After an extensive eight-month refit process, which included technical launch and sea trials in May, the 52-meter yacht Solafide (formerly known as Vianne) has been delivered to its owner with a range of new onboard systems and a refreshed interior design. The refit project, carried out by a team of nearly 100 experts working in collaboration with the yacht's crew, has rejuvenated the vessel while preserving its original essence.
Supervised by Lusben and with interior restyling by Yachtique, the interior design division of the Azimut|Benetti Group, the refit aimed to give the yacht a more contemporary appearance while maintaining its unique character. Notably, the performance of the onboard systems and engines has been improved, resulting in enhanced efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and minimized noise pollution.
The majority of the refurbishment work focused on the interior spaces, with careful attention to the owner's preferences. Lusben and Yachtique maintain close communication with the owner throughout the process, ensuring that the changes are perfectly aligned with the yacht's aesthetics while incorporating elements inspired by Benetti's heritage. The original oak wood furniture and interior architecture were preserved, complemented by hand-worked raffia details and ribbed accents.
The interior design palette draws inspiration from natural elements, exemplified by the ivory-colored carpet featuring a wave-like design. Muted white and ivory tones adorn the walls, harmoniously blended with alternating fabrics and leather coverings. The owner's suite underwent a complete transformation, with delicate wall coverings, raffia features, and leather accents. The guest area on the lower deck also received a facelift, showcasing a herringbone pattern in gray and powder blue cotton and linen fabrics.
The bathrooms in the owner's cabin and VIP area were entirely rebuilt, featuring Carrara Marble selected by the owner to echo the ribbed finishes of the oak wood. To enhance sustainability and efficiency, the refit included the replacement of lighting with low-energy LED technology, as well as significant upgrades to switch panels, current transformers, and air conditioning systems. On the exterior, the new decor pays homage to maritime tradition with a two-tone chevron texture in gray and white.
Furthermore, the owner requested upgrades to the engine room systems, including the installation of zero-speed electric fin stabilizers by CMC Marine, new generators, engines, and an improved air conditioning system. These enhancements not only enhance comfort but also contribute to sustainability by reducing energy consumption and emissions while maintaining exceptional performance standards.
“This was a major refit experienced side-by-side with the owner and the Yachtique design team every step of the way. We are confident this is the first stage in a project that will involve further major work at our shipyard in the coming years too. We can’t wait to be able to continue this collaboration, not least because this storied Benetti yacht is absolutely captivating,” says Gianni Paladino, Lusben Commercial Director.
Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector.
Credits: Lusben
Italian yacht builder Dolomia Yachts has introduced its inaugural power catamaran range, developed in partnership with design firm Centrostiledesign. The initial models include the 22-meter D100 and smaller D70, designed to provide monohull-equivalent volume with reduced hydrodynamic resistance.The D100 model offers approximately 300 square meters of interior space, comparable to 30-meter monohull yachts. Configurations include four-cabin layouts with full-beam master suite or five-cabin charter arrangements with crew accommodations. The design incorporates 66 square meters of solar panels generating 15kWp of power.Construction utilizes non-toxic resins, FSC-certified wood, and renewable cork materials. Propulsion options include Volvo diesel engines with IPS or straight-shaft transmission, alongside hybrid and fully electric system alternatives. The yacht features photovoltaic panels and semi-solid-state battery technology.Design elements comprise a flybridge with active spoiler, retractable tender garage for 5-meter watercraft, and 18-square-meter beach club area. The company emphasizes reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact through hull design and sustainable technologies.Dolomia Yachts founder Alessandro Righi stated the company is "very close to achieving the highest technological quality" while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Construction of the first D100 unit is underway with scheduled delivery for 2027, while development continues on the smaller D70 model.The company has established partnerships with four Italian marine suppliers and contracted NSS Charter for yacht management services, including luxury charter operations in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda region. The yachts will be constructed in facilities utilizing established Italian shipbuilding expertise.Credits: Dolomia Yachts
August 27, 2025
Italian marine engineering company West Navaltech has launched Forte Yachts, a new yacht brand focused on aluminum vessel construction. The debut model, the Forte 47, is currently in development at the company's Ameglia facility near La Spezia.West Navaltech operates from a 1,300-square-meter covered production area with 1,800 square meters of hard standing. The company has previously specialized in constructing steel and aluminum workboats ranging from 14 to 50 meters, including fire department vessels, electric catamarans, and tugboats. The company also supplies aluminum components to shipyards in the Miglio Blu district.Livio Franchini, Technical Manager and partner at West Navaltech, stated: "The creation of Forte Yachts marks a strategic expansion. We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary."The Forte 47 measures 14.3 meters in length with aluminum construction emphasizing interior volume. The design includes two full-height cabins and two bathrooms, with ceiling heights exceeding two meters below deck. Naval architecture was developed by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design.The vessel will be offered in both outboard and inboard engine configurations, with layout variations depending on propulsion choice. The design targets coastal cruising itineraries such as Monaco to Porto Cervo or Miami to the Bahamas.Fernando Moricca, co-founder of the new brand, described the venture as "a response to the desire to reinterpret the sea with respect, competence and style." The brand name references both strength (from Italian "forte") and the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi.Production continues at West Navaltech's existing facilities, with the Forte 47 representing the company's entry into the premium leisure boat market. The company's industrial capabilities provide the technical foundation for the new yacht brand.Credits: Forte Yachts
August 27, 2025
MDL Marinas has been selected for participation in the Monaco Yacht Show's Blue Wake initiative, which recognizes environmental sustainability efforts in the superyacht and marina industries. The selection follows review by the Water Revolution Foundation.Between 2022 and 2025, MDL reduced operational carbon emissions by 54% through renewable electricity adoption and solar panel installations across 18 locations. The company became the first UK marina operator to implement the BREEAM sustainability framework for marine facility development.Solar installations generated 101,918 kWh in May 2025, with annual production reaching 601,128 kWh. The renewable energy program has resulted in approximately £144,000 in annual electricity cost savings compared to grid procurement.Steve Russell, Head of Property Infrastructure at MDL Marinas, stated: "The 54% carbon reduction demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational efficiency go hand in hand. Our solar programme alone has delivered over £144,000 in annual savings whilst significantly reducing our environmental impact."Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director, added: "Being recognised as part of the Monaco Yacht Show's Blue Wake programme reflects the sustained investment we've made to reduce our emissions as part of our #greenermarinas strategy."MDL's sustainability initiatives will be featured in Monaco Yacht Show communications and considered for Blue Wake Awards during the September event. The company maintains real-time solar production dashboards publicly accessible on its website.The Monaco Yacht Show occurs annually in Port Hercule, showcasing luxury yachting and sustainable marine technologies. MDL's selection highlights increasing industry focus on environmental standards for marina operations worldwide.Credits: MDL Marinas
August 27, 2025
The 82-meter Oceanco motor yacht Alfa Nero has been listed for sale at €88.5 million through Northrop & Johnson. Broker Richard Higgins holds the exclusive listing for the vessel, which was delivered in 2007 and underwent comprehensive refitting in 2024.Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the yacht features Art Deco elements combined with contemporary aesthetics. Notable features include an aft infinity pool with glass waterfall sides and a convertible floor that rises to form a flush entertainment area. The pool system was among the first of its kind in yacht design.Accommodations include six staterooms for 12 guests connected by glass elevators. The master suite occupies the upper deck forward section with private office, marble bathroom, and hot tub-equipped terrace. Additional amenities comprise a spa, sauna, steam room, cinema, and beauty salon.Technical specifications include twin MTU engines providing 18-knot cruising speed and 20-knot maximum speed. The yacht carries a Vanquish VQ45 chase boat and extensive water toys including jet skis, seabobs, and a jellyfish-protected sea pool.The steel-hulled vessel offers 1,250 square meters of living space across multiple decks. Alfa Nero remains one of the most recognizable superyachts in global waters following its 2024 refit, which updated systems while maintaining its original design integrity.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 26, 2025
The 2021 Feadship motor yacht Somnium, constructed by De Vries shipyard with exterior design by Studio De Voogt and interior architecture by FM Architettura, is currently offered for sale. The aluminum-hulled vessel presents an opportunity for ownership without new-build waiting periods.Somnium accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite featuring a private balcony and dedicated office space. The interior design emphasizes functional luxury for extended global cruising.Key features include a 2.55-meter draft enabling access to shallow anchorages, an aft deck plunge pool with adjustable depth and counter-current system, and an expansive foredeck lounge area. The sun deck incorporates a hot tub and panoramic viewing areas.Technical specifications include an enclosed tender garage with dedicated dive storage and a fold-down transom platform creating sea-level access from the gymnasium. The yacht's design prioritizes family-oriented cruising with multiple outdoor social areas.The 2021 delivery date places Somnium among contemporary Feadship offerings with updated navigation systems and propulsion technology. The vessel's availability provides immediate access to Dutch-built superyacht ownership without construction lead times.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
August 26, 2025