One of the world's most appealing industries in the world from a PR and marketing standpoint, yachting often appears as a relatively untouched field to the automotive industry. Yet, over the years, several players from that market tried to venture into yachting.

Ferrari and family



Brands: Ferretti Group (13.2%)

The Italian sports car manufacturer's history in yachting stretches all the way back to 1990 with the delivery of the Riva Ferrari 32. In total, 30 hulls of this speedboat line styled by Ferrari were built. In 2016, a barely used model was auctioned off by Sotheby's in Monaco at a starting price of  €180,000.

Ferrari's most significant step into yachting seems to however have come in 2016, when Piero Ferrari, the son of Ferrari founder, Enzo Ferrari, bought 13.2% of Ferretti Group, the company behind brands such as Riva, CRN and Pershing. Controlled by Chinese conglomerate, Weichai, Ferretti Group posted earnings before tax of €11 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Porsche and family



Brands: Royal Falcon Fleet, Fearless, Kormaran

Through its majority-owned subsidiary, Porsche Design Group, the German company first tried entering yachting with the Fearless 28, an 8.5-meter luxury speedboat reaching top speeds of up to 78 knots, four of which were built.

The German's sports car manufacturer's second attempt to enter yachting came in 2009 with the introduction of a concept for a 41-meter catamaran in combination with Royal Falcon Fleet, a now Swedish-based company that had developed the project for a fractional ownership program with a break down of about 10 owners per RFF135. 

The delivery of the first RF135 was however postponed first from Q4 2010 to 2012 and then later seemed to disappear from the map. Part-built, the catamaran is currently still lying in Oregrund, Sweden where Royal Falcon Fleet offices are now located.

In 2012, Peter Daniell Porsche, great-grandson of Porsche founder, Ferdinand Porsche became a partner in Kormaran, a company trying to bring to market a transforming watercraft capable of cruising in six different positions, including a monohull and a trimaran, which is set to retail for near to €1 million.

Mercedes-Benz




Partners: Baltic Yachts

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz, the famed German car manufacturer, introduced their first yacht designed by Mercedes-Benz Style, a 14-meter luxury speed boat nicknamed, Silver Arrow of the Seas. Powered by twin Yanmar engines of 480hp each, the yacht can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. With a price tag of near €2,5 million, only 10 of these boats will be manufactured at Baltic Yachts for this first edition.

Aston Martin




Partners: Quintessence Yachts

In partnership with Quintessence Yachts, a boat builder based in the Netherlands, Aston Martin have introduced their first 37-foot luxury speedboat at the Monaco Yacht Show last year. Having spent two years in research and development, the A37 will come in two options with top speeds of either 50 or 45 knots.

Bugatti




Partners: Palmer Johnson

The result of a partnership between French car manufacturer, Bugatti and former US shipyard, Palmer Johnson, the Niniette series features several models between 50 and 88 feet. Amongst the project's key amenities are a large sunbathing area on the main deck as well as a spacious living room and a large master cabin on the lower deck.

Lexus




Partners: Marquis-Carver Yacht Group

Lexus, a division of Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, had recently launched a concept for a 12.7-meter luxury speedboat built by Marquis-Carver Yacht Group in Wisconsin. The proof of concept could reach a top speed of 43 knots powered by twin 440hp Lexus engines but is not set to go into mass production.

Latest News

Italian Sea Group to Exhibit Picchiotti Gentleman 24 at Cannes
The Italian Sea Group will participate in the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, exhibiting vessels at both Vieux Port and Port Canto locations. The company's display will include the Picchiotti Gentleman 24 and Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 models at the Super Yachts Extension 146 area.Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a key strategic event for us – a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in international markets and engage with owners, partners, and leading industry players."The 24-meter Picchiotti Gentleman features design by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, combining wooden superstructure elements with steel details. The model presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional yacht design elements.The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 represents a collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini, incorporating carbon fiber components and automotive-inspired design features. The yacht's design includes signature lighting elements and a cockpit configuration derived from automotive influences.The exhibition demonstrates The Italian Sea Group's continued focus on the luxury yacht market through its multiple brand portfolio. The company's participation aligns with its strategy of presenting distinct design philosophies across its product ranges.The Cannes Yachting Festival expects approximately 50,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors for its 2025 edition. The Italian Sea Group will maintain its exhibition space in the superyacht section of the event, which features vessels exceeding 24 meters in length.The company's presentation emphasizes its dual approach to yacht design, balancing traditional nautical aesthetics with automotive-inspired performance concepts. Both exhibited models represent current production offerings from the group's shipyards in Italy.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
Aiata to Exhibit at 65th Genoa International Boat Show
Aiata, part of Turkey's Anadolu Group, will participate in the 65th Genoa International Boat Show from September 18-23, 2025. The shipyard will display its 11.57-meter Wayfinder 38 Cabin model at the Levante Waterfront exhibition area.The Wayfinder 38 Cabin version features a 3.49-meter beam and accommodates outboard engines up to 850 horsepower. The design emphasizes modular reconfiguration capabilities, including convertible seating arrangements, removable sunbeds, and interchangeable enclosed/open structural elements.The model targets coastal cruising, weekend excursions, and fishing activities with interior spaces designed for extended onboard stays. Storage solutions and layout flexibility allow owners to modify configurations after purchase to accommodate changing usage requirements.Aiata's participation represents the Turkish yacht industry's continued expansion into European markets. The Genoa exhibition provides a platform for the builder to demonstrate its production capabilities and design approach to Mediterranean boating audiences.The Wayfinder series forms part of Aiata's strategy to combine performance characteristics with adaptable interior layouts. The company emphasizes post-purchase configuration options as a value proposition for owners seeking long-term vessel versatility.The Genoa International Boat Show expects approximately 100,000 visitors during its six-day run, featuring over 1,000 vessels from international manufacturers. Aiata's exhibition will focus on the practical applications of its modular design philosophy in mid-size motor yachts.Credits: Aiata
Sanlorenzo Opens Venice Cultural Space with Fabrizio Ferri's "Breathtaking" Installation
Sanlorenzo has inaugurated its new Venice cultural venue, Casa Sanlorenzo, with Fabrizio Ferri's "Breathtaking" installation. The exhibition addresses ocean plastic pollution through thirteen portraits of public figures including musician Sting and actor Willem Dafoe, who attended the opening event.The exhibition runs from September 2 to November 23, 2025, at the restored 1940s villa redesigned by Sanlorenzo's artistic director Piero Lissoni. The space features an oval-shaped installation with large-scale photographs mounted on black walls, centered around a glass coffin filled with seawater. Visitors experience the exhibition using noise-cancelling headphones to simulate oceanic silence.Fabrizio Ferri stated the work was inspired by photographs of marine animals suffocated by plastic debris, noting: "The deadly force of the contamination of the seas and oceans that we cause with plastic and microplastics is not only killing the oceans, we are also killing ourselves."Sanlorenzo Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti described Casa Sanlorenzo as "a natural extension of our philosophy, where beauty and responsibility go hand in hand," adding that the exhibition represents "a statement of intent" regarding ocean conservation.The installation previously appeared at Milan's Natural History Museum, attracting 40,000 visitors over four days. The Venice presentation adds a new portrait of Sting to the collection, which also includes Helena Christensen, Julianne Moore, and Isabella Rossellini among others.Casa Sanlorenzo operates under the Sanlorenzo Arts program, representing the company's initiative to connect yacht manufacturing with environmental awareness and cultural discourse. The venue opens during both the Venice Film Festival and Architecture Biennale, positioning the brand within Venice's cultural calendar.Access to the facility is provided via Venice's first new pedestrian bridge constructed since 2008. Exhibition hours are 11:00 to 19:00 Thursday through Sunday until November 23.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
Saxdor Yachts Restructures Adriatic Dealer Network with Newera 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
Luca Dini Speaks on Yacht-Architecture Convergence at TEDxForteDeiMarmi
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