Introducing the Otam 90 GTS Sexy Me, an exquisite 28-meter yacht that perfectly exemplifies elegance, balance, and timeless design, a hallmark of Otam's renowned craftsmanship. Making waves since its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, this extraordinary vessel has achieved remarkable feats during sea trials, reaching an impressive top speed of 45.4 knots – well beyond its contractual 42 knots.
The striking waterline is the result of collaboration among esteemed designers Umberto Tagliavini and Aldo Scorzoni of Marine Design & Services, while the sleek sporty profile is the brainchild of Giuseppe Bagnardi from BG Design Firm.
“We celebrate our 70th anniversary with the Otam 90 GTS, and partnering with a client who had such clear and precise requests has been the best reward,” said Matteo Belardinelli, Otam’s Sales and Communication Manager. “It provided us an incredible opportunity to tackle the challenges of customizing a high-speed yacht, with even slight adjustments in weight making a significant impact on performance.”
Uniting comfort, space, and style, this luxurious yacht is powered by two robust 2,600-horsepower MTU engines and features Arneson surface propellers paired with a hull that embodies the vision of its designers. The Sexy Me provides not just speed and agility, but also outstanding handling and seaworthiness, hallmarks of the Otam brand – delivered with a notable appreciation for smooth navigation even when loaded with crew.
Design customization is a standout feature of the Otam 90 GTS, reflecting the shipyard's legacy. Each aspect of the yacht has been crafted with precision, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship that elevates this vessel in a market increasingly focused on standardization. The unique materials used – travertine and marble flooring, intricately designed parquet finishes, and elegant bronze details – create an inviting atmosphere, effortlessly blending luxury with ease.
The sporty nature of the yacht is emphasized by the helm, designed to echo racing cars. It boasts a lightweight carbon-fiber structure that resembles the protective 'halo' system of Formula 1 vehicles, complete with an integrated cooling system for optimal performance. Air intakes and roof scoops reminiscent of high-performance vehicles reinforce the yacht's distinguished character.
Belardinelli elaborated on the design ethos: “We focused on meticulous weight distribution and engineered the superstructure to eliminate support pillars, creating a stunningly open and airy interior space. With expansive windows and a spherical windscreen for unbeatable visibility, combined with generous ceiling heights, Sexy Me epitomizes luxury and spaciousness.”
The yacht's distinctive hull, painted in metallic silver with bronze accents developed by Awlgrip, reflects its unique personality. Inside, Sexy Me features a fully customized layout, accommodating three ensuite cabins including a spacious owner’s suite. On the main deck, the convivial cockpit comes with an opening hardtop, while the well-appointed galley maintains a separate area from the VIP section. Crew quarters also benefit from generous space and independent access.
The design allows for extensive customization options, from window heights to garage sizes, ensuring that the needs and desires of each owner are precisely met. This bespoke approach confirms Otam's dedication to meeting the evolving expressions of luxury and exclusivity in yacht design.
Belardinelli sums it up perfectly: “This is a versatile series, available in three variants: GTS, HT, and T-TOP, each designed to endure through time while accommodating diverse client requests with an unparalleled engineering foundation.”
With future iterations set to expand on the stunning aesthetics and performance principles of the Sexy Me, Otam continues to push the boundaries of luxury yachting, inviting owners to create unique masterpieces that reflect their individual style through the Otam CO Design Lab.
As the yacht's debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival garnered widespread admiration, Belardinelli expressed heartfelt appreciation for the dedication of Otam’s artisans and employees, acknowledging their integral role in bringing this remarkable vessel to life.
The shipyard’s history started in 1954 in Liguria. Its professionalism is what made it stand out, very quickly becoming the first authorized Riva yacht Service Center for the Med Sea. In the 80’s Otam fit around 25 yachts for an American builder before starting his own production of Otam 45’ and 55’, earning significant attention. Today Otam has produced around 90 yachts, becoming an Italian specialist, and, together with its custom range, offers a limitless choice between 45’ and 130’.
Credits: Alberto Cocchi - Alessandro Guerrieri/Otam
Damen Yachting has successfully relaunched the refurbished superyacht Albatross, formerly a 72.2-meter Delta Marine vessel, following a comprehensive 26-month refit and transformation. The relaunch took place in Vlissingen, marking the culmination of an extensive express refit executed by Damen Yachting, renowned for its expertise in both refits and new builds.Albatross underwent a remarkable transformation, with significant alterations to its exterior and interior. The project extended the yacht’s original length by seven meters, reconfiguring fundamental structural components. Notable additions include a Beach Club with a wellness center, a large exterior pool, and a Winter Garden, alongside expanded exterior seating areas. Despite the complexity of these modifications, the refit maintained essential characteristics of the original vessel while addressing the owners' specific desires.Michel Coens, Head of Refit & Services at Damen Yachting, praised the collaborative effort behind the project, noting the intricate engineering adjustments needed to ensure the yacht’s stability and performance. Challenges such as lifting exhaust systems and redesigning various systems were overcome through the collective expertise of Damen Yachting’s engineering and design teams.Captain Nathan Milicich highlighted the owners’ enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the seamless integration of tradition and innovation throughout the refit process. The relaunch signals the yacht’s readiness for future adventures, fulfilling the owners’ aspirations for a vessel that meets the highest standards of safety, beauty, and functionality.Albatross now measures 79.2 meters, with a gross tonnage of 2149 GT, and is designed to accommodate 12 guests, accompanied by 2 staff and 18 crew members, including the captain. The interior and exterior design work was executed by Harrison Eidsgaard, contributing to the yacht’s renewed elegance and functionality. Naval architecture was overseen by Damen Yachting, ensuring the integrity of the refit.This milestone illustrates Damen Yachting’s ability to breathe new life into existing vessels, combining technical mastery with creative vision to exceed owners’ expectations.Credits: Damen Yachting
March 7, 2025
Italian shipyard Maiora, part of the Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the first model in its new M line, the Maiora M|36. Measuring 37 meters in length, the M|36 features a composite hull and superstructure spread across three decks.Designed in collaboration with Italian studio Quartostile, known for its work on the Maiora 36 Exuma, the M|36 sports a sleek, sporty profile characterized by an "interplay of light and shadow," with contrasting hull tones, dark glazing, and warm teak accents. The exterior design combines aesthetic appeal with functionality, expressing a holistic approach to design informed by engineering principles.Interior design for the M|36 is credited to Italian studio Acube Design in conjunction with Maiora's in-house Centro Stile, which previously worked on the Maiora 36 Exuma. Natural materials dominate the layout, promoting comfort, practicality, and wellness, while flowing forms and continuous surfaces foster a serene atmosphere.The M|36 accommodates up to 12 guests in five cabins, including an owner’s suite spanning the yacht’s width on the main deck. Below deck, four additional guest suites are complemented by quarters for a crew of five. The design integrates an open connection between interior and exterior spaces, enhanced by features such as a full-beam bow and retractable side windows in the salon.Configurable areas on the upper deck include a lounge, dining area, bar, and sunbathing spaces tailored to owner preferences. The aft section offers versatility, with fold-down bulwarks and a convertible pool.Two propulsion options are offered: twin MAN V12-2200 engines for a top speed of 24 knots, or twin MTU 16V2000 M96L engines, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 knots. Construction of the first M|36 unit is underway at Maiora's facility in Viareggio, Italy, with plans for a summer 2026 launch.Credits: Maiora
March 7, 2025
Tankoa Yachts revealed the world premiere of the 45-meter M/Y Go, the inaugural vessel of its new T450 series, at the Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 19th to 23rd, 2025.Constructed with a sturdy blend of steel and aluminum, the T450 embodies Tankoa’s enduring design philosophy while introducing fresh vertical elements and sleek horizontal lines, resulting in a striking and modern profile. Developed by Cassetta - Yacht Design & Architecture, the M/Y Go exemplifies the shipyard’s commitment to quality and aesthetics.The M/Y Go was commissioned by an American client through the Italian Yacht Group of Fort Lauderdale, who sought an enhancement in the original gross tonnage from 430GT to 450GT, thereby optimizing interior volume. Claudio Corvino, Sales & Business Development Manager for the Americas and Asia-Pacific, described the T450 as a versatile platform ideal for semi-custom builds, balancing generous dimensions with sleek, elegant lines.Highlights of the M/Y Go include a main saloon designed for comfort and relaxation, offering breathtaking 270-degree water views. The owner’s suite, situated forward on the main deck, provides a tranquil and calming escape, while the lower deck features five lavish guest suites to accommodate visitors. Abundant natural lighting fills the interior, accentuating the spaciousness of each area. The beach club boasts expansive opening side platforms and a sliding sunpad that covers the pool during navigation, enhancing convenience and flexibility.This debut underscores Tankoa’s ability to deliver exquisite craftsmanship and innovation, regardless of vessel size, demonstrating the brand’s capacity to meet diverse client needs across various segments of the luxury yacht market.Credits: Tankoa Yachts
March 7, 2025
Pearl Yachts is set to participate in the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, taking place from March 19th to 23rd, as part of its ongoing global expansion efforts. The show serves as a premier platform for the British boutique yacht builder to showcase its celebrated range to the American market.Together with East Coast dealer Atlantic Yacht and Ship, Pearl Yachts will exhibit a selection of its award-winning models, including the Pearl 95, Pearl 72, and Pearl 62. These yachts epitomize the brand's hallmark blend of innovation, performance, and contemporary British luxury.Established as a leader in the luxury yacht market, Pearl Yachts distinguishes itself through its boutique approach, crafting a limited number of yachts annually to ensure superior quality and exclusivity. Collaborations with Dixon Yacht Design and Kelly Hoppen interiors have shaped a fleet recognized for its elegant styling, spacious layouts, and refined finishes.Over the past year, Pearl Yachts has garnered numerous industry accolades, affirming its status as a top-tier manufacturer of luxury yachts. Iain Smallridge, Managing Director, stated that the Palm Beach event is crucial for connecting with discerning clients who appreciate the brand's craftsmanship and personal touch.Credits: Pearl Yachts
March 6, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa’s refit division has experienced a significant surge in orders, with intense activity reported across over 30 boats currently in progress. The division has witnessed a fivefold increase in sales in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting heightened demand for refitting services.Among the notable projects underway are three superyachts built by esteemed manufacturers: a 50-metre Benetti, a 41-metre Feadship, and a 43-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht, all nearing completion. Additionally, Cantieri di Pisa has secured orders for three larger superyachts, each measuring 50, 41, and 43 meters, respectively, which are slated for imminent handover to their owners following extensive refit and renewal work.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, expressed satisfaction with the division’s achievements, emphasizing increased sales and expanded facilities. The refit division’s workspace now spans 24,000 square meters, employing approximately 20 internal staff members, with another 10 specialists soon joining the team. Projects typically involve a workforce ranging from 200 to 300 individuals along the supply chain.The division benefits from its proprietary equipment, including a 300-tonne trolley and travel lift, as well as expertise in materials such as carbon fiber, fibreglass, steel, and aluminium, utilizing advanced techniques like 45-degree welding prevalent in Northern Europe. Strong collaboration with the Research & Development department and close interaction with yachts’ captains underscore the division’s commitment to precision and customer satisfaction.Umberto Nannola, Refit Manager at Cantieri di Pisa, highlighted the division’s adherence to pricing agreements despite challenges posed by lengthy projects, attributed to the yard’s reputation for efficiency and organizational harmony. Notably, a Perini Navi sailing yacht traveled from Monaco to Pisa for refit work, illustrating the trust placed in Cantieri di Pisa by international clients.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
March 6, 2025