In merely a decade, the superyacht sector has gone through several deep transformations, first trying to navigate a new world of financial instability only to reemerge into a new digital era with unforeseen consequences.
From a world of 3 year long waiting lists at shipyard and yacht flipping, the superyacht sector had to rapidly transition to leaner times that demanded more efficiency as of 2008. The change in dynamic in the economics of yachting caught some companies off guard with, for example, Baglietto posting losses of €25 million in 2008.
Efficient players have however emerged stronger from these turbulent waters, consolidating their position through acquisitions and mergers, such as Lurssen's recent takeover of Blom+Voss. Investors have also taken advantage of this dip in the market to bet on the superyacht market's recovery, leading to several conglomerates such as LVMH with equity stakes in yachting companies.
Although financial turmoil may have had the most noticeable effect on the market so far, the weakened superyacht sector is becoming more and more influenced by the digital world. The latest social media gold rush has seen relatively small brands outperform more established players by taking advantage of their lack of attention.
Digital has however started having an effect on the market much earlier. Prior to this becoming a standard, asking prices would not be displayed on the web for any yacht, hence severely limiting access to the space. As it was becoming clearer that the internet was here to stay, brokers however started releasing more information online, including specifications, which were also previously held confidential.
Despite attempts from trade associations to control and regulate this new flow, information became more accessible as it ultimately benefited the end users. Yacht Harbour itself became a part of this wave, pioneering the Timeline platform in May 2017, giving its users detailed reports on any yacht through a combination of tech and human analysis.
Yachting's growing attention to digital can also be noticed in their branding strategy, which has started to drastically evolve since the times of print advertising. In September 2013, YCO, a yacht brokerage firm, acquired the one-letter domain, y.co from the Columbian name registry in a deal valued by experts in the $1 million range.
Yacht marketing as a whole has undergone a complete transformation in the age of platforms, which sees data-driven companies thrive and rapidly overtake the market as can now be seen on the brokerage and charter side. Recent uplifts in video consumption on social networks have led to a rapid shift in attention away from traditional mediums.
Yacht Harbour's Facebook page, for example, sees its videos reach over 1 million views per month with a strong audience base watching them for up to 15 minutes and more. The largest yacht magazines on the other hand have a circulation in the low 5 digits, creating differences in reach per advertising dollar spent of up to 100x.
Digital is however changing not only how yachting businesses are run, but has also made its way to superyachts themselves. Systems onboard are becoming increasingly controllable by iPads spread throughout the vessels that manage AV systems, blinds and lighting. Meanwhile, a need to remain in permanent contact with the outside world coupled with demanding guests and owners has brought stable internet connections to yachts.
These new times of connectivity have however created unrest amongst some industry professionals fearing that yachts may become increasingly targets of cyberattacks due to their lack of IT protection. In 2013, a team of researchers from Texas had in fact already managed to spoof navigational equipment during an experiment ran on 65m White Rose of Drachs.
The digital revolution has also become a way for new startups to test new business models in yachting, such as FLOAT, an application letting its users rent yachts by the seat from as little as €99 across its own fleet. Throughout the summer, FLOAT's routes have been almost fully booked, sailing the startup to profitability.
Whereas it remains to be seen what other transformations will occur in the yachting space in the future, digital will clearly play a large role in the next few years as the sector continues to become more open and optimised.
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