AB Yachts Unveils New Dual-Version Yacht Model at FLIBS

Royal Huisman announces that its impressive 59.7m high-performance sloop, Sarissa, has triumphed in three categories at the ISS Awards Gala held in Fort Lauderdale. The awards were determined and presented by esteemed peers within the superyacht industry, making this recognition particularly significant for the team.Sarissa has been honored with the titles of “Yacht of the Year,” “Best Interior Sail,” and “Best in Sail 40m+” at the International Superyacht Society Awards.Sarissa stands out for its state-of-the-art technology, exceptional naval architecture, and distinctive design, showcasing Royal Huisman’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Constructed using lightweight Alustar® aluminum and carbon composites, Sarissa not only minimizes fuel consumption but also enhances speed and maneuverability. Its forward-facing retractable propulsion system further enhances performance, reliability, and comfort, aligning with the industry's shift toward sustainability. Developed in collaboration with Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design, interior designer Liaigre, and owners’ representative Gregory Monks, Sarissa beautifully marries elegance with functionality, fulfilling the owner’s goal of an environmentally conscious yet high-performance superyacht.Congratulations are extended to the owners of Sarissa, along with heartfelt thanks from the design and build team. Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, states: “On behalf of our team, I would like to express our happiness and honor in receiving these awards. However, while we appreciate this recognition, we remain focused on our future projects, and we understand that a shipyard is only as strong as its next creation."Earlier this year, Sarissa was recognized as "Sailing Yacht of the Year" and "Best Sailing Yacht of 40m and Above" at the World Superyacht Awards 2024. She also garnered five significant awards at Boat International’s Design & Innovation Awards, including "Innovation of the Year."Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman

Italian yacht manufacturer AB Yachts has introduced an exciting addition to its lineup – the AB95, showcased at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Designed by Marco Casamonti from Archea Associati, this 28.9-meter vessel is available in two distinct versions.AB95The first variant draws inspiration from its larger counterpart, the AB110, maintaining the brand's signature sporty character while enhancing onboard livability. This is especially evident in the flybridge, which features reverse glazing along the yacht's profile, creating bright and airy interiors with stunning sea views. Access to this space is seamlessly integrated through two external staircases leading from the aft deck.The second variant, known as the AB95 S, targets thrill-seeking owners with a focus on a more aggressive, "racing car" aesthetic. This model boasts sleek lines, a convertible roof, and a state-of-the-art propulsion system designed to deliver exceptional speed and performance.AB95 SBoth versions of the AB95 are engineered for smooth, vibration-free cruising and feature a draught of four metres, along with customizable "loft-like" interior spaces to suit individual tastes.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts

FARO Alternative Investments, through its Real Economy sub-fund and in collaboration with advisory firm Orienta Capital Partners, has finalized the acquisition of Sunseeker International (Holdings) Ltd., a prestigious British shipyard celebrated for its production of high-performance luxury motor yachts. The acquisition marks the transfer of ownership from the Chinese industrial giant Dalian Wanda Group.94 Yacht The acquisition of 100% of Sunseeker is a significant milestone for FARO Alternative Investments, an innovative platform focused on creating value through a unique ecosystem of expertise and networking for investors and stakeholders. The transaction was supported by Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital alongside a club deal orchestrated by Orienta Capital Partners.Located in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker has over five decades of experience in crafting top-tier yachts and is widely recognized as a pioneer in the luxury yachting industry. The shipyard generated approximately £320 million in sales in FY 2023, primarily from yachts measuring between 15 and 50 meters. Sunseeker currently boasts an order book valued at around £540 million (€640 million) and is set to expand its offerings by focusing on the development of high-end superyachts.Predator55Giancarlo Galeone, Chairman of FARO Value and lead advisor for FARO Alternative Investments SCSp SICAV RAIF, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter alongside Sunseeker. Our established expertise in the nautical sector, paired with our longstanding relationship with the CEO, will further enhance the shipyard’s identity and craftsmanship, steering the brand towards our ambitious growth objectives. Sunseeker will maintain its British identity, continuing operations from its headquarters in Poole, where its production, workforce, and infrastructure are based.”Predator55Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker, expressed confidence in the new ownership structure, stating, “We are confident that through this new ownership structure, Sunseeker will be able to grow and reach new milestones. Our goal will remain to build exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance, and innovation, while honoring the legacy and vision of our founders.”FARO Alternative Investments SICAV RAIF (“FARO”) is an alternative investment fund operating through a globally active scalable platform with diversified strategies, mainly in Private Equity and Venture Capital. Orienta Capital Partners is an investment firm based in Milan, Forlì and Reggio Emilia, specializing in cross-industry transaction as lead investors, focusing on high-growth potential SMEs.Credits: Sunseeker

Sirena Yachts has unveiled exciting new details about its latest project, the Sirena 118, at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024. This striking 36-meter GRP superyacht introduces a contemporary design and represents the launch of a new, larger composite line, boasting a waterline length exceeding 24 meters while remaining under 300 gross tons.The design is currently in the works, featuring a flexible tri-deck layout that includes three decks of accommodation topped by an expansive sun deck. Future amenities could include an optional circular pool and lounging area at the bow, as well as a spacious beach club at the rear.The Sirena 118’s bold plumb bow not only makes a strong aesthetic statement but also enhances the internal volume, providing ample room for a VIP cabin and up to four guest cabins on the lower deck. The owner’s stateroom occupies the forward section of the main deck and offers a unique option to span two decks, complete with a spiral staircase leading to a generous relaxation area and a fold-down swim platform for easy access to the water.Social spaces are equally impressive, featuring an informal dining and lounging area on the main deck aft with floor-to-ceiling windows facilitating a seamless connection to the outdoor deck. The upper deck provides additional dining options alongside a wet bar, complemented by a more secluded exterior space. The yacht is designed for a crew of five, with the possibility of expanding to seven with the inclusion of a captain's cabin on the upper deck.The sleek underwater profile is crafted by the renowned German Frers, while the yacht's exterior design comes from Sirena's in-house team, encapsulating the brand’s essence. Cor D Rover is in charge of the interior, which will possess a timeless and relaxed ambiance, although owners will have the option to customize their yacht to their preferences.Constructed from GRP, the Sirena 118 promises operational efficiency. It features a fast displacement hull powered by two MAN V12 engines generating a total of 3,100hp, allowing for a top speed of 16 knots and an economical cruising speed of 11 knots. An upgraded engine package producing 3,800hp is also available, which offers a top speed of 21 knots.“The 36-meter Sirena 118 will be the largest GRP yacht we have built to date,” stated Constantinos K. Constantinou, Head of Sirena Yachts USA. “This superyacht is being meticulously crafted to embody the pinnacle of the values that have driven the global success of Sirena Yachts and Sirena Superyachts. Intelligent design, flawless engineering, and sleek, modern aesthetics are seamlessly integrated with our profound passion for the yachting lifestyle. We’re excited to keep yachting enthusiasts informed as this exceptional project progresses toward its 2026 completion.”Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credit: Sirena Yachts

Quick Group is making waves in the US market. Headquartered in Italy, Quick has established its reputation in the yacht and superyacht industries by partnering with premier boatbuilders globally. With the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show as the backdrop, Quick USA is excited to introduce three newly acquired brands – Sanguineti, Nemo, and Xenta – enhancing its product portfolio and commitment to the American boating community.Spotlighting the Brands Each of the three brands offers unique contributions to the marine industry. Xenta is dedicated to improving onboard maneuverability with its cutting-edge control systems. Nemo specializes in essential products like portlights and hatches, recently unveiling the first-ever pantograph door featuring an active compressed-air seal. Meanwhile, Sanguineti boasts over 50 years of artisanal craftsmanship, providing bespoke hydraulic and electric motion systems, including gangways and ladders – all tailored to meet the specific needs of yacht owners or shipyards.Marco SantoroMarco Santoro, Managing Director of Quick USA, notes, “Sanguineti, Xenta, and Nemo deliver customized production solutions that are distinctly relevant to the yacht and superyacht markets. Sanguineti products are 99% tailor-made, providing a unique offering that sets us apart from competitors."Santoro emphasizes that the quality of Sanguineti and Nemo is unparalleled in the US market, and Xenta stands alone by offering innovative solutions for vessels with traditional shaft-line propulsion. “Xenta can customize steering systems in a manner akin to Brembo’s impact on the automotive world," he explains, considering various technical aspects like vessel size and operational speed.Customized Solutions for American Clients The three brands are not only launching products but also tailoring them for American tastes. Santoro reveals, “Nemo is modifying some of its top-selling products for the US market. Similarly, Xenta is developing a specific offering for sportfishers, allowing owners to navigate effortlessly in any conditions.”Enhanced Service and Support Quick Group is also boosting its regional maintenance and support capabilities, particularly with the recent acquisition of Florida-based Yachting Marine Service (YMS), which specializes in superyacht service. “Our entire after-sales team is trained not just for initial installations but also for scheduled maintenance and warranty services,” adds Santoro, ensuring top-notch customer satisfaction.Strategic Expansion The launch of Sanguineti, Nemo, and Xenta represents a significant step in Quick Group's strategic growth, offering a comprehensive suite of products for OEMs and yacht owners alike. Michele Marzucco, CEO of Quick Group, states, “This expansion allows us to cater to a broader range of vessels, including larger yachts, while enhancing our position as a one-stop shop for marine equipment.”Marzucco emphasizes the importance of the US market, which has been integral to Quick's journey since the establishment of Quick USA in 2006. “We are poised for a new era, backed by our experienced sales and support teams,” he concludes. “With the introduction of these exceptional brands alongside our existing offerings, we are better equipped than ever to serve both American and European customers.”Quick USA looks forward to redefining the American boating experience by bringing bold Italian innovations and a commitment to quality and service to the forefront of the industry, ensuring they remain a key player in the market for years to come.Credits: Quick Group