Marco Arnaboldi, founder and designer of the Viareggio-based Wooden Boats shipyard, develops a line of compact luxury tenders. “When I launched the first Limo Tender it was received with enthusiasm and other orders followed, each customized, according to the owner's wishes,” says Marco Arnaboldi. “With the 8.3m ‘Limo Blue’, I thought of introducing a stylistic connotation in the deck and the topsides inspired by Fellini's 'Dolce Vita' and by the timeless design of the runabouts of the time.”
So this is actually a day cruiser rather than a tender, with rounded lines that slope towards the stern, bringing to mind some of the motorboats that accompanied divas and VIPs in the roaring Fifties and Sixties. The vintage design stays true to some of the shipyard's distinguishing features. A deep V hull, particularly performing in terms of speed, but also very seaworthy, so suitable to face any type of sea conditions. With a 270 hp inboard motor and sterndrive, Limo Blue can reach a top speed of 35 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.
“In addition to the fascinating look, another characteristic of the 8.3m Limo Blue is the deckhouse, which lowers to the height of the gunwale when it has to be stored in the garage and which guarantees an internal height of 1.80m when in navigation position,” continues Marco Arnaboldi. “On this first model, the owner opted for an open helm station in the bow with seats for the two crew members. Protected by the deckhouse, 10 guests can be seated on the sofas along the bulwarks and then there are two forward-facing seats in the stern. Finally, in the stern, a sofa welcomes guests who prefer to sail in the open air. Alternatively, however, it is possible to have the bridge at the stern and the sofa at the bow.”
The overall length of the 8.3m Limo Tender is included in its name; the maximum beam is 2.65 meters, with a 2.9 ton displacement. The boat is classified as category C.
Wooden Boats was founded in 1984; the Arnaboldi naval engineering office offers highly specialised services in the field of luxury displacement and planing yachts, as well in the fields of military and commercial boats. Studio Arnaboldi has collaborated with leading Italian brands such as Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Pershing, Mangusta (Effebi), Admiral, SA, Perini, VSY, Rossinavi, Azimut and Baglietto and has also worked with top designer names, including Della Rolle Giacomelli, Tommaso Spadolini, Giorgio Cassetta, Marco Casali, Francesco Paszkowski, Luca Dini and Guido De Groot.
Credits: Wooden Boats
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