March 3, 2023

New Model: Pershing GTX116

2023 is an important year for the Mondolfo-based yard as it launches the first Pershing GTX116. This innovative, exciting, disruptive, and ground-breaking Pershing entered the water last February 7 in Fano and in doing so welcomed a new era for one of the most sportier yachting brands, with the GTX presenting a second line to that of the standard high performance modern looking sport and super sport yachts. Designed for the US market the GTX116 come from the usual always Pershing hands of  Fulvio de Simoni collaborating with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Group’s noteworthy Engineering Department.  The first Pershing GTX116 confirms the sporty DNA of the brand and enhances the concept of comfort by providing plenty of open-air space, areas designed to be in direct contact with the water, and outstanding liveability guaranteed by the new five-cabin layout. The GTX116 infuses something new, while keeping the Pershing sport yacht DNA, reinventing it but keeping it recognizable to the rest.  With a hull of 35 meters in length and over seven meters in beam the Pershing GTX116 has a remarkable 150 square meters of outdoor areas seamlessly connected to the water, amplifying onboard liveability. The sleek and streamlined profile is emblematic of the brand’s sporty personality, which is pointed up in the bow area by a signature style feature referencing luxury SUV automotive imagery and identifying the new Pershing GTX116 as an SUY or Sport Utility Yacht. This yacht in the new range is painted a new shade of grey, with a special shade of blue for the deckhouse, while the generous glazed surfaces flood the interiors with natural light. The garage can contain a tender over 5 meters long, a jet ski and other water toys, while the exclusive 39-square-meter beach club has a teak deck protected by an electro-hydraulic taffrail that opens up to connect the beach area with the swim platform, creating a huge space at the water’s edge. The 40-square-meter sundeck, reached from the stern area via two outdoor stairways on either side of the yacht, contains the second helm station and is designed with generous spaces for socialising and to enjoy the onboard lifestyle, not least thanks to the shelter provided by the carbon hard top. This area also contains the generously sized and comfortable lounge area, complete with a large wet bar. The first Pershing GTX116 is equipped with the optional triple water jet propulsion Man 2000hp for a top speed up to 35 knots and a cruising speed of 29 knots. The standard engines are three Man 1800hp.  Announced as a secret TO project in 2020 and then fully announced a year ago during the 2022 Miami boat show as the GTX116, Pershing has two further units of its current second sized model in construction, with a smaller GTX80 scheduled to launch in 2024.
Technical Data:
LOA - 35.24 M (115.7ft)
Hull Length - 35.2 m
Waterline Length - 29.9 m
Beam - 7.72 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Displacement - 130,000 kg unloaded, 150,000 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 14500 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Max Persons - twenty
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, six crew in three cabins
Engines - 3 x Man V12 1800hp, V12 2000hp
Propulsion - triple water jets
Speed - 32 knots max 26 cruise with Man 1800s, 35 max 29 cruise with Man 2000s
Project - Fulvio de Simoni, Ferretti Engineering for naval architecture

March 2, 2023

Project: Wider WiLder 60

Wider has always prided itself on being a convention-challenger. From its visionary cruiser and superyacht designs, industry-leading serial Hybrid Propulsion System and eco-conscious WiderCat offering, since foundation the Italian brand has set out to deliver unparalleled experiences for equally visionary owners. This summer, Wider is set to launch a new project conceived and designed by the in-house Centro Stile Wider, that borrows from visionary and adds provocateur: WiLder, the shipyard’s alter-ego conceived to indulge the wilder side of lovers of superyachts and the sea. A sign of Wider’s urge to create and will to conquer new territories, WiLder’s first creation will be a daring 18.6-metre, all-aluminium thrill machine that serves as its own hybrid between chase boat and performance cruiser. Built in line with superyacht-derived processes and finished with the attention to detail of the finest Italian craftsmanship, the WiLder 60 combines sharp aesthetics with rigorous engineering to offer a fully customisable forty-knot platform for fun, with bespoke build options available according to individual wants and desires. This tailored superyacht approach elevates the WiLder 60 from a just-one-of-many model to a lust-for-life series of one-offs, each as unique and as special as the individuals who order them. The design is infused with Wider creativity from stem to stern, with angular styling and signature Wider space. The aluminium hull ensures seaworthiness in all conditions, while the shallow 1.05-metre draft means the fun can be carried all the way to the beach. The arrival of the WiLder 60 marks not just a product in itself, but the launch of a new and independent brand within the Wider family with its own philosophy, its own identity and its own sense of how life on the water can be enjoyed. The first WiLder 60 is currently in build and is scheduled for launch in the summer of 2023.

March 1, 2023

Giuseppe Taranto 1969 - 2023

Giuseppe Taranto, Vice President of The Italian Sea Group, has died after a long illness, and left for the better World on Tuesday 28 February at 53 years of age.  Giovianni Costantino CEO of the Italian Sea Group in a press release remembered Giuseppe Taranto with great affection having collaborated and worked with him for the last thirty years. Giuseppe Taranto who is from the Italian region of Apulia, was resident in Lido di Camaiore in Tuscany.  He joined Tecnomar in 2009 as a general manager, and in 2016 was appointed as Vice Chairman and a board director member of the Italian Sea Group. Giuseppe Taranto is remembered with great affection by his wife Lucia, and his two children Ludovica and Valentino, family and friends.

Massive Center Consoles

Massive centre consoles over eighteen meters are the latest style and type of boat to push into larger sizes.  At the start of 2023 Scout presented details of a new 670 LX flagship powered by five huge Mercury 600hp outboards to be launched in 2024, the largest production centre console yacht.  With this new flagship Scout expands its size fourteen feet, and will offer the largest production centre console to the market and a competitor to the HCB 65ft Estrella and Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer.

A genre invented by Boston Whaler and Dick Fisher in 1961, who among other things also invented the reputable unsinkable hull the brand is known for.  It was fairly basic for centre consoles at first, with Boston Whaler being a bit on its own, and others possibly modifying there boats to take a cut from this nice market when it started to slowly grow in the seventies.  We are speaking small sizes here, and in that time the first boat used to be a trailable speed boat about four meters in length with an outboard at the back.  In around the nineties centre consoles just as ribs started to become more common in the six to ten meter range.  But it was the return to success of the outboard in the past ten to fifteen years which has expanded CC to an unheard level of domination in the sub fifteen meter market.

Today centre consoles seem unable to stop growing, a growth shared to that of the outboard.  Although I still do think that centre console above fifteen meters should be offered with inboard diesels.  Just as it may look cool I cannot understand the reasoning of fitting endless outboards to the stern versus two diesel engines.  The market though is all for the outboards with the Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer diesel engines and surface drives propulsion version never materializing.

February 28, 2023

Sportfish Runs Aground in Stuart Florida

A fifteen meter sportfish cruiser ran aground in Stuart Florida on the morning of 28 February. The sportfish cruiser finished on top of a sand bar damaging the propeller, rudder and shaft and causing a breach in the hull, with the sportfish yacht taking in water.  Quick assistance came from TowBoat U.S. who covered the hull breach with a temporary fix, and then towed the sportfish cruiser to a yard for lift up and repair.
The sportfish yacht in this grounding is a Lydia 48 Sportfish Convertible from 1988.  Lydia is a custom sportfish and commercial boat builder from Oakland, Florida founded in 1968 and continued operating till 2002.  An unknown name today Lydia was famous in the nineties for building some of the largest super sportfish custom yachts in the cold moulding method including of which are the 92 and 95 feet builds.

Monterey Ends on Rocks in Haulover Inlet

An eleven meter Monterey sport cruiser ended colliding in the rocks while entering Haulover inlet during the night of 27 February.  Miami Dade Police, the Fire Department, and Tow Boats assisted the sport cruiser who seemed to have only one person onboard at the time of the collision.  With assistance from Tow Boat the sport cruiser was later escorted to a boat yard for repairs.  All the event after the collision was filmed by Haulover Inlet YouTube channel, video linked in comments.  Haulover Inlet has become in recent years a social media sensation with a handful of YouTube channels filming boats going in and out of the famous channel which leads to the Atlantic ocean.  This is not the first time a boat collided in the channel, although she might be one with the most damages and bigger in size of recent times.
The Monterey in this collision is a 360 Sport Coupe produced from 2014 to 2018.  A Euro looking hard top sport cruiser the 360 Sports Coupe offered interior with a two plus two accommodation layout, and was powered by twin petrol gas engines from 300 up to 380hp with stern drives propulsion.  Monterey replaced the 360 SC with the 378 SS which used the same hull.

Monthly News - February 2023

-pic of the month- Van Der Valk Wins Influential Award

Aicon To Offer Patent Energy Collecting Glass

Saxon Capital Group, Inc., announced the appointment of Aicon Yachts, manufactured in Italy, as distributor for Energy Glass Solar, an energy producing glazing for yachts in the 66′ to 100′ range.  With the need for using less fossil fuels and the generation of power from non-toxic and non-polluting materials, Energy Glass is a perfect addition to any product that has substantial glass.  Aicon’s modern and heavily glass laden yachts will have the ability to produce electricity through its large glass portholes and windows, storing it in on-board batteries for use while docked in a harbor or anchored at sea.  Marc Udo Broich, Chairman/CEO stated: “We have been following with enthusiasm the development of Energy Glass Solar™ with the intent of installing this advanced innovative glass in our award-winning yachts while offering the same to other yacht builders.  “We are thrilled to have been named exclusive distributors for Energy Glass Solar for luxury yachts in the 66’-100’ range. The electrical power generated from the energy glass will reduce the need to continuously run the diesel-powered generators. This is of particular interest as yachts anchor or dock in populated areas. At Aicon we continue to look for ways to reduce the environmental impact and feel the Energy Glass Solar will play a significant role”. EnergyGlass™ is a patented, Optically Clear Vertical Building Photovoltaic Window System that produces continuous Energy from Sunlight, Diffused, Ambient Light and Ground Reflectance and has 100% field of vision.  The entire surface of the windows is clear – No grids, dots or lines! This proprietary Inorganic Nano Technology and Solar Collector does not degrade from IR like typical solar cells do. DC electricity produced from EnergyGlass™ can be inverted and returned to the grid, charge batteries, be wired direct to DC electronics, and offers a value-added solution for power independence from the main electrical grid! EnergyGlass™ uses inorganic nano particles that are co-infused in a polycarbonate interlayer, which is then laminated between two lites of 1/4″ inch glass.  The nano particles redirect components of the light spectrum to the edge of the glass while letting most of the spectrum through. The light that reaches the edge of the glass is collected and sent to our patented edge frame collectors.  Because our edge collectors are at the edge of our glass and actually fit inside of the photovoltaic curtain wall framing system, they are protected and do not suffer degradation from IR as typical solar cell installations do.  


Bayliss Wins in Los Suenos

Long time Bayliss Boatyard customer and current builders of their own 64' Bayliss, Max Bet, began the 2023 Los Sueños Triple Crown how they ended it last year: on top of the leaderboard.  The first leg of the tournament ended on January 21, and Max Bet finished with 7,100 points. The team released 21 sailfish and 10 marlin across 3 days of fishing, and won the daily on Day 1 of the tournament. Bayliss builds Blueview (78'), Tarheel (62'), Gratitude (68'), and Uno Mas (60') also had solid performances in Los Sueños for Leg I of the series.

Bayliss Singularis Starts 2023 Season Strong

Singularis a Bayliss 68 started off the 2023 tournament season strong! Last month, the the team participated in the Take A Hero Fishing Day, where crews take military service members and veterans fishing for a day, and walked away with top boat, top angler, and heaviest meat fish.  Singularis then went on to fish Operation Sailfish, Leg 1 of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series. After two consistent days of fishing, the team finished 2nd in earnings, 6th overall, and Jen Copeland received top female angler for the tournament. Congratulations to the owner, captain, and crew!


Benetti Wins Design and Innovation Award

The architecture and style of this Benetti superyacht, as well as the technological development for Oasis 34M, are by RWD for the exterior styling and Bonetti & Kozerski for the interior design  Against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomite mountains, at Alexander Girardi Hall in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the winners were announced on February 8th of the coveted Design and Innovation Awards 2023 organized by Boat International, one of the most highly reputed international media outlets in the yachting industry. This annual event showcases all the many aspects of design and technological innovation that work together to offer innovative solutions on the world’s most beautiful boats.  Chosen by a jury of designers from within as well as outside the marine industry Benetti Oasis 34M, the second model in the innovative Oasis family, won the prestigious Neptune statuette in the “Best New Series” category for “its use of space, from the signature aft deck pool and terrace, dubbed the Oasis Deck®, to the generous sundeck above”. The jury perceived Oasis 34M as a model “that respects the characteristics of its big sister, offering clients several layout choices and various interior finishes”.


CentounoNavi Lands in USA

Centounonavi is the “Made in Italy” superyacht brand founded by Manuela Lucchesi, designer and entrepreneur, and Marco Arnaboldi, naval engineer has appointed HMY Yacht Sales as its new USA dealer.  HMY has been operating in the yachting world since 1979 and can today rely on a sales network with fourteen offices in the USA. These offices will focus on Centounonavi Forza, the 28-metre super-fast sixty knots yacht combining “Made in Italy” style and construction with cutting-edge technological solutions.  The partnership was officially announced at the Miami International Boat Show 2023 held between 15 and -19 February.  


Cranchi New Stand with Flexform

Taking inspiration directly from the style of its flagship, Cranchi Yachts has designed a new stand to better host visitors at the major boat shows around the world.  The lounge and office areas of the stand are furnished with armchairs, tables and accessories from the collections of Flexform, a prestigious Italian furniture brand.  The new stand layout was inaugurated in January at the Düsseldorf International Boat Show. Here is a video giving an idea of the experience awaiting you in Miami, where the warm atmosphere extends to Flexform's range of furniture solutions.


CRN Wins 2023 Boat  International Design and Innovation Award

CRN M/Y RIO, the steel and aluminium bespoke work of art by CRN, has won the accolade for Best Naval Architecture, Displacement Motor Yachts at the eagerly awaited Boat International Design and Innovation Awards. The prize was presented on the evening of Wednesday 8 February at the Superyacht Design Festival in the elegant setting of the Alexander Girardi Hall in Cortina d’Ampezzo at a gathering of the leading lights in the nautical world.  This prestigious award is given to the design adjudged the most innovative for its naval architecture and advanced engineering solutions while also considering the visual aspects and the elegance of the lines.  As well as reflecting CRN’s superlative design and build quality, the Best Naval Architecture, Displacement Motor Yachts award also underlines the shipyard’s unrivalled ability to turn an owner’s vision and brief into reality. The result is a unique work of art with a vibrant identity and a strong sense of style, a 62-metre design of exceptional comfort, seakeeping and performance that also vaunts an enviable range.  In giving their reasons for the award, the jury noted CRN’s considerable design achievement of reducing resistance through the majority of the speed range, in perfecting the position of the spray rail forward, and in determining the stern height and trim conditions to keep the lower-deck beach area dry even while running at top performance. Numerous design aspects caught the eye, especially the elongated bow with its large open-air space and the judicious distribution of weight through precision positioning of the main on-board systems and a careful attention to the layout (including the guest cabins and crew quarters). Also instrumental in winning this Boat International Design and Innovation Award were the focus on the main equipment size to optimise overall efficiency and an insistence on weight reduction, enabling the vessel to cruise at 10 knots at a fuel consumption of under 200 l/h.  
 

Ferretti Custom Line Launches First Yacht of 2023

Custom Line kicks off 2023 with the launch ceremony for a Navetta 30. The eleventh unit of the shipyard’s displacement line and an icon of timeless classicism, the yacht entered the water last January 27 at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona.  With a length of 28.43 m and a beam of 7.3 m, this yacht is the result of synergy with a European owner in line with the brand’s made-to-measure philosophy. The project was a collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The interior design is by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and the exterior styling is by Filippo Salvetti.  Custom Line Atelier, on the other hand, worked alongside the owner in the choice and customization the interiors, offering highly innovative aesthetic and functional solutions that also draw on collaboration with leading design brands.  Custom Line Navetta 30 combines seaworthiness, comfort and safety with contemporary styling, in a new design paradigm that stands out for attention to detail, generous volumes and a nautically inspired architectural language.  In little over two years, Custom Line has launched 11 yachts in the Navetta 30 line of new generation vessels that combine yachting tradition, tailor-made interiors, construction quality and the power of light into a seamless whole.  The launch of this superyacht kicks off the year in style for Custom Line, with the promise of a whole host of original designs and new yachts ready to ride the waves in 2023.

Ferretti Group New Cyprus Dealership

Ferretti Group further consolidates its presence in Europe, specifically in the eastern Mediterranean, with the announcement of the new dealership agreement with Yachts & Co, the company that will handle marketing in Cyprus on an exclusive basis for the Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing and Itama brands.  The new partnership confirms the Group’s commitment to extending its portfolio of carefully selected dealers who share the same values. The synergy with Yachts & Co will upgrade the service network for owners in Cyprus, offering a comprehensive package from order to after-sales assistance. Yachts & Co is an established Cypriot yacht dealer represented by Anthoulis Kountouris (CEO) and Tasos Ioannou (Managing Director) and a member of the PMV Maritime Holdings Group, with extensive experience working in the local market and a consolidated presence in the region. “We start 2023 by strengthening our international presence and further raising the standard of service offered to our owners. This is the thrust of our partnership with Yachts & Co, a company renowned for its experience providing efficient services. In this way, Ferretti Group further intensifies its focus on strategic geographical areas for the business, providing our customers around the world with a truly comprehensive service network, from first approach to after-sales. This translates into local support and extremely rapid response times for owners who choose our ever more beautiful and desirable boats,” said Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group CCO.


Formula Earns 2022 Customer Satisfaction Award

Formula is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction in NMMA’s 2022 Customer Satisfaction Index program in the categories of: Sterndrive Bowrider Boats and Sterndrive Cuddy & Express Boats. Congratulations to the Formula Team for building a superior product and providing excellent customer service! The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients have achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine.

Formula Earns a Number One Search

As reported by BoatTest.com in their February 12th e-newsletter, the 387 CCF earned the #1 search in the February 6th edition. "Last year Formula introduced its first centre console in decades and won accolades from many boat builders, including some of its competitors, for the luxurious 387 CCF."


Gulf Craft Honoured at Boat International Awards

Gulf Craft’s Majesty 120 Superyacht, was named the winner in the ‘Eco Award’ and ‘Best Naval Architecture, Semi Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts’ categories at the BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards 2023 last night.  The 2023 edition of the Design and Innovation Awards, hosted by the leading yacht industry magazine, BOAT International, celebrated the very best in naval architecture, innovation, and engineering across nine sought-after categories. The BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards are one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry and are specifically formulated to recognise the teams responsible for individual elements of the world’s most innovative superyachts. Named the winner in the ‘Eco Award’ for the Majesty 120’s innovative energy-efficient heat recovery system. Gulf Craft has been developing new ways to improve the energy efficiency of its onboard systems and minimize electrical consumption, leading to smaller generators and lower fuel consumption. The new HVAC system, together with a holistic approach to the integration of other onboard systems has been developed and installed on board the Majesty 120 in collaboration with Netherlands-based MAR-IX advanced HVAC systems. The systems significantly reduce the electric load on-board, saving more than 80,000 KW per year for basic systems (like hot water heating and fresh air re-heater). The remarkably lower e-load ensures lower fuel consumption in the generators and lower shore power usage which ultimately reduces the vessel’s carbon footprint, resulting in a more sustainable operation as well as lower operational costs.  Gulf Craft was also awarded the ‘Best Naval Architecture in the Semi Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts’ category for its outstanding design, the Majesty 120 impressed BOAT International’s panel of esteemed judges with its energy-efficient naval architecture along with maximising the indoor-outdoor living capabilities the Majesty line is known for. Her spacious sundeck, for example, is 30 percent larger than other yachts in her class, and her capacity to accommodate up to 12 guests in its five (up to six) cleverly designed large staterooms – further underlining her significant volume. 


Nordhavn New Agent in Australia

Nordhavn is ramping up its sales and service presence in Australasia with the addition of a new agent based in Sydney. Marley Cutbush will oversee Nordhavn Australasia’s new Sydney branch office, providing additional resources to buyers in Australia, New Zealand and Asia as well as to current Nordhavn owners in the area seeking sales and/or service assistance.  Cutbush, a lifelong sailor, has amassed nearly a decade of experience with Nordhavn. He was first indoctrinated into the brand as a delivery captain, ushering a Nordhavn 60 from Cabo san Lucas, Mexico to Sydney. During the four-month journey, Cutbush quickly learned to appreciate the design quality and capability of Nordhavns. Additional deliveries followed and eventually Cutbush was tapped by Nordhavn’s US team to assist with sales transactions Down Under. In 2020, he supported the brand aboard the Nordhavn 120 My Aurora at the Miami Yacht Show and most recently on the Nordhavn 41 and 60 at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.  Besides working with Nordhavn, Cutbush is managing director of Flagship International yacht brokerage house, which he founded in 2020. He is excited to add the Nordhavn brand to his firm’s existing portfolio.  “After a close association with the Nordhavn brand and the PAE team for nearly a decade, I’m thrilled to be officially onboard,” Cutbush said. “I’m looking forward to able to share with current and future owners not only my passion for the yachts Nordhavn produce, but my experience and love for the incredible lifestyle Nordhavn ownership’s brings.” Cutbush will formally represent Nordhavn at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia this May aboard a brand new N41. He will work collaboratively with Nordhavn’s Australasia office located in Brisbane. 

Nordhavn Custom Shirt

What’s the quickest way to inject some Nordhavn style into your life this year? With a New Nordhavn Custom Reyn Spooner cloth button down shirt. Nordhavn partnered with the revered Hawaiian clothier to create one-of-a-kind shirts depicting Nordhavn Pacific Northwest cruising scenes.  Long regarded as the king of upscale Aloha cloth shirts, Reyn Spooner evokes the same promise to quality Nordhavns are known for, placing emphasis on durability, comfort and style.   


Ocean Alexander Honours MarineMax Consultant

MarineMax Sales Consultant and Yacht Broker Scott Roberton is being celebrated as the 2022 global winner for the top salesperson for Ocean Alexander Yachts. This is Roberton’s third year in a row receiving this coveted award.  Roberton has been committed to the Ocean Alexander brand for many years. He continues to show his commitment with his tireless efforts to sell not just any brand but ones that are proven to be exceptional to his customers. He has learned what his clients are looking for and he shows them exactly that when it comes to Ocean Alexander.  Collin Heimensen, MarineMax Clearwater General Manager, comments, "Scott has been with MarineMax for 30 years now, which is an amazing accomplishment. His passion for the yachting lifestyle shows in his work and it is what guides him to provide his customers with everything they could need on their journey to getting on the water.”  The Ocean Alexander brand is obsessed with providing yachts that are unmistakable and engineered with excellence. They're passionate about performance and gripped with the idea that any object this wondrous and rare deserves to be consistently examined and refined. Every Ocean Alexander yacht is the product of passionate people infused with tremendous talent. They know your yacht may be the most extraordinary infatuation of your life because it's the most incredible infatuation of theirs.  Roberton comments, “I am honoured to receive this award for the third year in a row. Yachting has been a passion of mine for years and being able to guide my customers through purchasing the yacht of their dreams has been a rewarding challenge. As well as working with Ocean Alexander, they communicate with you every step of the way, and their attention to detail is remarkable. Their top-of-the-line factory is the best I have ever worked with personally.”  Some key models that Roberton has custom-built for his clients and delivered this past year have been a 26R Open, 28R, 35R, 37L, 100MY, and 118 MY.  Scott Roberton is consistently the top yacht sales consultant at MarineMax Clearwater, and a member of MarineMax's Nationwide Chairman's Circle awards, winning Top Gun the last three years. He joined MarineMax in 1992 as a sales consultant. Turning his attention to large yacht sales 16 years ago, he offers high-quality yachts and charter services to clients worldwide.


Pearl Appoints New International Sales Manager

Pearl Yachts announces Ross Donohoe’s appointment as International Sales Manager, Ross brings a wealth of experience from more than two decades in the industry.  Fresh from a busy boot Düsseldorf, where the brand held a European premiere for the Pearl 72 and announced the new Pearl 82 project, British boatbuilder Pearl Yachts is welcoming a new International Sales Manager, Ross Donohoe, as the latest addition to their growing team. Following a foundational education and career in Marine Engineering, Ross’s flair for sales shone through and he began to make a name for himself in the yachting industry as a Technical Sales Executive. In his new role with Pearl, he will work out of the Pearl Sales Office in Swanwick, which opened last Summer.  Pearl Yachts Managing Director Iain Smallridge said “We are delighted to welcome Ross to the Pearl team, his knowledge, and experience will help to increase sales as well as support and further strengthen the Pearl dealer network.”  Ross Donohoe, Pearl’s new International Sales Manager, said, “I feel absolutely privileged to be starting this next chapter in my career representing Pearl Yachts, a brand that is going from strength to strength, leading innovation and yacht designs. Spending an entire lifetime devoted to boats and the marine industry, it has always been clear to me as a young apprentice Marine Engineer that if you do something you love, and you’ll never do a day’s work in your life. Boats have always been an utter passion for me and love that has never dwindled.”


Princess Yachts Acquired by KPS Capital Partners

Princess Yachts announced today that KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in the luxury yacht builder. Existing shareholders will retain ownership in the company. Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.  The moves come after the company announced exciting expansion plans last year as part of the successful bid by Plymouth City Council to create a Freeport in the region and this new investment will help support these plans and reinforces the unique national and international marine capabilities that reside in Plymouth and the wider South West
region. Ryan Harrison, a Partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said, “We are excited to make this significant investment in Princes Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range, and world-wide reputation for quality and in novation. KPS’ investment will accelerate Princess’ growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future. We look forward to working with Princess’ existing stockholders, Chief Executive Officer, Antony Sheriff, the senior leadership team, and the talented employee base at Princess Yachts.”  Antony Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of Princess Yachts, said, “We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts. KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the Company’s future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts. With a current order book nearing a record $1 billion and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position. Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading brands, we are now positioned to take Princess Yachts to the next level of industry leadership in quality and innovation. Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our long and successful history.” The continuing strength of the marine sector in the UK region has been identified as a key growth opportunity by the Great South West pan-regional partnership and this new investment will help strengthen Princess Yachts ’ commitment to supporting these opportunities both nationally and internationally .


Riviera Announces Apprentice of the Year Winner

Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has announced four winners in its Apprentice of the Year awards for 2022, showcasing the depth of talent within the company’s workforce of 900 people, including 112 apprentices.  The winners across four categories received their awards at a special ceremony recently in front of the 900-strong Riviera workforce.  The apprentice winners are Simon Magnay, second-year apprentice in engineering, Claudia Le Fevre, second-year apprentice in upholstery, William Johnstone, second-year apprentice in boat building and Connor Baruksopulo, first-year apprentice in timber and composite machining.  Claudia Le Fevre has completed her second year as an upholstery apprentice. She set her sights on working with Riviera while still at school.  Simon Magnay moved from Casino in northern New South Wales to pursue his dream of working with Riviera.  Marine Craft Construction apprentice William Johnstone was also attracted to Riviera after seeing the yachts on the water.  Connor Baruksopulo admits he was nervous about working alongside older and more experienced people.  Riviera’s safety and training manager Adam Houlahan said Riviera continues to welcome young apprentices through its schools program.  The recently announced TAFE Apprentice of the Year was another achievement for the Riviera team as apprentice Max Whitmore was announced runner-up in a very large entry across the State.  Riviera is also proud to announce that six apprentices have also graduated through the company's award-winning Propel program: Tirryn Casey, Jack Fuller, Joshua Hindmarsh, Steven Kupfer, Brendan O'Grady and Thomas Jay Parsons.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst paid tribute to all apprentices including the award winners who received recognition this year.

Riviera International Service Academy Enhances Boating

Australia's premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, recently hosted a team of experienced marine technicians and engineers from its worldwide dealership network for a three-day training and service academy. They travelled from the Americas, Europe and Asia, eager to grow their knowledge of the latest systems, technologies and build processes being employed on the new era luxury motor yachts. The service academy took participants through the entire yacht production process, from hull lamination and engineering through to anti-fouling, at Riviera's 16-hectare (39.5 acre) state-of-the-art facility on Queensland's Gold Coast. Chris Attard, Riviera's Dealer and Owner Care Director, said the three-day academy comprising more than 10 separate workshops, as well as extensive tours of the facility, is a part of an annual program conducted by Riviera focused on enhancing the skills of its dealer network teams. They were given a detailed understanding of the new product development process including a confidential tour of a new yacht in the early stages of development. They also undertook an extensive review of Riviera's latest safety systems, vessel care, maintenance and system connectivity, designed to make boating with Riviera easier, safer and more enjoyable. The final day of the program included sea trials aboard three Riviera yachts including the newly launched 46 Sports Motor Yacht. Greg Glogow from Sun Country was deeply impressed by the Riviera facility, and its level of presentation, technology and growing scale. Randy Buckell from Emerald Pacific Yachts commented on the extensive detail of this latest training academy. Randy's business partner Brett Aggen said this latest round of product knowledge was vital to the dealership network's capabilities with customers. Chris Bingham, also with Emerald Pacific Yachts, said seeing the scale of the Riviera operation was eye-opening. Kenny Brown from Sun Country said he was already familiar with much of the new technology including Garmin and CZone. Anthony Vigliotti from OneWater Group appreciated the in-depth factory tour. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst thanked the international team for their enthusiasm and for their dedication and support of Riviera owners around the world.


Silent Launches First Yacht from New Shipyard

Silent-Yachts has reached another important milestone in its exciting journey. The company has launched the very first solar electric catamaran at its own shipyard in Fano, Italy, which has been acquired in spring 2022. The first launch is a SIilent 60 series yacht. “We are happy that our Italian shipyard performs really well. It was the right decision to purchase and develop it in a way that is in line with our corporate long-term strategy,” said Michael Köhler, Founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts. 
The new Silent 60 carries 42 solar panels for 16 kWp of solar energy to power two electric motors of 2 x 250 kW. Backed up by a battery capacity of up to 210 kWh, she will be able to cruise efficiently with zero emissions solely on solar power for up to 100 nautical miles a day for weeks.


Sunreef With Fernando Alonso

The Sunreef Yachts Team welcomed two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso at the shipyard to take a deep dive into the yacht design and manufacturing process. Fernando Alonso, future owner of an electric 60 Sunreef Power Eco took this opportunity to speak to the team and learn more about the Sunreef Yachts know-how. Currently under construction at the shipyard in Gdansk, his luxury catamaran will be customized to his exact specifications to reach the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency.


Van Der Valk Wins Influential Award

Having already received a special commendation at the 2022 World Superyacht Awards, Van der Valk’s Lady Lene has now won a major prize at the 2023 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. The much-cherished Neptune trophy for Best Interior Design for Motor Yachts under 499GT was presented to our yard and Carla Guilhem Design at the gala ceremony held in the northern Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.  A judging panel of highly respected designers, naval architects and industry professionals from various countries decided the winners. As Boat International writes about Lady Lene’s win: “The Judges responded favourably to the elegant interior treatment on board this pure custom yacht, which was designed to accommodate a family member with compromised mobility. It was clear that the designers and builders understood and interpreted the owner’s brief well.”  “Every Van der Valk yacht requires teamwork of the highest order and the award for Lady Lene is a triumph for all involved in this project, including Ginton Naval Architects, Diana Yacht Design and the visionary owners,” says our sales manager, Yoeri Bijker. “I love the fact that Carla and her interior design team – as new kids on the block in the yachting industry – have been justifiably rewarded for their efforts on this fantastic project. We also expect that ADA compliance, the regulations for vessels designed for mobility challenged guests, will gain greater attention thanks to this award.”


Viking 27th Annual VIP

With strong attendance, brisk sales and the debut of two new flagships – the Viking 90 and Valhalla 55 – the 2023 VIP Boat Show was a smashing success.  “It was incredible,” said Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “On the first day, Friday, we had our highest-ever turnout in the history of the 27-year event. And we had a good showing on Saturday, too, even though the weather didn’t cooperate.” Eight Vikings and seven Valhallas were sold, with several other deals in the works.  The fact that the Viking Yacht Company debuted not one but two flagships made the two-day event epic in itself.  “These boats are badass,” said Pat in his kick-off speech to dealers and vendors. “The Viking 90 and V-55 will not only become the leaders in their class, but they’re also going to dominate for years to come. They’re that good.” Pat also took the opportunity to recognize our dealers and vendors for helping make the VIP such a unique marine exhibition. “We thank you for all your support,” said Pat. “You’re the best.”  The Viking 90 and the V-55 stole the spotlight with sea trials and dockside walk-throughs. Hull No. 1 of the 90 is a striking Kingston Grey Sky Bridge model with six staterooms, seven heads and a jaw-dropping faux teak mezzanine and upper aft deck.  The V-55 features a Haze Grey gelcoat, a custom Palm Beach Towers gap tower with carbon fiber outriggers and quad Mercury V12 600s.  In addition to the flagships, a full fleet of Vikings and Valhallas were on display. The lineup included Vikings from 46 to 90 feet and Valhallas from 33 to 55 feet. Our VIP allows dealers and owners to spend plenty of time together on the boats in a relaxed stress-free setting.  Another distinctive aspect of our VIP is the vendor village, where more than 50 of our business partners display their products, answer questions and assist attendees with all their boating and fishing needs.

February 27, 2023

New Model: Cantieri di Pisa Tender 50

Cantieri di Pisa is back, with the Tender 50, the first model of the new ownership and route of Enrico Gennasio which took over the Italian name in 2021, and has a project for five further models from 24 to 42 meters in size.  Cantieri di Pisa first new model presents itself in a small size which the yacht builder had not since produced possibly since the 1970's, and who in the past two decades has been associated mostly with super yachts from 25 to forty meters in size, with the small stint for the two Kaitos open sport yachts of twenty and 23 meters in the early noughties. The Cantieri di Pisa Tender 50, is the entry level and only model of the Chase Boat range, and is a fifteen meter walk around centre console sport yacht mostly dedicated to days use, with interior accommodation for two persons.  The Tender  50 exterior space is concentrated from midships to aft with a galley behind the centre console, followed by a dinette for four to six persons, and an aft sun-pad.  There is also a large central sun-pad forward which located on top of the rather high coach roof.  Down below the the Pisa Tender 50 offers accommodation for a V-shaped dinette which transforms to a double berth, a shower head to port side with a small settee and galley opposite.  The Cantieri di Pisa Tender 50 is powered by twin FNM 350hp diesel engines with stern drives propulsion which give a top speed up to 27 knots and a cruise of 22.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.50 m (50ft)
Waterline Length - 12.15 m
Beam - 4.30 m
Draft -0.70 m ex. drives propellers
Displacement - 10000 kg light load
Fuel Capacity - 1100 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - two berths
Engines - 2 x FNM  350hp
Propulsion - stern drives
Speed - 27 knots max 22 cruise
Range - 260 nautical miles at cruise
Certification - CE B

February 26, 2023

Project: Heesen 50-metre Steel

Heesen is delighted to announce that the Harrison Eidsgaard studio has been chosen to design its eagerly anticipated 50-metre Steel series. This Eidsgaard Heesen is the second collaboration following that from the 2017 51 meter hull number YN 18151 which was fully custom but based on the 5000 Aluminium Class.  At 50 metres and 499 GT, this new series will feature a Fast Displacement steel hull of great seaworthiness for optimal comfort in all sea conditions. Like all Heesen yachts, the new design will also be available with Heesen’s hybrid technology for intelligent power management and a silent cruise capability. The layout will emphasise the connection of the outdoors to the interior, providing plenty of natural light and fresh air from sliding windows in the main saloon on the main deck. The design will also feature separate crew routing for discreet and efficient service, while with tenders and toys conveniently stored on the main deck forward, guests can enjoy the split-level aft deck terrace, overlooking an infinity pool and a large, fixed swimming platform. Six staterooms will accommodate twelve guests. Heesen’s Marketing Director, Mark van Heffen, worked closely with the engineering and production teams to create a detailed brief, which was not only based on experience gained from previous series but also took into account a thorough analysis of the market. The result is a 50-metre series concept that splices Harrison Eidsgaard’s creative flair with Heesen’s industrial DNA, fitting perfectly into the shipyard’s future commercial strategy. Heesen engineers and the Harrison Eidsgaard team will work together on translating this design into a perfectly engineered superyacht. Construction is scheduled to commence in Summer 2024.

February 25, 2023

New Model: Baglietto T52

The first model in the successful T52 line has finally hit the water: hull No. 10238 was launched during a private ceremony.  The first T52 launched is fitted with a hybrid propulsion system that will allow to choose a more efficient cruising mode, reducing both consumption and environmental impact. When cruising in electrical diesel mode, the T52 can indeed reach a range of up to 7,600 nm, and remain at anchor up to ten hours relying on the batteries only.  Her two MTU engines, however, will also allow her to reach quite an impressive maximum speed of seventeen knots and a range of 3,600 nm in traditional navigation mode.  The lines by Francesco Paszkowski reinterpret the classical design elements of Baglietto’s traditional steel displacement yachts under 500 GT in a highly contemporary, distinctive style and conveying a very strong personality, the same found across the interiors, also designed by Francesco Paszkowski in cooperation with Margherita Casprini.  Just like her seven sisterships currently in build, the first T52, too, has truly unique features that perfectly meet today’s market demands.  Close contact with the sea is ensured by the original open stern featuring a beach club that develops over three levels and has already become a hallmark of Baglietto’s new course.  The large pool can easily be concealed thanks to an ingenious up-down movable floor that further extends the available deck surface when the pool is not being used.  On the upper deck, the wide floor-to-ceiling windows opening on three sides create a pleasant “al fresco” lounge, with a conversation area and a dining area to be enjoyed in all weather conditions.  The approximately 24-metre-long sundeck, another distinguishing feature on Baglietto T52 is unmatched on a super yacht of this size and volume, and follows in the wake of Baglietto’s traditional displacement yachts.
Technical Data:
LOA - 52 m (170.5ft)
Beam - 9.50 m
Draft - 2.70 m
Displacement - 440 t half load, 497 gt *volume
Fuel Capacity - 66861 l
Water Capacity - 6435 l
Accommodation - ten/ twelve guests in five cabins, nine crew in ten cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000M86 2186hp, or Cats C32 2000hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - sixteen knots max, eleven knots cruise
Range - 3600 nm at eleven knots, 7600 nm in hybrid mode
Construction - high tensile steel, aluminium super structure
Project -Francesco Paszkowski exterior, Margherita Casprini interior
Certification - RINA