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.
Greek yacht builder Omikron Yachts will return to the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, to present its OT-60 model. The 18-meter yacht, which received three international awards in 2024, will be displayed at Europe's largest in-water boat show.The OT-60 features a fuel-efficient Eco-Cruise hull designed by Juan-K, with exterior and interior styling by Lorenzo Argento. At a cruising speed of 8 knots, the yacht achieves a range of 1,000 nautical miles with fuel consumption of 1.25 liters per nautical mile. The design combines elements of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, emphasizing onboard space optimization.Following the OT-60's market success, Omikron Yachts has expanded its Mediterranean dealer network and plans to enter the North American market. The company currently has several projects in development, including the larger OT-80 motor yacht and the 54-meter sailing yacht Argo 54 under construction at its Athens-area facility.Between 1969 and the late 90s, the Olympic Yachts shipyard manufactured over 2,000 sailing boats. Starting in 2019, the shipyard underwent a comprehensive renovation, revitalizing its capabilities to design and manufacture contemporary, high-quality boats.Credits: Omikron Yachts
July 30, 2025
Italian shipbuilder MED Group has launched its new Tykun brand, introducing a line of high-performance chase boats designed by architect Tommaso Spadolini. The aluminum-hulled vessels will be available in three sizes: 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5 meters.The first 10.5-meter unit is currently under construction and scheduled to debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. A client has already ordered the largest 12.5-meter model, with delivery expected in 2026. The boats utilize MED Group's three decades of experience building vessels for military and security applications.Constructed from aluminum without requiring molds, the Tykun series allows for extensive customization of layouts, finishes, and configurations. The design incorporates military-derived naval architecture adapted for luxury yacht tender use.Marco Galimberti"We know that owners will appreciate the flexibility of the design and layout," said Spadolini, noting the boats' adaptable interiors. MED Group CEO Marco Galimberti added, "These boats combine the power of military vessels with the elegance of superyacht tenders."The Cervia-based shipyard currently employs 60 workers and plans to expand to a larger facility in 2026. The Tykun line represents MED Group's first foray into the luxury yacht market, applying its defense sector expertise to premium chase boat construction.Credits: MED Group
July 30, 2025
Italian yacht builder Extra Yachts has revealed the updated interior design of its 32.3-meter X110 Fast model, created by designer Giuseppina Arena. The new interior scheme features contemporary styling with vibrant color palettes, combining leather surfaces, lacquered finishes, and specialized glass elements with integrated fabrics.Constructed with carbon-composite materials, the performance-oriented yacht measures 7.6 meters in beam (extendable to 9 meters with fold-down bulwarks) and draws just 1.35 meters. Power comes from three MAN engines rated at 2,000 horsepower each, enabling a top speed of 40 knots and cruising at 30 knots.The main deck centers around an open-plan saloon with convertible seating arrangements and an integrated bar area. Below deck, the full-beam master suite incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows and an oversized skylight, accompanied by three additional guest cabins configured as two twins and one VIP. Crew accommodations for four are positioned separately.Exterior spaces feature an 85-square-meter aft deck divided into three functional zones: a beach club with transforming furniture, central lounge area, and elevated dining space with open kitchen. The 50-square-meter flybridge includes dining facilities, sun pads, and a fixed hardtop, while the foredeck offers a private lounge area.Storage solutions include a side-launch tender garage housing a 4-meter craft. The yacht's technical specifications highlight its spray rail-equipped hull design for improved seakeeping at high speeds.Extra Yachts specializes in the development of yachts with a strong personality. Its distinctive lines are combined in a variety of motor yacht models ranging from 76' to 130' and a 30-meter motor catamaran. Developed thanks to the advanced technical experience of ISA Yachts, Extra offers customers all the advantages of being part of the Palumbo Superyachts network.Credits: Extra Yachts
July 30, 2025
The first 45-meter yacht constructed at Tankoa Yachts' new Civitavecchia production site has completed its transfer to the company's Genoa shipyard. The T450 series vessel arrived via barge after a two-day maritime transport operation, marking a milestone in Tankoa's expansion strategy.Construction of the aluminum hull and superstructure, along with initial machinery installation, was completed at the Civitavecchia facility before the transfer. The logistics operation required transporting the hull by trailer to the quay, loading onto a barge, and final delivery to Tankoa's private docking area in Genoa. The yacht will now undergo final outfitting in preparation for launch.Tankoa has invested approximately €5 million to establish operations at the Civitavecchia site, which obtained its port concession in December 2023. The facility currently employs 120 workers and has five yachts in various construction phases."This transfer demonstrates our long-term commitment to Civitavecchia," stated Tankoa CEO Vincenzo Poerio. "We're now focused on developing the local supply chain to create an efficient production hub that benefits both the region and Italy's yacht-building industry."The Civitavecchia expansion increases Tankoa's production capacity while establishing a new construction hub in the historic port city. The shipyard maintains its Genoa headquarters for final completion work and yacht deliveries.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa
July 29, 2025
The 65-meter motor yacht Regina d'Italia has been listed for sale through Ocean Independence broker Marco Vandoni, marking the first time the vessel has been available since its 2019 delivery from Italian shipyard Codecasa.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, Regina d'Italia represents the third iteration of Codecasa's 65-meter platform, offering 1,215 gross tons of interior volume. The yacht's interior design was handled by M2 Atelier in collaboration with an unnamed fashion designer, resulting in minimalist spaces described by brokers as demonstrating "practical elegance."Accommodations include six cabins for up to 11 guests, featuring a 110-square-meter master suite on the main deck. Common areas comprise an open-plan main salon, combined cinema and skylounge, and fully-equipped gymnasium. A central elevator connects all decks.The upper deck aft hosts a formal dining area beneath the mirrored overhang of the sundeck, which itself contains a 7-meter forward-facing pool surrounded by sun loungers and a full-service bar. The yacht carries a complement of water toys including an Xtender tender, two Sea-Doo personal watercraft, and a Seabob underwater scooter.Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, Regina d'Italia achieves a top speed of 18.5 knots with a transatlantic range of 4,300 nautical miles at 13 knots. The RINA-classed vessel is equipped with zero-speed stabilizers for comfort at anchor.Codecasa shipyard was established in Viareggio in 1825 by the shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa. Still run by the founder’s heirs, nowadays the Codecasa Shipyards Group is able to offer a wide range of Yachts, featured by top quality, technologic innovation, reliability, design and comfort. The shipyard is known all over the world as builders of steel and light alloy motoryachts, ranging from 30 to 70 meters LOA.Credits: Ocean Independence
July 29, 2025