Southampton 2025 Boat Show Preview

The Southampton boat show enters its 56th edition, currently British largest, this show is known to showcase the latest novelty coming from Britain.  Nearly fully held in water the 2025 edition of the Southampton boat show features a refreshed layout, with a new entrance at Mayflower Park which takes you to the eight locations; Watersports Zone, Dinghy Zone, Classic and Day Boat Zone, Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall, Showmarina, Shipyard, On the Water Stage, and Beachaven and Watersports Lake.  The 2024 Southampton boat show opens on Friday 19, and goes up to Sunday 28 September; ten days of boating days full of events and interesting stuff.  As is usual to Southampton, the famous trio of British builders will all be present, with World debuts coming from the Hardy 45 European, and Orkney Pilothouse 27.

www.southamptonboatshow.com

The Southampton boat show debuted in 1969 with the first edition held from September 29 to October fourth.  Organized by Norman Kemish and Arthur Gale the first edition was a modest affair with about fifty exhibitors, solely contained within Mayflower Park, with the army based on the other side of the river supplying the small pontoon to display the handful of boats showed.  In 1983 the Southampton boat show was sold to the Boat Builders National Federation today known as British Marine, with the sale becoming complete four years later as the Federation took hold of the event organization in 1988.  This switch resulted in the Southampton show expanding space for 254 boats afloat.  2019 was the Southampton boat show record year, with 103,000 visitors attending the event and the showcase of 600 plus of brands.  The Southampton boat show was cancelled in the 2020 Covid-19 year, while the last day of the 1981 event was remembered for gale-force-winds ripping into the event and flattening and ship wrecking everything on site.

1975 Southampton Boat Show

Project: Forte Yachts 47

Forte Yachts is a new name from La Spezia, which comes from solid bases as it is a brand of West Navaltech an aluminium sub-contractor who has been serving the yachting industry, and has also build vessels for commercial and pleasure on order, and now decides to enter the pleasure boating sector.  As an expert in aluminium Forte will build its made to order sport cruisers and yacht in this material, and will start with this 47, as designed by Paolo Giordano, and naval architecture by Umberto Tagliavini.  The first project debuting this fall, is set to be followed by larger 58 and 69 models.  The Forte Yachts 47 is to be available in two versions Gran Turismo version which will feature an open hard-top, and the Lounge Deck version which has a side enclosed hard-top.  Forte so far is saying the Gran Turismo is the outboard powered version, while the Lounge Deck is the inboard IPS propulsion option.  But considering that nothing changes I am sure one can order both versions with the propulsion he likes.  The Forte Yachts 47 will feature a living on the main deck, dinette and galley under the hard-top, with a lower deck offering two cabins.  A master cabin with private head to starboard forward, and three berth cabin;  double bed and a single at midships.  The Forte Yachts 47 is to be powered by twin Volvo 600hp with IPS pod propulsion, with the outboard version to be powered by triple Mercury 600hp.  

www.forteyachts.com

Azimut Yacht Partly Sank and Aground in Symi Island Greece

A fifteen meter Azimut sport yacht under British flag and with two Turkish persons onboard, ended aground and partly sank in Symi Island, in Greece and to the South Aegean sea on Tuesday sixteen September.  The cause of the part sinking is not reported with the story shared on the Boating in Greece Facebook Group, via a reel from Leuteris_frazadakis.  The persons are still seen onboard the sport yacht at the time the reel is taken.

The sport yacht in this part sinking is an Azimut Atlantis 51 as designed by Filippo Salvetti and produced since 2018.  The Atlantis 51 was a replacement to the Azimut Atlantis 50.

New Model: Itama 54

It took time for the current Ferretti Group ownership to notice Itama, a small signal arrived in 2017 when the S update came for the 45, with this followed on the larger 62 in 2020, and the RS update in subsequent years.  Now after sixteen years and the not so lucky Fifty model, Itama is back with this totally new 54.  Officially announced as a project this Winter, the new 54 sees designer Tommaso de Luca take the legendary classic Itama name to a new third generation act, with some new details pushing along the classic ones.  Tommaso de Luca for the new Itama 54 adds new modern interesting features, some less subtle like the outward stern, the integrated sun-pads on the fore deck, and the hull glazing serving the cabin area to the less noticeable near wide body cockpit.  These new features are added to the classic Itama must have; the flush deck, the long windshield, and the aft sun-pad.  The lower deck accommodation for the Itama 54 offers two cabins; master forward and double guest berth to starboard served with two shower heads, an ensuite for the owner and a guest head.  A spacious galley on entry into the cabin area to port side, and a dinette lounge sofa.  The galley is definitely a plus, as it is not only spacious for a sixteen meter yacht, but one of the few to have a lower deck galley since the genre is mostly competed by walk-around type day yachts.  Outside the new 54 is all classic Itama; aft sun-pad, C-shaped dinette and C-shaped lounger to starboard, with a wet bar and helm station to port side.  The Itama 54 is standard powered by twin Man 730hp for speeds up to 33 knots and a cruise of 28, with optional 850hp pushing up to 37 knots.  A technical new feature for the 54 is that it is also the first Itama fitted with propeller tunnels. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.44 m (53.9ft)

Beam - 4.74 m

Draft - 1.42 m

Displacement - 19.5 t unloaded, 24.10 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2500 l

Water Capacity - 450 l

Max Persons - fourteen

Accommodation - four guests in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Man i6 730hp, i6 850hp

Propulsion - integrated U-drive shaft line

Speed - 37 knots with Man 850hp, 33 knots max 28 cruise with Man 730hp

Project - Tommaso de Luca exterior and interior, Ferretti Group engineering

www.itama-yacht.com

Flybridge Cruiser Ends Aground in Cape May, New Jersey

A ten meter flybridge cruiser ran aground in Fortescue, New Jersey on the afternoon of Saturday fourteen September.  SeaTow Cape May responded to the accident and floated the boat back in the water, and then towed her to Cape May marina.  The story was reported on SeaTow Cape May Facebook and Instagram pages, but specifics on the accident are not advised.

The boat in this accident is a Luhrs 342 Tournament as produced from 1986 to 1989.  The 342 Tournament was replaced by the Luhrs 350 Convertible, with the platform evolved and used for the 3420 Motor Yacht from 1991 to 1993.

Genoa 2025 Boat Show Preview

Genoa opens its door for its 65th edition on Thursday 18 and closing on Tuesday 23 September.  Genoa is the largest boat show in the Mediterranean and Europe, with the 2025 edition offering over a thousand boats on display, 23 new shipyards taking part, and exhibitors flocking to Genoa from a total of 45 countries, the best of the industry will be showcased to the world, including 123 new products and 96 premieres.  The 2024 Genoa boat show had 120,864 visitors, an increase of 2.19% to the 2023 edition making it the most attended water boat show, and second in the World.  Along with most of the novelties from Cannes arriving a week later to Genoa, the 2025 boat show will feature the following World firsts; Manda Yachts S05.3, Mimi Libeccio 9.50 Walkaround and Libeccio 13.5 Cabin, and Rio Parana 40.
www.salonenautico.com

The Genoa boat show debuted in 1962, the first edition held in 27 January had over 300,000 visitors and featured a total of 430 exhibitors from eighteen countries; 247 Italian and the rest international. The Fiera had in its second year doubled its exhibiting space, a theme of the show over the years who always upgraded its spaces, and recent big expansions coming with the Marina in 2006 which quadrupled water spaces, and the new Pavilion B designed by Jean Nouvel in 2009. In 1964 Genoa boat show became a member of IFBSO, with UCINA the Italian association of boat builders managing the show from 1966. This UCINA move marked the end of the Milan show which debuted in 1960 and had its last fifth edition in 1965. The Genoa boat show had a double edition in 1972; 29 January to seven February and one to ten December, while the 1973 edition was when it moved to its today known fall of the year October dates, with the show reduced to a smaller five day format in 2014 added by a day a couple years later. The Genoa boat show was one of the few shows which managed to do its editions during the 2020 and 2021 Covid-19 pandemic years.

Genoa Boat Show First Edition

Projects: Princess C48, Princess C48 Open

In Summer Princess started to tease about this new C-class range, and in Cannes the announcement finally arrived, for the C48 available in two versions; the standard deck saloon, and the Open version, with this last set to debut at Fort Lauderdale boat show in the fall of 2026, and DS version in Dusseldorf on January 2027.  The C48 is exterior designed by Bernard Olesinki and the Princess design team led by Andy Lawrence, with hull design coming from Michael Peters who brings his patented Stepped Vee Ventilated hull.  Princess entering the center console market is big news, with the C48 also becoming the fastest boat to come from Plymouth to date, estimated to reach 54 knots with the top option of triple Mercury 600hp set up.  The other power options are standard triple Mercury 400hp outboard for speeds up to 44 knots, and inboard stern drive of twin 480hp estimated giving speeds up to 34 knots.  The Princess C48 will offer a lower deck sleeping four, with a lot of options for the forward area; standard is a U-shaped dinette, and this can be optioned a double berth in open or enclosed with door becoming a separate forward cabin.  To midships is also a second cabin with double berth.  A mini galley on entrance to port side, and a spacious head with enclosed shower completes the cabin accommodation.  For the main deck the C for center console C48 is a full walk around but dynamics and cockpit layout are very different in between the C48 Open or the Deck Saloon version.  The C48 Open is a Euro walk-around made for the American market; central sun-pad, opposite settee dinette, exterior galley, and triple seats center helm station off-set that bit to starboard, to allow passage to the cabin entrance.  In the Deck Saloon version; the sun-pad is replaced by opposite settee dinette, while inside the enclosed area is an L-shaped dinette to port side with a galley located opposite.  Other options also include full height drop down balconies, which extend the length of the standard balconies of both port and starboard to the bathing platform.  To be fair I see this a stupid useless option, which also disturbs production efficiency and costs.  A fair note is also to be made on the inboard-stern drive version which also features an up-down bathing platform option and also offers a larger bathing area.

www.princessyachts.com

New Model: Tankoa T55 Sportiva

Tankoa Yachts is proud to announce the technical launch of m/y Rose, the first hull of the all-new Tankoa T55 Sportiva, unveiled in June 2021 as project with design from Luca Dini Design. This milestone launch marks a significant step forward for the Genoa-based shipyard as it enters the luxury sportier looking super yacht segment with a bold and distinctive design philosophy. Sold in January 2022, the first hull  of the Tankoa T55 Sportiva was launched on Monday, April fourteen, and is now entering the final phase of finishing ahead of her delivery. Blending sleek, aerodynamic lines with cutting-edge design and innovation, this 55-meter superyacht reflects the finest in modern yachting through a dynamic yet refined aesthetic. The exterior styling is penned by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, while the interiors bear the unmistakable signature of Piero Lissoni and his team at Lissoni and Partners, delivering a contemporary, bespoke atmosphere throughout.  The T55 Sportiva has started with a fast start, as a month after the launch of the first hull, the second hull was launched.

Technical Data:

LOA - 55 m (180.5ft)

Beam - 9 m

Draft - 2.40 m

Displacement - 455 t loaded, 499 *gt volume

Fuel Capacity - 55,000 l

Water Capacity - 

Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, ten crew in five cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1193hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - sixteen knots max, fifteen cruise, twelve knots long range

Range - 3800 nautical miles at twelve knots

Construction - light alloy aluminium 

Project - Luca Dini exterior, Piero Lissoni interior

Certification - Lloyds Register ✠ 100A1 SSC Yacht, Mono, G6 [✠] LMC

www.tankoa.it

Project: Delta Marine 46m Project Zembra

Delta have announced the 46 meter Project Zembra.  Commissioned in 2023 Project Zembra comes from owners who are in love with expedition style explorer yachts, with this yacht being the third, after two yachts of 26 and 27 meters in that style. For Zembra the owner requested clean lines with large windows and a full displacement hull, but also the capacity to carry toys. From a helicopter landing area on the sundeck, a two-person ICON A5 amphibious aircraft and a three-passenger U-Boat Worx submersible for deep-sea exploration. Project Zembra will feature a five guest cabins layout, with an owners stateroom forward of the main deck, and four guest cabins on the lower deck. Project Zembra is based on Delta Marine full displacement forty to fifty meter platform, and is set for a 2026 delivery.

www.deltamarine.com

New Model: Numarine 40MXP

Numarine, the yacht builder of luxury long range explorer yachts, has launched the first 40MXP superyacht, the new forty metre flagship of its popular XP Series, and its largest build to date. This first 40MXP is to be followed by another second hull unit delivery later this year.  Made for Med and beyond MXP stands for Mediterranean Explorer.  The term reflects the beach club lifestyle typical of the Mediterranean, connecting the 40MXP closer to the water to the other XP Numarine's. The 40MXP is based on the 37XP extended in length and adding recent Med lifestyle solutions, but apart extending the hull the new Numarine flagship has been tweaked in other ways; the aft deck has been significantly enlarged, both as a result of the increased hull length and by moving the saloon’s aft sliding doors slightly forward. The result is a spacious area accommodating a large alfresco dining space, a bar, and a lounge surrounding another standout feature, an aft pool with a glass transom. This spectacular new social hub connects to a vast hydraulic swim platform that spans the yacht’s full eight metre beam.  This outdoor haven can be shaded with an awning to provide protection from the sun, ideal for the warmer climates. Thanks to an optimised hull form developed by long standing naval architecture partner Umberto Tagliavini, the yacht boasts an impressive six thousand nautical miles range at eight knots.  The Numarine 40 MXP is standard powered by twin MAN 800hp engines, for sped up to fourteen knots, with the option to upgrade to twin 900hp. Inside, the yacht offers Numarine’s signature space and luxury.  Accommodation can be arranged across six suites for up to twelve guests, including a full beam master on the main deck, along with two additional customisable cabin spaces.  Crew accommodation is for nine in nine cabins including a captains cabin behind the wheel house.  Both the interior and exterior design are once again the work of Can Yalman, with the 40MXP inheriting everything that made the 37XP a highly sought after and commercially successful model, from an expansive flybridge to a generous upper and inviting main deck. A true global explorer, the yacht offers transatlantic range and a substantial tender deck capable of carrying a nine metre tender and three full size jet skis, with additional space for water toys.

Technical Data:

LOA - 39.42 m (129.3ft)

Beam - 8.01 m

Draft - 2.51 m

Displacement - 315 t, 365 gt *volume

Fuel Capacity - 49,000 l

Water Capacity - 4000 l

Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, 

Engines - 2 x Man D2848 LE425 800hp, D2862 LE427 900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - fourteen knots, twelve cruise, 

Range - 6000 nautical miles at eight knots

Construction - steel hull, super structure in fibre reinforced plastic

Project - Can Yalman exterior and interior, Umberto Tagliavini naval architect

Certification - RINA Pleasure Plus

www.numarine.com