2021 Best Charter Destinations by Denison Yachting

Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts has reorganized its Adriatic distribution network, appointing Newera Yachting as regional dealer for Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, and Montenegro. The arrangement rebrands existing partner Vrtinc Navtika under the Newera Yachting identity with expanded territorial coverage.Montenegrin dealer BEN-KOV, representing Saxdor since 2022, will transition to sub-dealer status under Newera Yachting's regional management. The consolidation aims to standardize customer service and support operations across Adriatic markets.Jon Hautamäki, Sales Director at Saxdor Yachts, stated: "Newera Yachting has been instrumental in developing our presence in Central and Southeastern Europe. This consolidation reflects our trust in their team and their deep understanding of our brand and product philosophy."Newera Yachting Managing Director Boštjan Granda added: "We're proud to strengthen our partnership with Saxdor and take on a broader role in the Adriatic region. It's a brand we truly believe in: innovative, dynamic, and aligned with what our customers are looking for."The dealer restructuring forms part of Saxdor's global network optimization strategy, which now encompasses 150 locations across five continents. The Adriatic region represents a significant market for the builder due to established boating culture and expanding marina infrastructure.Newera Yachting will provide sales and service support for Saxdor's model range, which includes outboard and inboard powerboats from 6 to 12 meters length. The company's experience with Saxdor products positions it to implement standardized customer service protocols across the newly consolidated territory.Credits: Saxdor Yachts

Florence-based designer Luca Dini presented at TEDxForteDeiMarmi on August 30, 2025, discussing intersections between yacht design and architecture. The founder of Luca Dini Design & Architecture delivered a speech titled "Beyond the waves: where yachting and architecture meet" during the event's third edition.Dini addressed connections between marine and terrestrial design, emphasizing sustainable approaches and hybrid spaces. His presentation referenced thirty years of professional experience integrating nautical design principles with architectural projects.The talk examined Sindalah Island in the Red Sea, a luxury destination master-planned by Dini's studio, as an example of convergence between marine and architectural design. Additional case studies included the Sydney Opera House and Denmark's Wave complex as structures demonstrating harmony between built environments and marine contexts.Dini stated: "Design is an act of cross-disciplinary sharing: between aesthetics and function, between nature and the built environment, between different cultures. It is also the expression of a quiet, conscious form of luxury, revealed through authentic materials, essential lines, and the attention to details."The presentation argued that yachts increasingly resemble floating architectures while urban projects incorporate design elements from marine environments. Dini emphasized material authenticity, craftsmanship, and functional aesthetics over ostentatious display in luxury design.TEDxForteDeiMarmi featured multiple speakers discussing innovation across various creative and technical fields. Dini's participation marked continued engagement between yacht design professionals and broader architectural discourse. Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture

The Horizon FD87 Skyline model Aqua Life has entered the brokerage market, representing one of the most popular designs from Horizon's Fast Displacement series. The 27-meter yacht has been maintained by a single owner since its construction and recently underwent professional refitting.Designed by Cor D. Rover, the vessel features an enclosed flybridge configuration that provides additional interior space uncommon in yachts of this length. The layout includes a main deck master suite and four guest cabins below deck (three doubles and one twin), plus separate crew accommodations for three personnel.Notable features include a beach club area with hydraulic swim platform, sofa, bar, refrigeration units, and television. The transom lifts to create an expanded waterside entertainment area. Outdoor spaces comprise forward seating with sunpads, and a bridge deck with bar, dining area, and davit crane for water toy deployment.The interior utilizes high-gloss cherry wood finishes throughout the main saloon, which features expansive windows and combined lounge/dining areas. The galley incorporates a high-low island partition allowing either open-concept entertaining or separated service operations.The enclosed flybridge creates a secondary interior lounge with navigation station and seating area, connected to outdoor spaces via sliding glass doors. Stabilization systems include zero-speed fin stabilizers for comfort both underway and at anchor.With a gross tonnage of 187 GT, Aqua Life offers volume exceeding many comparable yachts in its class. The Horizon FD87 model has been particularly noted for balancing interior volume with performance characteristics in the mid-range motor yacht segment.Horizon Yachts, the subsidiary company of Horizon Group, was co-founded in 1987 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Since then, Horizon has become the leading Asian yacht brand in the luxury yacht market.Credits: Horizon Yachts

The 50-meter Heesen motor yacht Bijin has completed a comprehensive refit at Monaco Marine's La Seyne-sur-Mer facility. Formerly named Sibelle, the vessel was sold in October 2024 with Burgess representing the buyer and Ocean Independence the seller.The nine-month project involved exterior repainting from oyster white and grey to Matterhorn white with jet black accents and a red boot stripe. Interior updates focused on Japandi-inspired design elements blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian influences. Milan-based studio Hot Lab led the design in collaboration with Austrian contractors List GC.Hot Lab design director Enrico Lumini stated: "Their hands-on involvement and constructive approach were instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and complete the project within the established timeframe." The owners maintained an active role throughout the process, having previously worked with the design studio.Refit work concentrated on soft furnishings including beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture rather than structural modifications. The color palette shifted toward lighter tones and softer brown shades to create what the owner described as "an organic, naturally blending and appealing design" for guest relaxation.Originally delivered in 2015 with a Fast Displacement Hull Form design, Bijin received recognition at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. The yacht accommodates 10 guests with an owner's suite featuring dual bathrooms serving as buffer zones before the main cabin.Monaco Marine project manager Augustin Fabre noted the refit met "the most demanding standards" for visual identity and functionality. The yacht will operate for both private use and charter in the Western Mediterranean, with initial seasons fully booked.The refit demonstrates continued market activity in large yacht refurbishment projects, particularly for well-maintained vessels requiring aesthetic updates rather than technical overhauls. The collaboration between ownership, design teams, and shipyard resulted in a nine-month completion timeline.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Viken Group

Azimut has developed Neuron, a fully digital yacht management system designed to streamline vessel operation and maintenance. The system was created by Azimut Technical Development in partnership with MDP Tech following a six-month trial installation aboard an Azimut Fly 53 model.Neuron enables remote monitoring and control of onboard systems including lighting, climate control, and entertainment through a customizable interface. The system reduces routine and extraordinary maintenance requirements by approximately 70% through continuous diagnostics and remote troubleshooting capabilities. According to the company, the technology allows after-sales technicians to perform system diagnostics while maintaining customer privacy protections.Technical specifications include a 50% reduction in wiring weight compared to conventional systems, freeing space for other functions. The plug-and-play architecture permits rapid component replacement, starting with control units. Power management features adjust electricity consumption based on real-time requirements.Azimut Technical Director Ruggero Gandolfi stated: "Neuron truly improves the owner's life, not only allowing them to monitor their vessel from home and directly manage certain systems with great ease, but also performing diagnostic tests and reducing unscheduled maintenance."The system is scheduled to become standard equipment on Azimut models up to 24 meters (80 feet) following final verification testing. The development represents Azimut's continued investment in digitalization projects aimed at enhancing owner experience and operational efficiency.Neuron's architecture incorporates risk analysis protocols to minimize system disruptions both at sea and in port. The technology will be rolled out across Azimut's production lines as part of the company's ongoing digital transformation initiatives in yacht manufacturing and support services.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut