CRN’s mastery of shipbuilding reaches its utmost expression in the new 50-metre superyacht Latona, which will be presented as a world première at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 at the end of September. Delivered in May, the Italian Atelier’s latest masterpiece has been custom-built to meet the wishes of a highly selective and determined Owner. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Superconero’ of the 1960s, the Latona marks the success of a new joint project between CRN and Zuccon International Project. Indeed, this new yacht’s technical solutions and the slender lines of the hull have been developed by CRN’s Engineering Department, while the craft’s exterior lines were pencilled by design firm Zuccon International Project, who, together with the Shipyard’s Interiors & Design Department also took care of both interiors and exteriors.
With her 50 metres in length, four decks and an underdeck, the Latona stands out for her classical, timeliness profile that further enhances the style and elegance of outdoor areas. The yacht’s interiors are pervaded by a refined Liberty-style mood, a stylish fil rouge that unravels through all guest areas. The streamlined bow and the spacious interior and exterior volumes, in turn, also include some breathtaking areas almost ‘hanging’ over the sea, let the Latona shine in all her endless beauty.
Designed jointly with the Customer, this megayacht has been forged and built to meet her Owner’s request for the utmost customisation, in an effort to achieve pure uniqueness – a uniqueness that is also reflected by the colour chosen for the hull, a stylish shade of turquoise whose intensity varies depending on the sea bottom and the waters in which the yacht is cruising.
Onboard the Latona, guests will find numerous outdoor areas – from the wide Mediterranean-style sundeck to the lounge area at the bow, the outdoor living areas and the al fresco dining area located aft to the magnificent terraces overlooking the sea, all the way to the exclusive tender bay obtained on the lower deck. The latter forms a large open-air lounge integrated with the beach club, featuring a solarium, a fitness area, a hammam and a sea-water indoor pool perfect for children to have fun and also ideal to store the tender in the yacht’s ‘belly’ during navigation.
The Latona is a yacht endowed with a strong personality, capable of harmoniously combining the elegant style of her exterior lines with highly functional outdoor and indoor areas as well as interiors boasting a truly distinctive design. And it is just in the interiors that the skilful, refined craftsmanship of the Shipyard and its suppliers has reached its peak, thanks to a painstaking study of the Central European style from the 1920s. This mood now pervades all interiors, starting from the floors, which are enriched by unique decorations chosen by the Owner, like the sinuous dark brown embroidery - a leitmotiv that is found across all decks. Depending on the areas of the yacht, this elegant pattern unravels along the floors (both marble and carpeted ones) as well as on the curved handrail of the internal staircase, creating a pleasant contrast with the light-shade wood panelling on the walls.
Sinuous lines are, indeed, like a fil rouge accompanying guests in all areas of the yacht. Furniture too is characterised by soft, rounded shapes that stylishly harmonise with handcrafted, sophisticated décor elements - from the lacquered doors decorated by graceful, ‘waving’ bass-reliefs to the custom-made lamps in Murano glass with flower and leaf patterns drawing inspiration from nature, in perfect Liberty style. The elegant interiors are further enriched by oak-wood wall panelling with silver pickle finish. Every wood panel is a unique piece, created with unparalleled craftsmanship and decorated with fabrics selected individually by the Owner and wooden flower patterns that are also found in the ceiling-mounted spotlights of the master stateroom.
The Latona can comfortably host up to 10 guests in five cabins characterised by extremely refined details: the master cabin, two VIP cabins and two double cabins, plus accommodation for 9 crew members, including the Captain.
The cockpit on the main deck features large, comfortable living areas in the light blue and turquoise colour shades found in all outdoor decorations and a wide swimming pool with a mosaic that delightfully combines turquoise shades and golden details while also letting plenty of natural light shine through to illuminate the tender bay located below it.
Inside, the Latona elegantly combines precious materials, sinuous pieces of furniture, and very refined hand-made decorations. All main deck areas are characterised by carved wood panels with fabric inserts and mirrors, dark oak-wood, and elegant marbles.
The main deck salon includes a large dining room furnished with a stylish round table in walnut wood with silver decorations and chairs embellished by a floral pattern that will add an exclusive touch to equally exclusive gala dinners. The ceiling above this area has mirrors and wooden carvings that accurately reproduce the Emperor Dark embroidery decorating the floor. The ceiling-high glazing allows the opening of the dining area on three sides, to dine al fresco and enjoy the breathtaking view from the two sided
terraces.
As specifically requested by the Owner, the galley has been located behind the dining area, and a convenient hatch has been cut out in the wood panelling, making service even more efficient while being discreet and easily concealed when not needed.
Amidship, along the corridor, the 1920s Parisian atmosphere embraces and enchants guests, thanks to the Liberty decorations on the doors and the uninterrupted wood panels decorated with floral patterns that separate the main salon from the lobby and the Owner’s apartment. In particular, the spiral staircase in front of the lift, which connects the three guest decks internally, is fitted with a central backlit column in wood lined with silver leaf.
Slightly further, towards the bow, is the exclusive full-beam Owner’s apartment, characterised by a very original layout. The cabin opens up to a living room furnished with a neutral-shade rounded sofa, a very exclusive and private area for the Owner couple. A distinctive element in this area is the fumoir, a private balcony that can also be enjoyed while cruising.
The master stateroom impresses for the countless hand-made details, such as the bed headboard in dark walnut wood and light-blue velvet, the soft and sinuous lines of the furniture, the white wool and silk carpeting decorated with the dark brown embroidery that runs across the entire yacht, and the elegant appliques in blown glass. The ceiling too is a true masterpiece of the skilful craftsmen that worked on it, with wooden five-petal flowers forming a crown around the spotlights. On the right-hand side of the suite is a spacious, exclusive private terrace offering a magnificent view of the sea.
Inside the suite, two entrances allow to gain access to the bathroom for him and for her, entirely in magnificent bright Carrara marble. Here, the Emperor Dark shade makes the two mirroring washbasins and the sinuous dark brown embroidery decorating the floor stand out against the golden Calacatta marble. The large circular hydromassage tub and the walkthrough shower are located in the central part of the bathroom, while the finely elegant taps and the doors in processed glass with haut- and bas-relief decorations are all stylishly harmonised details that add a truly unique touch to this room.
The Latona is a peaceful, luxurious haven, the peak of CRN’s innovative solutions being reached in the lower deck aft area, which has been turned into a large, exclusive open-air living area integrated with the beach club – over 70 square meters allowing space to enjoy moments of pure celebration both indoor and outdoor, to relax in the Turkish bath decorated with a custom mosaic, work out in the fitness area, lie down in the solarium, but also store all the water toys available for the whole family. Children can also have fun in the sea-water indoor pool - also featuring a precious blue and turquoise mosaic - that becomes a garage for the tender when the yacht is cruising.
The lower deck also hosts the four guest cabins. Two double VIP cabins can be found aft, decorated with fabric-lined panels, lacquered panels, mirrors adding even more depth to the cabins, and carpeting with a refined, sinuous pattern reminiscent of sea waves. Two twin cabins are located at the bow. One is for the younger children and is furnished with a bunk bed (plus a concealed one for the nanny), while the second
has two sliding beds that can be converted into a double, as well as an additional pullman bed. All cabins are ensuite, with bathrooms sharing the same style as the Owner’s, from the fine marbles to the large showers with a seat.
Reaching the upper deck, guests are welcomed into a large salon devoted to music. Liberty style pervades this area too, as shown by the special custom-made sofa shaped as a lyre, a musical instrument typical of the 1920s, and by the decoration of the white carpet lying at its feet. Another eye-catcher in this room is the elegant, white-lacquered grand piano.
All interiors are pervaded by bleached oakwood, with alternating matte and polished sections, and marble.The embroidered ceiling, the curved engravings in the wall wood panels, the precious curtains, and the Lalique lamps contribute to making this area truly unique. Thanks to the wide side windows and the glazed surfaces opening up to 120°, the music salon is very bright and offers breathtaking views of thesurrounding landscape.
Outdoor, guests can find the al fresco dining area, featuring a fully-customized teak table in Liberty style, a bar, and a lovely open-air tea room, the real jewel on this deck. Two large sun pads complete this area, while the inflatable climbing wall will undoubtedly offer unforgettable and exciting adventures. The upper deck lobby is embellished by Central European-style details and is covered by a skylight that lets in plenty of light directly from the sundeck. Walking further towards the bow, the Captain’s cabin and office can be reached, followed by the navigation bridge, built in the same dark brown shade as Latona’s recurrent embroidery motif.
The living area and the solarium located in the forward part of the yacht are very large and comfortable. Here, all the furniture is in navy with furnishings in a lovely palette of light blue shades. This area also features the concealed garage for the rescue boat - located under a huge sun pad with cushions, a roll-out awning - and two jet skis.
The sundeck, in typical Mediterranean style, is made up of three ideally-separate but physically-uninterrupted areas that unite to become one single open space: the dining area, the forward sunbathing area fitted with a Jacuzzi, and the aft solarium, furnished with four sunbeds and an imposing sunbathing area that develops vertically, remains isolated from the rest of the deck and therefore ideal for total relaxation.
The inflatable slide, one of the family’s favourite toys, is deployed on one side towards the stern, while the central area, conceived to enjoy the pleasure of sharing meals with the family’s dear ones, also features a pleasant water mist system installed in the ceiling to cool this area when needed. A barbecue and an American Bar can also be found here.
Onboard comfort is ensured by latest-generation home automation solutions, allowing control of the audio-video system, the lights, as well as the decorative and black-out curtains using the i-Pads installed in all areas and rooms or directly from one’s own device after downloading the dedicated app.
Thanks to two Caterpillar C32 1081kW @ 2300 rpm engines, the yacht can reach a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
The Latona is the latest jewel created by CRN and the utmost expression of the craftsmanship and mastery of a dedicated and demanding team, driven by the vision and passion of a highly-selective and determined Owner family. This yacht fully embodies the Shipyard’s will to shape the Owner’s talent and wishes, as expressed by the motto “Made by you with our own hands.”
CRN’s Latona will be presented as a world première at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 at the end of September.
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).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
April 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025