of the Darwin 102's which launched first in 2015, and sixteenth Darwin unit features interiors by London-based Lawson Robb. Titled Haze2 this would be owner was introduced to the Darwin Class when he toured a 106 at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival. He was impressed by the yacht’s craftsmanship and engineering, noting the Darwin series’ voluminous hulls with deep, rounded sections, far more substantial than typical motor yachts of similar size. Another characteristic he greatly appreciated was the generous fuel and storage capacities, which allow all Darwin yachts to comfortably cross oceans or cruise for an entire season without needing to stop for fuel or provisioning. Following this, the Owner collaborated closely with CdM to finalize the yacht’s size and specifications. Custom touches include a redesigned wheelhouse windscreen for improved visibility and profile, and a concealed tender crane located at the aft end of the Sun Deck, similar to the RJ series. The yacht’s exterior design reflects the hallmark of Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec, who has overseen the development of this successful series since its inception. Haze2 features an impressive exterior that further highlights the bold character of the Darwin Class, accentuated by a daring color scheme: a metallic grey hull paired with a blue superstructure. Interior design, led by London-based Lawson Robb, are no less impressive. The yacht’s generous volumes allow to comfortably accommodate up to ten guests and a crew of six. Following an Owner’s brief synthesized in a few inputs - tactile, low gloss, light, open grain veneers, natural tones, brushed bronze, mosaic, the interior designer created an ambience that exudes a refined contemporary elegance, where sophistication is achieved through the masterful use of diverse wood veneers, metals, leather and wallpapers. Each surface tells a story, creating a layered, tactile richness. This generous application of materials grounds the space, offering warmth and timelessness. Flowing lines guide movement through the yacht’s interior, while the cleanness and linearity of most furniture add a sense of structure and modern precision. The palette leans into earthy tones periodically punctuated with vibrant accents, bringing the space to life without disturbing its calm. Lighting plays a key role, with indirect LED strips following architectural curves and custom pendant fixtures echoing the geometric language. The result is an interior that feels both serene and striking, an effortless fusion of contemporary design and luxurious comfort.  This fifth Darwin 102 is powered by twin Cats 670hp, and offers a range up to 5,000 nautical miles at nine knots.

July 12, 2025

Itama Sport Cruiser Sinks in Salins Beach, St. Tropez

A twelve meter Itama sport cruiser partly sank in Salins Beach, to the South East of St. Tropez on the afternoon of Saturday twelfth July.  This sinking was reported on the This is StTropez Facebook page.  After the part sinking, the sport cruiser was taken near the shore, and what looks to be its skipper is filmed dropping the anchor.  The cause of the sinking and numbers of passengers onboard at the time of the accident is not reported.  The Itama sport cruiser was still sank and boon protected as of Monday.
The Itama in this sinking is a Forty model, as designed by Marco Casali and produced from 2005 to 2011 in 109 units.  The Forty was the first model of the Ferretti Group Itama ownership era, and was a replacement to the previous 40, with the model replaced by the 45.

New Model: Baglietto DOM 115

Baglietto has launched the first unit of the DOM 115.  Presented as project in April 2023 during a private ceremony, the DOM 115 is a smaller version of the DOM 133.  Not your typical Baglietto looking, and more a volume space searching look the DOM line is proving to be a big winner for Baglietto, and following the only one made DOM 123, the DOM 133 has been a huge success with ten hulls sold of the forty meter to date.  To put this into perspective the DOM 133 is to date the most sold Baglietto above 24 meters ever made.  The DOM 115 has also started on a flying start strong, with two other hulls under construction, one of which being made on speculation.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 34.50 m (115ft)
Beam - 7.80 m
Draft - 2.40 m
Displacement - 240,000 kg, 298 gt*volume 
Fuel Capacity - 33,000 l
Water Capacity - 5000 l
Accommodation - ten/twelve guest in five cabins, seven crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V8 1200hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - fourteen knots max, thirteen cruise, ten knots long range
Range - 2800 nautical miles at ten knots
Construction - steel hull, aluminium super structure
Project - Stefano Vafiadis
Certification - RINA cross of Malta Mach Y short range

July 11, 2025

Two Crew Injured as Classic Super Yacht Goes Ablaze in St. Tropez

Two crew were injured as the classic 41 meter super yacht titled m/y Sea Lady II under Valletta, Malta flag went ablaze in a high peak Summer busy St. Tropez marina, in the South of France at 20:00 of Thursday tenth July.  The fire started at the raised pilot house on the top deck, and then spread to the yachts main deck, as the VAR fire department intervened to fight the blaze.  The fire fighting course of action was to remove nearby yachts, with St. Tropez being one of the Mediterranean's most busy marina's, and then fight the fire.  The blaze was extinguished by midnight, although fire fighters still had problems boarding the yacht, with this listing to its port side, partly sank and still taking on water.  The two crew suffered smoke inhalation, with no other injuries reported.  The cause of the fire, as the number of people onboard at the time of the fire was not reported.
M/y Sea Lady II previously named D'Angleterre II is a W.A. Souter and Sons 41 meter, build in 1986 at Cowes on the Isle of Wight to a design of Don Shead.  Sea Lady II was refitted last year in 2024, and is the largest of four Souter super yachts, all build between 1984 to 1986.  W.A. Souter and Sons was founded 1961 and closed in 1987.
Media sensationalism was over kill on this fire, because of the location but also on the value of the classic super yacht with various media outlets wrongly quoting ten to one hundred million as value. Although currently not for sale, m/y Sea Lady II was last listed for sale in 2021 for 2,750,000 million EUROS, and then removed from the market in 2023.

Project: Azimut Grande 25M

Azimut present the project for a new Grande 25M.  Designed by Alberto Mancini with interiors by Yachtique, the Grande 25M is set to be the entry level for Azimut's Grande super yacht line which goes up to 44 meters.  For the Grande 25M Alberto Mancini followed looks more similar to the smaller Fly range then the large Grande models.  In many ways the Grande 25M is a classic motor yacht for this size, looking nimble and sporty, with a clean profile, and no full body to add volume inside and or a midships stateroom on the fore deck.  That is not to say the Grande 25M will not be a space searching exercise, she is in the end an Azimut, and this comes without asking, albeit here it is conservative, then some of the Grande's which came in recent years like the 26M.  The Grande 25M will also come with a couple of choices for the flybridge available in Lounge or Pool versions, and the main deck in Lounge or Dining layouts.  The lower deck is standard with a four double suite cabins layout, and two crew cabins aft sleeping three.  The Azimut Grande 25M is to be powered by twin Man 1800hp for top speeds up to thirty knots.

July 10, 2025

New Model: Galeon 435 GTI

Galeon present the new 435 GTI, the inboard sister to the 435 GTO which arrived in the second half of 2024. A bold evolution of Galeon’s grand touring concept, the 435 GTI is an inboard-powered day cruiser that combines sleek, sporty aesthetics with practical, high-performance features. With its aggressive silhouette, panoramic glazing, and climate-controlled wheelhouse, this yacht delivers comfort and control in every condition. The cockpit is a highlight of versatility, featuring transformable seating that converts into a sun-pad and hides a compact garage below perfect for tender or water toys storage. A hydraulic swim platform provides easy sea access and doubles as a lift. The Beach Mode fold-down balconies further expand the deck space, creating an open, social atmosphere at anchor. Inside, the main deck includes a U-shaped dinette, wet bar, and triple sport helm seats, all beneath a large two-part retractable sunroof and drop-down side windows that let the outdoors in. The bow area is easily accessed via a flush side deck and offers plush wrap-around seating, a table, or a full sun-pad setup. Below deck, the owner’s cabin sits forward with a double bed, skylight, and extensive storage, while the guest cabin amidships offers both single and double berths with full-height doors. A stylish galley and spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower ensure all-day comfort on longer cruises. Premium materials, curved wood finishes, and stainless steel accents elevate the interior to Galeon’s signature luxury standard. The Galeon 435 GTI is powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS pod drives as standard, an or twin Volvo 600hp again with IPS pod drives as optional.  Want more performance and can live without the up-down bathing platform, the outboard powered 435 GTO powered by twin or triple Mercury 600hp or quadruple 500hp offers this, giving a forty knots or more performance, increasing as the power increases.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.40 m (47.3ft)
Hull Length - 12.5 m
Beam - 4.11 m
Draft - 1.18 m
Displacement - 16018 kg unloaded, 19,700 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 1400 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Max Persons - fourteen 
Accommodation - fiver berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp, or D8 600hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives
Speed - 35 knots max with Volvo 480hp engines
Project - inhouse by Galeon
Certification - CE B

July 9, 2025

Projects: Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 Fly, Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 Sedan

Beneteau presents the project for a Swift Trawler 37, to be available in both Fly and Sedan versions. Designed by Dixon for both naval architecture and lines, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 comes as a replacement to the 34, replacing the model as the entry level to the explorer semi-planning cruisers series of the French builder. For the Swift Trawler 37, Dixon presented an eye catching design bring in features from the larger Grand Trawler 62 model, like the wood inserts in the top deck profile, and forward raked forward windshield, and a soft use of asymmetry, where the flybridge is extended and the side deck is all deep to the starboard side. For the Swift Trawler 37 Fly with flybridge configuration, the raised helm position is located to starboard, with a social u-shaped settee opposite this also featuring a forward-adaptive backrest, table and built-in cool-box. For the interior the Swift Trawler 37 welcomes you inside with complimentary u-shaped galley and sofa creating the sense of space. This is supported by significant storage options and a large fridge & freezer option. The sofa quickly converts into a double bunk with privacy curtain. Alongside the help, we have introduced an innovative lift-up table that smartly converts into a comfy work station. Down below, the focus is on the roomy owner cabin, as well as the main bathroom which has a Jack and Jill set of doors, working also an en-suite for the master cabin and features a separate shower cubicle. The galley and bathroom feature Corian worksurfaces as standard, while the new décor and comfort Luxe pack can further enhance life on board. A second guest cabin with twin bunk berths is located to port side.
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 Sedan is all but identical to the 37 Fly, with the difference that you have no fly bridge up top.  Still Beneteau has put this area to good use, introducing the concept of adaptive floorspace. Where can set up this space to suit your needs.  The open platform, accessed via the inbuilt stair unit, can easily accommodate sun loungers, shading and tables for the ideal socialising space. Or for those families with an abundance of gear and toys for water and land activities, can be used as an easily accessible storage area.  The Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 also comes with a few options, from the optional Electric Skylights to the Silent Boat option, which adds solar panels for clean energy.  The Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 is to be powered by twin 220hp engines with line shaft propulsion.

July 8, 2025

New Model: XL Marine 55 WA

Having restarted full production in 2023, XL Marine shows it's prowess by debuting the all new 55 WA, its totally new flagship, and largest build to date.   The XL Marine 55 WA, also sees the central Italy open yacht specialist enter a new segment by offering its first walk around model, entering the hottest part of the current market in this sporty size, where the offer and competition is huge.  But XL Marine 55 WA has distinct details which make her stand out from the competition; for first she is one of the few walk around coming with classic sport yacht lines, is a custom build to order yacht, the only boat in this size with double large sun-pads on the fore-deck, and last but not least one of the few propelled with traditional line shaft propulsion.   Custom?  The XL Marine 55 WA is so custom that is also offered with two stern design layouts, sloop design as the first hull, or square transom for the more traditional looks, but also the cabin layout that you want.  The first XL 55 WA, is a yacht which was build to be for most of its life a charter boat, and was fitted with a single cabin layout, plus saloon, galley, and shower head.  The XL Marine 55 WA is powered by twin Man 850hp or optional 1000hp, for speeds up to 34 knots with the standard engines, and 37 with the optional larger units. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.11 m (56.1ft)
Hull Length - 15.5 m
Beam - 4.75 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 24 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, or two berths in one cabin, one crew cabin aft
Engines - 2 x Man i6 850hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 34 knots max 28 cruise with Man 850hp, 37 knots max 30 cruise with 1000hp
Project - Antonio De Mennato 

July 7, 2025

Project: Aquila 46 Yacht

Aquila Power Catamarans is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the all-new 46 Yacht, arriving September 2025. This latest addition to the Aquila portfolio brings the same award-nominated "Explorer" aesthetic as the acclaimed 50 Yacht to a more intimate thirteen meter platform, delivering larger yacht innovation and capability for those seeking the perfect balance of performance and comfort. The Aquila 46 Yacht exemplifies the brand's philosophy, designed for long-range escapes, effortless entertaining, and those rare moments when comfort, capability, and beauty converge in one remarkable vessel. With CE Category A ocean certification, the 46 Yacht provides confident open-water exploration with serious offshore capability that matches its impressive aesthetic appeal. The 46 Yacht's impressive seven meters plus of beam creates interior volume that rivals considerably larger vessels, while thoughtful design maximizes every inch for both privacy and connection. The open-concept interior features panoramic windows that flood the salon with natural light and ocean views, creating a spacious living area with full galley accompanied with household sized refrigeration and induction cooktop. The rear salon window and sliding main entrance door opens to create seamless indoor/outdoor entertainment space that enhances every gathering. There’s even an optional interior helm for all-weather comfort. The full-beam master cabin delivers impressive spaciousness with a king-size bed, ample storage, and sleek modern finishes. Large windows provide stunning sea views and natural light, creating a relaxing, airy retreat complete with en-suite bathroom featuring a separate shower for luxury and privacy. Above deck, expansive areas perfect for entertaining feature stylish lounges and integrated gathering zones. The flybridge provides commanding views and direct access to the forward bow from the helm area, while versatile outdoor spaces enhance every on-the-water experience, whether hosting guests or relaxing in the sun. The 46 Yacht is available in three, four, or five-cabin configurations to perfectly match individual cruising preferences. True to Aquila’s DNA for innovation, the four-cabin version can be converted back to an owners three-cabin version – smart design that adapt as plans evolve. For those considering charter opportunities, the five-cabin layout delivers maximum guest capacity. Advanced options include the Aquila Hydro Glide® Foil System for enhanced efficiency and range, fully-integrated and standard-issue C-Zone digital switching, and the ability to add a lithium battery system. These innovations reflect Aquila's commitment to thoughtful engineering that enhances the boating experience. The Aquila 46 Yacht is powered by twin Volvo 320hp, and will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival in September, with an American debut following at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2025.