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After “Quantum of Solace” and “Diamonds Are Forever”, “Spectre” is the third yacht launched by Benetti for talented New York businessman John Staluppi. Motor yacht “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, while the hull by Dutch firm Mulder Design aims to deliver extraordinary performance for yachts this size and is fitted with the new Ride Control technology by Naiad Dynamics. The interior design by Benetti’s Interior Style Department brings to mind the Art Deco and Liberty moods of certain French interiors, while the flowing, contemporary exterior contours are designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta.
The owner chooses Benetti for the third time and, as usual, celebrates his passion for James Bond, the leading character in the series of films inspired by the novels of Ian Fleming. John Staluppi who has fallen in love with Made in Italy excellence, has named his latest megayacht, a Full Custom launched yesterday in Livorno, “Spectre” after the title of the famous 2015 film starring 007.
The plans for this original boat were developed around the latest marine technologies and combining different styles and philosophies of interior decoration, with references to the past (the nineteen twenties in France) mixed with modern details.
Motor yacht “Spectre” (FB269) is a full custom 69-meter megayacht, with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure arranged on five decks, featuring a swimming pool and a ‘touch and go’ helipad. Accommodating 12 guests in unparalleled comfort, the layout features 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.
Bringing together Benetti’s most advanced design and construction technologies, motor yacht “Spectre” is fitted with Ride Control technology by Naiad Dynamics, representing an absolute novelty for this type of boat. 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, designed 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, 30% more than a traditional displacement hull.
The exteriors are by Giorgio M. Cassetta, who says that he has fallen in love with the project and is proud to have contributed to the creation of such a technologically advanced yacht: “I’m very fond of Spectre. It’s the perfect example of a virtuous confluence between the ideas of the owner and the shipyard. John and Jeanette Staluppi, with their immense experience and energy, have spurred us on to imagine a yacht complete with everything that could be desired on a boat this size. Benetti accepted the challenge of building it to the highest standards and with a wealth of innovative technology. The splendid result is a satisfaction that my firm will treasure in the years to come”.
The style of the interiors, created by Benetti’s Interior Style Department, recalls the mood of certain French hotels and boutiques, standing out from Staluppi’s previous boats in a more classical and modern way. The floor in the main lounge, for example, draws inspiration from the Liberty style flooring in a Paris resort, featuring symmetrical forms and clean-cut geometrical patterns, enriched here with modern touches provided by the choice of Armani fabrics. Other references to French taste are the windows, a reminiscent of Paris’ typical Liberty style shops.
With the launch of “Spectre”, Benetti begins a period of hectic activity featuring some very big yachts. A remarkable 7 Full Custom yacht deliveries are planned in 2018/2019, including 3 giga yachts over 100 meters each, now being built in parallel at the company’s Livorno shipyard.
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
June 26, 2025