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Benetti - the Italian yacht builder, delivered 69-meter fully-customized superyacht Spectre to John Staluppi on November 19. They held an exclusive ceremony at their Livorno shipyard.
It took 750,000 working hours to build this steel-hulled yacht with aluminium superstructure, pool and "touch ang go" helipad, which is the third Benetti superyacht built for the Staluppi in less than ten years. John and Jeanette Staluppi are experienced owners who adore James Bond filmography, 50s and 60s sports car adrenaline excitement, and the Made in Italy ethos. Staluppi’s wish was to feel the same emotions on board the new superyacht as they did in a motorcar on the racetrack. The main challenge for Giorgio M. Cassetta, who designed the exterior lines, was to create an extremely dynamic yacht with huge volumes. The result is a very “traditional” vessel with a long and sharp bow and extended superstructure volumes that slide towards stern.
The strongly sporty appearance was achieved by the volume and proportion fluidity. All of which contribute to making Spectre a yacht equal in performance to an aluminium yachts. The contribution and support of the Dutch firm Mulder Design, which was responsible for the structural design, the hull and the propulsion system, was hugely important in this achievement. Due to many clever measures the weight of the yacht has been reduced considerably. The performance, of what Frank Mulder, founder of the eponymous studio, has baptized as the "High Speed Cruising Hull", is incredible.
The maximum speed is 21.2 knots, 30% higher than a traditional displacement hull and the autonomy is equal to 6,500 nautical miles at the considerable speed of 12 knots. Spectre also features Naiad Dynamics Total Ride Control technology, installed for the first time on a yacht of this type. Originally developed by Naiad for commercial and naval ships, thanks to the collaboration with Mulder Design, this technology was later configured to be installed on board Spectre. The active system ensures a significant increase in navigation stability and improved on-board comfort thanks to two roll stabilizing fins, two forward pitch control canards and three independently controlled stern interceptor blades.
The interior layout is modern and has been created by the Benetti Interior Style Department, while the owners took an active role in selecting some particular furniture. The whole atmosphere on board is a homage to the traditional late-‘800 Liberty French hotels and boutiques. On the Main Deck, for example, the main salon floor takes inspiration from that of a Parisian Deco style resort, enriched with modern touches thanks to the choice of Armani fabrics, chosen by the owner. Other references to French taste are represented by the designs of the carpet and, especially, the windows, which reference those of the most characteristic Liberty shops in Paris.
The yacht is now asking €65,000,000 through TWW Yachts.
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025
Oceanco has completed the acquisition of Alewijnse, a Netherlands-based electrical systems integrator with 135 years of industry experience. The purchase was made through Oceanco's new shareholder Gabe Newell, founder of Valve Corporation and research initiative Inkfish.Alewijnse will maintain its current leadership team and operational structure while joining Oceanco's group of companies, which includes Lateral, Mercury and Aluship. The electrical specialist has collaborated with Oceanco on yacht projects since the 1990s and currently serves multiple maritime sectors including naval, dredging, offshore and industrial clients.Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout stated: "With Alewijnse joining the Group, we have the opportunity to develop new solutions and innovations that serve not only yachting, but also other maritime sectors."Alewijnse CEO Gert Bravenboer added: "Electrical systems integration is at the heart of modern yachting and maritime operations, and as part of the Oceanco Group, we can build on our expertise and lead in a rapidly evolving sector."Strong Root Capital, which guided Alewijnse through recent years of development, facilitated the transaction. Partner Patrick Zanders noted: "The company has developed a clear vision for the future and secured a solid position in the market. We are therefore proud that a new owner has been found who will continue to build on this."The acquisition strengthens Oceanco's integrated service capabilities amid growing demand for advanced electrical systems in superyacht construction. Alewijnse's expertise in automation and power management will support Oceanco's yacht-building operations while continuing to serve external clients across maritime industries.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: Oceanco
August 19, 2025
The 38.6-meter motor yacht Areti I has changed ownership in a transaction brokered by IYC and Hamilton Marine International. Michael Rafferty and Dimitri Blaimer of IYC represented the buyer, while David Ross of Hamilton Marine acted for the seller.Built in 2007 by U.S. shipyard Burger, the aluminum-hulled vessel was designed by longtime Burger naval architect Don O'Keeffe. The yacht had one owner since delivery and never entered charter service.Areti I accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck. Crew quarters house up to eight staff. Douglas Richey designed the interior featuring wood paneling and neutral-toned furnishings.Recent updates include a 2024 refit and full repaint at Rybovich in North Palm Beach. The yacht carries ABS classification and MCA compliance.Powered by twin 1,300hp Caterpillar engines, Areti I achieves 14.5-knot top speed with 5,500-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. The vessel was listed at $9.95 million prior to sale.The transaction demonstrates continued market activity for well-maintained American-built superyachts in the 35-40 meter range. Burger's aluminum construction and single-owner history likely contributed to the yacht's market appeal.Credits: Hamilton Marine International
August 18, 2025
Horizon Group has completed installation of a new 1,800-ton shiplift system at its Premier Shipyard facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The 60-meter by 13.7-meter Pearlson Shiplift System represents a two-year development project, expanding the yard's capacity to service superyachts exceeding 70 meters in length.The 24,000-square-meter shipyard occupies 200 meters of waterfront at Taiwan's largest commercial port. The new infrastructure strengthens Premier's position in the Asian refit market, where it has previously serviced vessels up to 69 meters from builders including Feadship and Riva.John Lu, Horizon Group CEO, stated: "The shiplift provides our shipyard with vastly increased capabilities and capacity, helping to fulfill unprecedented demand for global superyacht owners." The yard maintains certifications from classification societies including Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, RINA and DNV.The installation follows Horizon's ongoing investment in service infrastructure, complementing its core yacht construction business. The Taiwanese facility becomes one of few Asian yards capable of handling large superyacht refits with its new lifting system.Premier Shipyard has serviced over 30 yachts since establishing its refit operations. The shiplift project aligns with growing demand for maintenance facilities in Asia as the regional superyacht fleet expands. Horizon continues production at its main yacht-building facilities while expanding aftermarket services through the Kaohsiung location.The completed shiplift enters service immediately, with the yard prepared to accommodate vessels for scheduled winter maintenance work. Horizon confirms the facility will participate in upcoming regional boat shows to demonstrate its enhanced capabilities to potential clients.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
August 18, 2025