The innovative designers and naval architects at Diana decided the time was right to offer a motor yacht in line with this family exploration theme. The Bluebird design reflects the fact that a family grows and evolves over the years, allowing people to be moved around as children become adults while still remaining an integral part of the family.
A key aspect in this philosophy is the inclusion of a dedicated owner’s deck, located between the bridge and main decks. The full-beam master stateroom offers a fine 180-degree panoramic view forward. At the same time, a private staircase with its own door leads down to the forward area of the main deck, where there are two double suites for the children. The doors can be locked on both decks to create a two-floor, three-suite apartment with breathtaking views and a gym on the owner’s deck. If the family has guests on board, and the main salon and the aft decks are being used for a party, the entire fore deck area can remain closed off.
The main deck suites can be converted to accommodate more children if required, and there is also a starboard cabin in the family area for the nanny or, as is more often becoming the case on longer trips today, a school teacher. Thought has also been given to how things might change once the kids grow up and perhaps have relationships of their own: the family can still keep the yacht on which so many irreplaceable memories have been made, transforming this main deck floor into suites with a double bed and bathroom.
The four other roomy guest suites on the lower deck add to the flexibility offered by this smart layout for owners both today and in the future. The main deck suites can be used as VIP areas when there are two families on board, with lots of extra room in the lower deck suites for additional guests or children. This arrangement truly comes into its own with charter bookings, where equality of accommodation is important.
The entire aft walls of the lounges on the owner’s and main decks open up to large aft decks and provide a true inside-out ambience. All tenders and toys are stored on the foredeck for this purpose. Below is an expansive beach club, which opens up completely to create a great place for kids of all ages to enjoy watersports while landlubbers relax on the swimming platform and enjoy the bar.
The interior of the Bluebird supports the philosophy of extended living on board, including a plush cinema in the main lounge, a broad range of dining options and various comfortable places to relax in privacy. The crew quarters are spacious and accommodate 14 crew including the captain, who will helm the yacht from a wheelhouse with excellent views forward plus folding bridge wings. The tank deck has a dedicated laundry and lots of refrigeration facilities, with all decks being connected by a dumbwaiter.
The Bluebird’s elegant, timeless profile consists of some beautifully balanced lines and large windows. Her superstructure is positioned relatively far forward to enhance the explorer look, while allowing for giant aft decks. A finely flared bow will add to the seagoing performance, dampening slamming motions and substantially enhancing overall comfort.
The blue colour was chosen because of the elegant separation it offers between superstructure and hull, extending the length visually and – in combination with the black mast – giving the vessel an elegant lower look in the water. Of course, clients can choose a different colour scheme should they wish, and could also choose to change the length of the design to anywhere between 50 and 60 metres depending on their requirements.
While the Bluebird may not look like a traditional explorer vessel, Diana Yacht Design has a rich pedigree when it comes to world travellers. The office has been involved in the design and naval architecture of around 70 members of the current global superyacht fleet, including the 50-metre Hadia, which has made three circumnavigations, and Triple 8, which successfully completed a two-year globetrotting expedition.
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