With the recent loss of the 40-metre sailing superyacht My Song that has created a buzz in the media, Yacht Harbour takes a look over some of the major accidents resulting in superyachts destructions in the recent years.
In September 2018, a large fire broke out at Lürssen's Bremen shipyard in a floating dock and building unit where the over-100-metre yacht was under construction. Various social media posts pointed out the damaged new build, 3 decks of which at least have caught on fire, to be the 146-metre Project Sassi, which was reportedly due for delivery within several months.
Over 110 firefighters were dispatched to the site, no one was injured during the incident but the new build reportedly took serious damage. The development was further set to hit the insurance sector with a group of marine insurers that could be facing a payment of up to €590 million over the fire.
In November 2018, coasts of Italy have been pounded by the waves of extreme weather, causing violent waves up to 10 metres and winds up to 180 km/h, breaking a lot of luxury yachts from their berths in Rapallo and killing at least 11 people. Local media described the landscape around the port of Rapallo as an apocalyptic.
Marina's director told there were 390 yachts in the marina, with the half of them destroyed. There was storm barrier for 300 metres, rebuilt after the collapse in 2000, but it wasn't enough for such an extreme event. City of Venice is reported to be 75% submerged. Among others, the yacht of Silvio Berlusconi was also damaged in disaster.
In October 2018, a major fire broke out on board the 42 metre Benetti superyacht Lalibela built in 1972. The yacht was heavily damaged due to fire, which broke out at the night while she was docked near Cannes, France. The fire destroyed the top deck and cabins inside, reports Maritime Bulletin.
Firefighters were called to the yacht, and worked for over 12 hours to extinguish the fire. The blaze was reported to have destroyed the top deck and cabins inside. Luckily, the two people on board at the time the fire broke out were safely evacuated.
In September 2018, he newly delivered CCN superyacht Kanga caught devastating fire, just days before her expected debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Kanga was heavily damaged, with the extent of the damage still unknown.
The 40-metre superyacht caught fire while being between the isles of Olipa and Mali Vratnik in Croatia. All thirteen people - 9 guests and 4 crew members were successfully rescued from the vessel.
The biggest superyacht disaster of 2017, a category 4 Hurricane Irma caused severe damage to the Caribbean and Florida region. Yachts based in the region and moored in local marinas were also amongst the infrastructure ravaged in the area. Barbuda and St Maarten were among the worst affected areas, with multiple fatalities and declaring a state of emergency.
With strong winds slamming yachts onto decks, snapping mooring lines and simply damaging some areas of yachts by themselves. Several yachts were reported destroyed, including the 40 metre Mondomarine superyacht Sierra Romeo, Benetti Delfino 93 and the 112 Westport, Pipe Dreams, built in 1999 by the American shipyard.
In the months since, the superyacht community has come together to support Caribbean welfare and rebuilding efforts but it will be many months before the damage is fully repaired.
In January 2016, a major yacht fire broke out at Marmaris marina devastating two prominent superyachts. The blaze was understood to originate on-board the 70.68-metre Lürssen yacht The One, further spreading to a neighbouring vessel, the 52-metre Al Jadaf superyacht Barbie. Other yachts stationed in the harbor have left the harbor to escape the fire.
London-based insurance firm Hiscox MGA later announced that Lloyd’s insurers had paid out $20 million to the owner of Barbie. Paul Miller, director of marine underwriting, said it was the largest superyacht claim that the insurance industry had dealt with in a long time.
In August 2015, shocking pictures of a superyacht sinking off of Mykonos, Greece rocked the web. The clarity of the water gave an unusually up-close glimpse at this sinking yacht, showing ever detail of the 33 metre yacht Aloha's demise.
The yacht represented Navetta 33 custom line. According to the Mykonos Daily, the yacht hit a reef. Fortunately, the four guests on board when the Aloha grounded were able to escape unharmed.
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.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: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025
Finnish yacht builder Nautor Swan has detailed its development strategy following its acquisition by Sanlorenzo Group in 2024. The company is implementing a €35 million investment program between 2024-2027 focused on facility expansion and product development.Swan 73New infrastructure includes production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a Milan headquarters, and expanded offices in Monaco, Cannes, the United States, and Palma de Mallorca. The company unveiled two new sailing yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival: the Swan 51 performance cruiser and Swan 73 model, marking the brand's return to the 22-meter segment after two decades.Sanlorenzo Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti stated: "We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit that define Swan. Swan's future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy."Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati added: "We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan's product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth."Swan 51The expansion strategy includes strengthened North American presence with a potential operations site in Pensacola, Florida, and a confirmed ClubSwan 28 racing calendar for Newport and Pensacola in 2026. Globally, the company leverages Sanlorenzo's distribution network with new sales points in Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Mediterranean locations, and Asia-Pacific markets.Swan 55The Swan 51 represents the smallest model in the performance cruiser line, incorporating design experience from over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019. The Swan 73, designed by German Frers, returns the brand to the 22-meter sailing yacht segment after 20 years.The company maintains six product lines across sailing and motor yacht categories, with continued emphasis on owner services including brokerage, charter operations, and global support networks. The ClubSwan organization continues coordinating racing events and owner gatherings worldwide, with expanded events planned following the Sanlorenzo investment.Credits: Nautor Swan
September 12, 2025
Greenline Yachts has revealed development of a new 12.8-meter model scheduled for launch in early 2026. The Greenline 42 will feature updated hull design by Micad enabling 30-knot maximum speed while maintaining twin 250hp standard propulsion.The design incorporates four additional solar panels on the coach roof, bringing total capacity to 4.1kW for hotel load operation and battery charging. The proprietary H-Drive 6G system manages hybrid functionality including silent electric maneuvering capabilities.Exterior and interior styling comes from Marco Casali, offering three interior themes based on honey teak or modern oak materials. Layout options include customizable cabin configurations, wardrobe arrangements, and bathroom facilities. The saloon features full-glass aft openings connecting to cockpit areas.CEO Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "When we do finally introduce a new boat, it is therefore no light decision. You can be sure that the new Greenline 42 has absorbed every inch of our know-how and will provide a reference in the market for decades to come."Designer Marco Casali noted the challenge of modernizing Greenline's established aesthetic while maintaining brand identity. The exterior profile connects design elements from larger Greenline models like the 58-foot version while incorporating contemporary features.The yacht will offer two distinct cockpit layouts with removable furniture options and improved foredeck lounge space. Technical enhancements include sliding galley windows for ventilation and helm station climate controls. The model represents Greenline's most customizable production to date according to company statements.Greenline continues production at its Slovenian facility, with the new model slotting between existing offerings in the brand's range. The company emphasizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency across its product lines, with the Greenline 42 continuing this approach through solar supplementation and hybrid propulsion options.Greenline Yachts are crafted in Slovenia within the European Union. The shipyard adheres to the highest European quality standards and reduces environmental footprint, prioritizes the use of local materials and expertise. The craftsmanship is rooted in more than 50 years of experience in composite boatbuilding. Credits: Greenline Yachts
September 12, 2025
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group have finalized a merger creating what they describe as the world's largest yacht firm. The combined entity will operate under the Denison Yachting brand with existing leadership from both organizations. The merger establishes a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe.The expanded portfolio now includes representation of Absolute Yachts, HCB, Riviera, Prestige, and Belize Yachts. Denison becomes the largest Sunseeker dealer globally through the transaction. The combined company will list over 800 yachts with 180 brokers facilitating transactions.Denison Yachting President Bob Denison stated: "By joining with OneWater Yacht Group, we're bringing together two of the strongest teams in the industry. Our clients will benefit from more boats to choose from, the best marketing and technology, and a full-service approach that makes yacht ownership simpler."OneWater Yacht Group President Bryan Braley added: "By combining Denison's unmatched expertise in brokerage and charter with their industry leading marketing, we are creating the most comprehensive and customer-focused yachting company."The publicly-traded entity will continue offering new yacht sales, brokerage, charter services, management, crew placement, and after-sales support. Company representatives will provide additional details during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, with a press presentation scheduled for September 25.Denison Yachting maintains operations from waterfront offices with licensed brokers providing services including superyacht sales and new construction. The company traces its origins to Broward Marine established in Fort Lauderdale in 1948. The merger significantly expands the company's manufacturer representation and brokerage inventory across multiple market segments.Credits: Denison Yachting
September 11, 2025