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.
On March 30th, Sunreef Yachts made a significant stride in its global expansion by inaugurating the Sunreef Lounge in Shanghai. Strategically situated at the prestigious Sunch Yacht Club in Pudong, this new facility symbolizes the company's dedication to advancing luxury yachting in Asia.More than just an exhibition space, the Sunreef Lounge acts as a cultural center, facilitating meaningful interactions between clients, collaborators, and enthusiasts. Here, visitors can explore Sunreef's state-of-the-art technologies and environmentally conscious solutions in a refined and engaging atmosphere.Central to the lounge's offerings is the groundbreaking Sunreef Ultima line, which integrates speed, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to inspire responsible ownership, this cutting-edge collection highlights the shipyard's commitment to shaping the future of eco-conscious yachting.By merging global luxury standards with local customs and sustainability principles, Sunreef Yachts establishes itself as a trailblazer in the Asian market. This initiative marks a promising era for the brand and sets a new benchmark for the evolution of yachting in the region.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts; rleine/unsplash.com
April 3, 2025
Northrop & Johnson announces the successful sale of the 51-meter Sapphire, a Trinity-built motor yacht, through Boathouse Auctions. Represented by Yacht Brokers Sean Doyle and Wes Sanford, Sapphire attracted serious interest from qualified buyers leading up to the auction, reflecting her strong market appeal.Delivered in 2009 and constructed using lightweight aluminum to ABS classification standards, Sapphire embodies the finest traditions of American yacht construction. The vessel underwent a comprehensive refit in 2019, followed by substantial technical upgrades in 2020 and 2021, including engine rebuilds and generator replacements. Recently completing her five-year survey, Sapphire entered the market in prime condition, ready for immediate use.A standout feature of Sapphire is her versatile layout, which accommodates up to 20 guests across seven well-appointed staterooms. This configuration makes her ideal for large families or as a capable mothership support vessel. Guests can choose from two triple cabins with queen and twin beds, two twin cabins with Pullman berths, and additional cabins on the main and bridge decks. The bridge-deck master suite stands out with its luxurious ensuite bath, soothing bathtub, and direct access to a private exterior deck.Zero-speed stabilizers and a shallow draft ensure smooth cruising and easy navigation to popular destinations like Florida and The Bahamas. With a 4,000-nautical-mile range, Sapphire is equally adept at long-distance travel.Outdoor spaces are carefully designed for leisure and entertainment. The sundeck boasts a relaxing hot tub, a well-stocked bar, and multiple lounging and dining options. Other al fresco areas include the Portuguese bridge, bridge deck aft lounge, and a spacious main deck aft dining table. Thoughtful integration of tender and toy storage keeps the decks clear and functional.James McFarlane’s interior design combines timeless elegance with practicality. The main salon offers ample seating, a welcoming bar, and a formal dining area for 14 guests, enhanced by an abundance of natural light. Forward of the salon lies a multipurpose bonus room that can serve as a playroom or an extra VIP suite.Featuring a proven platform, recent technical improvements, and generous accommodations, Sapphire presents an attractive option for experienced yacht owners seeking a capable, family-focused superyacht.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 3, 2025
Expanding upon its established presence in North America and Asia, CL Yachts is delighted to announce an exclusive dealer agreement with Revolution Marine Group Europe GmbH. Under this partnership, the Austria-based company will act as the official distributor for CL Yachts' renowned A and B Series throughout Europe and Turkey. These strategic regions, characterized by their rich yachting heritage and sophisticated clientele, represent a significant opportunity for CL Yachts to cater to increasing market demands for its cutting-edge luxury performance vessels.As part of this global expansion strategy, CL Yachts has ensured that each product line receives specialized representation. While the A and B Series will now be exclusively handled by Revolution Marine Group Europe, the distinguished X Series will continue to benefit from the expert oversight of Camper & Nicholsons, maintaining focus on the unique requirements of this segment.Known for prioritizing customization and craftsmanship, CL Yachts sees great synergy with the European and Turkish markets, where bespoke solutions tailored to individual preferences resonate strongly. This alignment positions CL Yachts favorably among discerning yacht enthusiasts seeking superior quality and personalized experiences.Martin Lo, Director of CL Yachts, expressed optimism regarding the partnership, saying, "Partnering with Revolution Marine Group Europe is a pivotal step forward as we deepen our engagement in Europe and Turkey. Their extensive knowledge and regional expertise will allow us to introduce the CL Yachts experience to a broader audience of passionate boaters."Echoing this sentiment, Sergey Kurylev, Managing Director of Revolution Marine Group Europe, noted, "It is an honor to collaborate with CL Yachts. Their ingenuity and craftsmanship are sure to appeal to yacht owners in this vibrant market. Together, driven by shared values and dedication to excellence, we look forward to delivering unmatched boating experiences."Through this alliance, CL Yachts aims to capitalize on emerging business prospects while solidifying its reputation in the competitive yachting landscape. Moreover, the partnership opens doors for localized innovations designed to meet the diverse needs and preferences of customers in these dynamic regions.Carmen Lau, Senior Advisor at Camper & Nicholsons, highlighted the continued collaboration with CL Yachts, particularly in promoting the revolutionary X Series. She remarked, "The CLX96 and CLX99 embody CL Yachts' pioneering spirit, blending advanced technology with impeccable comfort and performance. We anticipate considerable interest in these models across Europe and Asia, bolstered by our expertise in the global superyacht arena."CL Yachts’ goal is to offer unparalleled experiences to the modern explorer. The luxury performance brand stands apart from its competitors thanks to its unique approach to design – driven by CL Yacht’s core value of innovation. Fusing progressive design with engineering prowess and state-of-the-art technology, every element of CL Yachts’ vessels are meticulously geared to steer luxury into uncharted territories.Credits: CL Yachts
April 3, 2025
The 115.1-meter Lürssen superyacht Ahpo has returned to the brokerage market with an asking price of €340 million, making it the most expensive luxury yacht currently listed for sale. Represented by Alex Busher of Edmiston and Moran Yacht & Ship, Ahpo was originally sold as a new build by Moran Yacht & Ship in 2017 to a repeat Lürssen client and began construction under the codename Project Enzo.Completed in 2021 and showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show the following year, Ahpo boasts a striking design by Nuvolari Lenard, featuring trademark half-moon windows and tapered decks. The yacht was last sold in-house by Moran Yacht & Ship in May 2023, believed to be the largest brokerage deal in history.Designed with both exterior and interior detailing on technical and aesthetic fronts, Ahpo offers accommodation for 16 guests in eight staterooms and four staff cabins. The owner's private duplex includes an exceptional gym, while side decks on the sky lounge deck span 100 meters, allowing guests to take strolls in the fresh air without disembarking.Health and wellness are priorities on board, with a nature-themed spa featuring a massage room, Himalayan salt sauna, and a Turkish-style Hammam finished in vibrant mosaics and ivory onyx. Throughout the vessel, nature is a recurring theme, seen in the artwork, the central staircase depicting an olive tree, and the grand dining room themed around water lilies.Technical highlights include twin MTU 20V 4,000hp engines, advanced systems such as a heat recovery mechanism for warming the swimming pool, dynamic positioning, four Quantum fin stabilizers, and controllable-pitch propellers for low-speed manoeuvrability. The 5,257GT superyacht is crewed by 36 and is equipped with two custom 12-meter IC Yacht guest tenders, rescue tenders, and a commercially certified helipad supporting a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Lürssen
April 3, 2025
At its recent annual general meeting, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) announced the introduction of a brand-new Paris-based boat show, set to take place in November 2025.The highly anticipated Paris Nautic Show will run from Wednesday, November 26th, to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, hosted at the prestigious Parc des Expositions du Bourget in northeastern Paris. This announcement follows the cancellation of the initial Nautic-en-Seine boat show, which had been planned for April 2025 along the banks of the River Seine. Market conditions led to the decision to cancel the open-air event, originally intended as a fresh iteration of the longstanding Nautic Paris boat show.The newly organized indoor event will be managed by M2O, FIN's dedicated event subsidiary. FIN emphasized the critical role of a Paris-based boat show in supporting the nautical industry amid challenging economic and political environments, serving as a vital platform to showcase resilience and innovation within the sector.Approximately 350 exhibitors and between 300 to 400 boats are expected to participate, occupying two expansive halls totaling 40,000 square meters. Compared to earlier iterations of Paris-based boat shows, the duration of the event has been streamlined to align better with the global exhibition calendar.The show's leadership team comprises experienced professionals, including Jean-Paul Chapeleau as President, Christophe Vieux as Managing Director, Caroline Popovici as Deputy Commissioner General and Operations Director, and Guillaume Verbrugghe as Deputy Commissioner General and Commercial Director. At the general meeting, they unveiled the event's new branding, including its distinctive logo and marketing materials, marking the official start of commercial activities for the show.Credits: jerileecornelio/unsplash.com
April 2, 2025