One of the most prominent deliveries of 2019, the 136-metre Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox has recently caused vast social media buzz, rumouring the vessel belongs to the world’s richest person, Jeff Bezos. According to Business Insider, a representative of Amazon responded to the media, the Amazon CEO did not own the superyacht, and they had no information on who it belonged to.
Jeff Bezos’ net worth is currently estimated at $113.7 billion by Forbes. Founded by Bezos in 1994 who has remained its CEO ever since, Amazon pulled in $230 billion in revenues and a record $10 billion in net profit in 2018, up from $3 billion the prior year. In addition, Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, an aerospace manufacturer developing a rocket for private human access to space.
At the start, Turkish media ANews reported Flying Fox was anchored off the coast of Datça, Turkey, on July 9. It was not specified whether Bezor was also onboard, but the tweets claiming the yacht belonged to Bezos have later been deleted, already gone viral on social media though.
Business Insider reports that Yashar Ali, the journalist who tweeted the photo and caption but later deleted his tweet, said the picture had been initially posted by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin.
The 16th longest superyacht and 14th largest yacht in the world in terms of interior volume, 136-metre Lürssen Flying Fox was delivered to her owner in March 2019.
With an exterior by Espen Oeino and an interior by Mark Berryman, the yacht's key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters out there. Another highlight of the 136-meter Flying Fox is the generous 12-metre transverse swimming pool located aft of the main deck. The superyacht also boasts large sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports.
To comfort her guests, Flying Fox also features a 400 square metre spa spread across two floors. The zone comes with a hammam, sauna, massage area, gym and cryo sauna. On the lower deck, spa is connected to the sea lounge which comes with a large Jacuzzi, and access to the sea through the dive centre and sea platforms.
The vessel’s main interior area, a spacious two-floor saloon, lies on the bridge deck, fitted with wood fireplace, dining table for 22 people and a cinema. The superyacht compliant with PYC can accommodate up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms, along with a crew of 54.
In addition, Flying Fox comes with a vast choice of tenders and toys. She stores nine tenders, including a custom 12.5-metre enclosed Limo, an 11-metre open Limo, a 9-metre beach landing craft and an 8.5-metre Super Air Nautique Coastal. The water toys range includes jet skis, sea bobs, and many more.
It has been recently announced that Flying Fox has entered charter market; charter prices have not been revealed.
Ocean Alexander has announced the successful sale of a stunning 32 Meter Legend (32L). The sale was facilitated by Dan Aultman of MarineMax Yachts and signifies a noteworthy step for the buyer, marking their first Ocean Alexander acquisition and only their second yacht overall, highlighting a rapid ascent in the yachting world.The owner, upgrading from an 80-foot express-style yacht, was immediately drawn to the 32L after experiencing an exclusive and relaxed viewing. Dan Aultman commented, "The moment he stepped aboard, the exceptional build quality, undeniable value, and the seamless integration of the yacht into his family's lifestyle on the water became clear." He further emphasized that the 32L’s thoughtful design and attention to detail resonated deeply with the owner's vision for the next stage of his yachting journey.During the quest for the perfect yacht, the owner was particularly impressed by the spacious and comfortable accommodations offered by the 32L, in addition to its impressive array of world-class amenities and intelligent design.A standout feature that appealed to the owner was the meticulous separation of guest and crew areas, guaranteeing privacy while ensuring efficient yacht operations. The dedicated crew quarters, providing comfortable and private spaces for the crew to live and work without intruding on guest areas, were also highly valued.The on-deck master suite, featuring expansive vertical windows with uninterrupted ocean views and a dedicated night head, was another highlight. The guest cabins also made a strong impression with their generous layouts, private ensuites, and thoughtful amenities such as ample storage for luggage and a conveniently located guest refrigerator in the lower companionway.The bridge deck quickly became a favorite aspect of the yacht. Its innovative design, which combines an enclosed skylounge with an open aft bridge, provides a versatile space ideal for both entertaining and relaxing with family. The owner could easily envision this area as the primary living space, perfect for enjoying quality time together while taking in the breathtaking ocean views.What makes this sale particularly remarkable is the owner's relatively short time in yachting. Having embarked on this journey only 18 months ago, they have already created cherished memories on the water. Aultman noted, "It's been a learning curve, but the incredible experiences with family and friends have made it all worthwhile." This upgrade to a larger, more capable yacht like the 32L underscores the owner's commitment to further enhancing those experiences and embracing the world of luxury yachting.Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander
February 26, 2025
From today until February 28, over 100 yachting professionals are gathering in Bangkok for the 18th edition of Convergence, an annual training event organized by the Ferretti Group. The event focuses on innovation, safety, and future prospects within the yachting industry.Held in the vibrant Thai capital, Convergence provides attendees with three days of technical updates, discussions, and team-building activities. Officially opening on February 26, the event will highlight the group's recent achievements, showcase new models, and delve into the latest product innovations. An afternoon team-building exercise involves a guided tour of the Grand Palace, a historically and culturally significant site in Bangkok.The training program for 2025 centers on yachting safety, exploring topics such as emerging risks, new technologies, and changing scenarios. Notable speakers include Andrea Venturelli from RINA, Enrico Della Valentina from MARIN, Steve Clinch from Clinchmaritime Ltd, and Ulrich Heinemann from Heinemann Yacht Assessment, with Lucy Dunn moderating the discussion. In addition to the educational sessions, participants will engage in various team activities, exploring Bangkok's famous landmarks, bustling local markets, and other iconic attractions. Supported by esteemed sponsors including RINA, Sleipner, Volvo Penta, and Xenta, as well as technical partners Amare, Asea, MTU, Nanni, and Seakeeper, the event promises to foster meaningful connections and knowledge exchange within the industry.Ferretti After-Sales Services will also be present, offering attendees comprehensive information regarding their customer services tailored specifically for the group's captains. "For us, Convergence is an essential occasion to come together and learn," said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. "Our captains represent the backbone of the Group, and we are deeply grateful for their professionalism and expertise. Events like this help us provide better tools and services to meet their evolving needs."The event concludes on February 28, leaving participants with enhanced skills, updated knowledge, and renewed enthusiasm for the future of yachting.Credits: Ferretti Group
February 25, 2025
SantaSevera is gearing up for a landmark 2025 with several key international events and fresh model introductions. Following the successful world premiere of the SantaSevera 52 at Boot Düsseldorf in January 2025, the yard is now turning its attention to establishing itself as a prominent player in the luxury yachting industry.Designed by renowned naval architect Francesco Guida, the SantaSevera range is defined by its elegant blend of contemporary design, spacious interiors, and superior performance. The SantaSevera 52 serves as the flagship model, catering to the growing demand for weekend getaways and chase boats. Its sleek aesthetics and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the hallmark qualities of Italian shipbuilding.Recognizing the importance of international exposure, SantaSevera plans to participate in several major exhibitions in 2025. From September 10th to 15th, the SantaSevera 52 will feature prominently at the Cannes Yachting Festival, followed by the Genoa International Boat Show from the 19th to the 24th. Later in the year, the brand will cross the Atlantic, with the third hull of the SantaSevera 52 slated to appear at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October.Production-wise, SantaSevera is currently working on four units of the SantaSevera 52, while preparations are underway for the unveiling of the SantaSevera 40 — a more compact model — at the Cannes event. This demonstrates the shipyard's unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptability in addressing diverse market needs.Additionally, SantaSevera has been actively bolstering its sales network, positioning itself to compete effectively in a dynamic marketplace. By emphasizing unparalleled quality, precision, and innovation, the brand is poised to attract discerning buyers who appreciate fine craftsmanship and stylish design.With a bold vision for the future and a burgeoning lineup of products, SantaSevera looks forward to cementing its reputation as a leading force in the global luxury yachting arena. 2025 promises to be a transformative year for the shipyard, marked by significant milestones and expanded market presence.Credits: SantaSevera
February 25, 2025
Sialia Yacht is making waves with its range of advanced, all-electric performance cruisers. These yachts, ranging from 40 to 100 feet, combine style, performance, and comfort with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Central to Sialia's innovative approach is its revolutionary electric drivetrain, developed by its sister company, Ampros.Sialia 45Ampros has created an electric system that incorporates a proprietary Ship Management System (SMS), a groundbreaking feature that elevates the functionality, safety, and longevity of the yachts. The SMS allows for features like extended battery operating parameters and remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance. This dedication to innovation, coupled with the yachts' construction using lifecycle-assessed and recycled materials, ensures that Sialia Yachts are not only environmentally friendly but also retain high resale values. Furthermore, Sialia Yachts backs its confidence in its technology by offering up to a 10-year warranty on its Ampros drivetrain and batteries.At the heart of Sialia's success is the collaboration between co-founder Stanislav Szadkowski, a veteran in green mobility with over two decades of experience in battery manufacturing, and Tomasz Gackowski, the founder and CEO of Ampros. Together, they have developed the most advanced systems in the industry. According to Milvio Ricci, Chief Operating Officer at Sialia Yachts, Ampros functions as a system integrator, having developed what is arguably the first truly practical and functional all-electric drivetrain in the marine market.The proprietary SMS acts as the "brain" of the drivetrain. Ricci explains that the SMS ensures the safety and optimal performance of the system by monitoring operations and enabling predictive and preventative maintenance. This capability is a key reason Sialia can offer extended warranties on its systems, including the batteries. The SMS also maximizes battery output, similar to how a performance map enhances a car engine's ECU. By safely accessing extra bands of capacity, the SMS allows Sialia yachts to utilize a greater percentage of the battery's potential. This capability has been proven by Sialia Yachts' first model, the 17.6-meter Sialia 57 "Deep Silence," which has lost only 2% of its total battery capacity over three years of extensive operation.The system also features a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) that provides real-time information about the yacht's performance, range, and system status. The GUI also allows operators to monitor the status of pumps, cooling systems and battery systems, switch on the optional renewable-diesel range extender and more. Sialia has prioritized safety in its battery pack design. The batteries are engineered to prevent fires, with IP67-rated cases that discharge quickly if water intrusion occurs. Additionally, the batteries are installed in banks, ensuring continued operation even if one battery experiences a problem.The Ampros system at the core of Sialia Yachts is fully upgradeable, future-proofing the yachts as battery technology evolves. Owners can easily swap in new battery packs with higher capacity, instantly increasing range. The SMS also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing for on-the-fly improvements to system performance and efficiency. These features, along with the minimal maintenance needs of the electric drivetrain, ensure that Sialia Yachts will hold their value far longer than traditional yachts with combustion engines.Sialia 57 Deep Silence. Photo by BlueiprodEstablished in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts
February 25, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has announced the successful launch of Fantasy, the fourth 58-meter Perini Navi motor yacht. The vessel, constructed from steel and aluminum, features an exterior design by Philippe Briand, the renowned French architect behind Vitruvius Yachts. The launch ceremony occurred last week at the Group’s shipyard in La Spezia, fully revealing the yacht's distinctive lines for the first time. Camper & Nicholsons’ New Build Division played a crucial role in the project, providing technical surveying and project management to ensure the owner's vision was realized.The interior of Fantasy was meticulously designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners. With a beam of 9.8 meters and a volume of 800 GT, the yacht offers ample space across four decks, accommodating six guest cabins and up to eleven crew members. "Fantasy" embodies the superyacht design and naval engineering of the Vitruvius Yachts fleet, which includes notable vessels like the 50-meter M/Y Falco Moscata (formerly Exuma), the 55m M/Y Galileo G, and the 73m M/Y Nautilus (formerly Grace E).In related news, The Italian Sea Group has announced the development of a new Perini Navi motor yacht line, designed by its Centro Stile. This innovative project aims to blend the elegance of sailing yachts with the comfort and performance of motor yachts. The new line will include models ranging from 33 to 60 meters, with 40-meter and 50-meter versions also planned.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, stated, "We decided to continue with the product strategy of the previous Perini Navi ownership, maintaining a vision that blends the timeless elegance of sailing with the comfort and performance of motor propulsion. This new motor yacht line represents a natural evolution of the brand. As always, our focus remains on technology and innovation, integrating low environmental impact propulsion solutions, in line with our vision of sustainability and excellence.”The new Perini Navi motor yacht line will be officially presented at the next Monaco Yacht Show.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
February 25, 2025