Brokerage news

Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting

Vripack has completed the interior concept for Burger Boat Company's new 55-meter superyacht, drawing on their 25-year collaboration with the Wisconsin shipbuilder. The design emphasizes natural materials, functional storage solutions, and adaptable lighting schemes for the custom-built vessel.The interior scheme features American walnut flooring and ceilings throughout, complemented by Calacatta Gold and Dark Emperador marble in guest bathrooms. Vripack prioritized maintaining sightlines through large picture windows while incorporating discreet storage units, particularly in the main salon. "Floor-to-ceiling windows are important, but shouldn't sacrifice functionality," said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.Lighting design forms a key element, with layered illumination including sconces, mini spots, and underlighting to transition from daytime to evening ambiance. The owner's stateroom employs a lighter color palette with customizable artwork displays, while guest areas feature Poltrona Frau furniture including Archibald armchairs.Storage solutions were expanded across all decks, addressing a common owner priority. The design maintains what Bouwhuis describes as "an easy-going foundation" with textured fabrics by Dedar and high-gloss finishes adding visual richness. Loose furniture selections include a Poliform Westside coffee table in the main saloon.The project continues Vripack's longstanding partnership with Burger, having previously collaborated on yachts including the mahogany-clad Ingot and the Slide Hull-equipped Burger 50 Cruiser. No delivery date was specified for the 180' model, which represents Burger's contemporary approach to custom yacht building.Vripack's design targets what Bouwhuis identifies as the typical Burger owner's priorities: "A vessel that's practical, comfortable, and tailored to their specific desires." The studio balanced aesthetic considerations with maintenance requirements and durability for extended cruising use.The Burger 180' interior marks another American-European collaboration for the Dutch designers, who have increasingly focused on storage optimization and transitional lighting schemes in recent superyacht projects. The yacht's technical specifications and propulsion details remain undisclosed at this stage of construction.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack

Florida-based MarineMax broker James Corts has facilitated the sale of a new Ocean Alexander 35R to longtime clients, marking their fourth yacht purchase through Corts in two years. The experienced owners, previously operating vessels between 60-88 feet, took delivery of the 35-foot model for private cruising in Florida waters.The buyers selected the 35R for its enclosed skylounge configuration, climate-controlled upper deck, and crew accommodation layout. "The 35R checked all their boxes with its refined design and comfortable living spaces," said Corts, who has represented Ocean Alexander at MarineMax Naples since 2021.Ocean Alexander's Head of Global Operations Dan Mundy acknowledged Corts' role in the transaction: "His continued success reflects deep industry knowledge and dedication to clients." The manufacturer did not disclose the sale price or delivery timeline for the semi-custom motor yacht.The 35R model features a three-stateroom layout with crew quarters, joining Ocean Alexander's Revolution series targeting owners downsizing from larger vessels. MarineMax remains the exclusive Ocean Alexander dealer for Florida's southwest coast, with Corts having closed multiple seven-figure transactions for the brand in 2024.This sale continues a trend of experienced owners transitioning to smaller, more manageable yachts with premium amenities. Ocean Alexander reports strong demand for its 27-42 foot models in the Florida market, particularly from repeat customers. The new owners plan to use the vessel exclusively for private family cruising.With a rich heritage spanning over 45 years, Ocean Alexander stands at theforefront of the yachting industry. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and dedication to luxury, Ocean Alexander continues to redefine the standards of luxury yachting, offering vessels that are both performance-oriented and comfortable.Credits: Ocean Alexander

Electric yacht builder Sialia Yachts has named Marco Plicchi as its new Chief Operating Officer. The appointment strengthens the company's leadership team as it prepares to launch its fully electric Sialia 45 model in June 2025.Sialia 45Plicchi brings 25 years of marine industry experience to the Polish shipyard, having previously held senior operations roles at several luxury yacht manufacturers. As COO, he will oversee production processes, new product development, and quality control across Sialia's range of 13-30 meter electric yachts.Marco PlicchiThe naval architect's immediate focus will be operational efficiency improvements as Sialia completes its 45-foot flagship model. The Sialia 45 claims class-leading range and a 43-knot top speed ahead of its scheduled debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025.Sialia 57 Deep SilencePlicchi's technical background includes implementing production systems, managing sea trials, and developing after-sales service programs. His appointment follows Sialia's expansion under parent company Silent Straits Group, though no organizational changes were announced beyond the COO position.Sialia 45The shipyard continues developing its zero-emission yacht portfolio, targeting the growing market for electric propulsion in the 40-100 foot segment. No production volume targets or new model announcements were disclosed alongside the executive appointment. Plicchi will assume operational responsibility immediately as Sialia prepares for its Cannes showcase.Credits: Sialia Yachts

Columbus Yachts has launched its new 42-meter Crossover model, M/Y Big Naan, at its Savona shipyard in Italy. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was built for an American owner, with construction supervised by owner's representative Trevor van Wyk and brokerage handled by Zarpo Yachts.Designed by Hydro Tec with interiors by Hot Lab, the Crossover 42 features explorer-style exterior lines with a bulbous bow and distinctive angular superstructure. The yacht accommodates 11 guests across four lower deck cabins and a full-beam master suite on the main deck featuring a central bed, walk-in wardrobe, office area and bathroom with separate shower compartment. Crew quarters provide for nine staff members.The aft deck combines leisure and functional spaces with a 17-square-meter swimming pool and tender storage served by a built-in crane. A beach club on the lower deck incorporates a hydraulic door and receives natural light through side windows and a glass-bottom pool. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines delivering a maximum speed of 14 knots and transatlantic range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.Columbus Yachts currently has four additional vessels under construction at Savona, including a Crossover 47 scheduled for 2027 delivery and two ISA Gran Turismo 45 Alloy hulls that will be completed at the company's Ancona facility. The shipyard did not disclose the build time or price for Big Naan, which will undergo sea trials before delivery to its owner.The Crossover 42 model represents Columbus Yachts' approach to compact explorer vessels, combining long-range capabilities with leisure amenities typically found on larger superyachts. The launch follows the 2023 delivery of the first Crossover 42, M/Y Dragon, and expands the Palumbo Group subsidiary's portfolio of explorer-style vessels.Technical features include two watermakers producing 8.6 cubic meters daily, 60 cubic meters of fuel capacity, and dual stabilizer systems for both underway and at-anchor use. The yacht's interior design emphasizes natural materials and functional spaces suited for extended cruising.Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts