Sulawesi Shipwrights

Benetti has completed the slipway launch of the 44-meter Fortitude1, the largest fiberglass yacht in its Class 44M series built at the Viareggio shipyard. The vessel, designed by Cassetta Yacht Designers, represents a repeat order from an existing client.The launch ceremony utilized the yard's historic inclined slipway, maintaining traditional Italian shipbuilding methods. The yacht will now enter final outfitting with delivery scheduled for summer 2025."Benetti is synonymous with quality, heritage, and innovation, and that is why the Owner has chosen us once again," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti's Sales Director.Fortitude1 features expansive glazing throughout to maximize natural light, with white marble flooring on the main deck. The design includes a panoramic sky lounge, beach club area, and a custom forward sunpad on the upper deck tailored to the owner's specifications.The exterior maintains the Class line's signature proportions while incorporating owner-requested modifications. The interior layout emphasizes social spaces and indoor-outdoor connectivity, with particular attention given to the main deck aft area designed for entertainment.As with all Benetti's fiberglass models under 500GT, the yacht combines the shipyard's technical expertise with customized solutions for individual owners. The project demonstrates Benetti's continued capability in mid-sized yacht construction at its Viareggio facility.No specific technical specifications were released, though the design focuses on optimizing space and comfort within the 44-meter footprint. The launch follows Benetti's standard construction protocol for this series, with sea trials expected to begin in early 2025.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti

Team Abu Dhabi, featuring Riva Classiche branding and piloted by ten-time Formula 1 Powerboat champion Guido Cappellini, has set a new record in the Pavia-Venice 2025 International Powerboat Raid. The team completed the 400 km inland waterway course in 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 45 seconds, achieving an average speed of 207.26 km/h.The performance breaks the previous 2005 record of 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 45 seconds (203.34 km/h) held by Dino Zantelli. Earlier records include Serafino Riva's 1931 outboard category achievement of 51.660 km/h.The collaboration between Riva and Cappellini dates to 2005 when the champion set an undefeated world water speed record on Lake Iseo near Riva's Sarnico shipyard. The latest record continues this legacy of technical performance in powerboating.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group

Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) has launched its new flagship, the 47-meter RJ155 explorer yacht, marking the largest vessel to date from the Ancona-based builder. The launch follows the successful delivery of two RJ115 models (Stellamar and Pazienza) and the original RJ130 (now named Nuri).Designed by Francesco Paszkowski with interiors by Achille Salvagni, the RJ155 features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio incorporates twin Caterpillar C32 Acert EPA Tier 3 engines, providing a 5,000+ nautical mile range at 10 knots. The yacht carries 66,400 liters of fuel and utilizes CMC Marine stabilizers.Accommodation spans five suites for 12 guests, including an owner's cabin with private gym. Storage includes a large lazarette for toys and tender capacity. The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extended overhangs and shaded terraces."We're honored a returning client chose to upgrade from an RJ130 to this larger model," said Vasco Buonpensiere, CdM CEO. The RJ series has received industry recognition, with both RJ115 models winning World Superyacht Awards in 2024 and 2025.At 510 tons displacement and under 500 GT, the RJ155 maintains CdM's focus on expedition capabilities while expanding interior volume. The project represents the shipyard's continued specialization in long-range explorer yachts."Nothing speaks louder than a satisfied client who comes back," added Ennio Cecchini, CdM President. The RJ155 is scheduled for delivery following sea trials.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM

Florence-based Luca Dini Design & Architecture has completed interior design work for Ada Yacht Works' inaugural 50-meter superyacht, launched this week in Bodrum. The Turkish shipyard's flagship project features contemporary Italian styling with smoked oak paneling and polished white finishes."Interior design comes courtesy of Luca Dini Design & Architecture, who bring their signature blend of elegance, comfort, and contemporary Italian flair," stated Ada Yacht Works CEO Onur Tekin. The design incorporates Foglizzo leather details and furnishings from Poltrona Frau and Minotti. "We envisioned a yacht interior that feels timeless, welcoming, and true to its maritime context," said Luca Dini. "This is a space meant to be lived in, where materials not only express beauty but endure with grace."The yacht will begin sea trials shortly, with delivery scheduled for summer 2025. The project represents Ada Yacht Works' entry into the 50-meter-plus market segment.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture

Mengi Yay Shipyard has successfully launched the Atlante Classic 35, a new explorer yacht designed for luxury expedition cruising. The vessel marks the shipyard’s first foray into the luxury yacht market following its traditional focus on commercial vessels.The 35-meter yacht features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, designed by Mengi Yay’s in-house team. The vessel is equipped with twin Caterpillar C18 engines, providing a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. The yacht has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The Atlante Classic 35 can accommodate up to 12 guests across 6 staterooms, including a master suite, VIP suite, and four guest cabins. The crew accommodation consists of 8 cabins for the crew of 10. The yacht features a spacious main deck saloon, an upper deck sky lounge, and an open flybridge with alfresco dining facilities.The interior design focuses on a contemporary style with natural materials and neutral tones. Key features include a large beach club area with a garage for water toys, a gym, and a spa area. The yacht is also equipped with zero-speed stabilizers for enhanced comfort at anchor.“The Atlante Classic 35 represents a significant milestone for Mengi Yay,” said Mehmet Mengi, CEO of Mengi Yay Shipyard. “We are proud to introduce our first luxury explorer yacht, combining our decades of experience in shipbuilding with modern technology and design.”The vessel is designed for worldwide exploration, featuring a shallow draft of 2.2 meters and a fuel capacity of 45,000 liters. The Atlante Classic 35 also incorporates advanced navigation systems and a state-of-the-art stabilization system.The yacht’s construction began in 2023, and after its launch, it will undergo extensive sea trials and final outfitting before delivery to its owner. The Atlante Classic 35 is expected to be completed in early 2025.Mengi Yay Shipyard, founded in 1972, is one of Turkey’s leading shipbuilders with a focus on commercial vessels. The launch of the Atlante Classic 35 marks the company’s expansion into the luxury yacht market.Credits: Mengi Yay