Listed for sale by Peter Thompson at Thompson, Westwood & White, the buyer in the deal was introduced by Superyacht Sales& Charter. "Spectre" was asking €65,000,000.
"Spectre" is a 69-meter Full Custom Mega Yacht with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure on five decks. The name pays tribute once again to James Bond after “Quantum of Solace” and “Diamonds Are Forever”. It’s first owner John Staluppi fell in love with the leading character in the series of films inspired by the novels of Ian Fleming.
This original superyacht was developed around the latest marine technologies and combining different styles and philosophies of interior decoration. References to Art Nouveau in France mixed with modern details designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta. He said that he was very fond and proud of this project. As it was the perfect example of the ideas of the owner and the shipyard. John and Jeanette Staluppi, with their outstanding energy, pulled us together on to imagine and develop with everything that could be desired on a boat this size.
The style of the interiors, created by Benetti’s Interior Style Department, feel of some French hotels and boutiques, standing out from Staluppi’s previous yachts in a more classical way. For example, the floor in the main lounge draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau style flooring in a Paris resort, with symmetrical forms and clean-cut geometrical patterns. Other references to French taste are the windows, a reminiscent of Paris’ typical Art Nouveau shops.
The megayacht features with a swimming pool and touch and go helipad. Accommodating 12 guests in unforgettable comfort, the layout has two owner’s cabins: one has a private terrace, a sun lounging area and a hydromassage tub; two VIP cabins on the Main Deck and two guest cabins on the lower deck.
Benetti’s most advanced construction technologies is the Ride Control technology by Naiad Dynamics - the system significantly increases stability during navigation and improves comfort on board with the help of four stabilising fins and three vertically-adjustable blades.
The lines of the hi speed cruising hull by Dutch firm Mulder Design, deliver maximum navigation efficiency, with a range of 6,500 nautical miles at 12 knots and a top speed of 21.2 knots, which is 30% more than a traditional displacement hull.
A seven Full Custom yachts planned in 2018/2019, including 3 giga yachts over 100 meters each, now are building in parallel at the Benetti’s Livorno shipyard.
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
Dutch yacht builder Heesen Yachts has appointed Jeroen van der Meer as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025. The leadership change follows the shipyard's recent acquisition by owner Laurens Last.Van der Meer replaces Niels Vaessen, who departs after thirteen years with the company, including service as both CFO and CEO. The new CEO holds a mechanical engineering degree and MBA from Eindhoven University, with professional experience focused on manufacturing optimization and strategic restructuring.Laurens Last stated: "Our goal is to build upon Heesen's legendary status by focusing relentlessly on quality, innovation, and the client experience. Jeroen's appointment is a strategic move to accelerate this vision." The owner emphasized plans to enhance production processes and invest in sustainable technologies under the new leadership.Vaessen commented: "I have an immense respect for the craftspeople and colleagues at Heesen, and I am grateful for my long service. I have full confidence in the shipyard's continued success."Van der Meer outlined his priorities: "My focus will be on harnessing the incredible talent within the company. By optimizing our processes and integrating advanced systems, we will empower our people to build the most innovative and reliable yachts." He emphasized strengthening client relationships and after-sales support.The leadership transition comes as Heesen prepares for the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025, where executives will meet with clients and partners. The shipyard continues production at its Oss facility, maintaining its focus on aluminum and steel superyacht construction.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
August 18, 2025
The 100.8-meter Kusch Yachts superyacht I Dynasty has been listed for sale with Merle A. Wood of Merle Wood & Associates and James Auld of SuperYachtsMonaco, with an asking price of €240,000,000. This places her as the fourth most expensive superyacht currently on the market.Built in Germany and delivered in July 2015, I Dynasty is the second-largest vessel from Kusch Yachts and the yard’s most recent delivery. The project was overseen by Vega Yachts, with The A Group’s Richard Hein responsible for exterior design and naval architecture. She was among the first superyachts to be fully certified to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) standards.Her interior, designed by Massari Design, accommodates up to 34 guests in 12 cabins, plus four staff in three cabins and 36 crew in 19 cabins. Under PYC certification, she can carry up to 36 guests. The main deck hosts the owner’s suite, which includes separate his and hers marble en suites, while two master VIP suites are located on the bridge deck.With an interior volume of 4,437GT, I Dynasty offers a variety of amenities, including a bridge deck cinema, beach club, sauna, hair salon, massage room, hammam, gym, and a dive centre. Notable design features include an open staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a mix of classical and modern finishes, including warm woods, marble pillars, and glass “shark fins” acting as windbreakers.The yacht’s exterior spaces include multiple dining areas, a covered cinema, several pools, and a float-in tender garage that can be converted into a saltwater pool. She carries a range of tenders and water toys, including a Riva 33 Aquariva and a 9.6-metre Pascoe Limousine.Powered by a diesel-electric system with twin Rolls-Royce Bergen main engines and triple Caterpillar C32 auxiliary engines, I Dynasty has a top speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots, and a range of 7,000 nautical miles.She recently completed her Lloyd’s 10-year Special Survey in June 2025 and will be available for inspection by appointment during the Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Merle Wood & Associates
August 15, 2025
The first unit from the Lazzara UHV 100 series has had its asking price reduced by €1,005,000. Represented for sale by Josh Gulbranson of Fraser and Richard Higgins of Northrop & Johnson, the 30.5-metre motor yacht is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026.Designed entirely in-house by Turkish shipyard Lazzara, the model has a reported gross tonnage of 222GT, which the builder claims is the largest in its class. The yacht is being built using a full epoxy construction with e-glass, a closed-cell aviation core, and no gelcoat or wood.Accommodation will be for up to 10 guests in five cabins, including a main-deck owner’s suite with private seating and en suite, and four guest cabins on the lower deck in a mix of queen and twin arrangements. Crew quarters will accommodate five.The interior is designed with multiple floor-to-ceiling windows and 2,800 square feet of living space, including a main deck lounge and dining area for 10, and a full-beam skylounge with a bar and lounge seating.Outdoor areas will include a beach club with a submersible swim platform, a foredeck lounge with a Jacuzzi, and alfresco dining and seating on both the main and upper aft decks.Powered by Volvo Penta engines, the yacht is expected to have a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots. She will also be equipped with CMC electric fin stabilisation and hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. Principal dimensions include a beam of 7.4 metres and a draft of 1.8 metres.The Lazzara UHV 100 is now listed for sale at €13,495,000.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 15, 2025