Azimut Yacht Destroyed in Fire in Vieux-Port, Marseille

Two yachts, a yacht of about twenty meters which started the blaze, and the 25 meter Azimut yacht Forty Two were destroyed by fire near the Hotel de Ville Vieux-Port Marseille, for a blaze which broke at about 10:30 morning time of Sunday five July.  The Bataillon de marins-pompiers de Marseille responded to the blaze with 150 marine firefighters, alongside 37 fire and rescue vehicles. A crane was also deployed from an emergency vehicle parked on the quayside to spray the upper part of the yacht. The fire was finally extinguished around noon.  Fourteen people were injured six of which transported to hospital for the treatment of minor burns. These people are believed to include those onboard the vessels, as well as two police officers and one member of port security.  The cause of the fire is not reported, with both yachts ending sank and wrecked.

The yacht in this fire is a 2023 Azimut Magellano 25 Metri as designed by Ken Freivokh and produced since 2020 to date in 29 units.  The other smaller yacht is not identified.

Grady-White New Web Site

Grady-White presents its new web site.  Grady-White was founded by Glen R. Grady and Don F. White in 1959, two persons of different backgrounds yet similar inspirations.  Glen Grady was a boat builder who made his apprenticeship at Thompson Boats, working first with Racine Boat Works, he will move to Chris-Craft and then at Cruisers Inc in 1953.  Don White started up as a hardware store owner, he expanded into automobile dealerships, then in real estate development building the Holiday Inn in Greenville, and then becoming a boat dealer.  The boat dealership and Don becoming a Cruisers dealer will eventually set a meeting with Glen Grady.  From this first meet things will evolve and in 1958 GandW Boat Inc is created with Don White as President and Glen Grady as the boat builder. In a very short time GandW Boat Inc will become Grady-White Boats as it begins its business in the old Star Warehouse No. 2, a former tobacco storage facility on Albemarle Avenue in Greenville, South Carolina.  As Glen will move from Oconto he will bring Ronald Peterson an alumni at Cruisers as designer and engineer, with Grady-White debuting with the clinker built 17-foot Hatteras, and the 16-foot Pamlico runabouts.  The first four models produced were the 17' Hatteras sold in February 1960, and by that year the company employed 38 persons, launching the 20-foot Atlantic offshore capable boat by the year end, and set up a plan to produce up to one thousand boats a year.  By 1965 Grady-White will be building thirteen models up to the 3300 Caribbean Custom Cruiser, it's biggest model for some decades.  Following financial difficulties in 1968, Grady-White is purchased by Eddie Smith Junior.  In that year Grady-White also debuted its first fiberglass boat with the Capri, a seventeen foot trimaran, this is followed by the 21 Chesapeake and the 21 Nassau.  The seventies are all about transformation for Grady-White as it fully switches to fiberglass construction, with focus staying on entry level runabout fish able boats added with integrated creature comforts in the design.  Worth of note Grady-White models are the 204 Overnighter which introduces it still till today cabin design, and the 1978 Tarpon 190 the first dual-console boat.  In the eighties Grady-White expands its cabin feature sportfish cruising boats, and in 1989 presents the SeaV² hull as designed by Raymond C. Hunt.  For building a bigger boat to the ten meters 3300 Caribbean from the mid sixties Grady-White will have to wait four decades and till 2005 as it debuts the Express 360, overtaken by its evolution the Express 370 in 2014, and its current flagship the Canyon 456 in 2019.  As dual console's boats Grady-White will not only introduce the genre to boating in 1978, but also make it as important as its gets building the biggest dual console with the Freedom 375 in 2014 and the Freedom 415 in 2024.  Today Grady White offers thirty models, divided into five lines; Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Walkaround Cabins, Express Cabins, and Coastal Explorers with the line starting from the Fisherman 180 and goes up to the Canyon 456, with its latest model being the 321 Coastal Explorer which debuted in early 2026.  Grady-White new website takes you around with the following buttons; Models, Build, Why Grady, Owners, and Locate Dealer.  Grady-White is also on social media with bottom page buttons taking you to its Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube pages.

www.gradywhite.com

Production History; *cabin boats only

20 Atlantic 1960- *Ronald Peterson design *wood clinker build

22 Chesapeake- 1961-

27 Catalina 1965-

28 Gulfstream 1965-

3300 Caribbean Custom Cruiser 1965-

1968 Eddie Smith Jr ownership

21 Chesapeake 1969- *fiberglass build 

21 Nassau 1970-77

204 Overnighter 1975-1992

240 Offshore 1980-90

Seafarer 226/228 1982-92

255 Sailfish 1986-89

Gulfstream 232 1987-2018

280 Marlin 1989-94 *Raymond C.Hunt design

255 Sailfish (ii) 1990-92

244 Explorer 1992-95

208 Adventure 1993-

Seafarer 226/228 (ii) 1993-2011

272 Sailfish 1994-2000

268 Islander 1995-2001

Tournament 223 1995-2002

Marlin 300 1995-2018

248 Voyager 1996-2002

F-26 Tigercat 1997-2000

265 Express 2000-05

270 Islander 2001-05

Express 330 (i) 2001-07

Sailfish 282 2001-08

258 Voyager 2002-08 *258 Journey project

Express 360 2005-13

Express 305 2007-15

Express 330 (ii) 2008-14

Canyon 336 2008-

Chesapeake 290 2009-15

Freedom 307 2009- *Tournament 307 project

Canyon 366 2010-14

Freedom 335 2013-

Express 370 2014-

Freedom 375 2014-

Canyon 376 2015-24

Express 330 (iii) 2015-25

Freedom 325 2018-

Canyon 456 2019-

Freedom 415 2024-

Canyon 386 2025-

Express 340 2026-

Grady-White third model is the 20 Atlantic, it's first cabin boat

Sunseeker Yacht Goes Ablaze in La Savina, Formentera Island

A sixteen meter not attended Sunseeker sport yacht went ablaze as it was moored at La Savina in Formentera, just a couple minutes before 23:00 of Friday third July.  Consell de Formentera responded to the blaze with a light response vehicle and two fire engines, extinguishing the blaze by 02:00 morning time.  Following the fire the yacht was thermal image inspected to ensure the fire was stopped and would not restart.   No injures were advised with the fire reported to starting from a refrigerator in the cabin.

The yacht in this accident is a Sunseeker Portofino 53 Mk.1 as designed by Don Shead and produced from 2003 to 2005.  The Portofino 53 Mk.1 was a replacement to the Predator 56, and was replaced by the Sunseeker Portofino 53 Mk.2.

New Model: AvA Yachts Kando 85

AvA Yachts is proud to announce the successful launch of M/Y V, the first hull in the new Kando 85 series, at its shipyard in Antalya Free Zone, Türkey. The launch marks another important milestone for AvA Yachts and its growing portfolio of long-range explorer yachts. Designed for owners seeking the perfect balance of capability, comfort, and style, the Kando 85 combines robust engineering with exceptional interior volume and long-range cruising performance. Built in steel and aluminium, the Kando 85 offers spacious living areas, generous storage capacity, and the reliability required for extended voyages. Staying true to the philosophy of the Kando series, she has been designed to take her owners further while providing the comfort and luxury expected from a modern explorer yacht. Following the launch, this first Kando 85 will undergo commissioning and sea trials before delivery to her Owners. The first Ava Yachts Kando 85 will then make its World debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, where visitors will be able to experience first-hand the exceptional volume, long-range capability, and explorer spirit that define the Kando 85. With the Kando 85, AvA Yachts continues to expand the Kando line which debuted with the 110 model in 2019 and shows its commitment in building pocket exploring super yachts that combine long-range capability, exceptional interior space, and bespoke craftsmanship for owners who dream beyond the horizon.

Technical Data:

LOA - 25.70 m (84.9ft)

Beam - 7.50 m

Draft - 2.30 m

Displacement - 200 gt *volume

Fuel Capacity - 25,000 l

Water Capacity - 5700 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 510hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - twelve knots max, eight knots cruise

Range - six thousand nautical miles at best cruise

Construction - hull in AH36 steel, deck in Alloy Almg 5083 H321

Certification - CE A

www.avayachts.com

competition = Bering B88

Beneteau Trawler Ends Aground at Ile Rousse, Corsica

A ten meter Beneteau Explorer Cruiser ended aground at Ile Rouse island located to the North of Corsica on Friday third July.  The story was shared on Facebook by NicebySea6, as the boat was being towed back into the deep water on the same later afternoon.  After the towing it was reported that the explorer cruiser tried to return to port with it's power, but could not move as he had no gear engaging, and was towed to his port of call.

The boat in this accident is a Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 S as designed by M.Joubert and B.Nivelt and produced from 2010 to 2016.  A total of 411 Swift Trawler were build, this number also including the flybridge version.

Four Saved as Maxi-RIb Goes Ablaze in Vouliagmeni, Greece

A maxi rib of thirteen meters in length with four persons onboard went ablaze off the coast of Vouliagmeni, to the South of Athens on the morning of Friday third July.  The burning rib was assisted by the Hellenic Coast Guard who first rescued the four persons; a 63 year old and three 22 years old, and then fought the fire.  The four boaters were transferred to the Coast Guard station in Palaia Fokaia.  Ultimatelty the maxi-rib was wrecked by the fire and sunk.  The cause of the fire are not reported, with the four boaters reported to be uninjured and in good health.

Project: Sanlorenzo SL80A

Sanlorenzo present the SL80A project, a replacement to the SL78 as entry level to the SL range and now introducing the asymmetric architecture in its smallest size to date and in all the range.  Designed by Zuccon who is responsible for both exterior and interior, Sanlorenzo is calling the SL80A the ‘First Icon’ meaning as the smallest of the SL range.  The SL range is the expression and evolution of the original Sanlorenzo DNA and Mediterranean yacht style heritage, which today the Italian builders offers in seven models from 24 to 36 meters.  Throughout this fifty years plus of evolution Sanlorenzo became the conservative Mediterranean yacht in a consistent stylistic signature, which was started by Paolo Caliari then evolved by Della Rolle, and then in the last decade by Zuccon as each new model was built on the lessons learned of its predecessor, refining a recognisable language that balances elegance, proportion and functionality.  This heritage and lineage next step is now distilled into the SL80A, a yacht shaped by the defining traits of Sanlorenzo’s signature interpreted in a pocket 24 meters super yacht side.  Thanks to the Asymmetric layout the SL80A will bring twenty per cent more volume inside, this translated in a living, dining, galley on the main deck, and four double cabins lower deck layout.  Two crew cabins for three or four persons with direct connection from the galley located forward on the main deck complete the accommodation spaces.  Other unique details of the SL80 are a mezzanine located between the main and flybridge deck helm station, and a stylistic part hidden internal stair case which connects the saloon to the fly deck.   The Sanlorenzo SL80A is to be powered by twin MAN 1800hp engines for top speeds up to 29 knots, and a cruise 0f 25.  The first unit of nine sold is set to launch in mid-Summer and is to be finished in Thai walnut, selected for its soft tone and natural dialogue with the exterior teak surfaces, and is added with the “Azteca” parquet as designed by Cadorin.

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

Carver Boat Ends Aground at Hereford Inlet, New Jersey

A ten meter Carver motor cruiser ended aground at Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood, New Jersey on the afternoon of Wednesday first July.  Sea Tow Cape May who shared the story on its Facebook page assisted the boat, by putting it back in deep water, and then towing in safe waters for inspection.  The boat was reported to have ended aground due to a very low tide, and challenging rough conditions.

The boat in this accident is a Carver 36 Mariner as produced from 2004 to 2012.  The 36 Marine was a soft improvement to the 350 Mariner.

New Model: Freeman Signature 56

Freeman continue to rewrite the rules in the offshore center console power catamaran segment and present the new Signature 56 flagship.  An expansion of three meters to the previous 47 flagship which arrived in 2020, the Signature 56 is a big challenge to all sportfish center-console in this size.  Freeman is the name which put the catamaran center console in that new level of desirability, after it debuted with a 33 in 2007, it has been in an unstoppable spiral of success.  From that 33 its just been an expansion, and today Freeman is the leader of the offshore sportfish center console power catamaran segment, offering nine models from 28 to this new Signature 56 flagship.  All this confirms the Carolina boat builder leadership, but also puts into a new outlook as the Signature 56 unlike it's smaller sisters also brings cabin space, offering a lower deck sleeping four, in two single berths and a master stateroom forward in the port-side hull, while the starboard hull features a galley with day head/shower forward.  The Freeman Signature 56 is powered by quadruple Mercury 600hp for speeds up to sixty knots, and a cruise of 34 knots, with a six hundred nautical miles range being possible. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.06 m (56ft)

Beam - 5.02 m

Draft - 0.76 m

Displacement - 15875 kg dry, 19958 kg medium load

Fuel Capacity - 5413 l

Water Capacity - 454 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins

Engines - 4 x Mercury V12 Verado 400hp outboards

Propulsion - quadruple duo-prop outboards

Speed - sixty knots max, 34 cruise

Range - up to six hundred nautical miles

www.freemanboatworks.com

competition = Frontrunner 55 Catamaran

Some Important Boating Moves in 2026

2026 has seen some important movements and company ownership changes, as some of the USA big boat groups extended their arm to big purchases.  The most important purchase was that of Malibu Boats Inc who purchased always growing Helsinki Finish boat builder Saxdor.  On the other hand Beneteau Group decided to close the Cadillac plant in Michigan and stop production for the Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron brands, while Whisper Marine purchased Fountain Powerboats and NauticStar.  

The Saxdor sale to USA Malibu Boats Inc was the most unexpected, as the 2019 Finish boat builder has been a record grower since its founding.  Founded by Sakari Mattila, this highly respected figure in the boating industry has established a track record of creating successful nautical brands. Before launching Saxdor he founded Aquador in 1994, Paragon in 2004, Axopar in 2012, and co-founded XO Boats in 2008.  Saxdor was probably his fastest growing success, definitely helped by the Covid-19 boom to boating, but also for being in the good place in the right time.   With the success of Axopar in the twenty-tens, what an idea to create its biggest competitor.  

Sold to Malibu Group Inc past March, Saxdor is in good hands, considering the track record the American company has shown in recent years with brands like Cobia and Pursuit. I really like how Pursuit has been moving forward since Malibu bought it in March 2018. The Pursuit success also happened for not changing the staff inside and leaving the people of the brand do the managing, but also thanks to current President Christopher Gratz who has been with Pursuit since 2006, and climbed the ladder to Presidency step by step. If they keep the same philosophy at Saxdor, success is guaranteed.

The sale of Fountain is important for the speed record breaking famous brand, who has gone down as the powerboat genre declined in the past years.  Fountain has since then renewed itself offering center-console and dual-console bow rider but the brand is still not were it should be.  For example I think it never targeted the performance center console market, as dominated by Midnight Express as it should.  Considering the pedigree of Fountain, success might be guaranteed.

Beneteau Group selling some of its US portfolio is no surprise, today the French Group main brands; Beneteau and Jeanneau are well known in the USA.  Four Winns has potential, but the genre it used to dominate of sport cruisers is much smaller today, while Glastron heritage is not something today boaters really know of.  Do you remember the Glastron GT-150 speed boat in the 1973 James Bond Live and Let Die.  It will be interesting what the new owners will do with both these famous American names.